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GENEALOGY COLLECTIOK
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A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OFIEA^
KRd.M I'lKi'l'dCKAI'II i:V k( CKAKKLLOV:
OF
IFELIOS
viewf:d from I'liiujpSBrRO, n. j.
W. West, Easton, Pa.1
ASTON, PENN'A, IN 1885
Rev. UZAL W. CONDIT, A, M., Ph. I).
' ■•'x, 7*
THK HISTORY
OK:
EASTON. PENN'A
FROM
The Earliest Times^The Present,
1739—1885
BY
Rev. UZAL W. CONDIT, A. M.
Ex-President of the State Board of Education
OF New Hampshire.
Tov wotjjaai ^ipXia iroWla ovx toTiv vcpaafioc.
PUBLISHED, ILLUSTRATED AND PRINTED BY
GEORGE W. WEST.
JlL
^
W H^A^uxjuJ
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1885, by
WEST & CONDIT,
in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
1334556
TRAILL GREEN, M. D., LL. D.
dean of the pardee scientific department
of lafayette college, — the eminent
physician and friend of education
and of sound learning, adorned by
that higher learning which will
shine brightly in a higher sphere :
a lineal descendant of one of the
prominent actors in the early his-
tory of easton, especially during
the stormy scenes of the revolu-
tion— to this eminent christian
scholar and patriot this work is
most respectfully and affection-
ately dedicated by
The Author.
PUBLISHER S NOTE,
THE topography of Easton being so grand, nature
having done so much, we believe the time is now
when this beauty should be in book fonn. Go to
what point vou may, your eyes behold a beautiful, a dazzling
picture. There is not a town of its size that can compare
with it in beauty of situation, and its beauty is known far
and wide.
The "Forks of the Delaware" was known a century
and a half ago, and who among us does not like the sound?
To illustrate it as it is to-day, and what it was many years
ago, is the aim of the publisher. For that purpose he has
had a goodly number of photographic views taken, and
secured the loan of several rare and valuable paintings.
One of the best wood engravers in Philadelphia has been
engaged to do the engraving, and beauty and accuracy will
appear in each number of the book.
This is the first attempt at Illustrated Easton. This is
our initial number, and our second will be no less inter-
esting than the first ; indeed, as the work ad\-auces it
increases in interest, and unfolds some of the grandest
cliaracters in the history of Pennsylvania.
THE PUBLISHER.
^y^z^^ZM/-
Authors Preface,
HE AUTHOR'S object in preparing the following work was to preserve
a record of the history of onr Borough, and gather together many fafts that
were rapidly passing into the region of forgetfulness. There are a few old
people whose lives connedl the present with the past, whose recolle<5tions
have been of benefit to the author, and as far as pradticable, have been pre-
served. The author had not the slightest conception of the magnitude of
the task, nor of the real importance of Easton's early history when he beo-an
Y to write. Many times surprise has been mingled with pleasure as the scat-
tered elements of her historic life have been unfolded among the dusty volumes so
seldom read ; and if the citizens of Easton enjoy the reading as the author has enjoyed the
writing, he will feel that his work will not have been in vain.
It may be proper to acknowledge the works which have been consulted in the progress
of this work ; and it would be ingratitude not to gratefully acknowledge the counsel and
constant kindness of Elisha Allis, Esq., in the progress of the work: his excellent
library, without which the work could not have attained to even its present excellence,
has been at the author's disposal as if it were his own. The Colonial Records and Archives
of Pennsylvania, Davis' History of Bucks County, and Rupp's History of Northampton
County, History of the Lehigh Valley, History of the Moravians, Congressional Records
(a part of which were found in the Astor Library), Anderson's Lives of the Signers of the
Declaration of Independence, Original Records of the Committee of Safety, various His-
tories of the United States, Sparks' Life of Washington, old Files of Papers in the Easton
Library, Files of Easton "Express," "Argus" and "Free Press," Harbaugh's Life of Rev.
Schlatter, Dr. Egle's History of Pennsylvania and Historical Register of Pennsylvania,
Life of Major Van Cam pen. Coffin's Men of Lafayette, Owen's Historical Sketches of
Lafayette, Copp's Prominent Citizens of Easton, and China and the United States.
These and other works will be referred to.
The plan of the book is to introduce each subject in the chronological order of its
occurrence, and follow it to its conclusion, so that each topic will be complete in itself;
the author hopes in this manner to avoid confusion.
I'lEW OK BUSHKILL STREET liKIDC.E. IN 1840,
SHOWING REAR OF MT. JEFFERSON.
FROM A DRAWING BY MRS. M ' CARTNEY.
Introductory Chapter.
EASTON IN HER WII.DNESS OF NATURE.
Mount Jefferson — Mount Lafayette — Mount Olympus — Lehigh Hills — Rivers — Combination of Mountains,
Valleys and Rivers — Where Parsons Meant the Town to be Built — First House in Easton, by Whom Built,
and Where — Michael Schlatter; Birth Place; Errand to America; Visit to Europe ; Raises Money for
Churches and Schools in Pennsylvania ; His Presentation of a Bible ; His Death and Burial in Philadelphia.
|HEN the people of Easton contemplated erecting their first Court Hotise,
in 1753, a large number of petitioners in other parts of the county sent a
remonstrance to the Provincial Assembly against building the Court House
in Easton. One of the reasons assigned for their opposition was that the
hills were so high and steep as to endanger one's life to approach the vil-
lage. But the ground of their objection is the source of Easton's topo-
graphical beauty. No stranger of taste ever visits Easton without being
channed with the hills and valleys and shining rivers, ever changing in
grandeur as the observer changes position — like the varying glories of the
kaleidoscope. The want of system in these mountains greatly adds to their beauty.
When wandering around the College buildings on Mount Lafayette, the eyes catch the
distant ranges of mountains, which greet the vision in whatever direction we turn. Yon-
der, to the west, stretch the Kittatinny or Endless Mountains, just far enough removed
to be covered with the bewitching haze of Summer, enveloped in the gentle tints of
ethereal blue in the clear atmosphere of Winter ; while standing in front of the Presi-
dent's mansion, just below us, where the L,ehigh empties its waters into the Delaware,
start the lychigh Hills, stretching with a gentle curve toward the west, at whose base the
river winds its way, and when reflecting the sunlight, or the rays of the full moon, looks
like a silver ribbon skirting the landscape. And near the same spot starts a range of
hills on the right bank of the Delaware, at whose base the limpid waters of this historic
river wend their way to\vard the sea, and both river and hills, gently curving to the
north, are lost behind other hills on the left bank.
If we ascend Mount Olympus, the highest point in the Chestnut Range, just north of
the College campus, we catch a glimpse of the river approaching from the north, running
through gaps in the mountains, quite as beautiful in their wildness as the far-famed Water
Gap, thirty miles away. From this Olympian height expands a scene of beauty rarely wit-
nessed. A few years ago a gentleman passing through Easton had his attention arrested
by the combination of mountain and river, and remarked: "He was familiar with the
8 THE HISTORY OF
valley of the Rhine, but he had never witnessed anything more beautiful than this."
Men will go to Europe, climb the Alps to get a glimpse of scenen.' not more beautiful than
that which greets the eye of the beholder from the summit of this American Olympus.
But the mountains encircling the old site of Easton are they against which the remon-
strants, in 1753, hurled their anathemas. The level surface around the Square was the
extent to which William Parsons -limited the future town. On the northwest stands
Mount Jefferson, which received its name from the fa(?l of a great celebration that took
place upon its summit in 1800, in honor of the election of Thomas Jefferson to the Presi-
denc)-. An ox was roasted on its top, and the excavation is still visible. On the north
is Mount Lafayette, so named in honor of the son of France, the friend of Washington
and America. On the southwest is a height ascended from Fourth street, up Lehigh
street, by a series of steps, to Fifth street, from which we continue to ascend until we
reach a position south of the Court House. This is of equal altitude with the other two
mountains, and has been called ' ' Court House Hill. ' '
Before 1739, when David Martin built his ferry house at the foot of Ferry street, the
whole scene was covered with a growth of bushes. These beautiful rivers rolled along
with their gurgling music under the forests overhanging their banks. There was little to
disturb the profound quiet, which reigned supreme, except the sighing of the winds, the
rustling stonn, the singing of birds, the loud-crashing thunder, or the war dance, or the
loud war-whoop of the savages. On Mount Lafayette, on the heights where South Easton
stands, or on the banks of the Lehigh, could be seen the smoke curling through the tree-
tops from the fires of Indian camps ; or one might have caught a glimpse of a fleet of
canoes descending the Delaware and Lehigh, filled with the dusky children of the forests.
This was the garden of the Lenni Lenape, chosen for its beauty, * the convenience of its
rivers, which afforded easy communication with the interior of the country-, and as they
came down either river they found a landing-place for their canoes on a long point extend-
ing far out toward the right bank of the Lehigh. This point has long since been washed
away, though the name still remains — "The Point."
Not only was this locality chosen for its beauty and convenience, but for the abund-
ance of game which roamed through these valleys and along these mountain sides. The
historian of the Moravians tells us that the Indians would catch two thousand shad in a
single day at Bethlehem, and at the junction of the rivers theit; efforts would be equally
successful. This scene in its wildness was the capitol of the noble Delaware Tribe. There
were no stately Oothic temples, nor lofty Corinthian columns, where these dusky lords of
the forest would legislate for the nation's welfare ; but there were umbrageous frescoings
arched on lofty columns, reared by the hands of the Great Spirit, beneath whose shade the
Indian mother could lull her babe to sleep as she snug the rude war songs of her people,
while the fierce warrior formed his ])lans of I)attlc' and sjiariiencd his \vea]ions for the deadly
' Kgle's History of Pennsylvania.
REV. MICHAEL SCHLATTER,
HISTORY OF THE PICTURE.
Mu. SiHi.ATTElt w.u- aiipoinled Clinplain in Ihc- French ami Indian War. Ho
present at the fall of Lewit^burR. He retained his otflcial position in the Rovnl A
till the Revolutionary War wae begun. He was then ordeix-d to join bis rej;iuient,
he disobeyed orders. He was a Switz. To bim liberty was dear. He was iinprisi
in Philadelphio. His house was
papers, taken. His|>i<i:i]< inn..
it, when Mr. Schlaii. i
father, and ran to Tin. i
and just as this Hi-i"i,. " i _
paper*. He at once iiitrresti-il hii
expressly for the History of Easto
ts, including his
« us on the point
of I
seized the picture of her
hing House reprinted it,
found a copy anions ''is
E ASTON, PENN\-l. 9
onset. But these scenes have long ago passed away. No matter how kindly the red man
was treated, nor how well the white man paid him for his land, the moment the white man
began to buy the soil, the doom of the red man was sealed. We pick up here and there
an arrow-head, open a mound filled with the bones of their dead, only to remind us that
the powerful people which once owned these fertile lands, lofty mountains and majestic
rivers have passed away,,.and the places which knew them know them no more forever.
These beautiful forests were their temples, reared by hands divine. Under their
shadows they found a peaceful home, a place for their council-fires, their quiet repose, and
amusements of savage life. Upon the banks of these beautiful rivers the young learned
the art of war, the warrior painted for battle, and the aged quietly passed the evening of
life and peacefully passed to the eternal hunting-grounds of their fathers. These people
were as happy in these sylvan homes as the denizens of Fifth avenue, and quite as proud.
Their wants were simple and easily met ; their ambition was limited and easily gratified.
They were firm friends, but implacable foes ; they rarely forgot a kindness or forgave a
wrong. This was the place assigned for the City of Easton. On this narrow peninsula,
hemmed in by these mountains, by the Bushkill, Delaware and Lehigh, is the place which
William Parsons assigned for the city of the future.
MICHAEL SCHLATTER.
A NOTICE of the above-named gentleman is introduced thus early in the history
because of his connection with a benevolent movement in Europe, which greatly aided
in establishing the first church and school-house in Easton, in 1755, three years after the
county of Northampton was established and five years after the town was surveyed.
Rev. Mr. Schlatter was bom in St. Gall, in a lonely valley on the banks of the Stein-
ach, in Switzerland, July 14, 1716. In his fourteenth year he was confirmed and admitted
to full communion in the Reformed Church. He was naturally of a roving spirit, which is
not always a virtue, but came to be the element of his great usefulness in the New World.
He had relatives in Holland who induced him to spend much time in that country, and
while there he heard of the destitute condition of the Germans in Pennsylvania. He felt
somewhat as Paul did, on the banks of the ^gean Sea, after hearing the Macedonian cr>'.
He longed to visit his brethren in Pennsylvania. He was licensed to preach in Holland,
and by the Synods of North and South Holland was commissioned to preach the Gospel in
the land of William Penn. He was sent as an organizer, and received his instructions
from the Synods of Holland, i. He was to visit the different settlements throughout
which the Reformed sheep were scattered, to gather and organize them into churches
where this was not done ; and where this was not properly done to induce them to select
lo THE HISTORY OF
the proper officers, have them installed, and thus perfect their organizations. 2. To ascer-
tain the amount that each congregation could give annually for the support of a minister
sent among them. 3. To visit the ministers already in the field and enlist their sympa-
thies for the formation of a Synod. 4. He was to pay annual visits to the ministers and
consistories, and learn the wants of the churches.
When he arrived in this countr)-, in 1746, he found 30,000 members of the Reformed
Church scattered in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, IMar>-land and Virginia. In visiting these
people during the next four years, before returning on his mission to Europe, he tra\elled
nearly ten thousand miles on horseback, and was at the same time pastor of a church in
Philadelphia. He was looked upon as one of the most energetic workers in the church in
the early history- of our countr\-. In thus passing through these scattered congregations,
he had become well acquainted with the religious and educational wants of his people ;
and he could see no hope of relief but in a mission to Europe. He had passed through a
serious trouble in his church by the efforts of a young minister to crowd him out of his
pulpit. This difficulty had been settled in favor of Mr. Schlatter by a committee of
Quakers, and his church resolved he should go to Europe and present the claims of the
needy churches amid the forests of the New World. He wrote a powerful appeal to the
churches of Holland, which aroused the sympathies of the people, and money was liberally
given. It was translated into the Gennan and sent into Germany with the same effect.
On pages 262 and 263 of "Harbaugh's Life of Schlatter, " we learn that this appeal of
Schlatter was translated into English by Rev. Mr. Thompson, preaching for an English
congregation in Amsterdam, and a member of that Classis, and was widely circulated in
England and Scotland, backed by a personal visit and appeal on the part of Mr. Thompson,
urging its claims upon the benevolent in England. Such was the impression made on the
British nation that the King, the royal family and the nobles were induced to lead off by
contributions toward a school fund for the benefit of the Gennans in America. Having
laid this matter open in England, Mr. Thompson also carried the application for aid into
Scotland, where himself was known, and represented the case before the General Assembly
(Presbyterian), then sitting in Edinburgh. The result was the taking up a collection of
twelve thousand pounds sterling; and Rev. Mr. Muhlenberg tells us that in 1754 the sum
had reached twenty thousand pounds sterling in Scotland alone. These were quite likely
the happiest days in Mr. Schlatter's life, when he saw he had been instnnnental in arousing
the benevolent feelings of the people of Holland, Gennany, Switzerland, England and
Scotland, and found a steady stream of contributions flowing to America for years after he
had returned and until the churches were able to stand alone. This was the fund from
the proceeds of which the log church and school house was in jiart l)uilt in Easton in
1755, in which a school was maintained — the first free school in Easton.
Mr. Schlatter names forty-si.\ congregations which he visited before he went to
l'",uni])c, and among them was that at the " Forks of tlie Delaware" (Page 203, " Life of
E ASTON, PENN'A. „
Schlatter,"); and having visited it and ascertained its needs, it is not likely he wonld
neglect it afterwards. From this we may conclude that help was given at the ' ' Forks, ' ' as
well as at other points. The records of distribution were imperfectly kept, and not well
preserved, so that the points receiving aid must to some extent be a matter of conjecture.
Among the friends of Mr. Schlatter, none seemed to rejoice more heartily, in view of
his success, than Muhlenberg, who spoke in the highest terms of praise of his energy and
success. He was seven years older than Schlatter, and had been in America four years
longer, and knew the destitutions quite as well as Schlatter, and they rejoiced together.
Each rejoiced in the success of their mutual toil. It is a very difircult matter for us at
this day to obtain an idea of the exacting labor of this devoted apostle to the Gennans.
From the northern part of Pennsylvania, through New Jersey, and Maryland, and Vir-
ginia, this faithful man pursued his toilsome way, through forests without roads, over
rivers without bridges, carrying his meals in his saddle-bags, sleeping at times in the open
air, carrying money and books for distribution, preaching, administering the communion,
baptizing children, confirming adults, organizing churches, installing officers, visiting the
sick and burying the dead, which will serve to give us something of an idea of his hard
toil. He came to Pennsylvania in 1746, and his mind was soon turned to the organization
of a Synod of a Reformed Church. Notice had been given for a meeting of ministers and
elders at Mr. Schlatter's house, on Chestnut Hill. Thirty-one ministers and elders were
present, and on the 29th of September, 1747, the first Synod of the Reformed Church was
formed in the New World. Mr. Schlatter was held in the highest esteem by the people,
from the Governor down to the humblest toiler building homes for future civilization. As
soon as Mr. Schlatter returned, schools were established, and opened to all Protestant
denominations.* The pupils were to be instructed in English, German, writing, book-
keeping, singing of Psalms, and the "true principles of the holy Protestant religion, in the
same manner as the fathers were instructed at the schools in those countries from which
they came. They were to have schools for girls, and lady teachers to teach the use of the
needle. All were to be taught the catechism of sound doctrine which is approved by their
own ministers and parents. Catechisms used by Calvanists and Lutherans were to be
printed in 'English and Dutch' (German) and distributed among the poor, together with
other good books, at the expense of the society. ' ' Trustees were appointed to watch over
the schools and report to the principal trustees. The}- were to have quarterly meetings,
at which Schlatter was to be present. Over the whole system of schools thus established,
Mr. Schlatter was to have supervision, establishing and visiting the schools. A paper was
established for the use of the schools, in Philadelphia, published in the German language.
Here we have a system of free schools in the early colonial history of Pennsylvania,
with quarterly and annual meetings, sustaining a printing press, established by the energy
and unselfishness of Rev Mr. Schlatter, over which he was appointed superintendent. It
* Schlatter's Life, page 272.
12 THE HISTORY OF
must have been a source of pleasing reflection to the faithful, toiling ser\'ant of God, as
he passed through the country', visiting the pupils in their log school houses, carefully
preparing for the battles of life, and realize the part he had been permitted to take in
the great work. He visited Easton before he went to Europe, as this was one of the
forty-six congregations mentioned by him in his appeal. He presented a Bible to the
Refonned Church at the " Forks of the Delaware," translated by Martin Luther, and this
precious volume is still in the possession of the church, and carefully kept in the safe at
the store of Mr. Anglemeyer. The following is an inscription, found in the front part of
the Bible, translated by Dr. Detwiller: "Biblia Sacra, or Holy Bible, was presented by
Michael Schlatter, V. D. M. , and Inspector of the Liberties at Philadelphia, to the Reformed
Easton Church and congregation, with the friendly request that the elders and deacons
shall bear reasonable concern for their followers that this Bible is used for and during pub-
lic service in the church. Soli : Gloria in Excelsis, Deo."
The list of churches on page 203 of "Harbaugh's Life of Schlatter," indicates that he
visited Easton (the "Forks") before he went to Europe, in the early part of 1751 ; and the
gift of this Bible indicates a visit subsequent to his return. He was doubtless led here by
his duties as a minister and superintendent of the charity schools. He died in 1790, and
was buried in Philadelphia, in what is now Franklin Square. In 1837 the city took pos-
session of the burying ground. Some of the bodies were removed, more remained. Among
those that remained was Mr. Schlatter's. The surface was some four or five feet lower
than the surrounding ground. The tombstones were laid flat upon the graves, and the
low surface was graded to a level. That beautiful square covers thousands of silent sleep-
ers awaiting the resurrection of the just. Directly east of the sparkling jets, a few feet in
from the circular gravel-walk, under the green sod, lie the Revs. Steiners, Winkhaus,
Drs. Weyberg and Hendel, the aged. Directly north of this spot, about midway between
it and Vine street, lies the Rev. Michael Schlatter, one of the greatest of American mis-
sionaries !
EASTON, PENNA.
Geological Description of the Locality of Easton— The First House at the Point — Survey of the Town — Penii's
Letter— Old Names of Streets — Northampton County — Court ; First Session — First Hotel —Vernon — First
Families — Employments— School Fund— Building a School House — Church — Subscribers.
|HE location thus chosen upon which to build the Town seems to have
been a whirlpool caused by the mingling of the waters of the two rivers,
as, in digging wells, driftwood has been found thirty feet below the surface.
Rocks weighing tons, of the conglomerate formation, are also found six or
eight feet below the surface. Of these rocks there is no formation nearer
than twenty miles above the town, along the Delaware. The same causes that
produced these changes are still at work along the shores of the river.
This is a fine region for the geologist to examine. "The underlying rock
is the limestone (secondar\'), yet within a short distance north of the town
there is a hill of several miles in length of the primitive formation, while
on either side of this hill the limestone rock is unmistakably presented.
Geologists call it a freak of nature, and such an upheaving of primary rock as is here
to be seen is rarely met with. For the formation of a cabinet of minerals, the vicinity
of Easton affords one of the best opportunities in the State ; there is to be found the
yellow serpentine in great profusion ; topaz, berjd, chalcedony, and other precious stones
have also been found. Many years after the town was settled, in the time of a freshet in
the Bushkill, a part of its waters united with the Lehigh through a gully passing nearly
north and south, halfway between the Delaware Bridge and the Court House" (Square).*
This was called "Molasses Hollow." Upon this piece of land, at the foot of Ferry street,
the first house in Easton was built by David Martin in 1739.
When the County of Northampton was established in 1752, there was a population of
over six thousand inhabitants in the county, and the inhabitants of New Jersey were crowd-
ing towards the western part of the State, and a means of crossing the Delaware was
demanded, and a ferry was established at "The Point;" and, for the convenience of this
ferry, this first house had been built. It was a one-story log house. Travelers were taken
across either river in row boats, and if the traveler was pursuing his way on horseback, the
saddle would be placed in the boat and the horse would swim along by the side. This
house plays a very important part in the history of Easton, and was a source of wealth to
all who were so fortunate as to be its owner. It was the most valuable property in the
town. The spot upon which it stood became one of the most prominent in the histon,' of
the State. This humble structure was to be the scene of diplomatic struggles between the
representatives of civilized and savage life. It was built eleven years before the town was
surveyed, and during these early years David Martin was "monarch of all he surveyed."
The dusky children of the forest would flit past his quiet home, the deer would gambol
about him, an occasional traveler would cross the river, stop and talk a few moments and
* Lehigh Valley, page 50-51.
THE HISTORY OF
pass on through the forest. In this lonesome way this first denizen of Easton passed along
the silent pathway of life, little dreaming of the stirring scenes destined to make his log
house the centre of such an abiding interest.
In 1750 Northampton County was a part of Bucks. Thomas Penn, in a letter from
England, dated September 8, 1751, to Governor Hamilton, says : "Some time since I wrote
to Dr. Graeme and Mr. Peters to lay out some ground in the forks of the Delaware for a
town, which I suppose they have done, or begun to do. I desire it may be called Easton,
from my Lord Pomfret's house ; and whenever there is a new county, that shall be called
Northampton." Thomas Penn had married a daughter of Lord Pomfret, whose name was
Julianna Fennor. The names of Pomfret, Fermor, Julianna and Hamilton were the names
of streets crossing Northampton for an entire century, and these historic names were dis-
carded, and the numerals, First, Second, Third and Fourth, take their place. It is to be
regretted that these names, so intimately connected with the early history of Easton, should
thus have been lost. The survey which Thomas Penn alluded to in his letter from Eng-
land, was begun in 1750 by Parsons and Scull. Thcrt- is a list of the names of the work-
men employed by the surveyors in the work
of clearing the streets, cutting the timber, and
all the other necessary work to be done. This
paper, in the handwriting of William Par-
sons, is in the possession of the Pennsylvania
Historical Society, dated May 9, 1750 — the
day on which the survey commenced. Some
of the hands were employed nine days, and y^\
so on to one or two days, and received each ^
eighteen pence per day, finding their own
board. One of these workmen was Melchior
Hay, the owner of a farm of three hundred
acres of land, upon which South Easton now
stands. This was the great-grandfather of our townsman, Mr. Hay, now a merchant near
the Post-office. During the time occupied by the suniey they made their home at the
public-house of John Lefebre, about six miles up the Bushkill, or Lehicton, or Tatamy's
Creek. This house was on the road from Easton to the Wind Gap, near where Messinger's
stood twenty-five years ago. This was the nearest public-house to Easton, and was situated
on the Indian path which led from "The Forks" to Tatamy's Gap, in the Blue I\Ioun-
tains. This path also passed the house of the Indian chief Tatamy, about one mile from
Lefebre' s.
Lefebre was one of the French refugees, or Huguenots, whose ancestors arrived with
the early Dutch emigrants about 1620, in connection with the Depue's. He is said to have
been a man of intelligence, kept a good house and provided liberally. There was game in
the forest, and at that time of the year fish in the streams. So we may suppose that the
surveying party lived well while the town of Easton was being surveyed. The bill was
not very extravagant — only ;^2, iis., gd., for ten days, and this, we are told, included
".sling.s." There is no doubt the landlord felt highly honored in entertaining such guests.
One had been, and tlie otlicr was, Surveyor General of Pennsylvania. T]ic\- liad boon
accustomed to cil\ life in I'hilacUlpliia. .\11 the politeness of his ract would lie called into
(TIN S FERRY HOUSl-;
E ASTON, PENN'A. 15
action, which would tend to make the temporary home pleasant. The survey of the town
was finished May 19, 1750.
By virtue of the following Act of Assembly, passed March 11, 1752, the County of
Northampton was erected: "Whereas, a great number of the inhabitants of the upper
parts of the County of Bucks, by their petition, have hereby represented to the Governor
and Assembh- of this Province the great hardships they lie under by being so remote from
the seat of judicature and the public offices, that the necessar}- means for obtaining justice
is attended with so much difficulty and expense that many forego their rights rather than
attempt the recovery of them under such circumstances ; while others, sensible of these
difficulties, commit great villainies with impunity."
Influenced by these reasons, the act was passed, and Northampton County was set
apart. The same act provided that Thomas Craig, Hugh Wilson, John Jones, Thomas
Armstrong and James Martin, or any three of them, were to purchase land at a convenient
place on which to build a Court House and prison. At a council held in Philadelphia the
9th of June, 1752, Thomas Craig, Daniel Broadhead, Timothy Horsefield, Hugh Wilson,
James Martin, John Vanatta, Aaron Depuy, William Craig and William Parsons, Esquires,
were appointed Justices of the new County of Northampton. The first session of the
Court, the above-named Justices presiding, was held June 16, 1752. On this i6th of June
Lewis Gordon appeared before the Court, and stating that he was admitted an attorney to
practice law in Philadelphia and Bucks, was, upon his prayer, admitted an attorney to
practice in the Courts of Northampton.* At this same day's session, William Craig and
John Anderson applied for a license to keep a hotel, which was granted, and they erected
their hotel on the south side of the Square, on a piece of land adjoining the jail lot.
Nathaniel Vernon applied for license at the time, but was refused. He renewed his appli-
cation in December, and a license was granted to him. He had purchased the ferry of the
heirs of David Martin, and established his hotel in the log house built at the ferry. The
next tavern was that of Paul Miller, who came from Philadelphia. In 1754 he employed
Jasper Scull to build a tavern-house for him at the southwest corner of Fourth and North-
ampton streets. This became a house somewhat noted from the prominent men who took
their lodgings there while in Easton. Among those was Governor Denny while attending
the Indian treaty.
In a letter, dated December 8, 1752, six months after the first session of the Court,
William Parsons says that there were then eleven families living in town (probably about
forty men, women and children); and in the histories of Northampton County and Lehigh
Valley we have a list of these families and their callings : William Parsons, Clerk of
Courts, &c. ; Lewis Gordon, lawyer ; Henry Alshouse, carpenter ; Abraham Berlin, smith ;
Nathaniel Vernon, ferryman ; William Craig and John Anderson, tavern-keepers ; Paul
Miller, tavern-keeper ; Ernest Becker, baker ; Anthony Esser, butcher ; John Finley,
mason ; Myer Hart, shop-keeper.
Abraham Berlin was a blacksmith and prepared the ironwork for the jail. His name
appears prominently in the business transactions of the town, and was an active member
of the Committee of Safety.
Ernest Becker was a baker — a new-comer from German}-. He was the maternal
grandfather of Mr. George Troxell, to whom Mr. Becker told the circumstances of his
* Rupp's History of Northampton.
i6 THE HISTORY OF
arrival in Easton with his famih- : "\\^hen I came to Easton there were onh- three houses
built, in none of which was there room to accommodate myself and family ; therefore,
I was obliged to unload my goods upon the piiblic square, and there, under a tree, strike
up a tent and encamp until I had erected a small house, which did not require many days.
The neighbors generously aided me in building my home." The new mansion stood in
North Hamilton (Fourth) street, several perches from Northampton street. There is little
doubt but what this first baker of Easton was as happy in this log structure as the present
inhabitants in the costly homes of Third and Fourth streets. He said: "My intention
was to follow my business as a baker. I labored under considerable difficulties ; the pro-
curing flour rendered it necessary for me to go to Bethlehem, where a mill had been erected
a few vears before, and there being no road to that place yet opened, I took a bag and
walked there on the Indian path, and returned with as much flour on my back as I could
conveniently carry. My supply was frequently replenished in this way." If our bakers of
the present day were compelled to carr\- their flour as far as this sturdy German carried his,
we should not complain if their loaves were small.
Mr. Anthony Esser was the first butcher of Easton. He had no wagon at that early
day, because he could not use one if he had, as there were no roads ; and so, we suppose,
he delivered his meat to his customers in a basket from house to house. But when the
crowds attended the Indian treaties, the baker and butcher had a harvest. A large stock
was prepared, and there were lively times in the little town. In the early days of April,
1757, William Parsons was preparing to move into his new house on the comer of Fourth
and Ferr\- streets, as it was then complete. He had some difficulty in getting meat for
his friends at the moving, when there would be a large party in attendance. He could
get no mutton, and, what was more, he could get no one to cook it. But the matter was
finally arranged, and he moved into the new home, and had high hopes of enjoying the
comforts of life in his new mansion.
John Finley was the first mason of our city, and laid up the walls of the prison in
1752. The stone wall enclosing the prison was built at a later day. Meyer Hart was
the first merchant of Easton. His stock was ver}- small when he began business, as the
number of his customers was limited. In 1763 his county tax was nineteen shillings,
being more than was paid by any other man in Easton. At this time he owned three
houses, several negroes, besides his stock in trade. In 1782 his stock was vahied at $1200.
What composed his stock is hard to tell ; quite likely dr>- goods and groceries. Meyer
Hart had a son named Michael, who established himself in a store in town, on the south-
east corner of the public square. *An anecdote is told about Michael, who had tlie mis-
fortune of being a stammerer, and had received the name of the "stuttering Jew. " A
country woman came into his store, and not knowing Michael, innocently inquired if he
was the "stuttering Jew." Instantly he became very angrA', and it was only because of
her fleetness on foot that she escaped his wrath, and then only by concealing herself in a
neighbor's store till the storm was passed and the descendant of Abraham had allowed
his passion to subside.
The funds arising from Mr. Schlatter's visit to Europe had begun to arrive in tliis
country, and the people of Easton desired to enjoy the benefit of the fund thus established
in aid both of a church and scliool liouse. The Pcnns had determined that Easton should
-Hist. I,, v., l.aKc64.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 17
be the county seat. It would thus become a business centre ; it should be a relis^ious
and educational centre as well. And so, in 1755, the people moved in the matter. They
needed a school house and church, but as they could not build both, they would build
one which would answer the purpose of both. A Board of Trustees had been appointed
in Pennsylvania, of which William Smith, president of the Pennsylvania University,
was one, and to him the}- would appeal for aid. And after the building was finished,
Mr. Schlatter, as missionary' of the churches and superintendent of the schools, would
aid in their support.
The following article speaks for itself: "We, the subscribers, being truly sensible of
the great advantages our posterity may reap from the excellent charitable scheme lately
formed in England for the education of Protestant youth in Pennsylvania, and being
extremely desirous to encourage and promote the same, as far as in our power lies, have
engaged and agreed, and do hereby engage and agree to and with William Parsons, James
Martin, Peter Trexler, Esq. , John Lefebre, Lewis Gordon and Peter Kichline, deputy
THE FIRST CHURCH AND SCHOOL HOUSE.
trustees, mentioned and appointed by the trustees general of the said charitable scheme,
that each of us will pay the sum of money and do and perform the work, labor and
service in building and erecting a school house, which may occasionally be made use of
as a church for any protestant minister, to our names hereunto respectively set down
and affixed. Dated Easton, Pa., the 31st day of July, 1755.
"William Smith, in behalf of the Proprietor and Trustees, ^30; William Parsons,
;^5; Lewis Gordon, ;^3; Nicholas Scull, ^3; Nathaniel Vernon, ^^3; Peter Kichline, ^2 ;
Christian Rinker, ^^i ; Jacob Bachnian, £\ ; Jacob Miner, ^i ; Adam Yohe, _^i ; Lewis
Knaus, 105; Lewis Klotz, laj; Henry Becker, 7.?; Geo. Michael Shurtz, 155; John
Levitz, 15.?; Anthony Esser, 15.^'; George Reichart, 15^; John Wagle, ;^i; Geo. Ernest
Becker, ^^i; John Rinker, loj; N. N., -js; Daniel Gies, 5J; Jeremiah C. Russel, ^i;
Paul Miller, £1 5^; John Fricker, £\ 6j; Meyer Hart, 20 lbs. nails; Paul Reeser, 1000
shingles; Jacob Minor, 12 days' work; Stephen Horn, i week's work; Henry Alshouse,
5 days' work; John Finley, 6 days' work; John Nicholas Reeder, 6 days' work;
Bartholomew Hoffman, 5 days' mason work; Robert Miller, 4 da}-s' work; John Henr\-
i8 THE HISTORY OF
Bush, 5 days' carpenter work; Jacob Krotz, 5 days' carpenter work; James Fuller, 5
days' stone digging; John Chapman, 3 days' carting stone; Henr\- Rinker, 30 bushels
of lime; Henr}^ Bush and John Weidman, 30 wagons stone and digging; Thomas
Harris, 50 sash lights."
The value of the subscription in Easton, including money and work, was about $200.
The house was built of logs, and was finished in 1755. There were three rooms — one
large and two small. This was three years after the county was established, and five
years after the town was laid out by William Parsons and Nicholas Scull. There were
eleven families in 1752, which had increased to forty in 1755, when the jail had been
completed, and the new church and school house erected. It will thus be seen that the
educational interests of Easton began with the German population, through the influence
of Rev. Mr. Schlatter, who had succeeded in influencing the English king and Court in
the fonnation of a society, whose object was to educate the poor Gennans of Pennsylvania.
Half of the money contributed to build the school house came from that society. It was
an important step in the progress of society when this humble building was finished ; it
marks an era in the progress of the rising town, and was a source of real pride to the
commiinity, as it met the wants of the public at the time, as well as the more costly
structures of the present day.
Robert Traill taught school one year while preparing for admission to the bar, and
there is no doubt he performed the duties of pedagogue in this first temple of science
in Easton. Here we have a Scotchman from the Orkneys teaching English to the
Germans from the Palatinate. But we suppose he did his work well.
OLD LEHIGH CHAIN BRIDGE
BUILT 1811.
"WILLIAM PARSONS,
'■ William Parsons rocked Easton in her cradle, and watched
over her infant footsteps with paternal solicitude." — Anon.
William Parsons ; Birth ; Arrival in America ; Married in Philadelphia ; A Shoemaker by Trade ; Surveyor
General ; Moved to Easton ; Prothonotary ; Recorder ; Justice of the Peace ; Member of the
Provincial Assembly — Grace Parsons ; Her Mission to Philadelphia — Indian War; Terror and Alarm —
Parsons Builds His House ; Health Fails ; His Death ; Parsons' Family.
|II,LIAM PARSONS has been properly called the "God-father of Easton"
by the historian of Bucks Cotinty. The historian of Northampton County
calls him the "father of the infant town." By his kindness toward the
early settlers of Easton, by his earnest toil, self-denying labor, fearlessness
and manly courage, indomitable perseverance for the people of his care, in
which he injured his health and shortened his days, he has nobly won the
distinction thus given him by the pen of the thoughtful historian. The
first writer above alluded to, after speaking of the character of this re-
markable man, says, "And he sleeps in a neglected graveyard." One can
but think of the words on Pompey's tomb, "He, who once deserved a
temple, can scarce find a tomb." The people of Easton are not ungrateful.
And, as the city shall grow in wealth and importance, — and, as the noble Institution on
Mount Lafayette shall become a star of the first magnitude in the educational world, the
people of Easton will think more tenderly of William Parsons, and build him a monu-
ment to commemorate his virtues, and inspire their children with the unselfish spirit of
this remarkable man.
William Parsons was born in England on the 6th of May, 1701. While a youth, he
came to America, and settled in Philadelphia. Philadelphia was over forty years old
when young Parsons took up his residence there and began life with all the ardor inspired
by the busy scenes and rapid growth of the Cit>- of Brotherly Love. He was married in
Philadelphia at twenty-one years of age, and worked for many years at his trade, being a
shoemaker. There are very few employments in which there is so much time, and so
many opportunities, for meditation and study, as that of a shoemaker. And we can easily
imagine the care which young Parsons took to employ his spare hours in study. We can
see his books lying upon his bench, day after day. We see him studying his grammar,
writing his letters, and thus employing his time in preparing for positions of usefulness
of which he had not dreamed. His evenings were careftilly spent at home with his family.
While Mrs. Parsons was busy with her family cares, her husband was busy with his books.
Having a fondness for mathematics, works on geometry, trigonometry and surveying were
the books which occupied those leisure hours. While others may have read books for
pleasure, he was studying for business. He was in a new world. The great State of
20 THE HISTORY OF
Pennsylvania was to be surveyed. Some one must traverse her vast domain with chain,
theodolite and compass. And thns he spent his days in earning bread for his family, and
his hours of bodily rest in preparing for future usefulness. The energies of his intellect
were too vigorous to be confined in a shoemaker's shop. He was ambitious for a wider
field of labor. It is not strange if he had some ideas of future fame. In his new home
there was room for ambitious minds to expand, and grow strong, and reach after, and
grasp the prizes which were in store for the earnest, industrious, persevering mind. Xo
doubt the star of hope rose brightly, and shone clearly, before him, while toiling by day
and studying by night. He seems, practically, to have adopted the motto of an eminent
man, " Ditm vivimiis vivamiis.^^ How patiently he toiled, how carefully he studied, how
successfully he mastered the science and art of sur\'eying, appears from his complete
success in grasping the object of his ambition. Nineteen years after his marriage, being
forty years of age, and in 1741, he received the appointment of sur\-e}or general of Penn-
sylvania. He laid aside his apron, bundled up his tools, gave his commission to Mrs.
Parsons for safe keeping, took his surveyor's chain, theodolite and compass, and plunged
into the woods, to lay out the boundaries of counties and towns in the grand common-
wealth of Pennsylvania. He had patiently struggled and nobly won his proud position.
He felt he had not toiled for naught. Those busy years of toil and study had borne fruit.
He had risen by his own industry, and had an honest right to be proud. He could look
back to his home across the sea, he could think of himself as a strange youth in a strange
land, with little to help him but honest}- of purpose, industrious habits, and indomitable
perseverance ; and these lifted him up from the shoemaker's bench to the proud position
of surveyor general of the noble commonwealth, where the spirit of persecution for re-
ligious opinion has never dared to raise its head — one of the brightest spots on earth. Mr.
Parsons was uot a man of a strong constitution, and found the position of sur\-eyor very
laborious, while it was an honorable one, and quite profitable. Yet he held the position
but seven years, having been compelled to resign the office in 1748, on account of ill-
health. He then removed to Lancaster, and remained there until the laying out of the
town of Easton and the erection of the county of Northampton rendered his services in-
dispensable to the Penns, who induced him to leave Lancaster and take up his residence
in Easton, for the purpose of filling the offices of Prothonotar>- and Clerk of the Courts of
Northampton ; and also to adil as the proprietaries' agent in taking care of their property
interests in the county. How faithfully he perfonned his duties to his employers and to
the people of the town, will appear as we proceed with his history. In 1752, we find our
friend Parsons engaged in his new sphere of activity. His anxiety for the welfare of the
people, in the present and future of the town, is manifest in the following extra<5ls from
a letter to Richard Peters, Secretary of the Proprietan.- Government : "Upon removing
my family to this place, my thoughts have been more engaged in considering the circiim-
stances of this infant town than ever, as well with regard to its neighborhood, as tlie
probability there is of being furnished with provisions from the inhabitants near about it;
and if there alread\' is, or probably may in time be, a sufficient number of settlers to carry
on any trade with the town, for witliout these, it is not likely it would be improved to
any great height, as well with regard to the town it.self ; that is to .sa>-, its situation as to
health, trade and pleasantness. Tlie site of the town is pleasant and \er>- agreeable ; the
banks of all the waters bounding it are l)igh and clear ; and if it was as large again as it
E ASTON, PENN'A. 21
is — being now about one hundred acres — it might be said to be a very beautiful place for
a town. It is true that it is surrounded on every side by very high hills, which make it
appear under some disadvantages at a distance, and might give some occasion for sus-
picion of its not being very healthy ; but during all the last summer, which was very
dr}', and the fall, which has been remarkably wet, I don't know that any one has been
visited with the fever, or any other sickness, notwithstanding most of the people have
been much exposed to the night air and wet weather, from which I make no difficulty
to conclude the place is, and will continue, very healthy. And in regard to the trade up
the river, that would likewise be verj' advantageous to the town, as well as to the country
in general, even in the single article of lumber, as there is plenty of almost all kinds of
timber above the mountains, where there are also many good conveniences for ere<?ting
saw mills, and several are built already, from whence the town might be supplied with
boards, shingles, etc. The west branch will also be of advantage to the town, as it is
navigable several miles for small craft, and Tatamy's creek being a good stream of water to
ere(?t mills upon, will also contribute towards the advancement of the town ; the Jersey
side being at present more settled near the river, opposite the forks, than the Pensylvania
side ; and indeed the land is better watered and more convenient for settlement than it is
on this side, for several miles about Easton. We have been supplied as much, or
more, from that side as our own. But how Mr. John Cox's project of laying out a town
upon his land, adjoining Mr. Martin's land, on the side of the river opposite to Easton,
may affect this town, is hard to say and time only can obviate. To the northward and
westward of the Dryland are the Moravian settlements, about eleven miles from the
town. These settlements are not only of no advantage, but rather a disadvantage to the
town, for, being an entire and separate interest by themselves, corresponding only with
one another where they can avoid it, except where the advantage is evidently in their
favor, it can't be expected the town can reap any benefit from them. And this leads me
to wish for the good of Easton, if the Honorable, the proprietor, should incline to have
the Dryland' s improved, that it may not be disposed of to the Moravians. Not because
they are Moravians, but because their interests interfere so much with the interests of the
town. If the Drylands should be chiefly settled by them, the Master Brethren would
have the sole direction and disposal of all that should be raised there, which would be
more discouraging and worse to the town than if the lands were not inhabited at all.
■ " Upon the whole, the town has been hitherto very well supplied with meat, beef,
pork, mutton, butter, turnips, etc. But how it will be supplied with hay and pasturage,
I can't clearly forsee ; I mean, if the town increase, as I am in great hopes it will.
" If I might presume to speak my opinion, and I know you expedl I should, if I speak
at all, I could wish that a sufficient quantity of the Drylands might be appropriated for
out-lots, and that all the rest were to be settled and improved, and that by the Dutch
people, although they were of the poorer sort of them. I don't mention the Dutch people
from any peculiar regard I have for them, more than for other people, but because they
are generally more laborious, and comfonnable to their circumstances, than some others
amongst us are. I need not say who they are, but it is an old observation, that poor
gentle folks don't always prove the fittest to begin new places where labor is chiefly
wanted. There are now eleven families in Easton, who all propose to stay during the
winter, and when our prison is finished, which there is hopes that it soon will be, as it is
22 THE HISTORY OF
now about covered in, there is a great probability tliat that number will be increased
before spring."
It is ver}- evident, from the above letter, that the Proprietaries well knew their agent
before they chose him. There seems to be some desire to know just what was intended
by "poor gentle folks," but the imagination only can aid us. The Proprietaries seem to
haves hared the uneasy feelings in regard to the growth of Phillipsburg. And Thomas
Penn wrote to Richard Peters, May 9th, 1752 : "I think we should secure all the land
one can on the Jersey side of the water." It was, no doubt, a source of annoyance to Mr.
Parsons that Phillipsburg considerably outnumbered Easton in population. This entire
letter expresses the deepest interest in the welfare of the town, the wann sympathies of
this earnest friend of Easton. Mr. Parsons was desirous that the jail should be soon
finished, not to incarcerate prisoners, but to be a place of refuge in case of invasion
from the Indians, to whose solid enclosure mothers might flee with their babes and be
safe, and where the daughters of Easton might be safe from savage violence. No man
was happier than he when this old castle was finished. The next thing to which Mr.
Parsons turned his attention was a school house, which should serve the double purpose
for school and church. This, too, was breathed into life by his earnest soul. Four years
before, there had been formed in England, and in some parts of Germany, a society whose
purpose was to educate poor Gennans in America. The king, George II, had subscribed
largely to this fund. William Parsons applied to William Smith, president of the Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania, for aid from this society. Mr. Smith subscribed thirty pounds, to
this Mr. Parsons subscribed five pounds, others added small sums, until the sum of sixty-
one pounds and one shilling was raised. ' ' Mr. Parsons was strongly opposed to letting the
people of the town subscribe at all ; for, as he said, they were all Dutch, and so stubborn
were they, that if pennitted to have any voice in the matter, they would, by their obsti-
nacy, frustrate the whole enterprise. By this, however, he did not desire to shut out the
children from the benefits of the school, but preferred they should receive the advantages
gratuitously, rather than b\- receiving their subscriptions incur the risk of their inter-
ference in the management." Money having been subscribed, the work was begun and
finished in 1755. It was a log structure, and stood on the northeast comer of Sitgreaves
street and Church alley. This was the first school house — the first church building erected
in Easton. Mr. Parsons felt an honest pride in the completion of the building. Here the
people could go to church on the vSabbath, and their children to school during the week.
" Here the slow -going Lutherans and the more fiery Presbyterians" could worship God in
harmony and peace. All now seemed moving along very successfully. The future
seemed to brighten. The people were happy with such evidence of prosperity around
them. But suddenly the report came, like a clap of thunder from a cloudless sky, of the
murder by the Indians of all the missionaries and inhabitants at Gnaden Hutten (now
Wei.ssport). All was consternation at Bethlehem and Easton. All feared the destru(5lion
of the town. All that could, fled for safety down the river. Mr. Parsons wrote to Gov-
ernor Morris, informing him of the desperate state of affairs at Easton. He had no arms,
no annnunition, and but few males to defend the town. The letter implored aid in men,
arms, and all necessaries of defen.se. But there were no mails to carry the letter, no
money to pay a special messenger, and no man could be spared. Here Mr. Parsons was
put to the sorest trial of his life. There was no one wiio could be sjiared but his daughter
EASTON, PENN'A.
23
Grace. If her father desired it, she would take the letters to the Governor, a distance of
sixty-fi\-e miles, a two days' journey, through unbroken forests, guided by Indian trails
and bridle-paths to Philadelphia. It may not be easy to tell the feelings of the father as
his )-oung daughter came from the house, somewhat pale from apprehension and excite-
ment, mounted her favorite steed, and receiving what might be the last kiss from the lips
of her fond father, started upon her mission. There was, perhaps, some comfort in the
father's mind that his daughter was leaving the terror of an Indian massacre behind her,
but he felt she might meet the scalping knife ahead. But the sacrifice was necessary, and
the brave father, and the braver daughter, bore their mutual share of the dangers of those
dark days in the history of our now beautiful town. The walls of the jail would defend
the women and children that remained. While others fled. Parsons stood at his post.
While his daughter was bravely pursuing her lonely way to Philadelphia, he was anxious
to defend the inhabitants who were in constant fear of the dreaded foe. Grace Parsons
HOUSE ERECTED BY WILLIAM PARSONS IN THE YEAR I757.
NOW OWNED AND OCCUPIED BY JACOB DACHRODT.
started for Philadelphia the latter part of December, 1755. During the entire Winter and
Spring the people of the town were in a state of anxiety. Parsons had been appointed
Major of the militia, though he was not called to act.
On page 58, of the History of Lehigh Valley, we find the following: "William
Parsons, from the eredlion of the county till his death, December, 1757, held the offices of
Prothonotary, Clerk of the Courts, Recorder, Clerk of the Commissions, and Justice of the
Peace. In 1755 he was appointed IVIajor of the Continental troops ; and, in 1754, he
represented Northampton County in the Provincial Assembly."
Though the business of the Courts was small, compared with to-day, yet his duties
must have been burdensome, indeed. In addition to all this, the harassing cares of the
war added a still heavier burden. How anxiously he watched the progress of the prison
walls which were to be an asylum from the scalping knife of the treacherous Indian ! Not
24 THE HISTORY OF
an element of danger seemed to escape his ever-watchfiil eyes, and he was constantly
fonning plans for the better protection of the people whose care he had voluntarily and
manfully taken upon his shoulders.
The following letter* to Secretar\- Peters, Philadelphia, tells its own stor}-. It is
dated December 6th, 1756:
' ' In obedience to his Honor' s command, I do hereby humbly certify that I have
supplied Fort Allen, Fort Norris, Fort Hamilton, and the Fort at Hyndshaws, with powder
and lead, out of the magazine at Easton, as follows :
"August 24, Fort at Hyndshaws, 153s lbs. powder, 90 lbs. lead, 25 flints. October
II, Fort Hamilton, 50 lbs. of powder, 100 lbs. of lead. October 17, Fort Norris, 20 lbs.
of powder, 23 lbs. of lead. October 21, Fort Allen, 47 lbs. of powder, 103 lbs. of lead,
and 150 flints. October 26, Fort Norris, 25 lbs. of powder, 11 lbs. of lead. Since which
a further supply of powder and lead has been sent to Hyndshaws Fort. But as I have not
the receipt in town, and therefore cannot certifv' the quantity supplied, but believe all
the forts are pretty well supplied at present. There is now in store at Easton about one
barrel of powder, and a proportionable quantity of lead. And I am of opinion, that it will
be necessary to furnish two barrels of powder, and a proportionable quantity of lead, for a
magazine at Easton during the Winter season. And as I imagine the country" people are
not all of them sufl!iciently provided with powder and lead, I think it would not be amiss
to add to the above magazine a quantit}- to be divided among them, in case the enenn-
should appear again on our frontiers this winter. Flints are also much wanted.
"I am, sir, vour obedient and humble ser\'ant,
"WM. PARSONS."
This bountiful supply of ammunition came in answer to the message carried to Phila-
delphia by Miss Grace Parsons. The courageous girl succeeded in her mission, and
brought relief to the terror-stricken town, and the heart of her an.xious father. She had
braved the danger of a long journey, along which silent pathway the deadly missile might
have been hurled at her trembling heart by the lurking savage. She knew the danger,
and dared to meet it. There is not an instance of more daring courage in the histo^^• of
Easton, yet the duty was perfonned by a young maiden, at the request of her father, and
by a sense of duty. This oue deed has made her name honorable among the heroic
characters of the past history of our city. There is no evidence that she returned to
console her father during his declining days or minister to his wants when dying. The
mothers of Easton may well feel proud of this noble daughter of those dark days.
Mr. Parsons had been for some time building a house on the corner of Fourth and
Ferr}' streets, which, having been finished, he would move into it in the month of April,
and felt secure within its massive walls. It is still in a good state of preser\-ation, and
should be preserved as a monument of those dark days. But this good man was drawing
toward the end of his eventful life. His health was failing, and in the Spring of 1757 he
went on a journe>- in quest of health. But his work was done. He was a noble, faithful,
honest, earnest man. He did his work well. He was a true friend of Easton when she
needed a friend. His health was impaired, and his life .shortened in toiling for her
welfare. The successful growth of Easton was the object of his prayers, the happiness of
her people the end for which he toiled. In lliis matter he was unselfish. It was a work
*Penna. Archivis, Vol. III., i>a«eSi.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
25
of love and anxious care for a young and growing community, which was always ready to
listen to his suggestions for the common good. He returned to Easton after a short time;
his health was failing. He gazed upon these hills, and valleys, and beautiful rivers ; he
saw the probability of peace with the Indians. He died December 22, 1757, in the fifty-
seventh year of his age. No people ever lost a better friend than Easton lost when
William Parsons died. He lies in the grave on Mount Jefferson. In pace quiescat.
THE FAMILY OF WILLIAM PARSONS.
Any new matter concerning this remarkable man is of deep interest to every lover of
Easton' s history. A letter received from Mr. Ethan A. Weaver, of Philadelphia, October
25, 1885, contains some new fa6ls which we gladly record; and the same letter has led to
other investigations which have given us a more intimate knowledge of his family. Mr. Par-
sons came to this country when quite a youth, for he was married at the age of twenty-
one. As has already been stated, he worked at his trade in Philadelphia; how long he was
thus employed it may be difficult to ascertain. He could not have been a man of leisure,
or he would not have learned a trade, which was without doubt his source of living. His
knowledge of mathematics was undoubtedly obtained in this countrv', for it was nearly
twenty years after his marriage before he was commissioned Surveyor-General of Pennsyl-
vania. In the above-named letter we read: " He was a shoemaker, residing in Philadel-
phia, where he also passed for a man having a profound knowledge of mathematics." He
was a member of the Benjamin Franklin _///;//« Club, from which developed the present
American Philosophical Society. In a letter of Franklin, dated April 5, 1744 [^ facsimile
copy of which is before me), he writes: "The society, as far as relates to Philadelphia, is
actually founded, and has had several meetings, to mutual satisfaction;" and among its
members names Mr. William Parsons as geographer.
Associated with him in this early membership, besides the great Franklin himself,
were Mr. John Bartram as botanist, Mr. Thomas Godfre)' as mathematician (Godfrey was
inventor of the sextant), and others no less distinguished, confirming the belief that Par-
sons was a man of profound knowledge. The letter of Franklin, to which reference has
been made, was written three years after Parsons was commissioned Surveyor-General, and
twenty-two years after his marriage, and all these years he was busy storing up his knowl-
edge, which was to fit him for companionship with Franklin, Bartram and Godfrey, lead-
ing minds on the Continent. His kindness of heart, his generous nature, his associa-
tion with the purest and noblest men of his time, attra<5ling the attention of him who
played with the lightnings as children play with their toys, may well excite the pride of
Easton that such an one " rocked her in her cradle and watched over her infant footsteps
with paternal solicitude." While a very thoughtful historian calls him " The Godfather
of Easton," and another still calls him "The Father of the Infant Tqwn," we can but
wonder why the name of such a man is not found upon a public building in Easton ! It
is to be hoped that some generous and grateful heart will see to it that the name of this
unselfish friend of Easton will be placed in letters of gold for her children to gaze at.
From the same letter of Mr. Weaver we are informed that "the family was connected
with the Moravian Church in Philadelphia and Bethlehem, and that one daughter had
26 THE HISTORY OF
died while in the Sisters' House. ' ' The next day after he received the letter the author
went to Bethlehem to consult the records of that church. He was ver}' kindly and
courteously received by Rev. i\Ir. Levering, pastor of the church. The pastor .showed the
author every attention, led the way into the room in the church building where the rec-
ords were kept; he unlocked the massive doors of the safe, and laid the books on the table.
They were neatly kept in German until 1850, and from that time in English. The
obituary roll was the first consulted. While looking for the name of a deceased daughter
we found an account of the death of the mother. The death-roll is very handsomely kept.
The death of each member of the church is recorded, and a brief obituar\' notice is ap-
pended. "Mrs. Johanna Christianna (Parsons) was bom in Germany, and came to Phila-
delphia in her youth. She came in company with her uncle. The date of her arrival in
Philadelphia is not given, but her marriage to William Parsons is dated 1722. She sur-
vived her husband sixteen years — died in 1773, aged seventy-four. She lived a quiet and
retired life, and the last six weeks did not leave her room. She died in the loving arms of
the Moravian Church and in the full exercise of the Christian faith as developed by that
remarkable people. The fruits of this marriage were six children, only two of which
survived her." As no males are ever mentioned, it is proper to conclude only daughters
were born. We failed to find the name of any daughter who had died. But in consult-
ing a large catalogue of the names of the young sisters of that church, we found the name
of Julianna Parsons in the catalogue of 1764. This daughter became the second wife of
Timothy Horsefield, of Bethlehem. There are still three of these daughters to account for.
Of all the children of Mr. Parsons, the deepest interest attaches to the name of Grace.
This is the one who, history asserts, was sent to Philadelphia as an ambassadress to the
Government, imploring aid to save Easton from destrutlion by the Indians. A vast amount
of time has been spent to learn something of the subsequent history of this noble daughter
of Easton. (This sent the author to Bethlehem to consult the records of the IMoravian
Church.) The histories of Northampton County and Lehigh Valley both assert this inci-
dent. But on page 737, volume 6th, of the "Colonial Records," we have the despairing
letter of Mr. Parsons to the Government, depicfting the distress: "Pray help us, for we are
in great distress. I do not know what we shall do for want of anus. If I can get a wagon
to bring my daughter to Philadelphia, I will send her off immediately." Failing to find
a wagon, and darkness increasing, she would naturally be sent on horseback. * And it was
published many years ago, in a magazine, that Grace was sent in the saddle instead of a
wagon, and this was related to Elisha Allis, Esq., by an old resident, who read it in the
magazine. The author has been thus particular in this matter in order that this heroic
girl may have her memory kept green in the history of our city. The history of two of
the children is entirely unknown as yet. If other information comes to hand before the
completion of this volume, it will find a place in notes at the end of the work.
* A letter on page 761, Vol. VI., Colonial Recorcl.s, confirms this view. He writes : "I make bold to trou-
ble you once more, and it is not unlikely that it may be the last time." The poor man saw death staring him
in the face. " I have spent," he continues, "what liUle stock of cash I had in public services, so that I am
compelled to send this by a ])rivate hand." Tliis letter was sent to Hamilton and l"ranklin.
THE JAILS OF EASTON.
First Jail ; Parsons' Anxiety for Its Completion ; Its Cost ; Where It Stood ; Wlien Finished ; How Long It
Stood — Second Jail; Where Built; Its Cost; When It Was Built; Its Present Condition— Third Jail ;
Where It Stands; Its Cost; Size; Plan of the Building; How It Is Kept — John Dillman ; His Execution
— The Suicide of the Italian Condemned to be Executed — Louis Gordon, First Lawyer of Easton ;
Birthplace ; His Removal to Easton ; When Admitted to the Bar ; Usefulness ; Enters the Revolutionary
Contest ; Goes Over to the Enemy ; Returns to His Allegiance ; Takes the Test Oath to the Country ; Dies
1 Patriot.
|NE of the reasons assigned for the establishment of a new County was, that
it was so far to the seat of justice in Bucks county, that people would
rather relinquish their rights than take the trouble to seek redress. And
rogues took advantage of this and trod law under foot with impunity. The
new County having been established, the necessity of a Jail was at once
suggested to the public mind. The new County was set up in 1752, and
immediately the plan of a Jail was formed, and work begun. Courts could
be accommodated at hotels or private houses, but desperate criminals could
not be confined in log cabins or in the parlors of hotels.
The first Jail was built on the old Jail lot, south of the Square, and on
the east side of Third street, on the ground now occupied by the store of
Bixler & Correll, fronting Third street. This was the first building erecfled by the County.
It was the building concerning which Mr. Parsons took so much interest ; it would not
only be a place in which to confine criminals, but also a place where mothers and children
could find shelter in case" of invasion by Indians. Their log cabins could be burned by
the savages, but massive stone walls would not burn. "The Jail cost $1,066.67 when the
walls were finished, and the wells dug. The trustees borrowed ^100 from Richard Peters,
Esq., in 1752, toward the building, which amount they repaid in 1754, with two years'
interest, ^112." *
At the close of the Revolutionary war, the unsettled matter of land titles in Wyoming
came up again for adjudication. This grew into a war. The parties were styled the Penna-
mites on the one side, and Yankees on the other. In 1784, twenty Yankees were taken
prisoners and lodged in the old Jail. Peter Ealer kept the Jail. These Connec?ticut boys
were lively fellows. They had been kept in confinement several months, and were tired
of their boarding place, and desired a change. They effeAed a change on the 17th of
September. Mr. Ealer tells his own story thus : "About four o'clock in the afternoon I
ordered Frederick Barthold up-stairs in the prison, where the prisoners were confined, to
let out of each room (they were in two rooms) two prisoners, as there were two handcuffed
together, in order to fetch water as usual. And going up through an iron gate, and after
the same was shut again, he heard the assistant say, the bread for the prisoners ought to
be ready to be carried up when the prisoners were to be put back again. As they
attempted to carry the water and bread through the gate, it was seized by the Wyoming
*Hist. L. v., page 75.
28
THE HISTORY OF
prisoners, who were hid close b)- the gate. He endeavored to shut the gate again, but
was overpowered, kicked and squeezed ver^- badly. The keeper's wife tried to lock the
front door, but the key was missing." The keeper sounded the alarm, tried to arouse the
neighbors, but it was too late, the birds had flown. They soon removed the handcuffs
from each other's hands, and, free as the mountain air, they steered their course to the
land of steady habits, wiser men than when they came. This was, quite likely, the most
exciting event in the history of the old Jail, which stood nearly one hundred years.
There are men now living who tell of the good times they had, in boyhood, of creeping
into the Jail among the prisoners, through openings which boys knew how to find. They
were welcome visitors from the outside world. They feared no hann from the inmates.
But the old Jail of William Parsons must yield to the touch of time. It had played its
part in the history of Easton. The pillor\- and whipping post had passed away from
^B^^^^^
F
w
li
m
li^J
IHF IIRSTJ\II IN I VSTON I Kl L 1 I I> 1 t2 t IISIUIVKII 1 .\=i 1
skinmii v,\ sin u \ coniN(H\M
Third street, and the old prison must follow. The old building inside of whose gloomy
walls poor Getter had passed many hours of agony, where hope gave no joy to his soul,
as far as time was concerned — those old walls which had echoed to the pra>ers of the
penitent, to the groans of the sorrow-stricken soul, to the sigh of despair, when the sun
of hope had set never to ri,se — those old walls were to pass away. But the principle
which called them into being still remaining in human nature, another must be built to
take its place. And so we have the hi.story of
Thk .second Jail of the county was l)niU on
in front of which, facing Sitgreaves street, was
residence. The pri.son contained twenty-three
THK vSKCOXI) J.ML IN K.VSTOX.
1 the (lid jail-lot, east of its j^redecessor;
a l)rick house for the Slieriff's
-L'lls, nine liv tweKe feet, and four larijer
E ASTON, PENN'A. 29
ones, the)- being twelve feet square. The Jail was constructed of the limestone of the
country. Surrounding it was a wall fifteen feet high. It was built in 1850 and 1851.
The old walls of the second Jail are still standing, the rusty iron grated window telling the
passer-by that this was once a prison. This Jail was used twenty years, from 1851 to 1871.
When it was finished, the prisoners were marched from the first to the second Jail by the
music of fife and drum. A building has been eredled on the top of the old walls, and is
used by Mr. John Pollock for a brush manufa(5tory. The space between the walls and
the Jail building is used as a stable and wagon house. The cells remain to remind us of
the scenes of carousal of which the Grand Jury so sternly complained, when the prisoners
were allowed their lager beer, and were permitted to have a good time. Those dark
recesses look like the catacombs along the banks of the Nile, where the silence of death
reigns supreme. The property now belongs to Mr. John Knecht, of Shimersville.
THE THIRD COUNTY PRISON.
"Soon after the occupation of the new Court House, 1861, the Jail of 1851 was not
deemed sufficient for the demands of the county. And, no doubt, its distance from the
new Court House made it inconvenient to transfer prisoners from their cells to the scene
of trial in Court, and this added to the reasons why a new Jail should be built. It was,
quite likely, well understood that the Jail would soon follow the Court House ; and ground
suilficient for the former was secured when the ground for the latter was purchased.
The land was all purchased from Hon. D. D. Wagoner for one dollar. At the November
session, in 1866, the Grand Inquest — of which Samuel Garis was foreman — represented to
the Honorable the Judges of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Northampton county, that
they found the present Jail unsuitable and in bad condition; that the Sheriff was obliged to
confine vagrants in the lower part of the Jail, which was a great nuisance ; that they
recommended the building of a new Jail, to accommodate the wants of the county, and
to employ the prisoners ; they regretted that the prisoners sentenced by the Court for the
violation of the Sunday liquor law were only nominally confined ; and that, while
close confinement could not be expelled on account of narrow limits, they condemned
the laxity' with which the sentences were executed. At present, they represented,
with almost full liberty, except openly walking the streets, the fulfilment of their
sentence as a farce. The triiimphal entry of some of the prisoners on the evening of their
commitment, with music and banners, after a boisterous parade of our principal streets,
was an open insult to the Court and community ; and we would ask the animadversions
of the Court upon this lawless and disgraceful proceeding. We have also noticed the
aforesaid prisoners being supplied with lager beer, and allowed its free use ; hold nightly
carousals in the Jail, and thus pradlically rendered their sentence a mere nullity, turning
their punishment into a triumph, and insulting the law which would infliCl it."
" The acflion of the Grand Juries and of the Court having clothed the Commissioners,
Messrs. Charles Kern, Simon Buss and Jesse Ruch, with necessary powers, they proceeded
to the eredlion of a new prison upon the county's land adjoining the Court House.
Edward Haviland was employed as architedl. His plans were at once submitted to the
deputy inspector, and received his signature of approval March 11, 1868. The Commis-
sioners then contradled with John Biglin, of South Easton, and John Lee, of Easton, as
30
THE HISTORY OF
RISOX. ERECTED lS6S-'7I
the finn of Biglin & Lee, for the construcftion of the prison, the contract price being
$139,000. The job was a heavy and extensive one, and, although it was pushed by the
contradlors with reasonable diligence, it was not till 1871 that the Jail was occupied.
Although the contradl price was as has been stated above, the total cost of the prison has
not fallen much — if any — short of $200,000. The size of the prison building is 180x60
feet, and the wall enclosure is 220x150 feet. The Warden's department is 50x85 feet in
dimension, embracing, on the first floor, parlor, dining-room, kitchen, office, store-rooms
and wash-rooms."*
The building is a massive stone struclure, upon an elevated position, and has more
the appearance of a castle of the middle ages than of a prison. The grounds are ample,
and neatly kept, set with shade trees, and together with the grounds around the Court
House, present a very handsome appearance, a rare and beautiful pi<flure. To look at the
exterior there seems nothing to dread. To those who enter the prison, the interior seems
quite as neat as the exterior. The cells and prisoners are kept clean and neat. The walls
are hung with pictures, the beds are as neatly and tastefully arranged as those of ordinary-
homes. The prisoners are employed in weaving carpets, and the time is passed as
pleasantly as the most earnest humanitarian could desire. Religious services are quite
regularly held on Sunday by the ministers and members of our churches. Law seems to
have laid aside its vengeance, while mercy and benevolence exert their influence to refonn
*Hist. of Northampton Co., pp. 161-162.
E AS TON, PENN'A.
the inmates while they serve out their sentence, and vindicate the principles of justice.
If the prisons of past ages had been kept as ours of Easton is, the benevolence of Howard
would not have been developed, nor his name have shone with such undimmed lustre.
There has been but one public execution in the Jail since its eredlion — that of John
Dillman, in April, 1884, for the murder of his wife. He did not support her and she
went to the Poor House. He desired to get rid of his wife. His plans are deliberately
formed. He assumed the kindness of former days, and bought a new dress at Bethlehem
for her. Sought and found her at the Poor House, gave her the dress, and spoke kindly
to her ; told her he had work at Bethlehem, had furniture at Redington, and wished her
to go and help him arrange the furniture. Before leaving the Poor House, he was seen
outside sharpening his pocket knife on the stones and his boots. In the cold winds of
the closing days of March, at 7 o'clock in the morning, they started upon the journey.
He seemed in good spirits, treated his wife well ; he covered the feelings of the murderer
by the smiles of apparent kindness. Turning toward Freemansburg, pretending it was a
nearer way, and turning into a lonely lane, near a Mr. Rohn's house, he threw her to the
ground, took a rope, tied her hands, and told her he was going to kill her, took his knife,
which he had sharpened at the Poor House, cut her throat and ran. The wind-pipe was
severed. Mrs. Dillman lived nearly three weeks, and before her death testified in
substance as above. Rev. T. O. Stem, pastor of St. Mark's Reformed Church, was the
spiritual adviser of Dillman, and did ever)'thing he could to smooth the poor man's
pathway to the gallows, to death, and to heaven.
Another was sentenced to be executed during the same year, but he hung himself in
the prison with carpet yam. He was an Italian who had slain a fellow workman, by
plunging a hatchet into his temple while his victim was asleep. He was tried, convicted
and sentenced to be executed. To avert the doom of a public execution, he committed
suicide. Thousands of miles from the home of his childhood, there were no friends to
claim his body or mourn his sad fate. Unable to understand the words of kindness
spoken by those who greeted him through the iron grates, he waited with terror his
terrible doom. The rope which he had twisted from carpet yam, seems to have broken,
but had fastened itself so closely around his neck as to have choked him to death. He
was found lying dead in his cell.
LOUIS GORDON.
There is a special interest attached to the name and character of Louis Gordon. He
was for so long a time a citizen of Easton, so prominent in her history, so sincerely inter-
ested in her welfare — performing his duties so acceptably in every oflScial position — that
it would be doing violence to history not to give him his proper place. While we lament
the weakness which clouded his closing days, he had virtues which shine brighth- in con-
trast. The bitter experiences which shook his political faith have long since passed away;
the light of freedom dawned after he died, and while basking in its brilliant rays, and
enjoying its blessings, charity may well draw a veil over his fault, and speak kindly of his
32 THE HISTORY OF
faithfulness up to the hour of trial. He was for twenty-six years a friend of Easton, and
his warm desire for her prosperity never left him. He was the pioneer of the legal profes-
sion in Northampton county. He was a member of the Bucks county bar when North-
ampton was established. He was at the time employed in the office of Richard Peters, of
Philadelphia. Richard Peters was Secretary for the Penns, and Gordon would thus know
the plans of the Proprietaries in regard to Easton. He learned it was to be the place for
the county seat. The Courts would meet there, and there would be an opening for a law-
yer. The first Court convened June i6th, 1752, and Louis Gordon was there, stated that
he was an attorney of the bar in Bucks county, and prayed to be admitted to the bar of
Northampton. His prayer was granted, and Louis Gordon became the first lawyer in
Easton and for the new county. His faith must have helped him in looking into the
futxire of the town, for the prospecfl was not very cheering. Mr. Parsons tells us there
were but eleven houses in Easton at that time, and the historian of Bucks county tells us
they were all one-stor)' log houses. And Mr. Parsons seems to have entertained fears as
to whether these families would remain longer than Spring.
Louis Gordon came to this country from Aberdeen, Scotland, and in 1750 was em-
ployed in the office of Richard Peters, of Philadelphia. How long he was in this coun-
try before he was employed by Mr. Peters, this historian does not tell us. When he was
married, or to whom, is not revealed. The son (James) of George Taylor married his
daughter Elizabeth. Young Taylor was a lawyer, died young, leaving a widow and five
children. The family moved to South Carolina, where their descendants still reside.
Louis Gordon spent the remainder of his life in Easton. That he was a public-spirited
man is evident from the fadl that his name was on the subscription for building a
school house, in the Summer of 1755, for the village. We find he subscribed £1. Mr.
Parsons took the lead in this, as in all other matters of public interest, but Mr. Gordon
gave his influence in favor of every good work suggested by his friend. This was recog-
nized by the Proprietaries, as well as by the public, for when Mr. Parsons died, Louis Gor-
don took his place in the affairs of the town as well as in the Courts. He became Pro-
thonotar)' and Clerk of the Court, and took the business of the Proprietors on his shoul-
ders. This facft is illustrated in the serious difficulty which occurred after the French
and Indian war. News came to the Government at Philadelphia that people from Con-
necflicut were .settling the lands west of the Delaware, and above the Minisinks, without
authority from the Indians or white people.
The Indians had become uneasy, and Teedyuscung had uttered a bitter complaint, de-
manded redress, and, in case of failure, threatened to take up the hatchet. The Govern-
ment determined to ascertain the truth of the report, and Richard Peters, the Secretary of
the Proprietary Government, wrote to Louis Gordon about the difficulty, and wished him
to take two Justices of the Peace and have them go with him to the alleged settlement
and ascertain the e.xacfl state of affairs. This was in 1760. Immediateh- the Chief Justice
wrote to Louis Gordon: "You will receive my warrant to arrest and bring before me a
number of persons who have unlawfully entered upon and taken possession of a large
tradl of land in your county, near Cushitunk, without any warrant or order from the Pro-
prietors. I expe(5t, as soon as this gets into your hands, you will engage twenty or twenty-
five resolute and discreet persons to aid and assist nou, and proceed with all possible secrecy
and dispatch to the habitation of the offenders, and use \ nur best endeavors to apprehend
E ASTON, PENN\i. 33
as many persons mentioned in the warrant as you can find, and bring them to me without
loss of time, that they may be dealt with as the law diredls."
Mr. Gordon desired to go in the disguise of farmers in quest of lands, so that the object
of their coming might be concealed till they had acquired all the information they needed,
and then letting their true character be known, make their arrests. The plan of Gordon
was adopted, and he took two Justices, one of whom was Aaron Depue, and also the Sher-
iff of Northampton, and went to the settlenieut in quest of the intruders. Their report, on
their return, is found in the "Colonial Records," vol. 8, page 564.
The people of Connedlicut contended that their charter embraced the lauds upon
which they had settled. The settlers claimed their rights also, from purchase from the
Indians and authority from the Colonial Government of Conne6ticut. The intruders had
built a saw-mill and grist-mill and many cabins, and were coming in the Spring in great
numbers. It turned out to be a matter which a Sheriff's posse could not settle, but
required a stronger arm. Parsons died in the midst of the war, and Gordon stepped upon
the watch-tower in his place. He watches the dangers as they rise, and transmits the
news to Philadelphia, and aids the people in warding off the blows. Easton found a true
friend in Louis Gordon, and the Government a faithful servant. He had been a citizen of
Easton for twenty-six years, and during that time his interest in the welfare of his home
liad never flagged. But at length a cloud arose, at first no larger than a man's hand, but
it rapidly grew in size, and as it overshadowed the land, and in the midnight of the Revo-
lution, he faltered in his patriotic course. This period of Louis Gordon's life has not been
properly understood. On page 151 of the "History of Northampton County " we find the
following: "In those dark times there were some instances of defedlion to the patriot cause
by men from whom better things were expelled. Among the saddest of these was that
of Louis Gordon. He had entered the struggle, apparently with the most ardent love of
country, but when the clouds closed thickly over the prospecfts of the patriots in 1777, he
abandoned their cause and embraced that of the enemy. It was a fall like Lucifer. Steps
were at once taken for his apprehension, but before the warrant could reach him, God, in
his infinite pity, had snatched him from his earthly dishonor by a summons to a higher
tribunal." And in a note he tells us: "He died at Easton, in 1777." This would all be
very sad, if true, but if the writer had been more careful in his examination of history, he
would not have left quite so dark a stain upon the life of this pioneer of the legal profes-
sion in our borough and county.
When General Washington fled across the Delaware, thousands of patriotic men
stood shivering on the brink of the precipice from which Louis Gordon was reported to
have taken his fatal leap. The original records of the Committee of Safety begin Decem-
ber 2ist, 1774. The committee was elected by qualified voters, and the name of Louis
Gordon stands first on the list. This committee represented the various townships in the
county. But to expedite the work, a standing committee was sele6led from the general
committee, which should meet weekly to perform the business for which they were called
into being. Louis Gordon was chairman of this standing committee. Scarcely a meeting
occurs for two )'ears at which Mr. Gordon was not present. Every member of the com-
mittee looked to him to advise and to lead in the important matters coming before them.
There are no indications of anything wrong till the 2d of December, 1776, when we find
the following minute in the proceedings of the standing committee: "It being represented
34
THE HISTORY OF
to the committee, by Abraham Berlin and Jesse Jones, that Louis Gordon, chairman of
the committee, said to them he would not give his attendance here any more; therefore
the committee do appoint Abraham Berlin chainnan in his stead." ]\Ir. Gordon had been
Treasurer; Robert Trail was appointed to this place. At a meeting of the committee
Januarv i6th, 1777, "ordered that Louis Gordon, Esq., have notice to attend this commit-
tee by next Thursday, to answer such matters as shall be objedled against him by this
committee." On January- 23d, "Mr. Berlin acquainted the committee that he had given
Mr. Gordon notice to attend this meeting according to the order of last meeting, and he
received for answer that he would not attend, that the committee might call upon him;
therefore ordered that notice be sent to Mr. Gordon to attend this committee immediately,
otherwise send his reason in writing for not attending. Notice having been sent by Mr.
Shoemaker, he returned for answer that his low and weak condition would not permit
him to attend." "Therefore, ordered it be postponed to the next meeting." But the
name of Mr. Gordon does not appear again in the records of the committee. The last
meeting whose proceedings are recorded, occurs August 14th, 1777.
We must go to other sources to trace out the further history- of this remarkable man.
Now, turning to the "Colonial Records," vol. XL page 73, we find the following in the
proceedings of the Coimcil of Safety in Philadelphia: "Resolved, that the committee of
Northampton do immediately take the ferr\- at Easton, kept by Louis Gordon, under their
diredlion, and cause it to be properly attended, and especially that all soldiers and
expresses in the Continental service be forwarded over said ferry, be solely under the con-
trol and diredlion of the said committee of Northampton county." This bears date of
January 2d, 1777. On page 261 of the same volume, under date of August 6th, 1777, we
find the following: "Ordered that a writ be issued for imprisoning Louis Gordon, Esq.,
late Prothonotary of the County of Northampton, under the late Government." In the
fifth volume of the "Archives of Pennsylvania," page 489, under date of August 6th,
1777: "From the Executive Council at Philadelphia to the Sheriff of Northampton county
— Sir: Before this reaches you, you have doubtless heard that the late Governor, his offi-
cers, and the officers of the King of Great Britain, have been arrested and are held as pris-
oners of war on parole. It is but equal that this should extend to all parts of the countn,'.
Accordingly, we send you a fonn filled up for the late Prothonotar>-, Louis Gordon, Esq.
This we desire you to get executed and return to us by a safe hand. Your attention to
this business is requested. Direc^ted to the Sheriff of Northampton county, John Jennings,
Esq." On page 490, date same as above, same to John Jennings, Esq., to arrest Louis
Gordon, Esq., and "confine him to his dwelling in Easton (or elsewhere in your county),
confining himself to the distance of six miles fi-om thence, and not passing over to the
east side of the Delaware."
On page 342, sixth vol. "Archives," ]\Ir. Levers writes, ]\Iarch 7th, 177S: "Louis
Gordon, I am persuaded, is a fixed, detennined enemy of the American States. But, then,
he is wearing away, lately lost his wife, and peevish at times to childishness. I sincerely
pity him." On page 436 an officer of the Council writes to Mr. Levers: " I inclose you
also the parole of Louis Gordon, and desire you to discharge him as directed in the case of
Mr. Hamilton. Dated April 24th, 1778." On page 534, Mr. Levers writes, date May
20th, 1778: "Louis Gordon and son are discharged from their parole; the former, a few
days ago, took llie test oath, according to law." Here we see an old man, out of office
E ASTON, PENN'A.
35
which he had held for nearly a quarter of a century, out of healtli, just buried his wife,
entering the dark shadows of the evening of life, the gloomy hours which followed the
battle of Brooklyn, Washington flying through New Jersey, with a triumphant foe in hot
pursuit, whose relentless grasp he barely escapes by crossing the Delaware; all these things
weighed upon his soul, and as the dying man clings tenaciously to the religious teachings
of his childhood, so Louis Gordon found relief to his troubled soul in reclining beneath
the folds of that glorious banner which had shielded him in childhood. But the battle of
Saratoga had eledlrified the souls of the patriots; France had formed an offensive and
defensive alliance ; Lafayette had arrived, light came struggling through the darkness.
This feeble old man comes to himself, renews his fealty to his adopted country, takes the
" test oath " of allegiance to the Government of the struggling republic, and dies a mem-
ber of the fraternity of freemen. This is simple justice to the memory of Louis Gordon.
Historia confirmat, et justicia jussit. When, how or where Louis Gordon died, the
writer and others have failed to ascertain. As far as can be learned, no gravestone marks
the place of his burial. Alas! what is fame? A little over a hundred years have passed
since he died, and the hour of his death, not even his grave, can be found. Sic transit
gloria hominis. "And no man knoweth his grave unto this day."
1334556
VIEW OF NORTH THIRD STREET BUSHKILL BRIDGE IN 1S30,
THE LITTLE HOUSE IS STILL STANDING.
THE DURHAM BOATS.
When and by Whom Built, and AVliere, and How; The Great Means of Commercial Intercourse Between
Philadelphia and Upper Waters of the Delaware ; Saved Washington's Army ; Helped Fight the Battles
of Trenton and Princeton ; Carried Whiskey and Flour to Philadelphia from Minisinks and from Easton —
'Squire Abie's Boats ; Helped Gather the Boats for Lee's Army ; Supplanted by Steam.
] HE Durham Boats played so important a part in the earl}^ histor}- of Easton,
and in the Revohitionary War, that a history of Easton -would be incomplete
without an accoimt of this craft. In the early histor}- of Northampton county
there were no roads by which produce could be transported to Philadelphia,
the head of the market. The heavy forests at the head-waters of the Dela-
ware and Lehigh shielded the heavy bodies of snow from vernal suns, so
that, instead of a sudden thaw and a freshet, the snow -wasted away slowly
and the rivers were supplied with a goodly amount of water late in the sea-
son, and for nearly all Summer the Delaware was navigable to the lands above
the Water Gap, and the Lehigh to the Lehigh Gap. The only difficulty was
to have properly constructed boats, and a large business could be done. The
Durhams were in the country as early as 1723, and on the 12th of June of
that year E. N. Durham was one of the viewers of a road from Green Swamp, Bristol
township, to the Borough of Bristol. Durham Furnace, ten miles below Easton, was
built about 1727, and needed some means by which the iron could be sent to Philadelphia.
And, as "necessity is the mother of invention," so we have an account of the birthplace
of these boats. "On the authority of Abraham Houpt, we learn the first Durham boat
was built near Durham, on the bank of the Delaware, near the mouth of the cave, by one
Robert Durham, the manager and engineer of the Furnace, and that the boat was made
nearly in the shape of an Indian canoe, and the works were po.ssibly named after the
builder of the boat. This was before 1750. As early as 1758 Durham boats were used to
transport flour from John Vankampen's mill, at Minisink, to Philadelphia."*
In conversation with the venerable ]\Iichael Butz, who was quite familiar with them
in his early manhood, he said they were shaped like an Indian's canoe, and had a wide
board extending the whole length of the boat on each side, on which men walked in pro-
pelling the boat up from Philadelphia, using long poles for that purpose. These boats
would carry 125 or 150 barrels of flour at a load, and float down with the tide, but it was
hard work in poleing them back against the current. The Kichlines and Wagoners
built mills on the Bushkill in 1763, 1780 and 1792, and found the Durham boats a ready
means of transporting their flour to market. In 1783 old 'Squire Abel (Jacob Abel) kept
a hotel, and was the first in Easton to own Durham boats and take part in the traffic. The
point of shipment was at the dock just below and above the Delaware bridge.
Robert Durham had a very small idea of the work he was doing when he built the
first Durham boat. They became not only the means of commercial intercourse between
* Hist. Bucks County, pa^e 646.
E AS TON, PENN'A. 37
Philadelphia and the upper waters of the Delaware, but they saved Washington's army
and thereby gained freedom for mankind. When Washington had fought the battle of
Brooklyn, and other disasters soon followed, he saw there was no safety for his disheart-
ened forces but in a rapid retreat through New Jersey, across the Delaware into Pennsyl-
vania. Fabius saved his ann}- and his country by retreating, and Washington had read his
history. It is in misfortunes, when the soul is overwhelmed, when dark clouds settle over
one's pathway, that real manhood is developed. This was the critical moment of the Revo-
lution. The English Generals thought the war was over, and Cornwallis was on the point
of starting for Europe. *
General Washington began the battle of Brooklyn with an army of twenty thousand;
when he arrived at Trenton he had about three thousand. They were poorly clad and
poorly fed. He had sent to Congress an account of his defeat and his intention to retreat
across the Delaware, and an order to have the boats on the Delaware coUedted on the
west side, so that he could cross without delay.
About the same time Washington had sent Colonel Humptou to colledl all the boats
along the Delaware and other craft. Jacob Abel (old 'Squire Abel) was called upon to help
colledl the boats to convey the patriots across the river. This we have from Elisha Allis,
Esq., who received it from a member of the family. These strange vessels, built by the
hands of Providence, stood ready when Washington came to the Delaware, and the army
of freedom stepped into them and were soon across the pleasant waters, and they never
seemed so pleasant as when Washington and his suffering army were safely landed on Sun-
day morning, December 8tli, on the Pennsylvania shore, and at eleven o'clock the same
morning saw the British forces marching down on the opposite bank. The hostile armies
now lay facing each other across the Delaware, and the cause of independence was safe.
Lee had been ordered to join Washington's army, and General Ewing was ordered to send
Durham boats to McKonkey's, and General Maxwell was ordered to seize all the boats not
needed and put them under strong guard, and those he could not guard should be de-
stroyed. The enemy waited for the river to freeze over and give them a passage across,
but the river would not freeze. The English at length retired and left a body of troops
at Trenton. The Legislature of New Jersey had crossed the Delaware with Washington,
Congress had gone to Baltimore ; all was consternation and alarm. Here is where Wash-
ington showed the grandeur of his nature. He had retreated through New Jersey with a
powerful and triumphant army in hot pursuit; but, while others trembled, he was calm,
unmoved h\ disaster. Whatever griefs he had were kept from the public. Everything
depended upon him. At what time he first conceived the plan of recrossing the Delaware
*Jared Sparks, in his "Life of Washington," says: "When the news reached New York, Cornwallis, on the
point of starting for Europe, was ordered to take command in the Jerse)-s."
38 THE HISTORY OF
and attacking the Hessians is not known ; it was never divnlged. But the plan ivas
formed. Two thousand four hundred men were prepared to recross the Delaware.
Bancroft says Washington wrote the watchword for his anny, which was " VicT;or>- or
Death," on the 23d of December. He wrote Colonel Reed about the time: "Christmas
day, at night, one hour before day, is the time fixed upon for our attack on Trenton."
Six davs before, the first number of Paine's "American Crisis" was read to every regiment
in the army, which greatly aroused the spirit of the troops. And whoever will read
this number of the "Crisis" will feel that the watchword, " Vidlory or Death," was in per-
fe(5l sympathy with the army. This enabled the soldiers to march, leaving their bloody
tracks upon the ground. The da}- came at last — the Durham boats were waiting, ready
to take their precious freight across through sleet and ice. Now occurs one of the strange
incidents of the war. A Tory had found out that an attack was to be made that night on
Trenton. He wrote a letter and hurried to Trenton, handed it to Colonel Rahl, who put
the letter in his pocket unopened. This decided his fate, this made vidlor\- easy ; this
letter, unsealed, was found in his pocket when he lay dead after the battle. He was busy
preparing for a Christmas party in the evening; he could read the letter in the morning.
That putting the letter unread in his pocket settled the fate of the British Empire in
America, enabled Washington to snatch vi<ftory from defeat, and drive awa}- the dark
clouds which had hung in such deep darkness over the land. It was a dark, stormy night ;
the river was filled with ice, but those were men of stout hearts and iron nerves. The \-er\-
storm seemed to come as a friend to remove all apprehension of an attack. After cross-
ing, the army marched in perfect silence. At early morn the roar of battle was heard ;
the fight was brief, the vi<?i;or>- complete. More than a thousand prisoners, a thousand
stand of anus, a number of cannon, were the fruits of the vi(5lor}-. No mighty ship ever
carried a prouder freight across the sea than these Durham boats that 26th of December,
1776, carried across the sparkling waters of the friendly river. There was no time to be
lost. He had caught his game, and he must take it to a place of safety. The forces were
small engaged in this battle, but it was one of the most important battles in the military-
history of the world. Many unused to weep shed tears of joy. If Washington can do
such wonders, he can do anything, thought many people. There were dark days after
the famous retreat through New Jersey and more famous battle of Trenton, but none so
dark. The name of Washington was on every lip. The British Generals could not with-
hold their praise, and Frederick the Great sent him a beautiful sword with this inscription:
"From the oldest to the youngest General in the world."
These grand old boats had done a good work, but they had one more errand on hand.
When the army had become sufiSciently refreshed, these homely vessels were again called
upon to convey the intrepid commander across the Delaware, and took position at Trenton.
He soon heard Cornwallis was on his way to meet him. He took position across the
Assinpink Creek, placed his artillery so as to rake the bridge, and built his camp-fires for
the night. The arnn- of Cornwallis was in overwhelming numbers, and Washington saw
the odds were too .seriously against him, and a battle next day would be disastrous ; some
plan must be adopted to avoid the danger. In the early part of the night the mud was so
deep that it was thought impossible to draw the artillery and heavy baggage, if he should
retreat, but toward midnight the wind changed, became cold, the ground froze, and all
might move easily. Washington knew there were troops which the English had ordered
E ASTON, PENN'A.
39
to Princeton, ten miles distant. He gave orders to have the camp-fires kept brighth- burn-
ing, and the guards were to remain at the bridge and fords till near daylight, while the
army quietly left, and at sunrise was at Princeton. A severe engagement took place ;
Washington was in the thickest of the fight, encouraging his soldiers. The battle was
won. About three hundred Britons were made prisoners and one hundred killed. Some
valuable lives were lost b}- the Americans. After this battle, Washington retired to Mor-
ristown. Cornwallis looked across the creek early in the morning. He saw the smould-
ering camp-fires, but not a soldier was to be seen ; but when he heard the roar of battle at
Princeton, he knew the bird had flown.
The Durham boats have never had credit for the important part they took in this dark
hour of the world's progress. But they did their work quite as well as the British fleet at
Trafalgar or Copenhagen, or that of Perry on Lake Erie. They helped Freedom along in
the mighty struggle. These boats had their day ; they have passed away. They would
be no more thought of now than an old-fashioned spinning-wheel, but they were a power
in their time. When reading this part of our history, we can but think of the beautiful
lines of Watts :
"God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform ;
He plants his footsteps on the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
"Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread,
Are big with mercy, and shall break
With blessings on your head."
After the Revolutionary war was closed, the Durham boats became of more impor-
tance than ever in carrying the products of the farmers of Warren and Sussex counties,
N. J., and, of what is now Monroe, Pike, Luzerne and Northampton, to Philadelphia.
And this traffic was carried on by this homely craft for fifty years after the Independence
of the United was settled by the treaty of Paris. There were two rocks in the Lehigh,
near Easton, called the forty and sixty barrel rocks. The signification of these names
was, that when the forty barrel rock was covered by water, a Durham boat would carry
forty barrels of whiskey to Philadelphia, and so, when the sixty barrel rock was covered
a boat would carry sixty barrels of whiskey.
There is an incident in the history of Easton in which these boats played a more acftive
part. For some time it was understood that La Fayette would visit the land and grave of
Washington. The long expected visit took place in 1824. This noble friend of our
country was received in New York in August, and arrangements were soon made by which
he was to visit the principal cities of the Republic. The enthusiasm knew no bounds.
The roar of cannon could be heard on all sides welcoming this friend of Washington to
our land. Easton was alive with patriotic emotion. It was arranged to receive the illus-
trious visitor in Philadelphia. There was a paper published at that time in Easton by
George W. Deshler, called the Spirit of Pennsylvania. From the files of this paper we
learn the part Easton took in doing honor to the noble Frenchman. In the issue of Sep-
tember 3rd, we have the following general orders: "The Volunteers of the Borough of
Easton will hold themselves in readiness to march to Philadelphia, in honor of General
E ASTON, PENN'A.
41
La Fayette, provided with two days provisions — amis and other eqnipments in the best
possible condition. Knap-sacks are not to be procured, they are abandoned on account of
expense. A wagon will be furnished to transport the baggage. The companies will be
formed in the Centre Square, at 7 o'clock in the morning of the da)' they are to march,
and will form a battalion under the command of the senior oihcer. Dr. John O. Wagener
is appointed Surgeon to the Battalion, D. D. Wagener, Captain E. U. Guards, William
L. Sebring, Captain Easton Artillerists, J. Weygandt, Jr., Captain Citizen Volunteers.
Easton, August 30, 1824."
The companies paraded on the Square on the nth of September. Such excitement
had not been witnessed since the fall of Yorktown. Hours moved slowly. Days seemed
prolonged, a week seemed a month. But the day came at length, the 22d of September.
Easton volunteers, to the number of two hundred, were under arms at half-past seven, and
at 8 o'clock were on the march for the "Point" at the foot of Ferry street. Durham boats
were at the wharf to take their patriotic burden down the sparkling stream; they had taken
the prisoners and trophies of war from the vi(5lorious field of Trenton, forty-eight years
before, and now they were to carry the freemen of Easton to honor the battle-scarred friend
of Washington in the city of "brotherly love." The people of Easton were up "bright
and early." The whole population was at the "great Square," watching the forming
lines, and listening to the strains of music as they broke upon the morning air, and echoed
amid the surrounding hills. Our venerable friend, Michael Butz, was in the company,
and his young wife was watching the scene with the most earnest feeling. They had been
married two years. It has been sixty-one years since that bright September morning, and
both are hale and hearty still. The soldiers marched briskly to the "Point," stepped into
the boats, the sailors drew in the hawsers, turned their vessels into current, and they went
on their way down the beautiful river. The guns on Mount JeiTerson bade them God
speed on their patriotic journey. The shores of New Jersey and Pennsylvania were
covered by thousands, cheering and waving handkerchiefs, which salutations were returned
by the hearty shouts of these citizen soldiers on their way to do honor to the great cham-
pion of human freedom. It was a happy company in those Durham boats, floating along
amid "the picturesque scenery, the alternate views of beautiful fanns and farm-houses,
the variegated landscapes, peeping as it were, through immense mountains of solid rock —
the varied and flucfluating motions of the waters, now gentle, now smoothly flowing, and
again foaming and billowing in sudden and rapid violence — the beautiful but irregular
windings of the Delaware — were in themselves, sufiicient recreations for the mind. But
the sporting jest, the hearty laugh and innocent merriment, and soul-stirring music, all
helped to make the day the happiest of their lives."
The companies arrived at Trenton at night, all put up at one hotel. In the morning
the boats were towed to the landing at Philadelphia by steamers. The journey had been
safely made, and no commander of the great steamers which contend with the storming
billows of the Atlantic, ever felt his importance more fully than the captains which
piloted these river ships through the rocks and eddies of the Delaware from Easton to
Trenton on this niemorable September day. The author called upon Chief Burgess Law-
rence Titus, and inquired of him if he was in the expedition to Philadelphia to meet La
Fayette? "Oh yes, and we had a pleasant time in the Durham boats. But we had to
walk back from the citv to Easton. We arrived at Doylestown at night, the first day's
42 THE HISTORY OF
march, and were handsomely entertained free of expense to the company. For the want
of a better place, I slept in jail." Mr. Butz said, "The large team which carried their
baggage kept company with them in their tiresome walk to Easton, and they would take
turns in riding, and in this way their toil was somewhat abated." If there were any classi-
cal scholars in the company of wear}- toilers, who contrasted the ease with which they
glided down the bright rolling river, with the tugging, sweating through the dust, a dis-
tance of sixty-five miles, it is quite likely they many times recalled the lines of Virgil —
"Facilis descensus Averno est; sed revocare gradum, — hoc opus, hie labor est." But they
did retrace their steps and arrived safely at Easton at the close of the second day's march.
They had seen La Fayette, and felt their toil was not for naught.
These boats began their work on the upper waters of the Delaware. As already
stated, the first ones were made before 1750. They carried on a large trade with the
Dutch farmers at the Minisinks, above the Water Gap. We find the following in a work
entitled "The Life of Major Moses Van Campen" (page 21): "It was the custom of the
farmers who lived on the Delaware, above the Water Gap, to convey their wheat, which
they raised in great abundance, down on the river to Philadelphia, to be sold there. For
this purpose they used large boats, called Durham boats, which would earn- ten or twelve
tons apiece. Wheat was their staple, and they depended much on getting it safely into
market." It is supposed the Holland Dutch came into the Minisinks as early as 1635,
and had fine orchards, large fanns, and large settlements, against which Teedyuscung
hurled his vengeance in 1755. These hardy and industrious people were ready to seize
the earliest instrumentality by which their produce could find a market. Long before the
Revolutionary war, a depot and store-house was established at Easton, from which grain
could be loaded on the Durham boats for the Philadelphia market. The first one built
was located on the north side of the Delaware bridge, the foundation of which was close
to that of the toll-house, and is still standing in a good state of preservation. This was a
frame building, and was owned by Christian Butz, the father of the venerable Michael
Butz, still living in Easton. In 1779, the army of General Sullivan passed through Easton
to Wyoming to fight the Indians; met them, and severely whipped them; the scene of the
action being on the ground now occupied by the city of Elmira. When the anny
returned, it staj'ed some time in Easton, and the Durham boat store-house was occupied
by some of the troops. They were rough, lively fellows. Three of them were hung on
gallows hill for shooting a landlord at Minisinks because he would not sell them rum
when they were already drunk. On another occasion, they rode in nudity through the
street to the rivers for bathing. Below the bridge stands a brick building, which, in a
past age, serv'ed as a store-house for the Durham craft. The iron shiitters are closed, and
we can almost imagine the ghosts of the past holding high revel amid its gloomy silence.
These two spots have been scenes of bustling activity and hard toil. Here, from the early
history of the town, the Wageners, the Greens, the Abels, the busy, hard-working Ger-
man farmers, have mingled in these busy scenes, and there is nothing left to remind us of
these activities, but these silent, deserted walls. We walk on the foundation of the one,
and gaze at the iron covered windows of the other, and think of the men who built them
and gained subsistence for themselves and families there, and have passed away; and
the gathering crowds assembling at the arriving and departing of these vessels arc now
forgotten. The crowds of peojile, English and German, old and young, young men and
EAST ON, PENN'A. 43
maids of interest and excitement have gathered at these points and enjoyed the jokes and
songs of these river-mariners, carefully guiding their heavily laden boats down the rip-
pling current, while others, tugging with their setting polls, are urging the boats up the
tide to the Miuisinks, making the air vocal with their songs as they set their polls and
walk the broad planks on each side of the vessel. These men, sweating, toiling in these
boats on the Delaware, were happy in their toil, and satisfied with the great improvements
of the age. The Durham boats were good enough for them. The merchants and farmers
met the demands of human life then, quite as easily as now. The wives and children
were just as happy, when the husbands and fathers returned from their trips then, as the>-
are now, flying toward home at the rate of fifty miles an hour. The mothers and children,
hastening to the river's side to watch for father's boat returning up the beautiful stream,
had the same thrills of delight when they saw the well known boat appearing around the
bend of the river, and received the familiar signal of the man standing on the bow, as is
now experienced bv those waiting papa's train whirling toward the depot and see him leap
to the platform. Long since these vessels urged their way up to the Minisinks, the voices
of the sturdy boatman echoing amid these mountain crags, steam has been applied to the
purposes of commerce b)- land and sea; the lightning has been put in harness, compelled
to obey our mandates, and bring the morning news from the capitals of the world to read
44 THE HISTORY OF
after our evening meal. By telephone we can now talk with a friend, though hundreds of
miles away, as if he were sitting by our side. We have now coaxed the lightning to light
our streets and dwellings, and before coal is exhausted will warm our homes amid the
blasts of winter, and cook our meals by a Dynamo in every home. And yet there was as
pure, as much happiness, in those olden times as now. Then to those old boats, "Vale,
vale, dicimus. " " In memoria dulcissima quiescant. "
Here and there a Durham boat flits along the river, amid the scenes of fonner excite-
ment and interest, like a ghost silently and sadly wandering among the recollections of
the past, under the shadowy crags of the classic river, while the hoarse voice of the driver
urges his mules along the tow-path, or the locomotive thunders along with its mighty
burden shaking the solid hills in its course. How man.elous the changes of fifty years !
' ' Tempus omnia mutat. ' '
A NEW RACE COMING TO THE FRONT.
No thoughtful man can watch the tide of immigration of the varied nationalities of
Europe into our country, and observe the ease with which they settle down and become
hannonious parts of our national life, without wondering at the strange power of our
institutions, by which these people of widely different religious and political prejudices
are so soon changed into patriotic American citizens, so ready, if necessary, to die for the
land of their adoption, and the government which they had learned to love before they
came to our shores. We are reminded of this in reading the early history of Easton.
Here we have the Scotch, English, Irish, Dutch, French and German meeting in the
"Forks of the Delaware," forgetting the associations of the old, as they mingle amid the
busy scenes of the new world. The old race distindlions pass away. The names French,
German, Scotch, Irish and Dutch are lost in the prouder name American. A new race
has come into life in this new world, unlike any one which has gone before. And if the
Danish, Saxon and Norman blood, mingling with the Celtic stock, has produced the
English people, upon whose dominions the sun never sets, if the mingling of the blood of
these four generations produce a Wellington, what kind of a nation are we to have in the
new world, where the blood of the various nationalities of Europe are mingling in the
hot contest for wealth, happiness and political prefennent ? Our territory is as large as all
Europe, washed by two great oceans, traversed by lofty mountain ranges, and watered by
the greatest rivers of the globe, and is to be the theatre for the development of the great
race of tlie future. The wildest imagination can hardly conceive the glory and grandeur
of this new race of Americans. Easton was settled by representatives from six nations of
Europe, but all these distinitlons have long since passed away, and the people of to-day
are proud to be called Americans. This new race has no titled rulers, no crowns nor
thrones, and only confer titles upon those whom nature has made worthy to bear them.
THE INDIAN TREATIES
" Lo, the poor Indian ! whose untutored mind
Sees God in clouds, or hears him in the wind ;
Yet simple nature to his hope has given
Behind the cloud-topp'd hill an humbler heaven ;
Where slaves once more their native land behold,
No fiends torment, no Christians thirst for gold. ' ' — Pope.
THE WALKING PURCHASE."
jEFORE entering upon the history of the Indian Treaties, it will be necessary
to notice briefly the nature of the "Walking Purchase" of 1737. It was the
alleged unfairness of this purchase that called these treaty making powers
together. My authority for the fadls here brought to view, is the ver>'
valuable history of Bucks county, and also the Colonial Records and Archives
of Pennsylvania. "No event in the early history of the country gave so
much dissatisfadlion to the Indians, or led to as severe criticism of the Penns,
as the 'walking purchase.' " This famous treaty was based upon a treaty
said to have been made between the Proprietaries and the Indians in 1686,
although such treaty has never been found, and many doubt whether any
such treaty ever existed. But the whites claimed that there was a treaty
which gave them a right to settle upon the lands in question, the Indians became uneasy,
and demanded a settlement, by having proper boundaries. To arrange these boundaries,
a council, or treaty, was called at Durham in 1734, which was continued at Pennsbury in
May, 1735, and was concluded August 25, 1737, at Philadelphia. At these treaties, the
limits fixed by the treaty of 1686 were confirmed, and "it was agreed that the boun-
dary should be determined by walking a day and a half in a northwest dire<ftion from
a point in the head line of the purchase of 1682." While these negotiations were in
progress between the Proprietaries and the Indians, the fonner arranged for a preliminary
walk to be performed by expert walkers, to ascertain how far a "day and a half walk"
would extend into the country. The author of Bucks County History remarks : " As the
Penns caused this walk to be made without the knowledge of the Indians, our readers are
able to judge of the morality of this act." In the work above alluded to, there is an
admirable map of the walk. Three expert walkers had been obtained, Edward Marshall,
James Yeates and Solomon Jennings. It was agreed that the Indians should send several
of their young men to see fair play. Men on horseback were employed to accompany the
walkers and carry the food for them. The trees had been "blazed" in the preliminary
walk, so that there need be no time lost in hunting paths. "The place of starting was fixed
at a large chestnut tree, where the road from Pennsville meets the Durham road, near the
Wrightstown meeting-house." The day fixed was the 19th of September, when a geo-
graphical line was to be established, which was destined to make quite as much noise as
that of Mason aiid Dixon. The appointed day came, the sun was just crossing the
46 THE HISTORY OF
Equator, and would be up promptl)- at six o'clock. The famous walkers were at their
post, their hands upon the old chestnut tree. Sheriff Smith was on hand, mounted ready
for the start. The young Indians and many curious people were watching the scene. All
were waiting for the first rays of the rising sun to dart their golden beams athwart the
landscape. The sun rose in splendor, and this strange drama in histon.' had begun.
" Bets were made on the speed of the walkers." " Yeates led the way with a light step,"
not far behind came Jennings and the two Indian walkers, and last, far behind, came
Marshall, in a careless manner swinging a hatchet in his hand. He knew that he who
starts slowest holds out longest, and he was the only one of the three who held out the
dav and a half Jennings gave out before noon the first day, Yeates fell into a creek at
the foot of the mountain on the morning of the second day, was blind when taken up and
died in three days. At twelve o'clock, Mr. Marshall threw himself upon the ground
exhausted and "grasped a sapling which marked the limit of the walk." The walkers
crossed the Lehigh at Jones' Island, a mile below Bethlehem, passed the Blue Mountain
at Smith's gap in Moore township, Northampton county. It had been agreed that a line
should be drawn to the Delaware. The Indians very naturally claimed that the line should
reach the river at the nearest point, which would not have been very far from the point
opposite Belvidere; while the proprietaries claimed the line should be drawn at right angles
to the line of walk which struck the river near Lackawaxen, far above Port Jervis. A
glance at the map will show the wide difference between the parties. The Indians were
dissatisfied; they felt they had been "over-reached" in the treaty of 1737; they felt the
conditions were "hard." And all of this is acknowledged by the writer who gives us so
much pleasure to follow. But who made those conditions so hard ? Who performed this
act of over- reaching ? Who determined to exa(?t the fulfilment of these conditions, and
over-reaching to the letter? The writer above alluded to generously tries to defend the
whites, but his pen seeined to move heavily along the "ragged edge" of something more
unpleasant than "danger." The Indians smothered their wrath till Braddock fell, then the>-
went on the war path. The smoke of burning buildings at Gnadenhutton, and through
what is now Monroe county, the shrieks of innocent women and children and smoking
scalps at the belt of Teedynscung, made the whites willing to hold a parle>- with the red
man, and hence the treaties at Easton.
DAVID MARTIN'S TWO FERRIES.
David Martin was thus the first to break in upon the solitudes and begin the work
which was to make these hills and valleys the scene of so much beauty and comfort. Hut
if he had been seeking for a home only he would not have built upon a spot so unpromis-
ing in appearance. He was, however, looking for a place of business. The people were
unable to build bridges across large streams, and a ferry became a matter of great con\-en-
ience, as well as a necessity. He had two ferries; one to accommodate those who wished
to go to and from the Jerseys, and another across the Lehigh for those who wished to go
toward Dnrliani, Bristol or I'liiladclphia. \'itv few of tlu- ]irescnt generation visit this
spot, who n'.-ili/t.' tlu' scenes of excitenienl and importance lliat lia\e transiiired at l1iis
EASTOA\ PENN'A.
M
locality. Not a vestage remains to remind us of the dead past. Here have been scenes
of revelry and mirth, here have been scenes of diplomatic struggles, in which kings and
potentates have engaged, upon the results of which depended the success of the great war,
then casting its dark shadows over the land. It is the duty of the historian to reproduce
these scenes, and record them for the benefit of future generations. "In 1739, David
Martin obtained a grant and patent for ferrying at the forks of the Delaware, his privileges
extending about thirteen miles along the New Jersey side of the river, fi^om the upper
end of Tinicum Island to Marble Mountain, a mile above the mouth of the Lehigh."
He had the exclusive right to ferry over horses, cows, sheep, and mules, etc., etc. "Con-
cerning the old Ferry and the route of travel leading to and from it, some light is thrown
by the account which Mr. John Green (who was ferryman in 1792) gives of his interview
with an old man who crossed it that year after an absence of half a century. This old
man told Mr. Green that when he had last crossed the ferry (in 1742 or 1743, in David
Martin's time) it was in a canoe, and that he swam his horse along side ; that the site of
Easton at that time was covered with woods and thick underbrush. And from thence to
Bethlehem, which had just begun to be settled, the only route was over an Indian path."
From this time the "old ferry house" becomes a point of the deepest interest. Easton
began her history- with bitter wars following close upon its birth. England had planted
colonies from Maine to Georgia, along the coast, while the French had planted colonies
from the mouth of the St. Lawrence, at the great lakes on the Illinois river, and the Mis-
sissippi to New Orleans. England claimed the continent from ocean to ocean. France
intended to divide the continent and take the largest share. The war that gave Easton
so much trouble was this war between England and France for the mastery of the conti-
nent. The immediate cause which led to the opening strife was an effort to obtain control
of the valley of the Ohio. An Ohio company had been formed in Virginia, and George II
had granted them five hundred thousand acres of land located between the Kanawha and
Monongahela. The French were on the watch and had built forts on the land thus given
to the Virginians. In 1754, George Washington was ordered by Virginia to take a small
army and proceed at once and take possession of the territory. "On May 26, he reached
Great Meadows. Here Washington learned the French were advancing to attack him.
He prepared for battle, found their hiding place." The French were on the alert, flew to
arms. "Fire!" was the command of Washington, and "the first volley of a great war went
whizzing through the air." Braddock's defeat followed in July 9th, 1755. The Indians
that were hesitating took sides with France, and the bloody struggle was fairly underway.
"The fall of Braddock was the signal for the Delaware Indians, whose affedlions had been
alienated from the English ever since they saw them in league with the hated Iroquois
(six nations) for the iniquitous purpose of dispossessing them of their lands." Allured by
the representations of French emissaries, in which the prospedl of recovering their national
independence and the homes of their fathers was flatteringly held out to them, "they
bitterly denounced the fraud of 1737, perpetrated to confirm a deedless purchase, meaning
the 'walking purchase.' Wherever the whites dwelt within this territory, they re.solved
to strike with savage vengeance. And that the blow might be effectually dealt, each
warrior-chief was charged to scalp, kill and burn within the precindls of his birthright,
until the English should sue for peace, and promise redress."* The Moravian settlement
* History of Moravian Church, page 192.
48 THE HISTORY OF
in the valley of Mahoning, November 24th, was attacked, and the people murdered and
scalped, as also Gnadenhutten (now Weisport) suffered the same fate. The news of this
calamitv fell like a thunderbolt on the infant settlement of Easton, and suddenly brought
the noble heart and tender care of William Parsons into full play. He had hurried the
completion of the jail that it might ser\'e as a castle into which the mothers might flee
with their children. From this time till IMr. Parsons' health broke down, he manifested
all the anxiety that a mother feels for her helpless babes. In this terrible crisis, something
must be done to arrest the bloody work of the scalping knife and tomahawk. An effort
was made to induce the Indians to meet at Easton, and treat for peace. But a special
messenger must be sent to Wyoming and Diahoga. It was a dangerous work; who will
go? Years before, an Indian mother of the six nations had presented William Penn with
one of her babes, as a token of her love for the great friend of the red man. History does
not record an exhibition of stronger love for a dear friend than this mother exhibited for
her benefadlor. William Penn accepted the gift, carefully watched over his precious
present. When the great founder of a great state had passed away. Governor Morris took
the Indian under his care; and in August, 1755, conferred on him the title of Xew Castle,
and in remembrance of the event addressed him in these words: "In token of our affe(ftion
for }Our parents, and in expedlation of your being a ver\' useful man in these perilous
times, I do, in a most solemn manner, adopt you by the name of New Castle, and order
you hereafter to be called by that name. ' ' * Never was a Gartered Night prouder of his title
than this dusky child of the forest, and never one wore it with more distingiiished honor.
The Governor gave his adopted son the message, and New Castle started for Wyoming
and Diahoga (Tioga), met the savages, and like a skillful embassador, induced the fierce
Delawares to lay aside the hatchet, come to Easton, and meet their white brethren at the
Forks, kindle the council fires, and settle their differences in a proper way. This hazard-
ous mission to Diahoga by New Castle was effecftual in bringing about a conference between
the Governor and Teedyuscung, at Easton, in July following, and opened negotiations for
a peace. This treaty met at Mr. Vernon's tavern and fern*- house at the point. New
Castle not only returned, but brought Teedyuscung, the great war trumpet of the Dela-
wares, with him. As the last mentioned charadler is to appear ver^• frequently at Easton
during the treaty gatherings at the fern-, a brief account of him may not be out of place.
According to his own statement, he was born in New Jersey in 1700, east of Trenton, in
which neighborhood his ancestors of the Lenape had been seated from time immemorial.
Old Captain Harris, a noted Delaware, was his father.! Teedyu.scung was a tall, raw-
boned, imperious man. From his eloquence he was styled the War Trumpet of the
Delawares. He held entire control over his people; with his .scalping knife in his belt, a
single war-whoop would call his braves to the field, and start them on the war-path.
Coming under the influence of the whites, he had acquired decided love of strong drink.
Major Parsons tells us he would drink three quarts of rum in a day and not be drunk.
Soon after Bethlehem was settled, he came under the influence of religious impressions,
and desired to be received into the Christian church. The brethren had not confidence in
liim, and put him on probation ; at the end of the time he still expressed the same desire,
and he was accepted, and was baptized by Bishop Cammerhoff, March 12, 1750. The tall
child of the forest, at fifty >ears of age, robed in snowy whiteness, kneeled and received
» History of Moravi.'in Cliurch, paRC 2;,;,. t History of Moravi.in Church, jianc 217.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
49
the sacred rite in the presence of those Godly people. He rose from his knees a member
of the church, but, like many others, not a Christian. The atmosphere was soon filled
with the tales of Indian warfare, he snuffed the breeze, he forgot his vows on bended
knees, went to Bethlehem, and by his eloquence persuaded quite a number to leave their
friends and prepare for battle. Teedyuscung had seen the French at Niagara, and received
rich presents in clothing, in which he was soon to appear at the Ferry Tavern in Easton.
This was the head of one of the parties soon to assemble at Vernon's tavern. At the
Point all was bustle and hurry and excitement with the hum of preparation. The meet-
ing of the Council had been arranged for July 24th. A week before the Council, the town
began to fill up with Indians from the West and North. The citizens became intensely
alarmed. They tried to keep liquor away from them, for, if they could keep them sober,
they might be free from danger; if they should get drunk, the worst consequences might
ensue. The Lieutenant-Governor of Pennsylvania was present, and four commissioners,
appointed by the Assembly, four members of the Governor's Council, besides a large
number of distinguished gentlemen from Philadelphia, and Colonel Conrad Weiser, the
Indian agent, with forty soldiers from Heidelberg, Berks county. They found only twenty-
four Indians present. The Governor and State oflRcers appeared in great style, guarded by
soldiers front and rear, and with the music of fife and drum came to the tavern at the
Point. Never before had the ferry been a scene of such excitement. Vernon, without
doubt, felt the importance of the moment, for it ivas of vast importance. The question
of peace was to be the theme of debate, and many hoped it would be settled, that the
Indians would be at peace, and leave the people to recover from the effedls of the recent
murders. But the number of Indians was so small, the influence upon the different tribes
would be limited, were reasons which influenced all parties to postpone the business till
fall. The time for the second meeting was set for November 8, 1756, at which date the
treaty powers again met at Vernon's tavern, at the ferry. The Indian attendance was
large. The proprietaries and Teedyuscung had exerted themselves to bring representatives
of all tribes concerned. Teedyuscung, king of the Delawares, was attended by sixteen
of his nation, four Six Nation Indians, two Shawanese, and six Mohicans. Of the
English, Governor Denny, William Logan and Richard Peters, of his council; Benjamin
Franklin, Joseph Fox, William Masters and John Hughes, commissioners; Colonel Weiser,
Major Parsons, Captain Weatherholt, Captain Vanellen and Captain Reynolds, officers of
the Provincial forces. These were the contradling parties. * The sessions continued nine
days. The military were well represented. The Governor and Council were escorted to
and from their lodgings, by the military in such pomp as to inspire the Indians with awe at
the power with which they were dealing.
Teedyuscung, whose hands had been stained with the blood of those kind hearted
Christians who had so recently sung the songs of joy at his baptism, was there puffed up
with pride as he appeared wearing a fine broad-cloth coat, a present from the French at
Niagara, and a cocked hat purchased in Philadelphia, trimmed with gold lace; he was
gazed at by the boys of Easton, and envied by his people. Many people from other coun-
ties and Philadelphia, and from New Jersey, were there. Hundreds of people stand around
the old Ferry-house Tavern, waiting the arrival of the Governor. At length the shrill
sound of the fife and beating of the drum tell the approach of Governor Denny. He is
* Colonial Records, Volume VII, page 313.
50 THE HISTORY OF
guarded by soldiers, front, flank and rear, and the British flag waves its red cross over his
head. The people at the Forks had never witnessed such a display. And never had such
a throng gathered at the Point. The happiest among the company is Major Parsons. As he
so proudly keeps step with the music, he feels now that peace will come to his beloved
town, and partly relieve him of his harrassing care. He had lived for Easton, it will now
be preserved, and he will not have lived in vain. It was three o'clock in the afternoon
when the parties were to enter upon the business which was uppermost in ever]*- heart.
The parties entered the old tavern, took their seats, the soldiers were placed on guard.
King Teedyuscung opened the proceedings. He "stood up as the champion of his
people, fearlessly demanding restitution of their lands, or an equivalent for their irrepara-
ble loss, and in addition the free exercise of the right to select, within the territory- in
dispute, a permanent home. The chieftain's imposing presence, his earnestness of appeal
and his impassioned oratory, as he plead the cause of the long injured Lenape, evoked the
admiration of his enemies themselves. He always spoke in the euphonious Delaware,
employing this castilian of the new world to utter the simple and expressive figures and
tropes of his native rhetoric, although he was conversant with the white man's speech."*
During the nine days of the negotiations, the business had been conducted with the
utmost courtesy and plainness of speech. No one can read the proceedings of this remark-
able treaty! without feeling that Teedyuscung gave evidence of superior endowments,
that compared well with the provincial authorities. He told his grievance plainly, and
when the Governor desired to know the price he demanded, he would not set a price; inas-
much as the owners of the land were not present, it must be left to a future meeting. As
the sessions were drawing to a close, a gloom was cast over the whole scene by an
announcement of the Governor, that Capt. Newcastle had just died of small-pox. Governor
Denny and Teedyuscung spoke tenderh- of the heroic characfter of the dead embassador
who had risked his life in carrying the message that resulted in the treaty of peace. The
usual good wishes and mutual desire for each other's happiness was the prelude for part-
ing, and the Point resumed its usual quiet.
The English were quite willing to pay for the land, but must have another meeting
the following summer. In 1757, another treaty was held at Easton to detennine the ques-
tion thus left open. The Council opened July 21, and closed August 7, 1757, making a
period of eighteen days. The scene, as far as numbers were concerned, was far more
imposing than the last Council. Of the English, the Governor, William Denny, James
Hamilton, William Logan, Richard Peters, Lynford Lardner, Benjamin Chew, and John
Mifflin, the Governor's Council; Isaac Norris, Speaker of the Assembly; Daniel Rober-
deau, member of the Assembly; William Masters, John Hughes, Joseph Fox, Joseph
Gallaway, Provincial Commissioners; a number of gentlemen from the city of Philadel-
phia, and others from the Province; Thomas McKee, interpreter for the crown; Conrad
Weiser, interpreter for the Province, and John Pumpshire, interpreter for Teedyuscung,
and Charles Thompson his clerk. There were three hundred Indians present, represent-
ing ten Indian nations; and later in the sittings of the treaty, Pa.xinosa, king of the
Shawanese, with sixty followers, came. Is it any wonder that the women of Easton were
fearful when so large a body of savages was in the town, with rum at their disposal ?
Teedyuscung made three demands; the first was for a clerk in his own interest. Tliis tlie
* History of the Moravian Church, page 224. f Colonial Records, VII, page 213.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 51
Governor very politely refused, but the Indian sent word to Gov. Denny, he might choose
one of two things, either allow him a clerk, or abide by the result, as he would break up
the Council and go home. The clerk was granted. Another demand was a place for a
home for his people in Wyoming. He wished definite boundaries fixed, and have it made
unlawful for his people to sell it, or white men to buy it. He desired the English to
build houses for him, send religious teachers, and teachers for the children of his people.
The third was pay for the Minisink lands. The last question was referred to the King of
England. The business of the Council was finished. The Delaware king took two belts,
tied them in a knot together; he took hold of one end, and the Governor the other, thus
showing the bond of union which would hereafter bind them together. After the Gov-
ernor, Teedyuscung and Paxinosa had addressed the multitude, a great dinner was
prepared by Mr. Vernon. More than three hundred sat down to this dinner. What a
wonderful scene for the little town! The white man at the same table with the Indians,
who had so recently spread consternation and death, in scalping men, women and children
in the Minisinks! The soldiers were drawn up in line before the old tavern, and fired
three rounds — it was a "fire of joy." In the evening bonfires lighted the air, the
Indians engaged in their wild war dances, making the air ring with the savage war
whoop. "Take the lock off the rum cask, and let it run," said the Delaware king.
In the free libations long before the bonfires ceased to burn, overcome by the fiery draught,
the Indian chiefs forgot the sorrows of the past, the joys of the present, or the anticipa-
tions of the future. It was a night of revelry and wild excitement. The quiet of morn-
ing soon returned, the ofi&cials were off for Philadelphia, the Indians started to their
hunting grounds, and the usual quiet reigned around the tavern, the ferry boats went on
as usual. The mothers and daughters and boys of Easton talked over the matters in their
little cabins; all danger was passed, and they could sleep without fear.
There were questions left to be settled by a future council; the price of the Minisink
land demanded by Teedyuscung had been referred to the English king. They must meet
and hear the answer from the king. Teedyuscung had made a very serious complaint
against New Jersey, saying they had been treated ver\' badly in regard to the lands in the
northern part of New Jersey, and he wished the Governor of Pennsylvania to intercede
with the Governor of New Jersey in his behalf, and this was matter for a future treaty.
He had made a demand for a home in Wyoming, that was also to be answered. And so
another council must meet to settle these questions and enlarge the number of Indian
nations in league against the French. The new council met on October 8th, 1758. The
people had become accustomed to Indian treaties, feared them less and enjoyed them more.
They began to have an eye to business. The gatherings brought money into town, and
they began to enjoy them. Vernon was as busy as a bee in preparing for the august
gathering. The hunters were out after game. Anthony Esser was gathering in his sheep
and beeves. The good German ladies were cleaning house and arranging their beds for
Philadelphia visitors. Each was ambitious to entertain the Governor. But as his excel-
lency put up in Mr. Parsons' house, corner of Ferry and Fourth streets, last year, he would
very likely go to the same place this year. William Parsons had passed away. October
8th was near at hand; the Indians began to arrive. Teedyuscung comes, wearing his
cocked hat and military coat, trimmed with gold lace. He who had seen him once would
never need to inquire after his name. The day for the meeting brought a large concourse.
52 THE HISTORY OF
The Governor of Pennsylvania and stafiF were there as before; the Governor of New Jersey
and his staff were there. The hint that the New Jersey people had wronged the Delawares
brought Governor Bernard to the front. A number of Magistrates and Freeholders of
this and the neighboring provinces, and citizens of Philadelphia, were present. There
were twelve Indian nations represented, about twenty Indian chiefs, and about three
hundred in number of men, women and children. The conference continued from the
jth to the 25th of October. The main objecft of the Council was to hold their influence
over these widely extended nations against the constant efforts of the French emissaries,
who were ever busy in their efforts to turn the hatchets of the Indians against the Eng-
lish, and thus aid them in the mighty task they had undertaken. There were other
nations present at this Council with old grudges to settle up, and thus remove stumbling
blocks out of the way of peace and friendship. The Governor of New Jersey inquired of
Teedyuscung the nature of his demand. The northern part of New Jersey contained
lands which he claimed. A line drawn from the Delaware to the falls of the north branch
of the Raritan river and thence to Sandy Hook was the southern boundary. Governor
Bernard offered eight hundred dollars in Spanish coin. Teedyuscung demanded one thou-
sand; it was granted, and the cause of complaint removed. There was much jealousy
between the Iroquois and Teedyuscung, which bid fair at one time to be a serious hin-
drance to peace, but it was all smoothed over. Ever}- day's proceedings showed stronger
signs that a basis of solid peace and friendship would be reached. The Indians said the
chain was growing brighter. The Council drew to a close.
A ver}' costly array of presents was brought from Philadelphia for the Indians. The
reader may form some idea of the nature of the presents, when he hears that one hujidrcd
and eighty-sei'en ruffled shirts were presented among the many fine things given to these
children of the woods. Horses were granted the old chiefs to ride home upon, and wagons
to carry their presents to their canoes in the Susquehanna (winding river). The end of
the treaty had come. Thomas King, an Oneida Indian, had said many things for the Six,
now Eight United Nations. This was the last address. And Thomas King, looking round
the room, spied Mr. Vernon, and said to him, now that the business is over, you may take
off the lock from the rum cask and let it run, that our hearts may be made glad. * This
Council was closed, the members had gone to their homes. Quiet again resumed her sway
at the Point. Here is a historic spot made beautiful only by the hills which encircle it, and
the embracing of these rivers as they go murmuring to the sea. But the events that tran-
spired here constituted an important facSlor in the French and Indian war. This little
deserted spot was one of the most important battle fields of that war, which decided the pos-
session of a continent. It was not a battle with deadly weapons, but a battle of diplomacy.
F'rom the beginning of the war the French made untiring efforts to influence the Indians
throughout the States of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, to turn their hatchet against
the whites. To countera(5l this the Council fires were kindled at Easton, and kept brightly
burning, till at the last Council there were twelve Indian nations represented, and nearly
thirty Indian chiefs entered into an alliance, offensive and defensive. The>- engaged to
attack any advancing foe and help defend their white brethren. This spot is worthy of
tender remembrance by the people of Easton for the important part it has p]a>ed in this dark
hour of our colonial history. Quebec fell September 13, 1759, and virtualh- settled the
* Colonial Reconls, Vol. VIII, page 223.
Ill
E AS TON. PENN'A. 53
conflidt. But the war continued on the ocean mainly till 1763 — September loth — when a
treaty of peace was signed at Paris. But there could be no settled peace in America while
those great nations were at war. So another great Council convened at Easton, August
5th, 1 761, at which seven additional nations of Indians from beyond the lakes, formerly in
the French interest, but lately entered into alliance with us, were present. There were near
five hundred Indians at this treaty, and the seven additional nations made nineteen nations,
that had been formed in treaty combination at the Council fire of Easton. The prisoners
had not been returned by the Indians. The encroachments of the whites on Indian lands
gave new causes of complaints which required the constant watch on the part of the govern-
ment to prevent serious trouble. Teedyuscung was there to look after the answer from the
King of England, it had come to hand, but was in the hands of General Sir William John.son,
Indian Agent. These were the principal points discussed at this treaty gathering. There
were two questions which could not be settled at this treaty, viz: the surrender of the
prisoners in the hands of the Indians, and the closing up of the business between Teedy-
uscung and the English king. Another Council therefore convened, at which these mat-
ters were adjusted. The business was finished; large presents were made to the Indians;
horses and wagons were procured to carry their presents and their sick to their canoes on
the Susquehanna; a general hand-shaking; mutual good wishes were imparted, and the
last Council at the old Ferry tavern closed. The officials returned to Philadelphia, and
the great throng of these dusky children of the woods started in long procession for their
distant forest homes. The scenes around the Point assumed their ordinary quiet.
From the 5th to the 12th of August, 1761, the town was in a ferment of excitement, but
all apprehensions of danger had passed, and Easton enjoyed the tumult. Some historians
assert that there was another Council here in 1762, but this is a mistake. The questions
left unsettled at this Council were finally settled at a Council held at Lancaster, August
19th, 1762. The prisoners were all delivered up to the entire satisfacftion of the authori-
ties. Teedyuscung acknowledged he was entirely mistaken in his accusations against the
proprietors. "He had been wrongly informed by his ancestors." He relinquished all
right to the lands in the Minisinks. The title had long since passed from them, and the
documents proved it. The King of England had decided that whenever the Delaware
king should make above acknowledgments a large present should be made to the Dela-
wares — a present of four hundred pounds in milled dollars, and an equal value in goods.
Entire satisfadlion was expressed by all concerned, and the whole matter was settled.
When King Teedyuscung left the Point in 1761, he left it never to return. At the Coun-
cil at Lancaster in 1762, he had threatened to poison the representatives of the Six Nations,
which served further to embitter the feelings existing between them and the Delaware
king. The government had complied with his request; had built him a number of houses
in Wyoming valley, near the site of Wilkes-Barre, where he retired. In 1763, while in a
state of intoxication, his house was set on fire, and the great "war trumpet" of the Dela-
wares was consumed in the flames. To the thoughtful one standing by and gazing upon
the crackling flames and falling timbers, strange thoughts would have come. There, in
that burning building, lies one of the mightiest of the children of nature. There, in
that heated flame, lies the savage warrior, the shrewd diplomatist, the natural orator, the
leader of those wild nations. He, whom the Governor of Pennsylvania acknowledged to
have been the principal agent of bringing about the peace, and arresting the work of
54 THE HISTORY OF
savage warfare, is being consumed in those flames. He, who had compelled the Governors
of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and the King of England to obey his mandate, lies in
this burning mass. The house which the government had kindly built for his home,
becomes his funeral pile. His people without doubt gathered his bones from the ashes,
and in silent, savage gloom, gave them decent burial. He suffered the same death that he
had inflicted upon the mother hugging her tender babe to her breast at Gnadenhutten. He
often mourned that the joys experienced at his baptism never returned; but, from the
moment he took up the hatchet against his Moravian friends, at Bethlehem, his religious
peace left him forever. Teedyuscung on his knees in snow^• whiteness, surrounded by
his dear Moravian friends, receiving the right of baptism at their hands, is in striking
contrast with Teedyuscung painted for war, leading his maddened warriors to battle, his
hands stained with the blood of innocent women and children, whose scalps hang at his
belt. Influenced by the French, irritated by the walking purchase, won by the offer of a
crown by his people, he led on his warriors in their bloody pathway, until met by the kind
persuasions of New Castle, by whose kindly influence the haught}- Delaware king was
brought a willing captive to the great Council fire at Easton. In these Councils this
remarkable chief exhibited powers of diplomacy which compared well with those of the
Governors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He defended his rights, and obtained redress
from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. When the answer came from George II that Teedyus-
cung was to receive four hundred pounds upon condition that he would acknowledge he
had accused the officials of the province wrongly, that he had been mistaken, that the
money would be given as a present, and not as payment for lands unfairly taken from him,
the great Delaware king showed his weakness, acknowledged he was wrong in all his
accusations and demands, received the money and retired from active histon,-. But the
acknowledgment of the Delaware king by no means changes the opinion of mankind in
regard to the encroachments of the whites.
TATAMY, THE DELAWARE CHIEF.
' ' Bid raging winds their furj- cease,
And calm the savage breast to peace." — C. G. .\i.len.
Before speaking of this Chief it may be well to give a brief account of the Indians
who dwelt in Pennsylvania. A writer in the Historical Register of Pennsylvania, Vol. 2,
page 291, begins a ver}* interesting article on the Indians of America. The origin of these
people is still the enigma of history. After the research of four hundred years, the origin
of this strange people is enveloped in myster>-. The writer above alluded to adopts the
opinion that they are descended from the Jews. Count Zinzendorf * takes the same view,
as also William Penn. The latter two believe them descended from the Lost Ten Tribes,
while the writer in the Register draws their descent directly from Shem after the Deluge,
maintaining that the descendants of Shem wandered East over islands and oceans, and
•History of Moravnan Church, page iS.
I
E ASTON, PENN'A. 55
after three thousand eight hundred and forty years, met the Children of Japhet on the
Atlantic coast. All of the three are confirmed in their belief by similarity in color, ph)-si-
cal strudlure, manners and customs and traditions. But notwithstanding the darkness
which has overshadowed the question of the origin of the Indians, the thinking world is
adopting the view which is expressed by the writer in the Historical Register, viz. : that
the Indians are the descendants of Shem. That as Japhet traveled West, Shem went
toward the rising sun. One of America's acutest statesmen adopted the same view in a
speech in the United States Senate, July 29, 1852.* "Even the discovery of this conti-
nent and its islands, and the organization of society and government upon them, grand
and important as these events have been, were but conditional, preliminary, and cancellory
to the more sublime result now in the adl of consummation. The reunion of the two
civilizations which, parting on the plains of Asia four thousand years ago, and traveling
ever afterward in opposite directions around the world, now meet again on the coasts and
islands of the Pacific ocean. Certainly no mere human event of equal dignity and impor-
tance has ever occurred upon the earth. It will be followed by the equalization of the
condition of society and the restoration of the unity of the human family." The general
principle adopted by Mr. Seward is the constant easterly movement of the Shemitish and
the westerly movement of the Japhetic tribes, and the meeting on a continent divinely
prepared for their reception. The writer in the Register only makes the Shemitish tribes
precursors in the movement.
The Lenni Lenape is the name of the Indians who inhabited Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. This name signifies Original People. They gave this
as their name to the first imigrants. It is supposed that they at a very early period had
wandered to this locality from the West. On their way East, at the Mississippi river,
they came in conta<?t with a tribe apparently descended from the same race, called
Mengwes. The interests of two tribes being identical, they united, and formed what they
called a "New Union." In crossing the river they were opposed by another tribe, also of
the same race, large in size, powerful in strength, and great in numbers. These were
called the Alligewi. Great war was carried on by these opposing tribes for a considerable
period. Finally the Alligewi were beaten, and to escape extermination they fled south.
The conquerors then divided the country east of the Mississippi river, the Mengwes taking
the country to the north, which adjoins the great lakes, and the Lenni Lenape the country
to the east, which adjoins the Atlantic ocean. The Lenni Lenape consisted of three
tribes — the Unamies, or Turtle; the Wunalachtikos, or Turkey, and the Minsi, or Wolf
By the Europeans these three tribes were called Delawares. The Turtles and Turkeys
possessed the country along the ocean from the Hudson river on the northeast to the
Potomac on the southwest, and the Wolfs occupied the country round about the Blue
Mountains, and all the territorj' lying between the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers. Of
these Delaware Indians Tatamy was for many years chief He was born in New Jersey,
near the Delaware river, about fifteen miles below Phillipsburg. In his youth he moved
to Pennsylvania, and by constant association with the English he had acquired a good
knowledge of the English language. He thus became very useful to the English gov-
ernors as an interpreter in the business between the Indians and whites. For this reason
he had a gift of three hundred acres of land for his services, f His house was near where
* William H. Seward. Historj- Lehigh \'alley, page 50.
56 THE HISTORY OF
Stockertown now is, where he lived much as white people live, and carried on fanning.
He had a white woman for a wife, and had two sons who went to school with the neigh-
bors' children. By his persuasive powers, and his native eloquence, he controlled the
warlike spirit of his people. He was ver>' often in Easton, as his home was only a small
distance away. He was present at the Treaties at Easton as an interpreter for the provin-
cial authorities. Count Zinzendorf visited him in 1742, at his home; he says Tatamy was a
man of a mild disposition, who lived much as white people do. There is much interest
attached to the chara<Sler of Tatamy, inasmuch as he was a convert of the sainted Brainerd,
who, in 1744, in December, built himself a hut at Sakhauwotung (Lower Mt. Bethel).
Here, on Sunday, July 21, 1745, he baptized Moses Fonda Tatamy, who had been adling
interpreter for him since his arrival among the Forks Indians. * He was well known in
Easton by his frequent visits, and in business transa(ftions. The Delawares had been con-
quered by the Six Nations, and reduced to the condition of women, that is, to absolute sub-
mission. At the treaty in Philadelphia, in 1742, Teedyuscung, a rising chief, represented
the Delawares, and boldly demanded the restitution of his lands wrongfully taken from
his people by the Indian walk. Canassatego, a chief of the Six Nations, was there also.
When Teedyuscung had made his demand, the spirited Canassatego rose and said to the
Delaware chief: "Let this belt serve to chastise you, you ought to be taken by the hair
of the head and shaken severely till you recover your senses, and become sober. You
don't know what ground you stand on, nor what you are doing. This land that you claim
has gone through your guts long ago. We conquered you, we made women of you. You
know you are women and can no more sell land than women. We charge you to remove
instantly. We don't give you liberty to think about it, for you are women." This
insulting speech stung Teedyuscung to the quick, and when he realized that the provin-
cial authorities were in league with the hated Iriquois, he resolved on vengeance. Brood-
ing over his wrongs, his soul was set on fire; he spoke with the force and pathos of an
orator. He rose to the position of chief of his people, and the kind-hearted Tatamy gave
way to a superior mind. Teedyuscung adled the part of a savage demigogue, but he
gained his point; he got his revenge. He was made king of the western Delawares in the
spring of 1756, while his people were desolating the Minisinks (Monroe county) with
scalping knife, hatchet and torch. The Six Nations acknowledged his independence, and
sent him to Philadelphia to conducfl their treaty in 1762. From this time forth Tatamy
adled a subordinate part. He acfted as a messenger for Teedyuscung, and for the governor
of Pennsylvania. As far as history shows, he never took up the hatchet after his baptism.
Some writers have made the mistake of saying that Tatamy was shot near Bethlehem.
But it was a son by the name of William. f He was shot by a boy fifteen years of age.
The ball passed through both thighs. The poor Indian suffered a mouth, and was attended
by Dr. Otto. Everytliing was done which kindness could suggest, but he died and was
buried in Bethlehem; the funeral was attended by about two hundred Indians. There
was great fear that this murder might disturb the peace that was progressing so fa\orably.
Teedyuscung called the attention of the governor to the outrage on William Tatamy, and
demanded that if the Indian died the murderer should die also. The gentle and eloquent
father .sat in the audience. The governor reminded the Indian king that the > oung man
was in confinement, and promised if the young Indian died tlie murderer should ])e tried
* Moravian History, pa^e 27. t Moravian Church, page 334.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 57
by the laws of our country, which required blood for blood, and the king might send a
deputy to the trial. And then the governor turned to the affli6led chief and said: "You
are the father of the young man who has been unfortunately wounded. It gives us great
concern that anything of this kind should happen. We have employed the most skilful
doctor that is among us to take care of him, and we pray that the Almighty would bless
the medicine that is administered for his care. We, by this string of wampum, remove
the grief from your heart, and desire no uneasiness may remain there."* The afflicted
chief uttered not one word of complaint, but smothered his grief, and with Christian resig-
nation passed along in the busy whirl of life. He was present at the treaty in Philadelphia
in 1760, after which his name disappears from history. Teedyuscung was burnt in his
own house in Wyoming in 1763. And no one can read this brief account without inquir-
ing about the present state of these noble Delawares. Where are the brave, warlike Lenni
Lenape? Driven back toward the setting sun. In 1789, they were placed on a reserva-
tion in the state of Ohio. But what is a reservation to the Indians when white men want
a home ? It could not be reserved. The whites came swarming all around them, and
they must go. In 1818, they were located in Missouri. Their home was precarious, till
in 1866, they accepted lands in severalty in the Indian Territory. They then gave up
their tribal relations, and settled down in civilized life. And now, it is said, they are at
last useful and prosperous citizens of a united people, numbering, it is believed, one thou-
sand. And there it is to be hoped, after retroceding for a himdred years from stream to
stream, from mountain to mountain, toward the setting sun, they will be permitted to
grow, if not a stronger, a more submissive and more honorable people, f And palsied be
the arm that shall be raised to molest them in the peaceful enjoyment of their homes.
Note. — On page 74, Vol. IV, Penn'a Archives, we find a letter from Teedyuscung to Sir William Johnson,
by which we learn that Mr. Johnson had written to Teedyuscung two years before, that the Delaware king had
answered the letter, which answer had not been received by Mr. Johnson. The Indian king received another
letter from Mr. Johnson, dated March ig, 1762, which letter was answered by arranging for a meeting at Phila-
delphia, in May, where all matters would finall}- be adjusted. On page 77 we have the answer of Mr. Johnson,
saying, "his arrangements were such that he could not be at Philadelphia at that time, but would meet him and
all concerned at Easton, June 15, 1762." On page 78, a letter from Teedyuscung accepts Easton as the place of
meeting, and only those concerned in the land would come. The author fails to find any statement of the num-
ber present, or business done, except on page 85, same vol., we have the frank acknowledgment of Teedyuscung
that he was entirely mistaken in his accusations against the Proprietaries, and the "charge of forgery was a mis-
take ;" and he acknowledged the validity of the sale of land to "old William Penn" in 1686. As to the walk, he
still claimed it was unfairly done, but it was an opinion about which they could differ and be friends. This is
probably the only time when Sir William Johnson was present at Easton. He brought documents with him
that satisfied the Delaware king that the purchase of i586 was an honorable and veritable one, for which they
had been fairlv and honorabh' paid by "old William Penn." The controversy was ended. Two points remained
to be settled at the great Council in Lancaster in August, 1762, viz., the delivery up of the prisoners to the white
people, and the presentation of the money from the English king. This acknowledgment on the part of Teedy-
uscung entirely removes the supposed cause of complaint against the Penns. William Penn had disposed of the
Province to the Crown in 1712, for ^12,000, and received ^,"1000 on account. He was stricken with paralysis,
reduced to the simplicity of a child, and died in 1718 — nearly twenty years before the "walk." For twenty -five
years he had ceased to do business, so that, whatever unfairness may be alleged in the "Indian walk," no wrong
can be attributed to the Penns.
* Moravian History, page 338. t Historical Register, page 299.
58
THE HISTORY OF
THE THIRD STREET GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH.
Was built ill the year 1776; Indian Treaty convened in 1777. The Hon. George Taylor was appointed
to preside at this Treaty, and Thomas Paine to act as Secretary. It was used as a Hospital for the
wounded Soldiers from the battle-fields of Brooklyn and Brandywine. Were visited by Washington
while quartered here. Re-modeled and enlarged in 1832. Re-modeled in 1886.
The German Reformed Church.
Edi(5t of Nantes— Persecution of the Germans in Fatherland — Flight to Pennsylvania— Congregation in
Easton— Log Church— Building of the Third Street Church — First Repairs— Steeple Built — Last Ch auges —
Line of Pastors — Memorial Windows ; by Whom Presented.
N the year 1593, Henry IV, of France, issued the Edidl of Nantes, which
gave religious liberty to the Protestants. For this he was assassinated
by Ravillac in 1610. Louis XIV revoked this Edidl and ordered all Protes-
tants to return to the Catholic Church. The Palatinate, a German province
that had been torn from Germany by France, contained a large population
of German Reformed people. They left the country and all they had,
except their liberty, hymn books, catechisms, and bibles. They came in
large numbers to Pennsylvania. ' ' In 1609 Penn sent word to James Logan
the coming of the Palatines (Germans) and charges him to treat them with
tenderness and care."* This kind reception by the Quakers made Penn-
sylvania seem a Paradise to the German mind. And thus we find these
persecuted people coming to Easton in the early days. In giving the history of the
churches of Easton I shall classify them according to their denominational preferences.
"Historians tell us that the beginning of the history of all tribes and nations is enshrouded
in more or less mist and obscurity. Whether this is true as a general fadl, I am not com-
petent to afifinn, but I can testify after much labor and research, that the beginning of the
history of this reformed tribe of Israel in Easton is enveloped in mist and obscurity so
dense that it is utterly impossible to discover it." (Extract from Dr. Beck's sermon, July
4, 1876.) There will be no effort to make farther search for the beginning, but to record
what is known, and bring the fadls into a convenient shape for the future generations to
read at their family homes. The German Reformed people were not able to bring minis-
ters with them, but did bring their catechisms, hymn books and bibles, and pious school
teachers. We should expedl that these people would endeavor to make early provision
for a place of religious worship. And so a movement was made in 1755 to ere<5l a build-
ing to be used as a school house, and also to be used as a church for any Protestant
minister. This was successful, and in 1755, a log building was erecfted on the northeast
comer of, what is now. Church and Sitgreaves streets, and was used for both church and
school house. This is the first building erecfted in Easton for religious purposes. "And
there is no doubt in my mind that in this log building erecfted in 1755, our German Re-
formed forefathers worshipped after the faith and order of the Reformed Church. I have
not been able to find, in all the records and histories whicTi I have been able to consult,
that a regular Reformed minister of the gospel was located in Easton before 1760; but I
think the records and circumstances will warrant us to speak of an organized congrega-
tion as existing between 1745-50. There is no record anywhere of the place and date of
the organization of a congregation; but, nevertheless, we have found several records, a
* Historj' of Bucks County, page 59.
6o THE HISTORY OF
few well authentic fadls, which point to this period as that during which the heretofore
scattered members of the German Reformed Church of Easton and vicinity were organized
into a church." (Dr. Deck.) Rev. Michael Schlatter, sent to this country by the Synods
of Holland, for the purpose of looking after the religious interests of the Gennan Refonned
people in Pennsvlvania, in appealing to the Synod for help, he mentions the Forks of
the Delaware as needing their sympathy. Dr. Beck was of the opinion that he visited
Easton during the years between 1747-50, and presented the church with a Bible, to which
Dr. Beck makes a very tender reference in his sermon of July 4, 1876. The first recorded
baptism took place in 1760, September 28th. The child was a son of Ludwig Knauss and
Elizabeth, his wife. He received the name of Ludwig. His sponsors were Philip Gress
and wife. The first regular pastor of this church was Rev. Dr. Casper Deitrich Weyberg,
who took charge of the congregation in 1763, with the approval of the Synod. The con-
gregation not having a place of worship, held services in the log church, and in the conntn'
in barns, or wherever he coiild find shelter for a congregation. The ministn,' of Dr. Wey-
berg was but of six months duration. A vacancy continued till 1766, when Rev. Frederick
L. Henop became pastor. The first mention of a consistory is made by this pastor, and
the names given are Elders Ludwig Knauss and Philip Odenwelder. Deacons, John
Gettert and Henry Schneider. Rev. Mr. Henop resigned his ofiice in 1769, after a pastor-
ate of three years and eight months. Rev. Pithon was the next pastor, succeeding Mr.
Henop in 1769, and was compelled to resign in 1771; and a vacancy continued until 1776.
It was during this vacancy that the congregation began to take measures for the erecflion
of a church. There had been a large stone, two-story house, built by the Moravians, on
what is now South Third street. This had been bought by the St. John's Lutheran
Church, and used as a parsonage in the upper story and a church in the lower storj-. Both
of these congregations joined and built the church on North Third street, now known as
the old German Reformed Church, completed in 1776, and dedicated to the service of the
Triune God, November 17th, of that year. All other churches feel a deep interest in this
grand old church, built by such self-denial in those early days. The laud upon which it
stands was a gift from John and Richard Penn to Peter Snyder, Nicolas Troxell, and
Nicolas Kern, Trustees for the German Reformed congregation; and Jacob Weygandt,
William Roup and Conrad Bitteubender, Trustees for the Lutheran congregation. In 1777
Hons. George Taylor and George Walton, Commissioners, were appointed by Congress,
to be present and preside at a treaty to be made with the Indians. And they reported to
Congress, "After shaking hands, drinking nun, while the organ played, we proceeded to
business." In Vol. XI of Colonial Records, page 98, we find the following: Krso/zrd,
That Mr. Thomas Paine be appointed secretary to the Commissioners for the Indian Treaty
to be held at Easton, on Monday next. This vote was passed at a meeting of the Council
of Safety in Philadelphia, January 21, 1777. It was twenty years since the exciting
Treaties at the Point. Vernon had gcnie West. Large hotels had been built. The Third
Street Church had just been built, and was the largest building in Easton. And the sacred
edifice is opened to receive the Commissioners thus appointed by the government. The
effort of the former Treaties was to prevent the French obtaining control of the Indians,
and turning their scalping knives against the English. The effort of the Treaty at the
German Reformed Church was to detach the Indians from the English government, and
prevent the officers of the crown turning the hatchets of the Indians against the Colonies.
J
E ASTON, PENN'A. 6i
That the Treaty was not very successful is evident from the faA that Sullivan's expedition
would have been sent among the savages the next year, but for the want of time to accom-
plish the work before winter. And during the Revolution this building was frequently
used as a hospital, the people willingly lending the sacred edifice for the comfort of
wounded and dying soldiers. So that these floors have been consecrated with the blood
of patriots, and these walls have echoed to the wails of dying heroes; and thus this old
church has adled well her part in obtaining those liberties which we prize so dearly. Long
may the old building stand as a glorious monument of "the times that tried men's souls."
After the dedication of the church. Rev. John William Ingold became pastor. In 1786,
Rev. Dr. Lebrecht Frederick Herman became pastor of this church, with Plainfield, Dry-
land, and Greenwich. He was esteemed as a man of culture and ability. In 1793, Dr.
Herman was succeeded by Rev. Dr. Jacob Christian Becker. He was a man of extraor-
dinary power and eloquence. He remained but one year and a half, and was followed b>-
Rev. Thomas Nicolas Pomp, the only son of Rev. Nicolas Pomp, who was one of four
missionaries sent to this countr>' by the Reformed Church of Holland. He took charo-e
of the church in 1796, and remained acilive pastor for more than fifty years, with entire
acceptance to the people of his charge. At a congregational meeting held in 1832, Janu-
ary 2d, Peter Shnyder, Philip Odenwelder, and Daniel Butz, were appointed a committee
to whom was entrusted the whole matter of reconstru<fting the church. The main walls
were not disturbed ; an addition was built on the north end of the church, and the steeple
ere6led, and the building assumed its present appearance. The expense of reconstrucftion
was about $25,000. The German language was used exclusively by the church till 1831,
when the church employed an English assistant to Father Pomp, and the English language
became incorporated in the service in the ministry of Rev. Dr. Bernard C. Wolf Father
Pomp died April 22, 1852. When he withdrew from the a6live pastorate Rev. Bomberger
became pastor in the German language, and was followed in 1854 by Rev. Dr. John Beck.
By the death of the older members of the church, and the prevalence of the English lan-
guage in the community, the need of the German became less and less, and in the fall of
187 1 it ceased to be used, and the English has since been the language of the Reformed
Church on North Third street. Rev. Dr. John Beck remained in charge of the church
till April 19th, 1877. He had resigned liis charge, but died before the time at which the
resignation should take place. Dr. Beck was a man of quiet, studious habits. Although
he held tenaciously to his opinions, he was not of an aggressive charadler, and he is mainly
remembered for his scholarly sermons, and his pleasant, affable manners. After the death
of Dr. Beck, Rev. Dr. T. C. Porter of Lafayette College, was chosen to fill the vacant
pulpit, and was installed on the 29th of August, 1877. After seven years of faithful toil
and successful work he lays aside the burdens of his office and again gives his entire atten-
tion to his duties in the college. In the closing sermon of Dr. Porter, he remarked that
the first sermon he ever preached in the church was nearly twenty-three years ago. At
the breaking out of the great civil war President Lincoln appointed September 26, 1861,
a day of fasting and prayer. The Synod of the German Reformed Church was in session
in this church at the time, and Dr. Porter was invited to preach the sermon, which lie did
to a crowded house. The topic was the repenting of Nineveh at the preaching of Jonas.
He came to Easton, as professor in Lafayette College in 1866, and on the invitation of the
Consistory, preached in the English language every alternate Sunday morning, in the
62 THE HISTORY OF
ledlure room for a period of three years — 1867-8-9, while Dr. Beck preached in the church
in the German language. Dr. Porter is a fine scholar, and a faithful preacher.
Rev. H. M. Kieffer succeeded Dr. Porter as pastor. He had beeu pastor of the Church
of Ascension, of Norristown, and was called August nth, 1884, by a committee of East
Pennsylvania Classis, consisting of Rev. Dr. Porter, Rev. T. O. Sterm and Rev. Dr.
Heisler. The latter preached the installation sermon. He was installed October 30th,
and preached his introductory sermon the following Sunday morning, November 2d. Text
Phil. I, ii, "Grace be unto you from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."
In the early part of the following year preparations were made for repairing the church
building, which had stood without material change or improvement since 1832. The
congregation felt a desire to make extensive repairs, and yet not destroy the ancient and
venerable appearance of the oldest church in the borough. The people entered heartily
into the work and appointed a committee to make whatever alterations, improvements
and repairs they thought necessar}'. In carrying out their instrudlions the Committee
secured the services of John M. Stewart, an Easton architect, to prepare plans for the re-
modeling of the building. To this Committee too much credit cannot be given for their
untiring attention and labors throughout the whole period of the reconstnittion of the
building. To their wisdom and judgment must be attributed the superior comfort and
beautiful appearance the church now presents. The archite(?l in making his plans for the
alterations endeavored to retain the principal features of the old colonial style of archi-
tedlure displayed in the old building, and conform as nearly as possible to it in all altera-
tions and additions, and that fadl gives the church a peculiar and distinctive appearance,
which is at once pleasing and attradlive. An enclosed porch, approached with stone steps
and tiled floor forms a lobby at the vestibule, which is now made a very commodious and
imposing one. Two handsome stairways lead to the galleries, and three doors lead from
the vestibule to the audience room, which has been enlarged by the addition of a pulpit
recess, which in its decoration forms one of the handsomest features of the church. The
old pulpit has given place to a beautiful chancel railing, pulpit, desk, altar, baptismal fount
and candelabrums. The chairs are of cherry, beautiful in design, and richly carved. The
old pews enclosed with doors give place to well arranged and exceedingly comfortable
pews of cherr}'. The galleries, which were usually almost inaccessible and useless, have
been entirely re-arranged so that they are easily reached and more desirable for sittings.
The old wooden columns supporting the galleries, which obstni(5led the view, have been
removed and iron pillars, handsomely finished, substituted. The walls and ceilings have
been frescoed in the most artistic manner ; the upper windows have been filled with stained
glass, while those in the audience room, nine in number, are memorial windows, contrib-
uted by the following persons, and are in the following order, beginning on Third street,
going north : The first by Miss Mary Mixsell and her sister, Mrs. Major Wykoff, in the
memory of their father and mother, Charles W. and Mar}- K. Mixsell ; the second by
Mrs. Win. H. Lawall and Miss Lillian Lawall, her daughter, in the memory of William
H. Lawall ; the third by Mrs. Charles Santee, of Philadelphia, to the memorv- of her
father and mother, Peter and Elizabeth Shnyder ; the fourth by Mrs. Anna M. Eyennan,
to the memory of her father and mother, James and Mar)- Black ; the fifth by ]\Irs. Mary
Saylor, of Germantown, Pa., in the memory of her father, the late Judge George Hess ;
the sixth and seventh b)- ])rivate persons to the memory of the Rev. Thos. Pomp and the
I
E ASTON, PENN'A.
63
Rev. Dr. Bernard Wolff, former pastors of the church ; the eighth by the Sunday Schools
of the congregation to the memory of the Rev. John Beck, D. D. , also a former pastor of
the church, and the ninth by Mrs. John Hutchinson, to the memory of her mother, Eliz-
abeth Nicholas, and her family. All are most beautiful specimens of the decorator's art,
and add greatly to the appearance of the church. Gas fixtures, upholstering, carpets, etc.,
have been arranged in a superior manner. The whole cost of the improvements was
nearly $12,000. Prior to the repairs the outer walls were of a pale yellow color. The
steeple was painted white and had on it the dial of the town clock, which had been remov-
ed to the German Lutheran Church. The main entrance to the building was by a door on
Third street, where the vestibule now is. There was also another door on Third street,
occupying the position of the upper window, next Church street. It was not, stridlly
speaking, a door, but served the purpose of both door and window. It has been converted
into a window. The entrance on the east side was the same as it now is. Internally the
changes are more marked. Passing into the church as it was before the repairs, as one
enters the vestibule, he found two box stairways leading to the galleries — the ceiling low
and somewhat cramped in appearance, by the projection of old " bellows gallery," used in
former times for the organ, but since fallen into disuse except as a lumber room. Where
the two large arches now are two doors of ordinary size opened into the central part of the
vestibule. In the audience room there were six rows of pews, instead of four as at present,
with three aisles separating them — the central aisle being where it now is, and the side
aisles not being along the walls, but separated from them by a row or tier of short pews.
The old pews were indeed all short, containing only three, or at most four sittings, and
being generally considered very uncomfortable. They were low in the back, narrow in the
seat, very close together, and were furnished with doors. The pulpit was a massive struc-
ture of mahogany, and there was no recess, chancel, rail or front. The windows were of
ordinary glass, and furnished with Venetian blinds. The posts under the galleries were
heavy wooden affairs which somewhat obstructed the view. These fa<fls have thus been
presented as they may be of interest in the future. New spouting has been put up. It is
of great interest to observe that the old spouting had done service since 1832, that is for a
period of fifty-three years, and that Mr. Lewis Heller, when he was a young man made the
old spouting, and had the singular fortune when he was an old man, to help make the new. *
The committee having the matter in charge consisted of
Rev. H. M. KIEFFER, Pastor.
JACOB RADER, ^
WILLIAM KELLER, ^-Elders.
HENRY YOUNG, i
WILLIAM THOMSON,
THOS. RINEK,
HORACE BACHMAN.
The work of this Church in Easton has been the building of two churches of the same
faith and order — the one on the comer of Tenth and Lehigh streets, and the other on
College Hill. -It was by the labors of Dr. Beck that St. Mark's Church was eredled, he
having been very adlive in securing the necessary funds.
*By Rev. H. M. KiefFer.
64 THE HISTORY OF
ST. MARK'S CHURCH.
This building is 46x72 feet, built of brick, with main audience room, and a base-
ment for Sunday School and weekly lectures. It was erecfted in the years 1871-72, by the
Third Street Reformed Church at a cost of $16,000, and conveyed to St. Mark's Refonned
Congregation in May, 1875, subject to a mortgage of $3500. The congregation was
organized July 27th, 1872, and incorporated May 6th, 1873, with eleven members. From
the time of the organization until the calling of a regular pastor — a period of nine months —
the congregation was served by Rev. Dr. Porter. The first regular pastor. Rev. Geo. H.
Johnston, formerly of Somerset, Pa., commenced his labors April 11, 1S73, and continued
until December ist, 1875, a period of two years and eight months. He then resigned to
take charge of the Green Street Christ Refonned Church, Philadelphia. From this time
until August 1st, 1876, the congregation was without a pastor. At this time the present pas-
tor. Rev. T. O. Stem, commenced his labors. His pastorate has now continued nine years,
and during this time he has received two hundred and fifty-six members, and the number
on the roll now is three hundred and twenty. The Sabbath-school numbers three hundred
and fifty. The church is prosperous and harmonious, and the congregation is engaged in
making arrangements for building a parsonage at a cost of $3000.
This church was closed for repairs July 13, 1884, the walls handsomely frescoed and
other necessary changes made. It was re-opened for divine service September 7th, and
was re-dedicated on the last mentioned date with appropriate services, Rev. Dr. Samuel
G. Wagner, of Allentown, preaching the sermon. Rev. Dr. Heisler addressed the Sabbath
School in the afternoon.
GRACE REFORMED CHURCH.
This Church was organized September 9th, 1875. On that day persons belong-
ing to the Reformed Church met at the house of John Gradwohl, in the Third Ward.
The meeting was called to order by Rev. John Beck, D. D., and opened with prayer
by the Rev. George H. Johnston, of St. Mark's Church. Dr. Beck stated the object
of the meeting, which was to organize a church. This was effe(5led by the ele(5lion of
the following persons as temporary officers : John Gradwohl, Quintus F. Messinger and
Richard Hahn, Elders ; and William Adams, Thomas F. Burley and Theodore Schug,
Deacons. They were immediately ordained and installed. At the same meeting arrange-
ments were made to ere<?t a chapel on the corner of New and Porter streets. A building
committee consisting of John Gradwohl, Lorenzo Richlieu and Quintus F. Messinger was
appointed. A neat, frame building, 30x45 was eredled. The congregation then numbered
about forty members. The chapel was dedicated to the worship of the Triune God, Feb-
ruary 27, 1876. On the 20th of March, 1876, Rev. Dr. Heisler received the unanimous
call to become pastor of the church, and entered upon the pastoral duties June ist, follow-
ing. The church now (1886) numbers over 100 members, and is free from debt. A Sun-
day School of about one hundred and thirty pupils is in conne(ftion with the church.
Much of the financial success of the enterprise is due to the generosity of members of
the Third Street Refonned Church, and the efforts of Rev. T. C. Porter, D. D., all of
whom deserve the lasting gratitude of the congregation.
THE COURT HOUSES,
The First Courts ; Held at Hotels — A&. to Build a Court House — Its Location — Reasons for Seledling Easton
Style of Architeifture ; When Built; Its Cost; When Torn Down — Description of the Square — The Pillory
and Whipping Post — Pigs, Sheep and Cows; The Milking of the Cows — The New Court House; Reasons
for a New One ; When and Where Built ; "The House that Houck Built."
^IHE ACT by which Northampton County was formed was passed March
6th, 1752, and received the signature of Governor Hamilton on the nth
day of the same month. One of the reasons assigned by the petitioners
for a new county was that the people were so remote from the seat of jtis-
tice that it was difficult for them to obtain their rights, and rogues took
advantage in doing mischief with impunity. So the next step was to
establish courts. The first court was held on the i6th of June, 1752, and
in the session book we find this record : " At a Court of Record of our
Lord, the King, held at Easton, for the County of Northampton, the i6th
day of June, in the twenty-sixth year of our Sovereign Lord, George the
Second, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland,
&c.. Anno Domini 1752, before Thomas Craig, Timothy Horsefield, Hugh Wilson, James
Martin and William Craig, justices of the Lord, the King, the peace in the said county to
keep, as also divers trespassers and felons, and other offences in said county committed, to
hear and determine, assigned. (By commissions dated the 7th of June, instant.)" This
was the starting point for the courts of our county. The court thus organized was com-
pelled to hold their sessions in hotels, because they had no court house in which to meet.
The courts thus assembled at the hotels till 1766. An Act had been passed February 17,
1763, and may be found in Vol. V, page 247, of the votes of Assembly to build a Court
House. During these years the question of the location of the temple of justice was a
matter of serious debate. It was the intention of the Penns to have Easton the Shiretown
and yet there was a great deal of opposition by those living remote from the proposed lo-
cation. George Taylor had been appointed one of the trustees to attend to the building of
the Court House, and had removed to Easton in 1764 to perform those duties. The ques-
tion of location was now to be settled. A petition, very numerously signed, was presented
to the Assembly May 15, 1765,* praying that the work might be arrested, the law
repealed, and the building eredled in a more central position. The petitioners gave the
reason for their petition that the town of Easton was in the extreme southeast corner of
the county, and it should be in a more central position ; and, also, that Easton was inac-
cessible, there being no roads, and being surrounded by high hills, so high that people
approached it only at the risk of life and limb. The Assembly received the petition,
considered it respectfully, but the law previously ena<5led was re-affirmed and the building
was eredled in Easton. From June i6th, 1752, to March 6th, 1766, the courts were held
in the various hotels. The rents paid were from three to seven pounds, including wood
and candles. The sessions would not last more than two or three days the first few years,
*History of Northampton County, page 150.
66
THE HISTORY OF
but as business increased, four days would be consumed. Great formality was used by
the justices at these court gatherings. It was the custom to escort them from their homes
or lodgings with constables in front and rear, while the heads of the justices were graced
with three-cornered cocked hats. The common people gazed at them with amazement.
The staves of the constables were beautifully painted, and a bill was paid the United
Brethren for painting these emblems of official power, the amount being $25. The Court
House was finished at a cost of $4,589.67, and was built after a model of Carpenter Hall, in
Philadelphia. It was quite an imposing strudlure for those days, and was a source of
ROM A I'HDTdCKAl'H BV
pride to the borough and county. It was built of limestone, and surmounted by a cupola,
in which a bell was placed which had been cast at Bethlehem. South of the Court House,
just in the entrance of Third street, stood the Pillory and Whipping-post, those ancient
instruments of punishment. This mode of punishment was common in the days and ex-
perience of the great apo.stle, "five times received I forty stripes, save one," and with
Silas was he pilloried in Philipi. And here we see in a remote town, in a land of which
Paul never heard, tlie same humiliating instruments stand clo.se by the jail, nearly two
thou.sand years after those dark days. For twenty-four years this beautiful spot was dis-
figured by the relic of an ancient civilization, and during those long years many had suf-
fered the dread inflidlion of the lash. Among tho.se who received nineteen stripes, well
E ASTON, PENN'A. 67
laid on the naked back, was one Mary Nickum, who had stolen linen to the value of
twenty-six shillings and ten pence, and for this small sum she must have " her naked
back exposed to the gaping crowd," who hear the strange sound as the lash performs its
painful task. It would be very painful to see a man receive nineteen stripes well laid on
his naked back, and the blood following the painful infliction, but it would be much more
painful to see a woman pass through this ancient and humiliating experience. But as
this mode of punishment is still in vogue in Delaware, rogues are very glad that the State
is so small that they can soon pass beyond its borders. A little further south, fronting
Third Street, stood the jail, where many poor wretches have languished in sorrow in ex-
piating their crimes against society. Here then we see the machinery of justice, the
court house, the pillory and whipping-post, and the jail. It may be pardonable to con-
trast the Court House of those times with that of to-day. When the first Court House
was finished there were sixty-three houses in Easton, of very humble dimensions. I take
the following from the History of Lehigh Valley, that the people of to-day may not accuse
me of exaggeration: "Each of the inhabitants owned at least one cow, while the tavern
keepers, eight of them, had each two, viz: Jacob Abel, Jacob Hembt, Conrad Ihrie, Widow
Nungessor, Jacob Opp, John Shock, Theophilus Shannon, Adam Yohe, Jr., and Frederick
Wagener. There were 104 cows, 25 horses, about 200 sheep, and probably 200 hogs within
the Borough of Easton in 1783. It was the custom to drive the cows out in the barrens,
north and west of the town, for pasture. The pigs, in warm weather, were allowed
to wallow in the pond near the Court House, and the sheep lay generally panting in the
Covirt House shade, changing their location from west in the morning to east in the after-
noon. George Troxell informed the writer that the stench was intolerable in the Court
House from this cause, and added : ' I have often seen nearly two hundred sheep lying
around the court house.' There was no borough council to interfere with the arrange-
ments of the citizens, but everyone consulted his own convenience. The pig-pens were
generally fronting the streets and built of slabs or rails, the small doors of which were
usually opened every morning, giving them permission to take an airing. The cows came
home in the afternoon, walking down Ferrj' street in single file, accompanied by the music
of their numerous bells, the house-wives standing ready with their milk-pails to milk
them on the street. It used to be a lively time for the lasses to squat down in the street,
drawing the milk from the cows as they spoke to each other of their household duties, or
perhaps of their admirers. Many an agreeable hour was spent by the gallants of the town,
who thus had a favorable opportunity of seeing their sweethearts and having a chat with
them, and aiding them in keeping off the flies. The bake-ovens and wood piles graced
the streets for many years." It would be a sight worth a little trouble to witness,
some of the Easton belles of to-day with milk-pails in hand, meeting the cows returning
from pasture on Third street, and the kid-gloved gallants, on the bicycles, from College
Hill, wheeling in graceful curves around these centres of attra(5lion, whispering words of
the wooing enchanter, or dismounting just a moment to whisk away the flies, which seem
to make the cows so nervous. How the times have changed in a hundred years. When
the mind is busy thinking of the picfture thus drawn of the old Court House, with hund-
reds of living animals basking in the shade, and wallowing in the mud around it, with
what emotions do we turn our eyes to the Court House of the present, and its surround-
ings. It would be difficult to find a location more beautified by nature, made much more
68 THE HISTORY OF
so by art. The front of the height upon which it stands so neatly terraced, kept so clean
and the grass so closely shorn, covered with a grove of maples — as beautiful as the groves
of Academus — amid which the temple of justice stands, with its lofty spire and classic
columns, helps us recall the pi(fture we formed in early life, when reading of the "Acrop-
olis of Athens." Houck had been censured for building on this hill-top, but the taste of
the present and future will honor his judgment. Strangers, in summer time, never pass
this classic spot without stopping to admire the beautiful location, and many facile pens
have told of the glories of this summit of Court House Hill. After the first Court House
had stood almost a hundred years, the county became satisfied that the public interests
demanded a new one. All the bitter feuds of those old times — when from 1752 to 1764,
the question, "where shall we build the court house?" was discussed in the hotels, in the
humble dwellings, by the roadside, in the field and store, by men, women and children —
had passed away. Gordon, Sitgreaves, Jones and Porter had made the walls of the old
temple ring with their eloquence. Within those old walls the strongest minds in the State
had struggled for mastery. Murderers had been tried, convidled and led hence to be hung.
Long-standing difficulties had been settled, and old feuds adjusted. But like all things
human, the old building must pass away. There now comes a new controversy, quite as
sharp as the old one, but its area was more circumscribed. Before, the area of dispute
extended from the Delaware to the Valley of Wyoming, and from Bucks county on the
south, to the New York line on the north. Now Easton alone was concerned, as the
question was by common consent limited to Easton, and by them alone settled. "Where
shall our new temple be erected ?" Shall we build on the old foundation, or shall we
move farther to the west ? The excitement was intense. The lawyers did not wish the
Court House to be taken away from the centre of business ; the citizens did not wish the
Square any longer filled with a public building. And then the room was not sufficient.
Others thought that the town must grow in the diredlion to the west, and had the idea
that the Court House west, would in the future, be in the centre of population. The voice
of the people decided against the public square as being too small, and objectionable in
other particulars, and so, "Westward the Star of Justice takes its course." There were
those standing ready to see that the county need incur no expense in the purchase of lands
on which to ere(5l the public buildings. The Hon. David D. Wagener and James Thomp-
son offered land as a gift to the county. Through the action of the Court of Quarter Ses-
sions, and of two successive Grand Juries of Northampton County, the Commissioners
were invested with legal authority to proceed and purchase land for the erection of build-
ings for County purposes. A<5ling on this authority, on the 23d of May, i860, they revoked
all prior resolves touching the matter, and concluded to purchase land offered by Hon.
David D. Wagener, for the consideration of one dollar, and to build a Court Hou.se upon
the same. The Commissioners were Seager, Houck and Hillegass. Hillegass is recorded
as remaining neutral on the question of location. Houck was looked upon as the influ-
ential man in determining the question. He evidently had a backbone, and steered liis
own barge amid the storm. The question was settled. The situation fronts on Walnut
street, facing the north. The Commissioners deser\'e the thanks of the citizens for
choosing a site which for beauty cannot be excelled. The architecfl employed was C.
Graham, Esq., whose plan was submitted to the Connnissioners and by them approved.
On June the 15th the excavation for the foundation of the building was begun, and in a
E ASTON, PENN'A.
THE NEW COURT HOUSE. ERECTED IN THE YEAR 1861.
FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY ROCKFELLOW.
few da^'s the work was placed in the hands of R. H. Horn, as Superintendent. On June
2ist Mr. Wagener transferred the land to the count)-. The work went on with haste, and
on February ist, 1861, the Judges and Members of the Bar were invited to inspecft the
interior of the building, thougli the building was not finished until the following autumn.
On the 22d of October, S. Trumbore was dire<fted to take out certain gas fixtures and other
movables from the old Court House, and transfer them to the new. The Court House
was ready to be occupied in November, and on the i8th of that month the first term of
■JO
THE HISTORY OF
Court was held within its walls. Twenty-four years have passed away since the new
Court House was built, but the feeling has not all died away which was manifested against
building in the place where it stands, though no one would wish to see it again in the
public square. The following humorous poem was composed by Alexander E. Brown,
Esq. It would seem that Mr. Houck was the most blameworthy, and hence this bit of
wit was hurled at him.
THE HOUSE THAT HOUCK BUILT.
This is the house that Houck built :
These are the Clerks who wrote in the house that
Houck built.
These are the Lawyers who climbed up the hills
To visit the Clerks with awful long bills,
Who wrote in the house that Houck built.
This is the Crier who, when it was time,
Warned the Jury by bell to get ready to climb,
For when Court was called 'twas all the same,
The old, or the young, the halt or the lame.
Must mount with the Lawyers, who chimb up the hills
To visit the Clerks, with their awful long bills,
Who wrote in the house that Houck built.
This is the Judge who said he was sick
For fear he should tell them to biuld it of brick,
(For build as the\' would the Court must be mute,
Nor dare for the people one word to dispute, )
To hold the Crier, who when it was time
Warned the Jury, by bell, to get ready to climb.
For when Court was called it was all the same.
The old, or the young, the halt or the lame,
Thev nnist mount with the Lawyers who climb up the
hills, &c.
These are the wise men who showed their skill.
By planting this nuisance on top of the hill.
Regardless of safety, regardless of time
Or the necks of people compelled to climb.
For when Court was called, &c.
This is the Court who said they would try.
To dispose of John Brown, ere of age he sho;ild die.
Before the Jury sitting for life
To trj- John Brown who whipped his wife.
Being called by the Crier out of the town,
To try to get up if they never got down.
For when Court was called they were forced to climb
Regardless of comfort, regardless of time,
In storm or shine, it was all the same,
The old, or the young, the sick and the lame.
Must mount with the la\\yers who climbed up the hills,
&c.
These are the people who footed the bill.
For planting this humbug on top of the hill.
With steps so steep that he who must climb
Must take heed of his neck in slippery time.
When they'd climbed to the Court-room with trembling
and fear,
The de\-il a word can any one hear.
For this great bungle is built on the plan
To annoy the people as much as it can.
To do the least good at the greatest expense.
In defiance of decency, prudence and sense.
For when Court was called the>- all must climb,
To the top of the hill, regardless of time.
They must mount up those steps from out of the town.
And those may get up who don't tumble down.
For parties, jurors, witnesses, all
Must climb up that steep at the Crier's call.
They must scratch up the steps with grunt and groan,
And a bitter curse on every stone.
And mount with the Lawyers who climb up the hills,
To visit the Clerks with their awful long bills,
Wlio wrote in the house that Houck built.
The venerable building at the Square was razed, the material removed, and the ground
graded. The porch of the old building now graces the house of Mr. Fleming, two miles
up the Delaware. The hands of improvement built the circular iron fence, set out the
maples, eredled the fountain in the centre, and made the Circle and Square of Easton a
ver>' attradlive spot. The imagination must be put upon the strain when trying to realize
the difference between the appearance of this spot now, and when the old Court House
stood there in its glory. The land was given by Penu for a Court House, and when the
building was to be removed, apjjlicatiou was made to the heirs to have the privilege of using
the land for other purposes, wliich request was granted for a \-aluable consideration.
i
ROBERT TRAILL.
'Tis education forms the mind, —
Just as the twig is bent the tree 's inclined.
|T IS a matter of surprise to see how many names in our history tell the
story of Scotch ancestry. Scotland is not near as large as the State of
Maine, yet it has sent forth a steady stream of emigrants from her 3,500,000
of people to our country which has done more than any other nationality
to establish our educational, religious and political institutions. No settle-
ment was complete without the church and school house. They are lovers
of education and human freedom. Reared amid their northern hills, they
are a tough and hardy race, and retain the national peculiarities to a marked
degree in every clime in which they may make their home. The labors
necessary to procure a livelihood amid their native hills imparts a vigor of
body and mind which prepares them to tussle with the obstacles that lie
in the pathway of life. They are happy in their toil, frugal in their habits, vigorous in
thought and persistent in a(5tion. The pure Celtic stock occupies the Highlands, and are
as remarkable for their hospitality as for their love of freedom, education and religion.
The Scotch Bard has given us his idea of this feature of their characfter in the following
stanza:
"When death's dark stream I ferry o'er,
A time that surely shall come,
In Heaven itself I'll ask no more,
Than just a Highland welcome."
Just north of the Highlands is a cluster of islands called the Orkneys. The parallel 59°
passes through them. On the eastern coast of America this latitude would be too cold for
human habitation; but these islands are regaled by the warm breath of the Gulf Stream, so
modifying the climate as to make it a delightful residence for men. In the long da)-s of
Summer the sun is above the horizon more than twenty hours, and twilight lasts through
the night. In Sanda, one of these islands, Robert Traill was born, April 29th, 1744, O. S.
His father was the Rev. Thomas Traill, and his mother, Sabilla Grant, daughter of
the Rev. Alexander Grant, of South Ronaldsay. Robert had good advantages in his
early boyhood; though his father died when he was nine years old, leaving a widow with
seven children, four daughters and three sons. The eldest daughter and the three sons
were sent to Kirkwall, the capital of the county of Orkney, to be educated. The society
of this town is regarded as quite as good as that of the most favored towns of Scotland.
There was a good grammar school and suitable libraries for the use of the pupils. At
fourteen years of age, Robert entered the mercantile business with George Pitcarne, of
Edinburgh. He returned to Kirkwall. But he was not satisfied with the narrow
boundaries of a small island; when across the Atlantic, a virgin continent offered him a
home. He desired to go where day and night were more equally divided. He had heard
of Penn, and the noble commonwealth he had established. He had heard of its pleasant
climate, its fertile soil, and free institutions; and at the age of nineteen he bade adieu to
72 THE HISTORY OF
dear old Scotland, farewell to mother, sisters and brothers, whose faces he was never again
to see, a final farewell to scenes of his childhood, and with the star of hope shining
brightly before him, he set sail for Philadelphia, October, 1763. He kept a diar>- of his
voyage which was found among his papers after his death. The vessel in which he sailed
was commanded by John Thompson, of Londonderry. After a passage of ten weeks, he
arrived at the City of Brotherly Love. He had a letter from his eldest sister to one Mr.
Gilbert Barclay, who, in a few weeks, procured a place for him with Myer Hart, a Jewish
merchant of Easton. He remained with Mr. Hart twenty months, by which experience
he became well acquainted with business. He taught school a year. (He does not tell
us where. Was it in the log school house comer of Church and Sitgreaves streets?) This
seemed then, as now, the stepping stone to the legal profession. He entered the law office
of Lewis Gordon, prothonotan,-, and was admitted to the bar in Northampton county in
1777, and became the third lawyer in Easton. He was now thirty-three years of age, and
had passed through a good experience to aid him in the profession upon which he had
entered. From the time of his arrival in America, through the years preceding his legal
preparation, there had been more or less friction between the mother countr}- and the
colonies, and the mind of Mr. Traill became prepared to enter the contest in heart}- accord
with the struggling colonies for freedom. In the early days of the Revolutionary- war, a
committee of safety was formed for the county and Mr. Traill was elected clerk, and
adled as such for two years. The proceedings were neatly kept and are still in the hands
of his grandson. Dr. Traill Green, of Easton. He was appointed one of the Justices of
the Peace, June 3, 1777; and on the nth of March, military- storekeeper at Easton; a
position which he declined. October 15, 1781, he was eledled Sheriff of the county,
which position he held to November 5, 1784. The accounts of moneys received and paid
out while he was sheriff, lie before me, and in reading them over, I find the following bill
paid, viz.: 7s. and 6d. for shaving IMr. Levers, when a corpse; the fee was paid to John
Cleman; and also "paid the schoolmaster 7s., 6d. for inviting to the funeral." (This
Mr. Levers died while he was holding the position of Prothonotar}-. ) Mr. Traill was
chosen a representative to the General Assembly for the sessions of 1785-6. He rose
steadily in public esteem, passed through the exciting times of the Revolution; came to
Pennsylvania when it was a colony dependent on the British Crown, and now represented
Northampton county in the Legislature of the State. He began his official career
before he was admitted to the bar, and must have perfonned his work well to have
received this mark of confidence after ten years of official life. But he was still further
honored by his adopted State. At the close of his Legislative career, he was eledled a
member of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, which position he held
two years. He followed Mr. Levers as Prothonotar\- for the county. Under the Con-
stitution of 1790, he was commissioned by Governor Mifflin one of the Associate
Judges of Northampton county, and held the office more than two years. Judge Traill
died at Easton on the 31st of July, 1816, aged seventy-two years.
The Spirit of Pctiusylvaitia^ in a notice of his death, said: "He was an honest and
virtuous citizen, much esteemed by his fellow-citizens, and venerated for his unifonn
morality and his punctuality in business. He expired as a finn and faithful servant of
our Redeemer. Judge James M. Porter, in an historical address relating to the county,
spoke of many of the early inhabitants of the county. In the course of his remarks he
E ASTON, PENN'A. 73
said: "Lewis Gordon was the first Attorney, then James Biddle, afterward Judge Biddle,
the father of John Marks Biddle, of Reading, who was the King's Attorney at the organi-
zation of the county. The next was Robert Traill, of Scotland, who settled here before
the Revolution, and adlive in favor of the Colonies. His descendants in the female line
are yet among us, and among the most respecftable part of our citizens. He was a man
of great probity and industry, of singular professional accuracy, and though he had
not much of the 'Suaviter in modo, he had a good degree of the fortiter in re in him.' "
Henry, in History of the Lehigh Valley, says: "Of Mr. Traill it can be said that in every
respedl he, for many years, was everything to ever>'body. Any inhabitant getting into
difficulty was told to go to Mr. Traill, he will tell you what to do." If any writings
were to be drawn corredlly, "go to Mr. Traill." If any secretary or clerk was wanting
at any public meeting, Mr. Traill was called upon to officiate. The History' of North-
ampton County thus speaks of him: "He was the third lawyer in Easton in point of
time, though indeed not second to any in point of legal ability and prominence through
a career of a quarter of a century. His popularity was great in the county. If two mis-
guided farmers, taking counsel more of their passions than of their wisdom rushed into
the labyrinth of the law, it was a question with such, which could soonest reach and retain
lawyer Traill; and many a well-fed Rosinante was rushed at a dangerous pace down the
steep hill, or across the Bushkill bridge, in the owner's haste to be first at the office .of the
favorite lawyer. And whatever might be needed — will, deed, assignment, or any of the
multiform invocations or evasions of law and justice — none felt themselves secure unless
the legal shield of Robert Traill covered them. Surrounded by so large a German popu-
lation, he studied that language, and was so well acquainted with it that he acfled frequently
as interpreter in the Northampton courts, in which, in his day, there must have been
many witnesses who could not speak the English language." We learn that on one occa-
sion Samuel Sitgreaves, an eminent lawyer, at the same bar, expressed a doubt as to the
correctness of the translation which he made. Mr. Traill put on his hat and left the
court room. Mr. Sitgreaves made an apology for the interruption he had made in the
examination of the witness. Mr. Traill's honesty in every position was never doubted,
and Mr. Sitgreaves felt that he had erred in expressing himself as he did in regard to Mr.
Traill's knowledge of the German language, and his faithfulness in the translation. His
family bible was in German; and it is more than probable that his wife was most familiar
with that language. To show the characteristics of the man, it may be proper to recall the
following counsel to his children, which was found among his papers after his death:
"My Dear and Loving Children :
Before I depart this life, and leave you under the precepts and examples of a wise,
and Almighty Ruler of the Universe, I am desirous to give you a little advice, for your
future conduCl in this precarious and uncertain world. You and all of you have, to my
great satisfaction, heretofore behaved well and affectionately to your mother and me, and
should your mother survive me, I hope you will continue so to do. She has been an
industrious, loving, and affeClionate wife and mother. Keep always in memory the
instruction you have in youth received, and the many mercies and benefits bestowed on
you by the Lord. Attend divine worship when circumstances and opportunities serve.
In your leisure hours and walks meditate on the works of God, and repeat some comfort-
THE HISTORY OF
THE OLD COUNTY HOUSE THAT STOOD IN THE SQUARE.
ENGRAVED FROM A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN BY BROWN, APRIL 4. lS6S,
WHILE THE BUILDING WAS BEING TORN DOWN.
From a Philadelphia Magazine in 1798: "The County House is a building destined for the safe
keeping of the public records, and in which the ci\'il offices are kept. It is perfeclly fire proof; it
was built in 1792, is one-storj' high, of an oblong form, with a wide entri,- through the middle, com-
municating with two spacious rooms on each side — each room being arched over ; the floors are all
plastered ; the casements of the windows are of stone, and the whole of the doors and shutters are of
iron. It is situated southeast of the Court House."
It became useless to the county after the new Court House was built, and was sold by the Commis-
sioners to Andrew H. Reeder, Esq., March 19, 1S64. Recorded in the Office for Recording of Deeds,
at Easton, in Deed Book G, \'ol. 10, page 661. Consideration, #5525. The Free Press was published
here for a short time ; also, old Squire Arndt had his office in it. The Phcenix Hose Company's house
stood in the rear. Handsome brick dwellings, erecled by Daviil Garis and James Dinkey, now occupy
the site.
£ ASTON, PENN'A. 75
ing hymns or psalms. These were often my company in my solitary walks, and gave me
relief when in trouble or concern of mind. There are several of the psalms of David
which I would recommend, and which I got by heart in my younger days when at school,
particularly the ist, 23d, 67th, looth, 120th, 121st, 123d, 127th, 131st, and 133d. I have
several good books which I have direc?ted to be divided amongst you, as well as other
instru6live ones as you may choose among )ourselves. Let, I pray you, no jealousy or
discord appear between you, and should your mother survive me, at her decease divide
her clothing and linen as equally as possible between yourselves without any disagree-
ment whatever. You have been always affedlionate and loving toward me and mother,
and I hope in God you may continue. As Easton is a place of much discord, ill-will
toward one another, and very much tattling, I would recommend to you that you may
hear what you will of your neighbor, give no reply nor interfere in a thing that does not
concern you. Tattling and back-biting are great evils, and often bring people to trouble.
Bring up your children in a decent, Christian manner, remembering the Scripture saying,
'Train up a child in the way he shall go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.'
Show at all times a good example to your offspring, and you will, with God's help, have
pleasure in their condu6l. My last wish is, that the Lord the Ruler of the Universe, may
bless and protecft you and them for Christ's sake, who shed His blood for the remission
of sin. Your affedlionate father,
Easton, Sept. ix, 18x5. "ROBERT TRAILL."
In order to show still more clearly the charadler of this man, the author takes great plea-
sure in referring his readers to a manuscript Catechism which was placed in his hands by
one of the descendants. On the outside of the cover, we have the title: "Robert Traill's
Catechism," and is dated 1752. It was evidently written in a boy's hand, coarse and
heavy; part of the pages were carefully ruled, and the others not. All show the inex-
perience of the boy. Those who know the habits of the Scotch people in the education of
their children, will not be much surprised to learn that Robert's catechism was written
out when he was eight years old, as he was born in 1744. Without doubt he began to
learn his catechism with the first exhibition of thoughtfulness. And the influence of
these principles never left him ; they were the foundation of his religious charadler, they
set the currents of life in motion, and, through stonn and sunshine, they were the impell-
ing force of his '^ife, the solace of his soul. The instrudlion thus given was a better
legacy than any pecuniary bequest. He was thus prepared to battle with the trials
and problems of life in the new world. These principles shone clearly in his touch-
ing letter to his children, just as the sun of life was setting. Robert Traill was truly a
religious man, yet he had a vein of humor in his nature. On one occasion, when travel-
ing in the country on business, he came to a cross of the roads, and observed a iinger-
board directing the traveler to a village, and giving the distance. Underneath the
diredlion, he saw the words: "Those who cannot read inquire at the next house." The
incident was told with merriment when he returned home. The catechism bears evidence
of the boy in the language as well as in the handwriting. The first nineteen questions
are lost, but enough remains to show the faithful training of his father, who was a Presby-
terian clergyman. The charad;er of this good man shows plainly that a stri6l religious
education in early childhood is the best gift of a parent.
76 THE HISTORY OF
The author takes pleasure in quoting a few words from the remarkable catechism, in
order to show the working of the child's mind, and the careful training he had received.
22D QuES. — In what condition was our Saviour when his sufferings drew near?
Ans. — He was filled with such agony and consternation that the sweat ran over his
body like great drops of blood.
28TH QuES. — In what manner was our Saviour put to death?
Ans. — Great nails were driven through his hands and his feet, by which he was fixed
to the cross, and hung up between two thieves like a common malefadtor.
Judge Traill was married on the 3d of March, 1774, to Elizabeth Grotz, daughter of
Jacob and Elizabeth Grotz, who were of German birth. Her family name was Shaffbuch.
She was born on the 7th day of July, 1751, and died on the 31st of May, 1816, preceding
her husband's death by two months. She was a woman of intelligence and energ\-, a
verv helpmate to her Scotch husband. The children were:
Elizabeth, married Benjamin Green, who were the parents of Dr. Traill Green, the
eminent physician of Easton; Mars', married Abraham Ealer; Catherine, died unmarried;
Sarah, married Peter Nungesser; Isabella, married Melchior Horn; Anne, married Jacob
Kline; Rebecca, died unmarried.
All the daughters grew up to mature age. There were three sons, Thomas, George
and Jacob, who died in infancy.
Note. — It is often a matter of surprise, while tracing out family lineage to see how strangely families
from remote regions intermingle. On page 14 of a book entitled, "A genealogical account of the Traills of
Orkney," we find the following: "George Traill married Keith Spence, whose daughter Harriet married the
Rev. Charles Lowell, father of his Excellency the Honorable James Russel Lowell, .\merican .\mbassador to
England, who, in addition to being an able diplomatist, has long enjoyed and maintained a high reputation in
the paths of literature."
KICHLINE FAMILY.
Among the early families in Easton was the one named above. Peter Kichline was
born in Germany, October 8, 1722, and died November 27, 1789. His name was spelled
Kechline, Keechline and Kachline in the old records, but for many years has been
spelled as above. He was for many years one of the most acliive citizens of the state.
He built the first grist mill in the limits of the town of Easton, on the left bank of the
Bushkill, back of Mount Jefferson, which property has been owned by Michael Butz many
years. Like nearly all the German emigrants, he fled from the tyranny of kings in
Europe, and was ready for the patriotic struggle which was ushered into life by the trying
scenes of the Revolution. He was among the very first to take adlive measures of resist-
ence to the encroachments of the British King. At a meeting of the citizens of Easton
in the Court House, in December, 1774, to elecfl a Committee of Safety for the county,
he was one of the judges of the eledlion, with George Taylor; was the second man
eledled of that immortal band of patriots, and was placed on the Standing Committee.
He entered thus early into the struggle, and continued steadfast unto the end. He became
colonel of militia, and was frequently in correspondence with the President of the Com-
monwealth of Pennsylvania. In \'oI. XII, of the Colonial Records, page 312, we find
E ASTON, PENN'A.
11
he was ordered to call out the militia of the county, and empowered to offer fifteen
hundred dollars for every Tory or Indian prisoner, and a thousand dollars for every Indian
scalp. On the next page we find an order for him to march immediately to the townships
of lyower and Upper Smithfield to repress the incursion of the savages. The militia of
the county was under the control of Colonel Kichline, and on the same page, as quoted
above, we learn that those who expended money for the service must report to Colonel
Kichline, lieutenant of the county. He was as faithful in the Indian war of 1763, as he
was afterwards in the Revolution. He went as lieutenant with the company from North-
ampton, to the battle of Brooklyn; was in the thickest of the fight; was taken prisoner,
but soon returned home and buckled on his annor for further duties in the field. He was
as busy in civil life as he was in military. He was a hotel keeper, and rented his large
room in his new house, up one pair of stairs, to the Commissioners for holding courts,
eledlions, and all other public business. In 1759, he was elecfted one of the Commis-
sioners; he was ele(5led Sheriff" in 1762; was chosen a member of the Assembly in 1774;
and appointed a Justice of the Peace. The writer of the History of the L,ehigh Valley
says : "He was a true patriot, and an honest man. ' ' Another has told us that ' ' an honest
man is the noblest work of God;" and when this is added to the charac5ler of the man
who goes fearlessly to the front in heat of battle to defend the liberties of his countr}-,
who mingles in civil and official life without reproach, we have a charadler worthy of our
profoundest regard, and one which may be studied with profit. His mill property passed
into the hands of his son Andrew, and in old age, he lived and died with his son Peter,
who lived on a farm about two miles above Easton. His son had also a son Peter who
was the father of Joseph Kichline, now living on South Sixth street, in the quiet retire-
ment of old age. The writer called frequently upon old Mr. Kichline on Sixth street,
and enjoyed his allusions to the past in connedrtion with his experience. When quite
young he was a clerk for one of the large firms in Bushkill Valley. He said the farmers
would come from above the mountains with their produce, and generally took back a
barrel of whiskey, and the whiskey was sold for eight or nine dollars a barrel. Those
attending court as jurors or witnesses from beyond the mountains would come barefooted.
People would give their children one pair of shoes in a year, and this would be in Autumn.
When they were worn out they must go barefoot. Shoemakers went from house to house
to make shoes for the family, and this was called "whipping the cat." Mr. Kichline
went to school to the old Pedagogue in the German Reformed school house, comer of Sit-
greaves and Church streets. This was Mr. Hempsing, who was the organist in the old church
on Third street. Mr. Kichline has four children living: George F. Kichline, Esq., Mrs.
Mary Smith, Mrs. Susan Kutzler, and Miss Annie. There are six grand children, which
makes the sixth generation.
LEHN FAMILY.
In the tax list of 1763, the name of Michael Lehn appears among the married men
of the town. He was the father of Andrew Adam Lehn who lived in the southeast corner
of the Square. There was another son who emigrated to Pittsburg, and Adam made
78 THE HISTORY OF
several trips, on foot, during his life to visit his brother. Michael, the father, was among
the early German people who came to this country poor. His son Adam had been pros-
pered, and owned thirt}' acres of land on College Hill, commencing at the jun6lion of
Cattell street and the new road, extending toward the Delaware, and as far back as Moser's
lane. He also owned the property in the southeast corner of Centre Square, now occu-
pied by the residence of A. S. Deichman, and all the property on Lehn's Court. He also
owned other property in different parts of the town which was divided, at his death,
between his children John and Mar>'.
On the property on College Hill was a fine apple orchard, and he had some trouble
with the boys, who had the common habits of boys when apples were ripe. A sound
reprimand accompanied by the ordinary threat had about the same effect as in more
modern times. Adam Lehn was remarkable for his financial integrity and stridl dealings
with his fellows. Father Pomp preached his funeral sermon, and made the remark, that
"if Mr. Lehn owed a man half a cent, he would cut a cent in two but what he would pay
him his just demand." Adam Lehn married a sister of the late Philip Mixsell, and had
two children, John and Mary. John married Miss Susan Gangawere, of AUentown, and
had a family of ten children, three sons and seven daughters, five of whom are still living.
The daughters Maria and Matilda were twins. Maria, who married the late Henn.' Ben-
der, was the mother of the wife of Judge Schuyler; and Matilda, who married the late P.
A. Sage, was the mother of H. A. Sage. Mary, the daughter, married Ralph Tindall,
and was the mother of nine children, five of whom are living. John married Elizabeth
Herster; had one child, Mary E., wife of Mark T. Warne. Caroline, the wife of J. W.
Long; Louisa, the wife of Charles Heller, of Philadelphia; x\bby Ann, and Ellen, the
widow of Dr. J. W. Geyer, of Frederick, Maryland. Maria, the late wife of Samuel
Drinkhouse, was the mother of the wife of the Rev. George Diehl, D. D., of Frederick
City, Maryland; Mrs. Clement Stewart, of South Easton, and Mrs. Harry Raphael. The
patriotism of the citizens of Easton is shown by the following incident. While spending
a pleasant evening in the family of Mr. James W. Long, Miss Tindall told the author,
when she saw a large bonfire that her grandmother remarked, "they may build bonfires,
but they would never have as large a one as they had when the news of the adoption of
the Declaration of Independence came to Easton. They brought many cords of wood
and piled it up where the Police Headquarters now stand, which was then an open space,
and burned it, and the hills around were lighted by the flames." It recalled, no doubt,
the signal fires on the mountains of Switzerland when liberty was in danger.
THE BUSHKILL VALLEY.
Empires may fall and kingdoms ris
Changes take place in starlit skies,
But these rivers roll on forever.
ASTON is made beautiful by the mountains which encircle it, where
"hills peep o'er hills and Alps on Alps arise." But this beauty is greatly
enhanced by the rivers which meet and mingle their waters as they hasten
away to the sea. The history of the Delaware is so closely interwoven
with the early history of the Republic, that it has become a classic stream.
Its history would make one of the most interesting stories in American
literature. The Lehigh valley is known far and wide as one of the most
busy in the cotintry. The canal, railroads, and furnaces smoking from
Easton to Mauch Chunk, make it a valley for tourists to visit. So over-
shadowing are these two in history and in wealth, that the historian
has quite overlooked the valley of the Bushkill, and yet this little, unpre-
tending stream was the beginning of Easton' s wealth. A glance at the map of North-
ampton county will reveal to the eye a number of small brooks starting in the Blue Moun-
tain, bounding Bushkill Township on the north, which flow together in the southern part
of the township, and form what is called Bushkill creek. This creek, in former years
was called Tatamy's creek, and Lehicflon creek, but those Indian names were aban-
doned, and it is now known by the name of the township in which it rises, and through
which it runs. The distance from Easton to the mountain is about fourteen miles, but
the main stream is very crooked, which increases its length and power as a mill stream.
There is a good deal of business done in the valley at this date, but not so large as in
"ye olden time," when the smoke of the distilleries greeted the vision in all directions,
and the "sound of the grinding" was not low. Large teams were constantly seen carry-
ing heavy loads of grain to the mills, and bringing back the flour and whiskey to the
Durham boats waiting at the river bank. There were ten or twelve cooper-shops, which
were kept busy manufadluring barrels in which to transport whiskey to Philadelphia.
Whiskey was plenty then; a bottle was standing in every store, and purchasers were
free to drink when their bills were settled. The author spent a very pleasant evening with
one of the prominent citizens of Easton, whose age and experience enabled him to call up
the history of this busy little valley, and name the several mills along the stream. Sit-
ting in his pleasant mansion, near Third street, he would naturally begin with that one
nearest at hand, and so he named the one at the foot of Third street, near the Bushkill
bridge. But before noticing this mill, we will speak of an island which lies in the Dela-
ware, near the mouth of this creek. This little barren island was once one of the best
fishing stations for shad along the river. (It is valuable now only as a deposit of excel-
lent sand washed down by the current of the river.) It is chiefly memorable from the
scene of the execution of Getter many years ago, and is called Getter's island. From the
So THE HISTORY OF
original deed, now lying before me, it is learned that this island was deeded to "Jacob
Abel, fem-man, Peter Ealer, Esq., George William Roup, gentleman, Jacob Amdt, Jr.,
Esq., and John Herster, all of the town of Easton," in 1787, by the Honorable John
Penn, Jr., and John Penn, of Philadelphia, Esqrs. This island should be called Abel's
island, as the original deed is still in possession of the family.
The mill property at the bridge, and the first mentioned by my informant, was granted
to John Brotzman and John Herster, in 1789, by John Penn, the yoimger, and John Penn,
the elder. The deeds, showing the several transfers of the property, are fine specimens of
penmanship, and are kept in the safe of the present owners of the mill, who ver>- kindlv
pennitted the author to examine them. Brotzman and Herster cut the road up the left bank
of the Bushkill from the Third street bridge. This property was transferred to Jacob
Mixsell in 1810, and retained by him for
thirty-two years, and was transferred to
Enoch Green, in 1842. The next owner
was I. N. Carpenter, by whom it was sold
to Mann & Allshouse, in 1868, the present
owners. The old method of making flour
is still used, and excellent work is done.
The capacity of this mill is about fifty bar-
rels per day. There is nine feet fall of
water. On the opposite side of the creek
was fonnerly Lehn's tannery, now owned
by H. A. Sage, and is used as a funiiture
iuanufa(5lory. At the foot of Fourth street
was another tanner}- also, owned by Major
William Bamet.
The second mill is Groetzinger's, and
was built by Peter Ihrie in 1829 or 1830.
It was first used as a fulling mill, but this
business being unprofitable it was changed
to an oil mill, and after a fair trial, the
trouble of obtaining flax seed was so great,
it was changed into a grist mill. This pro-
perty remained in the hands of Peter Ihrie
till his death; it then passed into the hands of his son Benjamin, who sold it to the
present owner. The old process of flour-making is continued. It has four run of stone,
and five feet fall of water.
Peter Ihrie was the son of Conrad Ihrie, who was born in Germany in 1731. Peter,
the father of Anthony Ihrie, was born in 1765, and was the father of twelve children, only
one of whom survives, viz : Anthony, from whom the above infonnation was obtained.
Anthony has a family of five children, three sons and two daughters; so that the family
name will remain in Easton.
The third mill is now owned l)y the \cnerablc Michael Butz, and it was the second
one built on the stream, having been built in 1762, by Peter Kichline. This mill passed
to .Andrew, his .son. Cliristian Butz bought the mill of Andrew Kichline, and lived in a
ON THE BUSHKILL — VIEW OK THE OLD BUTZ MILL,
REAR OF XIOINT JEKKERSOX.
E AS TON, PENN'A. 8i
log house on the opposite side of the creek from the mill. At his death David Butz bought
it from the estate of his father. In 1810, Christian Butz built the large brick house,
which is a fine specimen of faithful workmanship, and has stood the test of seventy-six
years of wear and weather. In 1827, Michael bought the mill of his brother David,
and still retains it, a period of fifty-nine years. The mill pursues the old method of mak-
ing flour. There are three run of stone, twelve and a half feet fall of water, and can
produce fifty barrels of flour per day. There is a large planing mill standing on the same
property. Michael Butz's grandfather's name was Christian, the same as his father.
Michael has four children, and six grand children ; and though he has been married nearly
sixty-four years, he and his wife are rarely absent from church on the Sabbath. When he
is fresh in the morning his mind is as clear as in former times, and he seems to enjoy life
as well as those who are many years younger. While talking with him our minds are
taken back to the log cabin days.
The fourth mill was owned by Judge Daniel Wagner, now used as a plaster mill ;
water- fall fifteen feet; turbine wheel is used. The old homestead is still standing close
by the mill. It was once a fine mansion, but now shows the marks of time's hard
fingers. The following sketch of the Wagner family was kept by Mrs. Elizabeth B.
Ricker, and published by request: "Mr. David Wagner was born in Silesia, Gennany,
May 24, 1736. His mother, then a widow, with a colony from that place, emigrated to
the United States in the year 1740, on account of religious persecution, and settled in
Bucks county, in this state, with her two children, David and Christopher, aged respect-
ively four and eight years. The son David married Miss Susanna Umstead, and raised a
family of four sons and three daughters. About 100 years ago he purchased a tradl of
land of 'the Penns, the heirs of William Penn,' situated on both sides of the Bush-
kill, a short distance above Easton, and moved thereon." The author examined the
records, and found the purchase took place June 6, 1785. The tradl consisted of sixty-
five acres, for which he paid 260 ^ 6 s. The deed was recorded May 24, 1786. This fixes
the date quite clearly when David Wagner began his enterprise. "The Easton Cemetery
grounds are now a portion of that tra6t of land, where his remains lie in the plot of his
son David, southwest of the chapel. His death occurred in the sixtieth year of his age.
His mother and her son, Christopher, remained in Bucks coiinty, near Gennantown. "
David, the son of David Wagner, of Silesia, was five years old when his father moved to
Easton to settle on his lands on the Bushkill,' and he lived seventy-nine years on the
old homestead, when he departed this life; and that beautiful home is still in the
Wagner family. "David Wagner, of Germany, had thirty-seven grown up grandchildren,
five of whom are still living: Michael Butz, John Wagner, of Allentown, and his sister,
Mary Dobins, Jacob B. Wagner, and his sister, Elizabeth B. Ricker, of Easton. The
three daughters of David Wagner, of Silesia, were married respectively to Adam Deshler,
Jacob Mixsell, and Christian Butz. The names of the four sons are: John, who married
a Miss Deshler; Daniel, who married a Miss Opp; David, who married a Miss Bidelman;
and Adam, who died a single man. The great-grandchildren are too numerous to specify,
they number over one hundred." Mr. Amos Davis, now over eighty years old, worked
many years for the Wagners, during the time when Daniel Wagner and his two sons,
Jacob and David D. Wagner, were in partnership in the milling business. There is no
doubt but that many a pleasant hour was spent in talking over old times when business
82 THE HISTORY OF
was not very pressing. This old gentleman has a remarkable memory', and takes great
pleasure in talking of "ye olden times." Judge Daniel's father had built a small house
for temporary- residence, and had brought two daughters to keep house for the millwrights
while they built the mill. During the absence of papa they became very home-sick, and
they persuaded the workmen to go home; and, early on Saturday morning, they started
for ' ' home, sweet, sweet home. ' ' One of the sweetest emotions of the soul is the love
of home. And we cannot wonder that these young girls felt lonesome in the lonely spot.
To hasten their flight to the dearest spot on earth, they took off" their shoes and stockings
and went with sturdy earnestness to the scenes of their childhood. They were overtaken
by a gentleman driving a good team; they accepted an invitation to ride; they knew
mother would welcome them, and they knew the kindness of their father — the only desire
was to get home. We know nothing of the reception, but parents can easily imagine
the hearty laugh which rang through the house when the daughters, tired with the long
journey, appeared in the family circle. But a short time elapsed before the father and
girls appeared again on the banks of the Bushkill. The mill was finished, the "dear old
house" was built, and father and mother came, and with them came all the joys of
home for the children. For many years this was the centre of business, happiness, and
prosperity.
About the year 1825, '^^ fourth mill up the stream from the Delaware was owned by Judge
Daniel Wagner. The fifth was owned by David D. Wagner. The next was an oil mill,
now in ruins. The next was Judge Wagner's new mill. This is a paint mill, used
for grinding mineral paint, and owned by Mr. J. Rodenbongh. The author called at the
mill and heard the busy hum of the machinery, but did not enter the building. Here
is a water-fall of seven feet. The next is Lehicton mills. These mills were owned by
Herster and Barnet, and are now owned by Joseph T. Williams. Herster and Bamet had
a distiller}', and the old building is yet standing on the right bank of the stream. This
is a beautiful spot, and was one of the busy scenes of the past. The hill was so steep
approaching the bridge from the south that chains were used to hold the heavy wagons
from crowding on the horses.
There is a good deal of business carried on at this point. Mr. Williams has three
mills, a flour mill and two mills for grinding soapstone. The flouring mill is one of the
best in the valley. The proprietor has expended about eight thousand dollars in new
machinery with the latest improvements; and, to those who are fond of machinery-, it
will pay to visit the mill. The machinery consists of one break machine, ten sets of
rollers, four run of stone; three are n,sed for feed, one for the reduction of middlings, and
one for flour packing. Water-fall twenty feet. The capacity of this mill is seventy-five
barrels in twenty-four hours. The two mineral mills grind seven tons each of soapstone,
in twenty-four hours, which is, in part, taken from the side of Chestnut Hill, not half a
mile distant. There are several openings of this mineral in the side of this mountain.
The Eastou Silk Mill, established about three years ago, is located here, and employs
about two hundred hands. This business is conducted by R. & H. Simon, the great silk
manufa(flurers of Paterson, New Jersey, formerly of Germany. The mill is engaged in
what is called the throwing department, and is connedled with other mills where the
wca\ing is done.
The whole region around Leliicl-lon mills ])ids fair to be a beautiful j>art of Eastou.
E AS TON, PENN'A.
83
\^'i
ON THE BUSHKII,!, — THE WAGNER DAM, SHOWING OLD WAGNER HOMESTEAD,
RINEK'S ROPE WALK IN THE DISTANCE.
Thirteenth street has been graded, and curbing laid to the foot of the Chestnut Hills ; and
the Commissioners have just determined to build a new bridge across the stream in place of
the old wooden one. The surface rises gradually from the right bank of the Bushkill up to
Washington street, and on this beautiful slope a number of handsome and costly villas have
been built. The grounds have been tastefully arranged, adorned with shrubbery, making
homes that can hardly be surpassed in beauty. William Laubach, T. L. McKeen, R. and H.
Simon, Jacob Hay and William Heller have made their homes in this part of the handsome
little valley. Mr. Joseph T. Williams, who lives here, is a warm friend of William Penn,
and speaks of making a small park, in the centre of which he will place a statue of the
kind-hearted Quaker in the attitude of shaking hands with the red man.
The next mill, which formerly belonged to Joseph Herster, is now one of Williams'
mineral mills. The next above was Sciple's mill, latterly owned by a Mr. Michael, now
by Gearhart as a grist mill. The next was James Thompson's mill, now Tilghman Kep-
ler's flour mill. There was a distillery connedled with it. Herster and Col. Samuel
Yohe also had distilleries. The next mill was owned by Nathaniel Michler, who also
had a distillery. The next was owned by Kemmerer. The next was Messinger's clover
mill, now Messinger's flour mill. The next was Judge Wagner's upper mill, now owned
by Mrs. Newlin, of Philadelphia, a granddaughter. The next was Woodring's mill at
Stockertown. The next was Friedensthall's. The next mill was built and owned by
84 THE HISTORY OF
Jacob Hartzell. This array of mills and distilleries will give the present generation some
idea of the extent of business that was done in this valley and brought into Easton from
1820 till canals and railroads came into acflivity. There were six distilleries which used
one thousand bushels of grain daily, and produced four gallons of whiskey to the bushel.
This would give four thousand gallons daily, twenty-eight thousand gallons per week, one
million, four hundred and fifty-six thousand gallons annually. Mr. Davis said that wdiiskey
sold for twenty-two to forty cents per gallon. He thought thirty cents would be a fair
average. This would produce an annual income of four hundred and thirty-six thousand
and eight hundred dollars. The rise and fall in the price of whiskey was caused by the
difference in the amount of burning fluid used in summer and winter. The whiskey was
mixed with turpentine, and used for illuminating purposes, until the coal oil wells were
discovered. The refuse grain was used to feed hogs, and as one bushel would feed five
hogs, it is an easy matter to estimate the number that might be raised in the valley.
These busy mills, these smoking distilleries, that great drove of swine, that great com-
pany of teams and teamsters, the busy Durham boats, the sixteen or eighteen hotels filled
with farmers from the distant farms, the busy merchants buying up the grain and dealing
out their goods to the returning fanners, that great procession of teams passing up North-
ampton street, sixty in a single line * — all these will give us a pi6lure of the business of
Easton in those days. There are a few old men now walking in the lengthening shadows
of life's evening, who look back to those, in their minds, halcj'on days of Easton's life,
with mingled feelings of sadness and pleasure. The same creek rushes along its rocky
bed with its gurgling music, and anon tumbling over its artificial water-falls, refledling
the rays of the sun like burnished silver. The same old mills stand in their places,
changed by the hand of improvement. The same rocky crags are standing on the water's
banks, like quiet sentinels watching the progress of time, and guarding the interests of
the lovely vale, so like their former selves that the spirits of the past age would easily
recognize the scenes of their manly toil. But the Hersters, Mixsells, Ihries, Kichlines,
Wagners, Arndts, Thompsons, have bowed to the resistless touch of death, and others
listen to the busy whirl of the machinery and obtain their livelihood from the same roll-
ing stream that served those who have gone before.
To one passing up the valley at the present day it is pleasant to observe the life and
adlivity and the enterprise of those who now manage the business. The author visited a
few of the mills above Lehidlon. At Gerhart's mill they not only grind grain, but they
manufadlure the "French burr mill stones." They have four run of stone, and use a
new bolting chest; the old process of flour-making, and the old fashioned breast wheel is
used. The roller process is to be introduced this spring. This mill grinds one hundred
and twenty bushels a day. The next mill visited was Kepler's. The rollers are used, and
five run of stone. This was formerly James Thompson's mill, to which a distillery
was attached which used two hundred bushels of grain daily. The capacity of the mill
is now sixty-five barrels. The next mill visited was that of Jacob Walter. This mill
has the new process; five run of stone; capacity, one hundred barrels per day, and
has a water-fall of ten feet. It is the old Arndt mill, which Jacob Arudt purcha.sed
of Mr. Jones, in 1760, and was the first mill built on the stream. In this spot the old Ger-
man patriot passed many liaj)]))- days, and ncnv quietly sleeps on the hill, near the church
l)r, C.ic-cii s:iiil. Id the- uriUv, lu- li.i.l sti-ii sixty Uniiis in oiu- pnici'ssioii jjussiiij,' up N(irlh;iiii])Um stri-ft.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
85
called by his name. Not having time to call upon all the mills in passing up the stream, the
author called at the flourishing establishment known as the Empire Agricultural Works at
Stockertown. This industry was established by S. S. Messinger, in 1857. He began
the enterprise with small buildings, and an investment of eight hundred dollars, employ-
ing one moulder and one machinist. In 1861 the buildings were enlarged, increasing
the facilities for manufacturing; and threshing, mowing and reaping machines had been
added, and capital increased to about four thousand dollars. In 1873, G. Frank Messinger
was taken into the firm, which then employed thirty hands, with an investment of over
forty thousand dollars. In 1883, a machine shop, 48x98, four stories high, and a moulding
shop or foundry, 40x70 feet were ere<5led. At the present time the firm is engaged in the
manufadlure of mowers, reapers, twine-binders, horse powers, threshers and cleaners, and
other fanning implements; employing seventy-five hands, and the capital invested nearly
one himdred and forty thousand dollars. A flourishing village is springing up around them.
The name of Messinger has long been known in and around Easton, and is of Switz origin.
The great grandfather of S. S. Messinger was born in Switzerland in 17 19, and came to
this country in 1744. The grandfather, Michael Messinger, was born in 1759, in Forks,
now Palmer township, in the place called Jacob Walter's upper mill. George W. Mes-
singer, the father of Samuel, was born in 1797, in Palmer township, in a locality
known by the name of Messinger since 1872.
The writer has taken a good deal of pains to ascertain, as nearly as pradlicable, the
difference in altitude between the mill-dams at Stockertown and the Delaware at Easton.
The water-fall of all the mills visited was carefully noted, and one of the millers, well
acquainted with the mills above, gave the amount of fall at each mill — the united fall of
all the dams being 167 feet. Mr. Williams, who accompanied the writer to Stockertown,
helped to form an idea of the lost power between the several dams and the dead water
below them, and a conclusion was reached that it amounted in altitude to about fifty
feet. This may be nearly correal, and added to the fall of the several dams would
make two himdred and seventeen feet. The average water-fall is thirty-two and a third
feet to the mile. Count Zinzendorf crossed this stream in 1742, and found the name to be
Lehicfton. It was also called Tatamy's creek, Lefevre's creek, and more recently Lehicflon,
and Bushkill, or Bush river, as Kill properly means river. It will thus be seen that the
names of Lehigh and Lehi6lon have not the slightest relation to each other. It is a matter
of interest to know the altitude of Easton above tide-water. It is found, by examining the
survey of the Delaware canal, that the lockage is 162.05 feet, and this fixes the altitude of
Easton, an average fall of two and seven tenths feet. The History of Luzerne County, page
169, says, "the Lehigh river rises in Luzerne and Wayne counties; flows one hundred miles
southwest, and unites with the Delaware at Easton. Its headwaters are one thousand eight
hundred and eighty-two feet above tide, and has an average fall of seventeen feet to the mile. ' '
The History of the Moravian Church, page 23, says: The original name of this river was
'' Lcchait-weki, abbreviated by the Germans in Lecha, and corrupted by the English into
Lehigh." A few years ago Professor Coffin made a careful survey to ascertain the height
of the hills around Easton above tide-water. He found the summit of Mount Olympus,
the highest point north of the college campus, to be seven hundred and fifty-two feet.
One hundred and sixty-two feet taken from seven hundred and fifty-two feet, leaves the
height of Mount Olympus to be five hundred and ninety feet above the surface of the
86 THE HISTORY OF
Delaware. It seems difficult to close this chapter without referring to the beaiity of the
scenery of the Bushkill. If ever there was singular truthfulness in the expression,
"Distance lends enchantment to the scene," we seem to find it so in the scener\- along
this busy little valley. Those bom and reared amid these wild and fantastic beauties
pass along the busy whirl of life without stopping to admire these mountain crags and
rocky battlements reared by the Creator's hands. Here and there one of our citizens will
pause and admire, as he stands on some eminence, the wild, irregular display of hills and
valleys and mountains, and give expression to his emotions as his eyes run over the glories
of the landscape. But the stranger of taste gazes and admires, and never forgets these
beautiful exhibitions of the wisdom and power of the Divine Architect. It is the theory'
of geologists, that such gaps as that of the Delaware, and Lehiclon Pass on the Bushkill,
are the effe6l of river erosions ; and the close obser\'er will have his faith somewhat
shaken in the theory if he will ramble up our little valley. But, leaving that question
for geologists to settle, let us take a walk up the valley whose banks have so often been
trodden by the feet of the old Indian chief who clung so faithfully to the warm-hearted
Brainerd, and who buried his hatchet and put away his scalping knife when the waters
of Christian baptism fell upon his dusky brow. If the stranger should attempt to examine
the scenery along the stream, he would be interested in the appearance of the abrupt sides
of Mount Lafayette rising nearly two hundred feet, and the gentle slope of the opposite
bank where the buildings of Easton crowd close to the shore. He would pass but a short
distance, and find Mount Jefferson, on whose summit buildings have been erected, to be
of equal altitude, and whose precipitous side, facing the stream on the opposite bank, is
almost perpendicular. It is rare that such rugged, rocky heights are found on streams so
small and so near large populations. This wild, rocky eminence is of solid limestone. Fol-
lowing the stream we turn to the right, at an angle of 90°. The stream, dammed below,
is as smooth as glass, from whose bank the land surface gradually rises to the beautiful
City of the Dead, while on the right we again pass under another over-shadowing mountain
whose sides give evidence of the mighty upheaving forces which have broken these limestone
ledges into fantastic shapes. Here are Wagner's mills on our left, and the old familv
mansion, nearly a hundred years old. Joys and sorrows have swept over the family circle
whose members sleep so quietly near by. And now the music of this beautiful water-
fall strikes our ears, and it is none the less beautiful because it is artificial. The mountain
is covered with trees and shrubber}' clothed with the fresh, green tints of spring-time.
The low rumbling of the mills, the dashing of the falling water, the joyous notes of the
birds, the sighing of the winds through the forest trees, all help to make this a most
charming spot for the lover of nature to hold communion with her in her simple and most
lovely forms. We turn again at an equal angle to the left. Just across the stream is a
beautiful forest; not a tree should ever be touched by the axe. Easton should see to it
that it is preser\-ed for a public park. As Easton increases in population, and "lovely
Lafayette" expands in her future growth, every rod of this valley will become classic
ground. It will be very difficult to find a more beautiful drive-way than this can be made.
At this point the Chestnut Hills crowd close to the road-way, sometimes in lofty lime-
stone ledges, and anon retreating up the beautiful green slopes to the height of five hun-
dred feet. At Lehidlon pass, the range is abruptly severed, and a large mass of rock has
been removed to make it more safe for general travel. The children take a good deal of
E ASTON, PENN'A. 87
interest in visiting this pass. There are two caves here, called big devil's cave and little
devil's cave; one on each side of the river. And there is an idea among the children that
the two caves are united by a passage under the stream, but none of them have ever ven-
tured to explore its dark passage ways. Emerging from the Lehidlon pass on our way up
the stream, there is much of beauty in the varying landscape. As we approach Mes-
singer's manufadluring establishment, the abruptness of the hills disappears, and the
valley spreads out in well cultivated fields, gradually rising on either side of the stream;
beautiful farms, comfortable dwellings, and happy homes are scattered over the scene.
Stockertown is near at hand, the old Forks Church not far away, and the burjing ground
of this church contains the remains of the father of the late eminent Dr. Gross. In this
part of the valley Dr._.Gross spent the days of his boyhood. He was one of the early
teachers in Lafayette College. He made the autopsy of the body of Getter's wife, and
was a witness in the trial of Getter. Dr. Gross was an honor to his profession, a finished
scholar, a genial gentleman, who had obtained a world-wide reputation long before his
quite recent death. A railroad is already graded to near Messinger's mills. The interest
of commerce may demand it, but the lovers of nature would be sorry to see the beautiful
valley marred by the presence of a railroad.
Note. — Just as this number was about going to press the author found a copj' of Heckewelder's Indian
names. In it the names of the Delaware, Lehigh and Bushkill are found. Delaware river — " Lenapewihituk,
Indian river, and Kithaune, the largest river in that part of the country.'' " Lehikton ; Leheighton ;
Lehicfton ; Lawithanne — the proper name for the Bush Kill by Easton. The word signifies a stream bettveen
others.'' "Lehigh ; Lecha; neither of these words was the proper name for this river, which was only known
to the Indians by the great crossing place on it. The Indians have three general words by which they distin-
guish that which resembles a fork. They say Lechaiiwe/ri, or Lechainvekink, when they speak of the country
we call the forks." It looks very much as if Zinzindorf 's derivation of the name Lehigh was the correct one.
"Eastontown — Lechauwitank, the town within the fortes."
THE FATE OF A FLIRT OF THE OLDEN TIME.
" Whether the charmer sinner it, or saint it,
If folly grow romantic, I must paint it." — POPE.
The following incident, which occurred years ago, will throw a light upon the man-
ners of olden times in the quiet village of Easton. The story was written many years
since by Mrs. E. F. Ellet, for Godey's Lady's Book, and later was published in the History
of the Lehigh Valley. Knowing that it will prove interesting reading, not only from the
fadl of its being a faithful narrative, but from its having emanated from the pen of so
distinguished a writer, we insert it here entire. The house in which the vidlim of the
tale lived, stood where Thomas T. Miller's hardware store now stands, and the pond of
water centred where Shipman's stables are, so that the sturdy Gennan women did not
have far to lead the object of their rage. Their sole purpose was to punish, not to mur-
der, their vi6lim.
Some eighty years ago, the now flourishing town of Easton, on the Delaware, was but a small settlement
in one of the remote and comparatively wild portions of Pennsylvania. At the present day, the compaaiy
built town fills the space between the mountains and the two rivers that here form a junftion, while their banks
are lined with busy manufaAories and the dwellings of men. The lofty hills that rise abruptly from the plain,
88 THE HISTORY OF
or overhang the waters, are cultivated in spots; and the patches of woodland here and there seemed spared for
the purpose of adorning the landscape, and affording secluded walks to the wanderers who love the beauty of
nature. At the period to which our tale carries us back, the scenen,- of this beautiful region was not less
enchanting, though far more wild and savage. A dense forest then covered the mountains to their rocky
summits, and bordered the rivers for many miles; the valley, through which flows a sweet stream to mingle
with the Delaware, was dark with the shadow of primeval woods, and the waters, untroubled by the different
manufactories for the uses of which their streams have since been diverted, swept in calm majesty along their
time-worn channel, scarceU- knowing the difference of seasons. Not far from the Delaware, a double row of
low-roofed, quaint-looking stone houses formed the most populous part of the settlement. Other dwellings,
scattered about in different directions, were built in the same style, and e%-idently inhabited by the same sturdy
and primitive Dutch population. Many of these houses are still standing, and give a character to the appearance
of the whole place. It has been often remarked how unchangingly, from one generation to another, the habits
of the Dutch people are preser\-ed by their descendants, gi\4ng a monotony to their life and manners, while
their more nmtable neighbors are yielding themselves, day by day, to the law of progress. This inveterate
attachment to the old order of things, and aversion to innovations, peculiar to their nation, kept the ancient
inhabitants of Easton in the same condition with their forefathers, notwithstanding the improvements introduced
from European cities into other parts of the colony. Philadelphia, though at that time but a \-illage in com-
parison to what it is now, was looked npon as a place of luxury and corruption dangerous to the morals of
youth. Few of the families composing the settlement at Easton had ever been there, or had \4sited any other
of the provincial cities. They sought no intercourse with the world's great Babel, content with the information
that reached them regularly once a week with the newspapers brought by the post-boy, which were loaned to
the neighbors in turn bv the few who received them. Now and then, it is true, when the business of the day
was over, a number of men might be seen seated in the large sitting-room of the old stone tavern, or on the
veranda, wearing their low-crowned, broad-brimmed hats, smoking their pipes, and discussing events of which
the rumor had reached them, when these were more stirring than common. But these discussions were always
condudted quietly, and without the exhibition of any feeling of partisanship. They were terminated at a very
early hour, all thought of political matters being usually dismissed with the last puff of their pipes, as the
worthy mynheers took their way homewards.
As little did the love of change prevail among the ^aoAfraus of that day. They were of the class described
by a distinguished chronicler, who "stayed at home, read the Bible, and wore frocks." They wore the same
antiquated quilted caps atid parti-colored homespun gowns, that were in fashion in the days of the renowned
Wouter Van Twiller ; their pockets were always filled with work and the implements of industn,-, and their own
gowns and their husbands' coats were exclusively of domestic manufacture. In cleanliness and thrifty house-
wifery, they were excelled by none who had gone before, or who came after them. The well-scoured stoops
and entries, fresh and immaculate every morning, attested the neatness prevailing throughout the dwellings.
The precise order that reigned within, in the departments of kitchen, parlor, and chamber, could not be dis-
turbed by any out-of-door commotion. Cleanliness and contentment were the cares of the household. The
tables were spread with the abundance of the good old time, and not small was the pride of those ministering
dames in setting forth the viands prepared by their own industrious hands. It must not be supposed that all
their care and frugality were inconsistent with the dear exercise of hospitality, or other social \-irtues usually
practised in every female community. If the \-isits paid from house to house were less frequent than in modern
times, there was the same generous interest in the concerns of others, and the same desire in each to save her
neighbor trouble by kindly taking the management of affairs upon herself, evinced by so many individuals of
the present day. In short, the domestic police of Easton, at that remote period, was apparently as remarkable
for vigilance and severity in hunting out offenders as it has proved to be in times of more modern cix-ilization.
The arrival of new residents from the city was an event of importance enough in itself to cause no small
stir in that quiet comnmnity. The rumor that a small house, pi<5luresquely situated at the edge of a wood some
distance from the village, was being fitted up for the new comers, was soon spread abroad, and gave rise to many
conje(5lures and surmises. The new furniture that paraded in wagons before the astonished eyes of tlie settlers,
was different from any that had been seen before ; and, tliough it would have been thought simple enough, or
even rude, at the present day, exhibited too much of metropolitan taste and luxury to meet their approval.
Then a gardener was employed several days to set in order the surrounding plot of ground, and set out rose
bushes, and ornamental plants ; the fence was painted gayly, and the inclosure secured by a neat gate. A few
days after, a light traveling wagon brought the tenants to the abode prepared for them. Within the memory
of a generation, liardly any occurrence had taken place which excited so much curiosity. The doors and win-
dows were crowded with gazers ; and the younger part of the population were hardly restraineil by parental
E ASTON, PENN'A. 89
authority from rushing after the equipage. The female, who sat with a boy on the back seat, wore a thick veil ;
but the pleasant face of a middle-aged man, who looked about him, and bowed courteously to the different
groups, attracted much attention. The man who drove had a jolly English face, betokening a very communi-
cative disposition ; nor was the promise broken to the hope ; for that very evening the same personage was
seated among a few grave-looking Dutchmen who lingered at the tavern, dealing out his infonuation liberally
to such as chose to question him. The new comer, it appeared, was a member of the Colonial Assembly, aud
had brought his family to rusticate for a season on the banks of the Delaware. This family consisted of his
English wife, and a son about seven years old. They had been accustomed, he said, to the society of the rich and
gay, both in Philadelphia and in Europe, having spent some time in Paris before their coming to this country.
The information given by the loquacious driver, who seemed to think the village not a little honored in so
distinguished an accession to its inhabitants, produced no favorable impression. The honest mynheers, how-
ever, were little inclined to be hasty in their judgment. They preferred consulting their wives, who waited with
no little patience for the Sabbath morning, expedling them to have a full opportunity of criticizing their new
neighbors.
They were doomed to disappointment ; none of the family was at the place of meeting, although the
practice of church-going was one so time-honored, that a journey of ten miles on foot to attend religious service
was thought nothing of, and few, even of the most worldly-minded, ventured on an omission. The non-appear-
ance of the strangers was a dark omen. The next day, however, the dames of the settlement had an oppor-
tunity of seeing Mrs. Winton — for so I shall call her, not choosing to give her real name — as she came out to
purchase a few articles of kitchen furniture. Her style of dress was altogether different from theirs. Instead
of the hair pomatumed back from the forehead, she wore it in natural ringlets ; instead of the short petticoats
in vogue among the Dutch dames, a long and flowing skirt set off to advantage a figure of remarkable grace.
At the first glance, one could not but acknowledge her singular beauty. Her form was faultless in symmetry-,
and her features exquisitely regular ; the complexion being of a clear brown, set off by luxuriant black hair,
and a pair of brilliant dark eyes. The expression of these was not devoid of a certain fascination, though it
had something to excite distrust in the simple-minded fair ones who measured the claims of the stranger to
admiration. They could not help thinking there was a want of innate modesty in the bold, restless wanderings
of those eyes, bright as they were, and in the perfetl self-possession the English woman showed in her some-
what haughty carriage. Her voice, too, though melodious, was not low in its tones, and her laugh was merry,
and frequently heard. In short, she appeared, to the untutored judgment of the dames of the village, decidedly
wanting in reser\'e, and the softness natural to youth in woman. While they shook their heads, and were shy
of conversation with her, it was not a little wonderful to notice the different effecfl produced on their spouses.
The honest Dutchmen surveyed the handsome stranger with undisguised admiration, evinced at first by a pro-
longed stare, and on after occasions by such rough courtesy as they found opportunity of showing,. with alacrity
offering to her any little service that neighbors might render. The women, on the other hand, became more
and more suspicious of her outlandish gear and her bewitching smiles, lavished with such profusion upon all
who came near her. Her charms, in their eyes, were so many sins, which they were inclined to see her expiate,
before they relented so far as to extend toward her the civilities of neighborhood. The more their husbands
praised her, the more they stood aloof; and, for weeks after the family had become settled, scarcely any com-
munication of a friendly nature had taken place between her and any of the female population.
Little, however, did the English woman appear to care for negleA on the part of those she evidently
thought much inferior to herself She had plenty of company, such as suited her taste, and no lack of agreea-
ble employment, notwithstanding her persistence in a habit which shocked still more the prejudices of her
worthy neighbors — of leaving her household labor to a servant. She made acquaintance with all who relished
her lively conversation, and took much pleasure in exciting, by her eccentric manners, the astonishment of her
long-queued admirers. She was always affable, and not only invited those she liked to visit her without cere-
mony, but called upon them for any extra service she required.
It was on one of the brightest days in October that Mrs. Winton was riding with her son along a path lead-
ing through the forest up the Delaware. The road wound at the base of a mountain, bordering the river closely,
and was flanked in some places by precipitous rocks, overgrown with shrubs, and shaded by overhanging trees.
The wealth of foliage appeared to greater advantage, touched with the rich tints of autumn—
"With hues more gay
Than when the flow'rets bloomed, the trees are drest ;
How gorgeous are their draperies ! green and gold.
Scarlet and crimson ! like the glittering vest
Of Israel's priesthood, glorious to behold !
go THE HISTORY OF
See yonder towering hill, -n-ith forests clad.
How bright its mantle of a thousand dyes !
Edged with a silver band, the stream, that glad.
But silent, winds around its base. ' '
It can hardly be known if the romantic beauty of the scene, which presented itself by glimpses through
the foliage, the bright calm river, the wooded hills and slopes bej-ond, and the \-illage lying in the lap of the
savage forest, called forth as much admiration from those who gazed, as it has since from spirits attuned to a
\-i%'id sense of the loveliness of nature. The sudden flight of a bird from the bushes startled the horse, and,
dashing quickly to one side, he stood on the sheer edge of the precipice overlooking the water. The next
plunge might have been a fatal one, but that the bridle was instantly seized b}- the strong arm of a man who
sprang from the concealment of the trees. Checking the frightened animal, he assisted the dame and her son
to dismount, and then led the horse for them to less dangerous ground. In the friendly conversation that fol-
lowed, the English woman put forth all her powers of pleasing ; for the man was known already to her for one
of the most respectable of the settlers, though he had never yet sought her society. His little service was
rewarded by a cordial in\-itation, which was soon followed by a visit, to her house.
To make a long story short, not many weeks had passed before this neighbor was an almost daily visitor ;
and, to the surprise and concern of the whole ^-illage, his example was in time followed by many others of
those who might have been called the gentn,- of Easton. It became e\-ident that the handsome stranger was a
coquette of the most unscrupulous sort ; that she was passionately fond of the admiration of the other se.x, and
was determined to exacl the tribute due her charms, even from the sons of the wilderness. She flirted desper-
ately with one after another, contrixang to impress each with the idea that he was the happj- individual espe-
cially favored by her smiles. Her manners and conversation showed less and less regard for the opinion of
others, or the rules of propriety. The effect of such a course of condudl in a community so simple and old-
fashioned in their customs, so utterly unused to any such broad defiance of censure, may be more easily ima-
gined than described. How the men were flattered and intoxicated in their admiration for the beautiful siren,
and their lessons in an art so new to them as gallantry ; how the women were amazed out of their propriety, can
be conceived without the aid of philosophy-.
Things were bad enough as they were ; but when the time came for Mr. Winton to depart and take his
place in the Assembly, the change was for the worse. His handsome wife was left, with only her son, in Easton
for the winter. Her behavior was now more scandalous than ever, and soon a total avoidance of her by every
other female in the place attested their indignation. The coquette evidently held them in great scorn, while
she continued to receive, in a still more marked and offensive manner, the attentions of the husbands, whom,
she boasted, she had taught they had hearts under their linsey-woolsey coats. Long walks and rides through
the woods, attended always by some one who had o-mied the power of her beauty, set public opinion wholly at
defiance ; and the company at her fireside, evening after evening, was well known to be not such as became a
wife and mother to receive.
Should this history of plain, unvarnished fa(5t chance to meet the eye of any fair trifler, who has been
tempted to invite or welcome such homage, let her pause and remember that the wrath of the injured wives of
Easton was but such as nature must rouse in the bosom of the virtuous in all ages and countries; and that
tragedies as deep as that to which it led have grown from the like cause, and may still do so at any period of
civilization.
The winter months passed, and spring came to set loose the streams, and fill the woods with tender bloom
and verdure. But the anger of the justly irritated dames of Easton had gathered strength with time. Scarce
one among the most conspicuous of the neighborhood but had particular reason to have their common enemy
for the alienated affections and monopolized time of her husband, so faithful to his duties before this fatal
enchantment. Complaints were made by one to another, and strange stories told, which, of course, lost noth-
ing in their circulation from mouth to mouth. What wonder was it that the mysterious influence exercised by
the strange woman should be attributed to witchcraft? What wonder that she should be judged to hold inter-
course with evil spirits, and to receive from them the power by which she subdued men to her sway ?
Late in the afternoon of a beautiful day in tlie early part of June, two or three of the matrons of the \-illage
stationed themselves near the woods by which stood the house of Mrs. Winton. Not far from this was a small
pond, where the boys amused themselves in fishing, or bathed during the heats of summer. The spot once
occupied by this little body of water is now the central portion of the town, and covered with neat buildings of
brick and stone.
The vvonicM h.id come forth to watch ; nor was llieir vigilance long unrewardcl. Thev saw Mrs. Winton,
E ASTON, PENN'A.
91
accompanied by one of her gallants, dressed with a care that showed his anxiety to please, walking slowly along
the borders of the woods. The sun had set, and the gray shadows of twilight were creeping over the land-
scape ; yet it was evidently not her intention to return home. As it grew darker, the two entered the woods,
the female taking the arm of her companion, and presently both disappeared.
"There he goes !" exclaimed one of the women who watched, with fierce anger in her looks, for it was her
husband she had seen. "I knew it; I knew he spent every evening with her!"
"Shall we follow them?" asked the other.
"No ! no ! let us go home quick !" was the answer.
Such a scene as the night witnessed was never before enafted in that quiet village. At a late hour there
was a meeting of many of the matrons in the house of one of their number. The curtains were closely drawn ;
the light was so dim that the faces of those who whispered together could scarcelyy be discerned. There was
something fearful in the assemblage, at such an unwonted time, of those orderly housewives, so unaccustomed
ever to leave their homes after dusk. The circumstance of their meeting alone betokened something uncom-
mon in agitation. Still more did the silence, hushed and breathless at intervals, the eager, but suppressed
whispering, the rapid gestures, the general air of determination mingled with caution. It struck midnight ;
they made signs one to another, and the light was extinguished.
It was perhaps an hour or more after, when the same band of women left the house, and took their way, in
profound silence, along the road leading out of the village. By a roundabout course, skirting the small body
of water above mentioned, they came to the border of the woods. Just then the waning moon rose above the
forest tops, shedding a faint light over hill and stream. It could then be seen that the females all wore a kind
of mask of black stuff. Their course was direfted towards the English woman's house, which they approached
with stealthy and noiseless steps.
A few moments of silence passed, after they had disappeared, and then a wild shriek was heard, and others
fainter and fainter, like the voice of one in agony struggling to cry out, and stifled by powerful hands. The
women rushed from the woods, dragging with them their helpless vi(5lim, whom they had gagged, so that she
could not even supplicate their mercy. Another cry was presently heard — the wail of a terrified child. The
little boy, roused from sleep by the screams of his mother, ran towards her captors, and throwing himself on
his knees, begged for her in piteous accents and with streaming tears.
"Take him away !" cried .several together; and one of their number, snatching up the child, ran off with
him at her utmost speed, and did not return.
The others proceeded quickly to their mission of vengeance. Dragging the helpless dame to the pond,
they rushed into it, heedless of risk to themselves, till they stood in deep water. Then each, in turn, seizing
her enemy by the shoulders, plunged her in, head and all, crying as she did so, "This is for my husband!"
"And this for mine!" "This for mine!" was echoed, with the plunges, in quick succession, till the work of
retribution was accomplished, and the party hurried to shore.
Startled by a noise as of some one approaching, the disguised avengers fled, leaving their viftim on the
bank, and lost no time in hastening homeward. The dawn of day disclosed a dreadful catastrophe : Dame
Winton was found dead beside the water. There was evidence enough that she had perished, not by accident,
but violence. Who could have done the deed ?
The occurrence caused great commotion in Easton, as it was but natural it should ; but it was never dis-
covered with certainty who were the perpetrators of the murder. Suspicion fell on several ; but they were
prudent enough to keep silence, and nothing could be proved against them. Perhaps the more prominent
among the men, who should have taken upon themselves the investigation of the affair, had their own reasons
for passing it over rather slightly. It was beyond doubt, too, that acflual murder had not been designed by the
a<?tors in the tragedy ; but simply the punishment assigned to wntchcraft by popular usage. So the matter was
not long agitated, though it was for many years a subjecfl of conversation among those who had no interest in
hushing it up ; and the story served as a warning to give point to the lessons of careful mothers.
It was for a long time believed that the ghost of the unfortunate English woman haunted the spot where
she had died. Nor did the belief cease to prevail long after the pond was drained, and the woods felled, and
the space built over. A stable belonging to a gentleman with whom I am acquainted stands near the place. I
have heard him relate how one of his servants, who had never heard the story had rushed in one night, much
alarmed, to say that he had seen a female figure, in old-fashioned cap and white gown, standing at the door of
the stable. Another friend, who resides near, was told by his domestic that a strange woman had stood at the
back gate, who had suddenly disappeared when asked who she was. Thus there seems ground enough to
excuse the belief even now prevalent among the common people in Easton, that the spirit still walks at night
about that porton of the town.
THE HISTORY OF
ARNDT FAMILY.
By the inscription on the tombstone in the grave-yard at the Amdt Church we learn
that Jacob Arndt was bom in Germany, March 12, 1725. The father of Jacob was Bern-
hard Arndt. The family moved to Pennsylvania, and settled in Bucks county, when
Jacob was quite young. The inscription tells us that Jacob Arndt served his God and
and king faithfully, and in and after the Revolution he served the republic. When he
was twenty-six years old he commanded a compau}- of volunteers, and marched with King
Teedyuscung from Bethlehem to Fort Allen (Col. Rec, pages 267 and 723) in 1 756-1 757.
He rose to the distindlion of Major, and was the commander of the first company of vol-
unteers raised in Easton, in the Pontiac war, in 1763. In 1760, Jacob Amdt purchased a
mill property, the first in the valley of the Bushkill, of John Jones. The mill is now
owned bv Jacob Walter, but is still known by the name of Arndt's mill, near the old church
which bears his name. The Committee of Safety was eledled by qualified voters, and
Jacob Arndt's name was third on the list. When the Standing Committee was appointed,
which was to have the business principally in hand, Jacob Arndt's name was first from
Forks township. The question was put, "shall we consider all who will not join in asso-
ciation with us as enemies, and withdraw all business relations with them?" The answer
was in the affinnative, and unanimous. Mr. Arndt stood firm in the darkest and most
painful hours of that eventful struggle, which was to procure freedom for a continent.
Few names shine more brightly in that glorious contest than that of Jacob Arndt. He
deserves a much prouder monument than the humble one which marks his grave. Mr.
Arndt, George Taylor, Peter Kichline, John Okely, and Lewis Gordon were ele6led mem-
bers of the convention to form a constitution for the state in 1774. In 1776 he was a
member of the E.xecutive Council of the state. He removed to Easton in 1796, from his
mill. His son John wrote to Dr. Gross concerning the health of his father in 1803,
saying: "Respedling his health it is tolerable for one of his age, but time has and con-
tinues to press heavily upon him. His eyesight is almost gone; his feet begin to get
weak, and cannot, for a long time, bear the weight of his body; but his appetite is good,
and to live happy and contented depends upon himself" He died in 1805. It is pleasant
to stand by the grave of such an one; it seems like holy ground.
His son John sleeps close by his side; a worthy son of a noble sire. He was born,
June 5, 1748, and was twenty-eight years of age when the Declaration of Independence
was adopted. He entered into the contest with the same zeal which charadlerized his
father. When the news came to town that the Declaration of Independence was adopted,
the little town was soon in great commotion. No one need doubt long on which side the
sturdy Germans would stand. Captain Abraham Labar, with his company, paraded the
streets, with drums beating and the shrill notes of the fife ringing among the hills; the new
flag was thrown to the breeze, and the whole population of the town fell into line.
"They met in the Court Hou.se, where the Declaration of Independence was read by
Robert Levers." The town consisted, at this time, of about seventy houses, mostly of
one-story log houses. Washington had driven the English Fleet out of Boston harbor,
and he sup]ioscd New York would next be in danger. .\ company was imTuediately
fornud in X()nliani])t()n county, nuuil)i.ring (.■iglity-scvcn men, and Jolin Arndt was the
i
E ASTON, PENN'A.
93
Captain and Peter Kichline Second Lieutenant. The company waited some days for arms,
but the Committee of Safety ordered them to march to the army of General Wash-
ington, with or without arms, and arms were supplied at the front. The company obeyed,
and was in the thickest of the fight. The company rallied at Elizabethtown next day,
having only thirty-three men. Captain Arndt was severely wounded, and both he and
Kichline were taken prisoners. After his release from confinement he returned to
Easton, in September, 1780, and was appointed a commissary with David Deshler for
supplying the sick and disabled troops with the necessaries of life — not only to supply
the sick and wounded soldiers, but widows and orphans of fallen patriots, and this was
done with an unselfish devotion. After Captain Arndt had returned, a story was started
by a tory to the effecfl that he hid behind a barn on the battle-field, to shield himself from
British bullets. The captain brought a complaint before the Committee of Safety. A
warrant was put into the hands of a constable, with orders to arrest the man who started
the slander, and bring him before the Committee forthwith. The culprit was soon in their
dread presence. He was found guilty, and was very quickly disposed of He must make
an acknowledgment, ask the captain's pardon, promise not to repeat the story, or go to
jail till further orders. He paid his fine and costs, made due acknowledgment, and went
home, refle(5ling upon the fa6l that he was in the midst of a Revolution, and had stern
men to deal with. John Arndt was adlive through the entire course of the war, frequently in
correspondence with the president of the commonwealth, and handled large sums of money
for the public. He came to the front in a time which "tried men's souls." Where there
was danger and toil, John Arndt was found. His life, his fortune and sacred honor were laid
upon the altar of liberty. He frequently advanced money out of his own pocket to help
on the cause of freedom. "In 1777, he was appointed Register of Wills, Recorder of
Deeds, and Clerk of the Orphans' Court," and was an efficient member of the Committee of
Safety. In 1783, he was ele6led a representative in the Council of the Censors, to propose
amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania. "In 1783, Dickinson College, at Car-
lisle, was incorporated, of which John Arndt was appointed one of the Trustees. He
was chosen one of the Eledlors of President and Vice-President of the United States, and
cheerfully gave his vote for the illustrious Washington; was a candidate for Congress,
but defeated by a small majority." He died in 1814, without a stain upon his characfler
as a soldier and citizen.
It is a great pleasure to the historian to place such names where they can be plainly
read, and their virtues remembered by the thoughtful student for generations to come.
These two men were Germans: the first born in Fatherland; and the second, though born
in America, had his cradle encircled by all the influences of German life. He was lulled
to sleep by the sweet German lullaby, sung by his German mother. All the stories his
parents told him were of German life. A protestant German king was on the throne of
England. The English people had received the fleeing Palatines with open arms and
generously gave them a home. There seemed many reasons why they should cling to
the English throne for prote<?tion, and be slow to lay aside their allegiance to a friendly
German king. But strange as it may seem, the hour when the songs of freedom were
sung, and the tocsin of war was sounded, they began to use the bullet moulds, put their
muskets in order, and prepare for battle. They had suffered under the weight of thrones,
and by the rough hand of religious persecution; and perhaps they thought the time had
94
THE HISTORY OF
come when they might dispense with those costly implements of human government.
They may have felt somewhat as the poet did when he penned the following beautiful
lines:
"Land of the West ! beneath the Heaven
There's not a fairer, lovelier clime ;
Nor one to which was ever given
A destiny more high, sublime.
From Allegheny's base to where
Our Western Andes prop the sky —
The home of Freedom's hearts is there,
And o'er it Freedom's eagles fl}'."
But whatever was the reason, the German soldiers came nobly to the rescue of human
freedom. These men ' ' pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. ' ' Their
lives and fortunes might perish, but honor and liberty^ never.
Squire Benjamin Arndt, so well known to many now living, was a son of John Arndt.
He was under arms in 1812, but not in any battle. He was a man of decided opinions,
and did not fear to follow them to their legitimate and logical conclusions. This was well
illustrated while living in Forks township. Joseph Ritter was nominated for govemer of
Pennsylvania. Arndt was an old line Whig, and the only one in the township; but he
walked to the polls and cast his solitary vote with as much firmness as if he had been in the
majority. Those were times when party work was apt to be rewarded. "To the victors
belong the spoils" was the battle cry for all parties, and Benjamin Anidt stood out in lines
too clear to be overlooked. He went to Harrisburg and asked for the position of Clerk
of the Orphans' Court, and his request was readily granted, and the duties were well per-
fonned. That he was a man of integrity is evident from the fadl that, though he was a
decided Whig, he was elecfted to office by Democrats. "He was the tenth Postmaster,
and was appointed by President Taylor, May 9, 1849." He held the office till a change
in the administration, when President Pierce appointed John J. Herster. Mr. Arndt per-
formed the duties of Justice of the Peace for many years; his office was on South Third
street. He exhibited much the same spirit that was so conspicuous in the lives of his
father, grandfather and great-grandfather. They were all sturdy German people, but
they were ardent patriots; loyal to liberty; faithful to the republic. They were honorable
in their dealings with their fellow men. There are five children of Benjamin Arndt's
living: two sons in Oregon, and two sons and a daughter in Pennsylvania. There are
nineteen grandchildren.
Lutheran Churches in Easton.
The Arrival of Muhlenberg; His Great Work— The Old Church on the Philadelphia Road— The Union of the
Lutheran and German Reformed Congregations in Building the Church on North Third Street — Building
of St. John's Church ; Christ Church ; Zion's Evangelical Church ; St. Paul's Church ; Colored Lutheran
Church ; St. Peter's Evangelical Church.
[hey clung to the name of *Gennan Reformed and Lutheran without any
knowledge of the religious principles or duties. And soon the Macedonian
cry, "Come over and help us," was heard over Europe. Lands were to
be cleared, cabins to be built, wealth to be created out of the wilderness.
They felt they were sheep without a shepherd, and their cry was the cry
of distress. They were in a wilderness, living in log cabins, in the sim-
plest possible way. Their time was occupied in daily toil. If they had
books, the young could not read them, and the parents had not time nor
ability to teach them. They needed preachers who could both teach and
preach. It was to be a work of self-denial and hard toil, in a wilderness.
Their cries reached the ears and hearts of Christian Europe. Who will
go to Pennsylvania? was the inquiry' of Germany and Holland. It required as much self-
denial as it does now to go to the banks of the Congo or the Ganges. The stream of
imigration was increasing, and the feeling of distress and religious necessity growing
wider and deeper, and the cry for help more painful. Who will go to Pennsylvania and
feed those hungry flocks? But long before the people began to look for messengers to
go and supply this pressing need, God had been preparing two men of strong nerves,
and courageous hearts; men willing to forsake the pleasures of European civilization and
take up their abode in the forests of the new world.
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg
was born in the city of Einbeck of Hanover, Sept. 6, 1711. From his seventh to his twelfth
year he was kept constantly at school, studying the German and Latin languages and
receiving religious instrucftion, and at twelve years of age he was confirmed and admitted
to the sacraments. At this time his father died and left so little property that he was
compelled to leave school and labor to help his mother support the family. Had his
father left an ample fortune the name of Muhlenberg would not have been heard outside
of Hanover. This early toil gave him muscular development, and a willingness to toil
for others when God should call. Until he was twenty-one years of age he was compelled
to labor more or less to maintain the family. At this age he resumed his studies under
the care of his pastor. He desired to obtain a university education, but he was poor, and
the way seemed dark. But the hand of Providence opened the way most unexpedledly:
a scholarship was given him in the University of Cotingen, which had just been established.
*The great influx of German population into Pennsylvania has been noticed in a previous number in connexion
with the history of the German Reformed Church.
96 THE HISTORY OF
The warm desire of his heart was gratified. Up to this time he knew nothing of experi-
mental religion. He formed unfavorable associates which retarded his progress; his
aberration, however, was very brief. He broke loose from the surrounding dangers, and
soon met with that remarkable change which brought him into wann sympathy with the
experienced Christian and prepared him for the work which he afterward so successfully
performed. In his zeal for the Master, he was soon found engaged in teaching the catechism
to poor, negledled children. For this irregularity he was prosecuted by the government,
but was sustained in his work. In July, 1731, while on a visit to Halle, Dr. Franke informed
him that he had just received a request that he would send a missionary to the scattered
Lutherans in Pennsylvania, and he proposed to Mr. Muhlenberg that he engage in the
enterprise. He made it a matter of prayerful consideration, and after consultation with
his most trusted friends, he concluded to accept the appointment. June 13, 1742, he set
sail for the New World, and the new field of labor. He went by way of Charleston, and
arrived in Philadelphia in November. Muhlenberg met a strange state of things among
the Lutheran people. By the dearth of pastors, wolves in sheep's clothing came among the
flock, proclaimed themselves Lutheran preachers, and ingratiated themselves into the favor
of a confiding people. Sometimes a single remark will
give an insight into the working of a man's soul quite
as clearly as the associations of many days. In one of
lis reports to Halle, Muhlenberg reports the condition
A the Lutheran people: "There is such a pitiable con-
ition and ruin among our poor Lutheran people that
it cannot be sufficiently wept for with tears of blood.
Parents have permitted their children to grow up without
laptism, without instrucftion and knowledge, and go
into heathenism. So I found it when I arrived in Phila-
delphia." In regard to Muhlenberg, Dr. Schmucker
used the following language: "Though more than sixty
HENRY MEi,cHioK MrHi.K.xm-KG. years have passed since he closed his earthly career,
his name is still fresh and fragrant in all our churches, and his general charadleristics,
as well as the results of his labors, are so well known that I shall be in little danger
of mistaking in respecft to them. Notwithstanding several German as well as Sweedish
Lutheran ministers had been in this countr\- long before Mr. Muhlenberg arrived here,
yet so adlive and successful was he in organizing new churches, in building up those pre-
viously founded, and in promoting spirituality and union among them all, that he is justly
regarded as the founder of the German Lutheran Church in America, as well as the most
distinguished of her early divines." According to Dr. Sadtler's semi-centennial sermon,
Muhlenberg visited the Lutheran Church in this region in 1745, in March, 1747, and
November 23, 1749. In these visits he instrudled and confirmed quite a number of young
people; and during the last visit he administered the Lord's supper. "He distindlly says
there were two small congregations in existence." Easton had not received her name at
this date, not having been surveyed till 1750. This feeling of a willingness to suflfer
privation and endure hard toil just for the love he bore to Jesus and dying men has made
his name a tower of strength in the Lutheran Church. When we call to mind the ability
and learning of Muhlenberg we can hardly account for his willingness to spend his life in
E ASTON, PENN'A. 97
the wilds of the new world. He did what very few men of the present day can do.
During his residence in the city of New York he preached three times a day on the Sab-
bath, in English, German and Low Dutch. He spoke the English, German, Latin,
Holland and Sweedish languages. He gave his heart to the cause of the struggling
colonies, and thus settled the sympathies of the Lutheran Church in America. He suf-
fered severely in the war of the Revolution. He was, throughout, the earnest friend of his
adopted country, and there was no sacrifice he was not ready to make, and no peril to
which he would not cheerfully expose himself for sustaining and carrying forward its
interest. He was frank, outspoken in his intercourse with men. While the British had
possession of Philadelphia, Muhlenberg was not safe in the city. His name was held in
great suspicion by the Hessian and English officers; and they threatened with prison, torture
and death if they could catch him. There is no doubt in the minds of the thoughtful
but that the patriotism of the two men, Schlatter and Muhlenberg, saved Pennsylvania
for the cause of liberty. He died at Trappe, in Montgomery county, October 7, 1787, in
the seventy-seventh year of his age. Schlatter, feeble with age, then living at Chestnut
Hill, attended the funeral of his departed friend; and in a few years he followed. In life
they were united; in death not long divided.
Muhlenberg had three sons who entered the ministry. The eldest, John Peter Gabriel
Muhlenberg, seems to have inherited the patriotism of his father. An incident in his life
is told which illustrates this truth. He was pastor of a large Lutheran Church in Vir-
ginia; and Washington solicited him to take command of a regiment and he consented.
He preached his farewell sermon to a large congregation; and during the impassioned
delivery, he exclaimed in the language of Holy Writ: "There is a time for all things;
there is a time to preach, and a time to pray, and there is also a time to fight, and that
time has come." When he had pronounced the Benediction and laid aside his silken robe,
he stood before his congregation in the full uniform of a colonel ; and marching to the door
of the church ordered the drum to beat for recruits, and three hundred of his congre-
gation enrolled for the service.
Conrad Weiser, having been for many years one of the most prominent men in the early
Colonial history of Pennsylvania, and having been the father-in-law of Muhlenberg, it
seems proper to introduce a brief notice of him at this point. He was at Easton in con-
nedlion with the Indian treaties. He led a company of forty soldiers from Heidelberg to
Easton to keep the Indians in subjection at one of the largest gatherings of those wild
nations. In the History of the Moravian Church we have the following account of this
good man: "Conrad Weiser, for more than twenty years adling Interpreter to the Province
of Pennsylvania, was born in 1696 in Wurtemberg. In 1710 he accompanied his parents to
America, with a Colony of Palatines, who imigrated to New York under the auspices of
Queen Anne, and who were settled in a body on Livingston Manor, in Columbia county.
In 1713 the Weiser and one hundred and fifty other families removed to Schoharie, in the
Mohawk country, where young Conrad was schooled in the language which enabled him
later in life to render invaluable services to the Proprietaries' Governors of Pennsylvania.
In 1729 he followed his countrymen to Swatara and Tulpehocken, whither numbers of
them had removed a few years before, and here he began a farm in Heidelberg township,
Berks county. His fluency in the Mohawk recommended him to the notice of the Proprie-
taries' Agents; and by the special request of deputies of the Six Nations, met in conference
98 THE HISTORY OF
with Governor Patrick Gordon, at Philadelphia, in 1732, he was by him appointed Inter-
preter for that Confederation. From this time his career was identified with the history'
of the Province in all its relations with the Indians. In 1734 he was appointed a Justice
of the Peace, and in the old French war was commissioned Colonel of all forces raised
west of the Susquehanna." He was a warm friend of the Moravians, though he never
joined that church. He contributed freely to sustain their missions to the Indians, with
whose children he had spent his youthful days in the valley of the Mohawk. He was a
warm friend to those dusky children with whom he pla^-ed in bo)'hood, and he was a warm
friend to them in manhood, when they were among the leading warriors of the continent.
He was the idol of the red man, and the trusted Interpreter and Diplomatist for the white
man. He filled a place which few were fitted to fill, and he performed his duties in a way
which none could excel. He did not like the creed of the Moravians, but admired their
practices; the creeds of other denominations were more in harmony with his judgment,
but he disliked their methods. While he was a firm believer in Christianity, he was not
a particular friend of any denomination.
In giving the history of this family of churches, I shall refer to a sermon by Rev. Dr.
Sadtler at the Semi-Centennial Celebration, October 8, 1882; to the History- of Bucks
County, Northampton County, and Lehigh Valley. In 1752, Northampton was fonned,
and contained within its borders nearly six thousand inhabitants. Of these about six
hundred were Scotch-Irish, in Allen and Mount Bethel townships, and three hundred
were Holland Dutch, in Smithfield; the remainder were Germans. Northampton at this
time extended from Bucks county on the south to the New York line on the north ; and
from the Delaware on the east to Wyoming Valley on the west. "These people were of
the Peasant class of Germans; their capital invested was their strong arms, and disposi-
tion for patient, rugged toil. They felt their religious destitution and 'sent delegations
to plead with their brethern in F^atherland to pity their destitution.' It was such an
appeal that finally brought over the venerated man that has been called the Patriarch of
the American Lutheran Church, Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, who landed at Phila-
delphia, in November, 1742. Whatever may have been done by way of incipient organi-
zation of congregations in this region before his arrival in America, this event is really
the earnest beginning of life in the Lutheran Church. Dr. Richards records that already
in 1740 a congregation existed, and a church had been built, called 'Die Gemeinde am
Delaware Revier von Lutherisher Religion; or the Lutheran Congregation at the Dela-
ware River.' This was no doubt the church that had existed on the old Philadelphia
road about half a mile beyond South Easton, at the interse<5lion of the road leading east-
ward past Leonard Walter's farm. Its foundations were traceable as late as 1862. 'This
congregation was served, in connecftiou with the congregations in Saucon and Jordan,
beyond Allentown, by Rev. John Justus Jacob Birkinstock. In 1745 Muhlenberg visited
the Lutherans in this region (Halle Reports, page 58) and confirmed several young people,
after previous instru6lion. This he surely would not have done had there not have been
a regular pastor.' We find Muhlenberg there again in March, 1747; and gives as a reason
wh\' he came, because he was urged by friends to come. Ludolph Henry Schrenck per-
formed the duties of pastor from 1749 to 1753. Muhlenberg installed him as catechist to
E ASTON, PENN'A.
99
preach under his supervision. He was not ordained till 1752, and the next year he moved
to the region of Raritan, N. J. In 1754 Rev. John Andreas Frederici settled at Saucon
and served Easton. He also organized and served many congregations in upper Berks
and Lehigh. After the close of his ministry, the congregation, on the old Philadelphia
road, must have fused with the congregation at Easton, for in May 13, 1763, Muhlenberg
was informed that the Lutherans had purchased a large house which they intended to
use as a parsonage in the lower story, and a church in the upper story. The building
cost $1066. This building was afterwards a part of the Washington Hotel on South
Third street. It was Mr. David Berringer, the first tanner of Easton, who took the news
to Muhlenberg, and an appeal to the ministerium to send them a faithful minister. In
response to this appeal. Rev. Bernhard Michael Hausihl was sent to them in December,
1763. He was the first pastor who actually resided in Easton. About 1770, he became
pastor of the old Dutch Lutheran Church in New York City. After a vacancy of several
years, Rev. Christian Streit became pastor, in 1769, and his services continued ten years.
He commenced proper church records: records of baptisms, communicants and vestry
meetings, which records were lost. During the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Streit the present
German Reformed Church was built, as a union church, by the Refonned and Lutheran
Churches, which building was dedicated in 1776. The first Vestry recorded was in 1770,
and consisted of Melchior Stecker and Frederick Kuhn as Elders. Michael Lehn, Fred-
erick Gwinner, Johannes Ries, and Conrad Ihrie, as Deacons. In 1780-82, Rev. Frederick
Ernst was pastor of the church, in connedlion with a number of churches on both sides
of the Delaware. From 1782 to 1798, Rev. Solomon Frederici had charge. From 1799
to 1801, Rev. Augustus Henry Schmidt ministered to the church. In the last mentioned
year. Rev. Christian Frederick Louis Enders took charge of the congregation and remained
its pastor till 1815. It is the opinion of Rev. Dr. Sadtler that Rev. Mr. Streit sometimes
preached in English, 'and a certainty that Rev. Mr. Enders did so regularly.' In 1808
the stated use of the English was introduced into the church, greatly to the benefit of
the people, as many had ceased to use the German, and many never did use it. Rev.
Mr. Enders was a learned man and very energetic, as he served fourteen congregations in
this county and in New Jersey. He was followed by Rev. John Peter Hecht, whose
ministry was the longest in the history of the congregation, running through a period of
thirty years."
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.
"During Mr. Hecht's ministry, in 1832, the Lutheran congregation sold out its right
in the Old Church, on North Third street, for the sum of $1600, and eredled the church on
Ferry street, at a cost of |i8,ooo. The Lutheran Church now stood alone, and was ready
for work. Rev. Mr. Hecht was no ordinary man, as a brief sketch of his life will show.
He was born in Bucks county, February 28, 1790, but losing his father in early infancy
he was taken to Philadelphia. His early education was most injudicious, but it showed
the precocious talent in the boy. At three years of age he could partly read, and a Bible
'to be all his own' was offered as a premium if he could read any chapter that could be
loo THE HISTORY OF
sele(fi;ed at five. He won the prize, and thenceforth his education was carried on under high
pressure. It embraced Latin, Greek and Hebrew. At sixteen he was called upon to
preach a trial sermon. He was licensed to preach when he was nineteen, in 1809, and
put in charge of congregations in and near Pottstown, which was the place of his resi-
dence. From there he was called to Carlisle, and thence to Easton, in 1815. He was
for years a man of mark, an orator of high order and impressiveness. Old members told
Dr. Sadtler, during his pastorate, that strangers visiting the place, were taken by their
friends to hear Mr. Hecht, as an intelledlual treat. Students sought his instrudlions in
hopes of catching some of the fire of his genius and oratory. Among them were Revs.
J. B. Gro.ss and Henry S. Miller, the latter (in 1852) the oldest minister on the rolls of
the Pennsylvania Synod. Few have been more honored in the pastoral oflice than he.
Troubles which rose in his church clouded the closing years of his life. The birth of the
Sunday School dates August 5th of the same year. And during fifty years of histon,-
this school has had but three Superintendents, Messrs. Henry Bender, Henry Hammann,
and Owen Hagenbuch.
" Toward the close of Mr. Hecht's ministry a colony went forth from the St. John's
and formed Christ Lutheran Church. This church was built in 1843. The motive for
the new organization was a desire to have the entire use of English. It was connedled
with the General Synod of the Lutheran Church in the United States, until 1870, when
it was received into the German Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania and
adjacent States. There was a vacancy of about six months after the retiring of Mr.
Hecht, when Rev. Dr. J. W. Richards took charge of the congregation, in November,
1845. Rev. Dr. C. F. Schseffer succeeded Rev. Dr. Richards in 1851, and continued till
1856, and then accepted a call to a professorship in the Seminar\' at Gettysburg. Rev.
Dr. Sadtler was the next pastor, elecfted to his position six months before Dr. SchaeflTer
retired in March, and the former was installed in April, 1856. In i860 an important
event occurred. The labor in two languages being too oppressive. Rev. Philip Pfatteicher
was called to take charge of the German. Dr. Sadtler' s ministry closed in the fall of
1862, in which year Rev. Dr. Schmucker was called to take charge of the English, and
worked in harmony with Mr. Pfatteicher, carr}'ing forward the work in the two languages.
"The question of another organization had often been discussed, but they felt that the
time had not come as yet. In 1867 Dr. Schmucker resigned his charge and moved to
Reading. He was succeeded by Rev. Edmund Belfour in the early part of the ne.xt year.
His ministry lasted from 1868 to 1874. During his pastorate the important step was taken
of selling a part of the old grave yard, adjoining the church on the west, and with the
proceeds enable the German portion of the congregation to procure a church and organize
as Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The following resolution appears on the church
records, February' 3, 1868: 'Resolved, That feeling the urgent necessity of another
chtirch, we will take steps to sell a portion of the grave yard, and that the proceeds, after
carefully removing and reinterring the dead thereon, be applied toward the purchase and
erection of a church for the Gennan portion of the congregation.' The ground in ques-
tion was sold to the School Board, the proceeds of the sale being $20,408.50, and was paid
over to Zion's Church. The Reformed Dutch Church, on Fifth street, was purchased and
extensively repaired and improved for their use. Rev. Philip Pfatteicher continues their
pastor; the services are conducfled in the German language. Rev. Mr. Belfour of the St.
E ASTON, PENN'A. loi
John's Church resigned in 1874, and Rev. J. R. Groff commenced his duties as pastor the
same year. Under his ministry the missionary zeal of the church was fostered, and Sab-
bath Schools were established in various diredlions. The most important of these was
St. Luke's Mission in the Seventh ward; at first undertaken in connexion with Christ's
and Zion's Churches, but now under the entire control of St. John's. A neat chapel has
been ere6led on the corner of Eleventh and Ferry streets, in the no distant future to
become a self-sustaining Lutheran Church. Dr. Sadtler thus sums up the work of the
Lutheran Church in Easton: St. John's may fairly claim the title of mother of churches.
Whilst her own membership is unabated, there have descended from her as children,
Christ's Church, with a membership of two hundred and fifty, and a Sunday School of
three hundred and fifty-eight scholars, officers and teachers. Zion's German Lutheran,
with four hundred and fifty members, and five hiindred and thirty in the Sunday School.
St. Paul's, with two hundred and thirty-five members; Sunday School, two hundred and
seventy. St. Peter's, on College Hill, with one hundred and thirty-five members, and a
Sunday School of two hundred and twenty. The First Colored Church on Ferry street.
St. Paul's, in South Easton, with a large membership in both church and Sunday School.
St. John's (German), in Phillipsburg, with one hundred and fifty members, and one
hundred and twenty-eight in the Sunday School. Grace Church, Phillipsburg, with one
hundred and ten members, and a Sunday School of two hundred and forty-seven."
It now remains to gather up the remaining history of the individual churches that
have sprung from St. John's. Before doing so it will be proper to refer to the present
pastorate of the mother church. "Rev. D. H. Geissinger was called from New York
City to take charge of the flock, and he entered upon his duties on February 3, 1S82.
After long and patriotic service in the army during our civil war, he determined to devote
his life to the Christian ministry in the Lutheran church. He studied at the Mercersburg
College, and at the Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa. With the same steadfastness of
purpose, diligence and earnest devotion to duty, which had marked his military career,
he urged himself onward to the end he had in view, and completed his studies in Phila-
delphia in 1872. He is as faithful in the pulpit as he was patriotic in the field; and is
doing a good work and doing it well." His church has a membership of six hundred
and fifty-five. In the Sunday Schools conne6led with his church there are eighty teachers
and seven hundred pupils.
CHRIST CHURCH.
[rev. J. M. ANSPACH.]
The organization of this body was effecfted on Friday evening, June 30, 1843, by the
eledlion of the following officers: John Lehn, John Heckman and Peter Ihrie, elders;
Samuel Shouse, Samuel Drinkhouse and Henr>- Bender, deacons; Samuel Yohe, treasurer.
The name first chosen was simply "The Lutheran Congregation of Easton." A unani-
mous call to become pastor of this congregation was immediately extended to Rev. George
Diehl, at a salary of $600, and was promptly accepted. On the ist of September, the same
year, he began his pastoral labors, and on the 23rd of December was installed. The
I02 THE HISTORY OF
congregation united with the East Pennsylvania Synod. Public worship was conducted
in the old M. E. church. Adlion to secure incorporation was taken on Januan,- 12, 1844,
and the name changed from "The Lutheran Congregation" to "The English Evan-
gelical Lutheran Congregation of Easton;" at the same time report was made of the
purchase of a lot at Ferr}- and Hamilton streets (as Fourth street was then called), upon
which to eredl a church edifice. On the 22d day of December following, the church was
dedicated "to the ever-living God," and was by resolution, called "Christ Church."
The pastorate of Rev. Diehl continued until July ist, 1851. On the ist of September,
1851, Charles Adam Smith became pastor, and so remained until July ist, 1854. During
his pastorate the parsonage was built. Rev. I\Ir. Smith was followed by Rev. Emanuel
Greenwald, who began his ministr}' October ist, 1854, and closed it April 21st, 1867.
He was a verj- successful and most dearly beloved pastor. On the ist of August, 1867,
Rev. William Ruthrauff was settled in the parish, and so continued until April ist, 1870.
During his time St. Paul's congregation was organized, and Christ's separating from the
East Pennsylvania Synod, united with "The IMinisterium of Pennsylvania and adjacent
States." Rev. William Ashmead Schaeffer was chosen as Rev. Ruthrauff 's successor,
and on September ist, following, began his work in this church. He continued it until
the summer of '76, when health failing, a vacation was allowed him, and Rev. Theophilus
Heilig appointed supply. Rev. Schaeffer's health not having become restored within the
time he expelled, he resigned the charge, April ist, 1877. During his pastorate a pipe
organ was purchased, a room to accommodate it was built, and the Sunday School provided
with settees. The music in the church was greatly improved.
In September of this same year, Rev. J. M. Anspach received a unanimous call to
the church, and on November ist, the same year, began his labors. He is pastor at
present. In the early part of his pastorate the church was repainted and refrescoed; new
fences made; new pavement laid and new heaters provided. Six handsome memorial
windows, commemorative of events in the life of Christ, have taken the place of as many
old ones, contributed as follows: i\Ir. Howard Rinek, one; ]\Ir. H. G. Tombler, one; Air.
E. I. Hunt, one; Sunday School, one; Sunday School Class of ]Mrs. Frank Lehn, one;
Working-people's Association, one. Last year a most comfortable improvement was
made to the parsonage. Through the liberality of one man the organ was furnished
with a water motor. The church, in its history, has given many thousand dollars to the
work of benevolence. The disposition of the congregation is liberal. As at present
arranged the pew rents are devoted to the payment of salaries; the collecflions are used to
defray incidental expenses; a working-people's association provides funds for ordinan,-
improvements and aids the general treasury' ; a mission circle, comprising 200 members,
raises sufficient sums to pay synodical apportionment and render aid to other worthy
proje<fts. The entire membership is upwards of 300. Two hundred and fifty-four
persons have been received during the present pastorate. An unusually large number of
deaths, and numerous removals, have kept the membership at small figures, considering
many accessions. For the first time in its history (June, 1886), the congregation enter-
tained the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, and did this with a heartiness and pleasure that,
we venture to say, has seldom, if ever, been exceeded.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 103
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.
[church records.]
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church sprang diredly from Christ's Lutheran.
The first meeting preliminary to the organization of this church was held April 17, 1868,
in the Baptist house of worship, on Ferry street. The difficulties attending the settle-
ment of the synodical relations of Christ's Church had estranged many of its members,
and the first meeting was called by them merely for consultation; but, when so many
were found anxious to organize themselves into a congregation, it was resolved at once to
rent a building and procure preachers until they could determine whether or not to effedl
a permanent organization. Accordingly all necessary steps were taken at the first meeting,
and St. Paul's Religious Society was formed. The Baptist congregation kindly consented
to rent them the use of their church on alternate Sabbaths. The two congregations
continued to thus occupy the same building until the dedication of their new church.
The number of members who withdrew from Christ's Church and entered into this
organization was forty-nine. Shortly after, however, quite a large number was received
by certificate from the same church. Rev. Dr. Theophilus Stork, of Philadelphia, preached
the first sermon, May 24, 1868. Rev. Dr. Pohlman, President of the General Synod,
followed and officiated at the opening of the Sabbath School, May 31, 1868. Supplies
for the pulpit were thus obtained until August 13th of that year, when, at a congrega-
tional meeting. Rev. Joseph H. Barclay was unanimously eledled pastor, who entered
upon his duties, November i, 1868. It was on the same evening after the installation of
the new pastor that the congregation of St. Paul's unanimously resolved: First, we need
a church. Second, we will build a church. Third, that a committee be appointed,
consisting of John Eyerman, Henry Bender, George Sweeney, Adam Yohe and John F.
Gwinner to purchase a site for the building. The necessary funds were speedily raised.
The congregation was chartered as St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Easton,
Pa. The building was completed and dedicated in January, 1870. A fine organ was
presented to the church by the late Edward H. Eyennan. The bell was presented by
Mrs. Edward H. Eyerman. Under Dr. Barclay's ministration a mission on College Hill
was established, and is now a self-sustaining congregation, called St. Peter's (Fifth)
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Easton, Pa.
In the summer of 1871 Dr. Barclay visited the Holy Land, and on his return he pre-
sented to the church a beautiful baptismal font, inlaid with woods brought from the Mount
of Olives. His pastorate extended from December i, 1868, to October i, 1872, when he
accepted a call from the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Baltimore, Md.
Dr. Barclay received his theological training at Gettysburg, being a member of the
class of 1856. As a preacher he was earnest, eloquent and entertaining. Rarely indeed
was he guilty of the sin of dullness in the pulpit. Few men have more ready and com-
plete command of all their faculties than he. Few preachers can prepare a sermon or
address more rapidly. On one occasion, at least, while pastor of St. Paul's, it was fortunate
that he possessed this power. For the dedication of the new church the services of Drs.
McCron and Wedekind had been engaged, but at the appointed time the presence of the
former was prevented by sickness and Dr. Wedekind missed the train. Dr. Barclay,
E ASTON, PENN'A.
105
therefore, devoted Saturday night to preparation and on the following day preached the
dedicatory sermon himself.
The next pastor of St. Paul's was the Rev. Harvey W. McKnight, called from New-
ville, Pa., who took charge December i, 1873. The church was not less fortunate in the
choice of the second pastor than in the choice of the first. Rev. McKnight graduated at
Pennsylvania College in the class of 1863, and entered the Seminary at Gettysburg the
following year. His ministry in Easton was a decided success. Though frequently suf-
fering from delicate health, his preaching was of a superior order and drew large congrega-
tions to the church. Few men possess more than he the element of personal magnetism.
He made many friends in all denominations and outside of all denominations. During
his pastorate of a little more than seven years the additions to the church numbered more
than three hundred. He found the church at the beginning of his ministry burdened
with a debt of about $7000. In the year 1874, subscriptions of cash, and notes bearing
interest of one, two, three and four years, were taken, covering the entire amount. At
the close of his pastorate this debt had all been paid except about $1700, due to the depre-
ciation in value of a security held by the church. This amount increased by about $700,
incurred in repairing the church — $2400 in all was paid during the pastorate of his suc-
cessor. It was also in the year 1874 that Pastor McKnight was called upon to dismiss
about thirty members to form St. Peter's (Fifth) Lutheran Church, on College Hill. The
Sunday School, started during the pastorate of Dr. Barclay, had grown to such dimensions
that a church seemed to be demanded.
Upon the resignation of Rev. H. W. McKnight, Rev. Riifus Hufford was called to
the pastorate of the church. He came from Lancaster to Easton and entered upon his
work December i, 1880. He was educated at Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio, in
the class of 1873. He studied theology at the same place, graduating in 1873. There
have been received into the church during the present pastorate one hundred and fifty
members, and now numbers about two hundred and fifty. The Sabbath School contains
about two hundred and fifty members, teachers and pupils. The debt of $2400 has been
paid and the church is entirely free.
ZION'S CHURCH.
[rev. PHILIP PFATTKICHER.]
Rev. Philip Pfatteicher was called as assistant pastor of St. John's Church
during i860. Dr. Sadtler had charge of the English department, and Rev. Mr. Pfatteicher
took charge of the German. The matter of forming a new congregation, exclusively of
the German element, had been more or less discussed, and at length took shape by the
passage of the following resolution by the church, February 3, 1868: '■'Resolved, That,
feeling the urgent necessity of another church, we will take steps to sell a portion of the
grave yard, and that the proceeds, after carefully removing and re-interring the dead
thereon, be applied toward the purchase and the ere<?tion of a church for the German
portion of the congregation." The a6l of separation was not completed until December
19, 1871, when two hundred and seventy-eight members were dismissed from St. John's
io6 THE HISTORY OF
Church to fonn the new organization. The grave yard was sold to the School Board for
$20,408.50, which was paid over to Zion's Church. The next step was to obtain a place
of worship. The Dutch Reformed Church, of Easton, was organized July 27, 1851, and
proceeded to purchase land and ere<5t a church on Fifth street. While the church was
being built Rev. J. H. Mason Knox, now President Knox, of Lafayette College, a grand-
son of Dr. Mason, was called to the pastorate of the church in 1851. The church was
completed at a cost of $16,000, a large part of which was obtained by the energy of the
pastor.
The difficulty of sustaining the organization was so great that the congregation
concluded to sell the church, and the newly formed German congregation purchased it for
|io,ooo and named it Zion's Church. On the 24th of October the following were chosen
the first officers of Zion's Church: John Reuf, Henr>' L. Mattes, Christian Ippich, Josiah
A. Siegfried, William Schlechter, Owen Seibert, Ferdinand Hartel, John Gomringer,
Friederich MuUer, Alfred Muller, Alfred Mebus, Andrew Pickle and William F.
Schlechter. On the ist of January, 1871, the first services were held in the new church.
The congregation grew rapidly and in a short time the enlargement of the edifice became
necessary. At the time this work was being done a cupola was added to the building, a
new organ was procured and a bell purchased. These improvements having been
completed, the church was re-dedicated at the Advent festival in 1872. The congregation
now numbers over four hundred communicant members. The Sabbath School contains
four hundred and fifty pupils and thirty teachers. The superintendents of the school
were, successively, John Teichman, John Reuf, William F. Schlechter, Henr}' L. Mattes,
Josiah A. Siegfried and Henry Snyder, who now fills the position. Mr. Pfatteicher has
been pastor of the church twenty-six years. He was born in Wassingen, Baden, and
spent his early youth in Switzerland, where he pursued his studies at a mission institute.
In 1858, in response to a call from Dr. Schafer, of Philadelphia, for divinity students from
Germany, he came to the United States. In i860, Mr. Pfatteicher was ordained at St.
Paul's Church, Philadelphia, immediately after which he came to Easton on an invitation
from Dr. Sadtler, then pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, and shortly thereafter
became assistant pastor of the same, preaching his first sermon in August, i860.
This is the only church in Easton in which Gennan is exclusively used. Those
coming from Fatherland find a religious home where they can hear the gospel in their
native tongue.
ST. PETER'S CHURCH.
[from rev. dunb.\r's sermon.]
Thi.s church was originally designated the Sixth Lutheran Church; but it was after-
wards ascertained that the colored church was designated the F'irst Colored Lutheran
Church, and the title of the church was changed in its charter to the Fifth Lutheran
Church. "In looking for the first step which finally led to the organization of St. Peter's
Fifth Lutheran congregation, we are carried back to the 3'ear 1870. The first prominent
event which diredtly begins the history of the church was the ere(flion, during the year,
of St. Paul's Mission Chapel, on Porter street, near High. This was a frame building,
E ASTON, PENN'A.
lo-j
24x40 feet, with a recess of seven feet in width in front and five feet in rear, and three feet
six inches deep. The agreement for the work was signed on the one part by C. Edward
Hecht, David B. Miller, Amandus Schug, and William Sweeny of St. Paul's Church
and on the other part by Simon Reasner and Charles Stem, the builders. The Chapel
was finished and dedicated to divine service in the fall of 1870, Rev. F. W. Conrad
preaching the sermon. Upon the completion of this chapel a Sunday School was at once
established. Here the work was successfully carried on, encouraged by an occasional
visit from Rev. Bar-
clay, then pastor of
St. Paul's Church.
Preaching services
were held as they
were able to procure
some one to break
to them the bread
of life. During the
years 1870 to 1873
the population of
College Hill in-
creased with great
rapidity, and grew
into a great and well
regulated commun-
ity. The idea was
at once conceived to
organize a congrega-
tion on the hill.
Atlion was at once
taken by St. Paul's
Church Council to
carr}' the proposition
intoeffedl. In July,
1874, a meeting of
the people on the hill
was called in the
chapel, at which it
was decided to or-
ganize the new congregation. At the same meeting, the following officers were eleded:
Elders, P. A. Shimer, Ephraim Bowers, Amandus Steinmetz, and James H. Buell;
Deacons, Edwin Sandt, Isaac Snyder, and Noah Dietrich. These officers were installed
the latter part of July by Rev. H. W. McKnight, pastor of St. Paul's Church. Amandus
Steinmetz was made Treasurer, Edward Sandt, Secretary, and J. H. Buell, P. A. Shimer
and Ephraim Bowers, Trustees. In the month of September the vacancies among the
Deacons were filled by the election of Van Selan Walter and Samuel Brinker. The
next important step was the calling of a pastor. After due deliberation Rev. W. H.
ST. PETER .S LUTHERAN CHURCH.
io8 THE HISTORY OF
Dunbar was called by the congregation, and on Friday, August 28, he was notified of
his ele<?lion, which he accepted, and met his people the first time on Sunday, August 30,
1874. In 1875 it was discovered that the success of the enterprise demanded the eredlion
of a new church edifice. In view of this, early in the Spring of 1875, at a meeting of the
Council, it was resolved to build a new church. A building committee was appointed,
consisting of A. Steinmetz, P. A. Shimer, and Ephraim Bowers, who were given full
power to raise the money and carry on the work. William Werkheiser was appointed
building treasurer. The work was at once entered upon with great earnestness and
energy. The lot upon which the church was built cost $1500, and was a present to
the congregation from Mr. John Eyennan, of St. Paul's Church. The new church
was completed by the middle of Januar>', 1876. The large and handsome Bible in the
pulpit was a gift from Dr. Cattell, and the reading desk from Amaudus Steinmetz.
The church was dedicated January 16, 1876. The clergy-men present to participate
in the services were Revs. Dr. Conrad, McKnight, Henn,-, Fleck, Rizer and Deer.
The sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Conrad. And now the work of building
being completed, attention could be turned to spiritual work. But alas! There
was a debt of $5000 for the building, which was increased to $7000 by obtaining an organ,
and heaters, and other necessar\' furniture. ' ' The pastorate of Rev. Mr. Dunbar closed in
May, 1880. In the summer of the same year Rev. H. B. Wile became pastor and under
his pastorate the church became free from debt. It is a beautiful building, located in a
delightful place, in a growing community, with bright prospedls of future usefulness.
There is a fine parsonage, built since Rev. Mr. Dunbar's ministrj-. It is adjoining
the church and is similar in architedlural style. Rev. J. B. Keller, the present pastor,
succeeded Rev. Mr. Wile, March 8, 1886. He was educated at Gettysburg, and ordained
at Easton, in Christ's Church, during the pastorate of Dr. Greenwald. He came to
Easton from Williams, Maryland, to accept the call to this pastorate.
This church reports one hundred and fifty members, and a membership in the
Sabbath School of one hundred and forty.
ST. LUKE'S CHURCH.
[rev. a. W. WALTER.]
On Odlober 12, 1874, a communication, signed by Rev. William Ashmead Schaeifer
and two laymen of Christ Lutheran Church, was sent to the Vestry of St. John's Lutheran
Church in reference to the establishing of a Mission in the western part of the town. A
similar document was also sent to the Vestry of Zion's Lutheran Church, and subsequently
a meeting of the joint committee, consisting of the three pastors and two laymen from
each congregation, was held in Zion's Church. Other meetings were held during the
winter, committees were appointed, etc. The first public meeting for services was held
in a building on Twelfth street, near Ferr>', on Sunday afternoon, July 4, 1875. Rev.
Schaeffer adled as superintendent, and the school was then under the guidance of St.
John's, Christ and Zion's Lutheran Churches. There were present at the first meeting
ninety scholars, divided into nine classes of girls and five of boys, with fourteen teacher.s.
E ASTON, PENNA. 109
The first officers were: Mr. F. H. Lehr, Superintendent; Rev. William A. Schaeffer,
Secretary and Treasurer; Miss Ella Gerspach, Organist. The school rapidly increased
and a larger room was in great demand, when, in 1882, St. John's purchased the lot
situated at the corner of Eleventh and Ferry streets, and eredled thereupon the present
beautiful building, 32x54 feet. In May, 1885, Rev. A. W. Walter, having moved to
Easton, Pa., from Decatur, Illinois, on account of ill health, he was earnestly requested
to supply this church, which he did, and by the advice and consent of the Vestry of St.
John's Church, services were held every Sunday evening beginning with July of the same
year. The demand for more services, and the growth warranting the same, a meeting
was held at Rev. A. W. Walter's residence January 12, 1886, six persons being present,
to take in consideration the advisability of an organization as a church, when it was
resolved that a regular meeting be called at the church, January- 18, 1886, to ascertain the
condition etc., looking toward such an organization. The proposed meeting was held
and an organization effe6led to be known as " St. Luke's Evangelical lyUtheran Church,
Easton, Pa. " A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and present the same at
the next meeting held January 25th, when persons desiring to identify themselves as
members of this organization could do so by signing the constitution; the same,
recommended by the General Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church for congre-
gations, was adopted, and its charter members numbered 107. February i, 1886, the first
officers were eledled, viz.: Messrs. John Berkey, Sr., Benjamin F. Ward, Theodore F.
Hamman, Edward Walter, Milton D. Ritter, Hiram Edelman, William H. Jones, John J.
Seip and Frank D. Bishop, who were installed February 5th, by Rev. J. M. Anspach.
March i8th of the same year. Rev. A. W. Walter was elecfted the first pastor, and on
the 28th of March was installed. Rev. D. H. Geissinger, of St. John's Church, delivered
the sennon to an overcrowded house. The congregation refurnished the audience room
entirely previous to the installation service, and Rev. William Ashmead Schaeffer, of
Philadelphia, Pa., preached the re-opening services March 28, 1886, at 10.30 A. m. The
first Communion services were held Easter morning, April 25, 1886. The present officers
of the school are Rev. A. W. Walter, Superintendent; George I. Nungesser, Assistant
Superintendent; John J. Seip, Secretary; Theodore F. Hamman, Treasurer; Miss Lizzie
Walter, Organist. The Sunday School numbers 340 officers, teachers and scholars.
Rev. A. W. Walter was born in Easton, Pa., June 5, 1859. He received his early
training in the common schools of the place of his birth, and prepared for college in the
High School. He pursued his Theological studies in the Lutheran Seminary in Phila-
delphia, and graduated in the class of 1881, and was ordained at Pottstown, Pa., June 13,
of the same year.
REDEMPTIONERS.
A VERY large part of the early German immigrants came to Pennsylvania to enjoy
religious freedom. But later they came hoping to better their condition and obtain homes
and comforts which they were led to believe they could easily obtain in Pennsylvania.
Ship owners and other interested parties largely advertised in glowing terms the advan-
tages to be obtained by going to the new world. Thousands who were poor, not able to
pay their passage, agreed to bind themselves to labor for any man to whom they might be
no THE HISTORY OF
sold on their arrival in Pennsylvania, for the time agreed upon. Some for two, others for
three or more years, would be put up at au(?lion and sold to the highest bidder, just as
slaves were sold. These were called Redemptioners, and were sold for about ten to fifteen
pounds. Many of them, after serving out their time faithfully, became, by frugality
and industry, to be among the most influential citizens in the State. The years that
were peculiarly remarkable for the importation of Palatinate redemptioners were from
1728 to 1 75 1, yet the practice of selling continued for many years, and was not abolished
within the eighteenth century. There was a set of men who were called soul-drivers,
who used to drive redemptioners through the country and dispose of them to the farmers.
They generally purchased them in lots consisting of fifty or more, of captains of ships to
whom the redemptioners were indebted for their passage. The trade was ver}- brisk for
many j'ears, but (as the country increased in population) broke up about 1785, by the
numbers that ran away from the drivers. A story is told of one of these soul-drivers
having been tricked by one of his herd. This fellow, by a little management, contrived
to be the last of the flock that remained unsold, and of course travelled about with his
master. One night they lodged at a tavern, and in the morning the young fellow rose
early and sold his master to the landlord, pocketed the money, and marched off. Before
going, he used the precaution to tell the purchaser that, though tolerably clever in other
respe(fls, he was rather saucy and a little given to lying. That he had even been
presumptuous enough at times to endeav-or to pass for master, and that he might possibly
represent himself as such to him.
:aston scknkry — a \iic\v ok "hot rocj
HON. GEORGE TAYLOR
h sunny dales, dearly they bloom;
Scotia hath heather hills, sweet their perfume;
Yet through the wilderness cheerful we stray,
Native land, native land — home far away !
Pilgrims and wanderers, hither we come;
Where the free dare to be — this is our home. — Lunt.
JHERE is no group of names in modern history which attracfts more special
interest than the names of those who signed the immortal roll which
established the nationality of the United States. This simple a&. has
gained for them their immortality — they were brave men. The Declaration,
in case of failure, would have been their death warrant. They believed
in God; they believed in the justice of their cause; they would rather die
for freedom than live slaves to a foreign power; and so with a bold,
unflinching courage, they affixed their names to the document sacred to
liberty. None but an eye of faith could see through the gloom which
hung over the future, when John Hancock took his pen, wrote his name
in letters in nearly a half inch space, and looking at them, exclaimed,
"There, John Bull can read that without his glasses." Charles Carroll, while writing
his name, being reminded that there were two Charles Carrolls in Maryland, and
that the wrong one might pay the penalty of treason if they failed in the Revolution,
added the words "of Carrollton," thus pointing out his home; and these two simple
words will pass down the ages to the end of time affixed to the name of Charles Carroll.
There are moments in the lives of men which sometimes fix their charadler for real
greatness. This moment came in this turning point in human history.
George Taylor was one of this number of great men. He was born in Ireland, in
1716. He was the son of a clergyman, who gave him an education which prepared
him for the useful positions he occupied in after life. It was all his father could give him.
He had no one to help him in the world, and nothing to depend upon but his industrj- and
perseverance. His father had thought to have his son study medicine, which profession
he began. He was quick, adlive and intelligent, but his turn of mind did not fit him for
the kind of study which success required. He determined to seek his fortune in a very
different way. His mind was turned to America as his future home. He heard of a
vessel about to sail for Philadelphia, he deserted his medical studies, and, without a
sixpence in his pocket, embarked as a redemptioner, for the new world. On his arrival
in America, he bound himself for a term of years to a Mr. Savage, who paid the expenses
incurred in crossing the Atlantic. This person had charge of the Durham furnace, on the
Delaware river, about ten miles below Easton. Taylor came with Mr. Savage to Durham,
and faithfully served out his time, and hence he was called a redemptioner. He was set
to work as a coal heaver, that is, to fill the furnace with coal when in blast. He had not
been accustomed to such rude work, as the blisters on his hands showed. The fa(5l was
mentioned to Mr. Savage, who took compassion on the lad, ascertained that his education
THE HISTORY OF
fitted him for a more important position, and Mr. Savage asked him if he could not
handle a pen better than he could a shovel. Taylor was glad of the change, was installed
as clerk, and soon made himself an important member of the establishment. He retained
this position several years; when Mr. Savage died, he married his widow, and became
proprietor of the whole concern. By industry, prudence and economy, he amassed a
considerable fortune, but for some reason he purchased land on the Lehigh, built a large
house and made it his residence. Mr. Taylor had not been long an inhabitant of North-
ampton before he was called into public life. In 1764 he became a member of the
Provincial Assembly, and was placed on the Committee of Aggrievances, one of the
important positions in the body. He took an active part in the discussion of the great
questions which then agitated the province, the alteration of the charter and the refonna-
tion of the proprietary government, into which many serious abuses had crept. In 1765
the speaker of the Assembly received a communication
from the Massachusetts Legislature suggesting the
meeting of a general Congress at New York in
Autumn. At the meeting of the Assembly in
September, the proposition was agreed to without a
dissenting voice. The Speaker, Mr. Fox, and Messrs.
Dickinson, Bryan and Morton, were ele<5ted as
delegates, and a committee was appointed to draw up
instructions for their government when in session.
Mr. Taylor was appointed on this committee; the
instruClions were drawn up, presented to the House
next day, and approved by the Assembly. In Odlober
Mr. Taylor was again eledled to represent North-
ampton County in the Provincial Assembly, and again
became an active member on several useful commit-
tees, and a participator in all the leading measures.
In the month of June following, we find Mr. Taylor
appointed on a committee to draw up an address of
thanks to the king for the repeal of the Stamp Adl. Thirty-five years before, Mr. Taylor
was a poor boy working his way across the Atlantic because he had not a penny with
which to pay it; now we find him a member of a legislative body by whose appointment
he is instrudled to confer with one of the mightiest rulers of the globe. Verily, truth is
sometimes stranger than fiction. The work was done well, and Pennsylvania was still
loyal to the king. The storm cloud was only gathering, not yet ready to burst. From
this period till 1770, Mr. Taylor continued to take his seat in the Assembly; and we
find him on the committee to amend the judiciary establishment; regulate the assessment
of taxes; to investigate the rights of the House; to raise loans on bills of credit; to prepare a
system of improvement in the navigation of the great rivers of the province. In the early
part of 1763, he exerted himself earnestly to bring to justice the murderers of Indians,
which had come near involving the province in a war with them. He thought the
Governor had not done his duty, and he was appointed on a committee by the Assembly
to confer with the Governor, and there was some very jilain talk with his Excellency.
"Murders have long since been committed," they .saj', "and not a single warrant has
GEORGE TAYLOR.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 113
been issued for the purpose of justice; murders perpetrated at noon-day, in a populous
borough, before a number of spectators, and yet the names of the criminals are undis-
covered. There is a manifest failure of justice somewhere. From whence can it arise ?
Not from the laws — they are adequate to the offence. It must be either from debility or
inexcusable negledl in the executive part of the government to put their laws in
execution." This is severe language for one to use who was so poor in his boyhood as to
a(ft the part of redemptioner to pay his passage across the sea. What a beautiful lesson
for the aspiring youth of Easton. But Mr. Taylor was only preparing for loftier positions
in the councils of his country. From this period until 1775 Mr. Taylor's name is not
found in the journals of the House. During this interval he was busy in his private
affairs, carrying on a business in conne<ftion with iron manufaflure, but not meeting with
the success of former times, he returned to Durham, the place of his former prosperity.
During these few years he a<?ted as judge, and was appointed Colonel of Volunteers, by
which title he was addressed in after years. In 0(?tober, 1775, he was again ele(?ted a
delegate to the Provincial Assembly, and took his seat on the fourteenth of that month.
He was at once appointed on several important committees, such as those on grants to the
crown; settlement of Connecflicut claims; procuring arms for the public service ; preparing
a system of military discipline for the province, and above all on the Committee of Safety
for the province, which was now the revolutionary organ of the government.
While Mr. Taylor was a member of the Committee of Safety for the Province at
Philadelphia, he was the busiest of the number. This Committee was the Provincial
Organ of the Revolution for Pennsylvania. The energetic and daring souls must take
the places. The following letter tells its own story. (Colonial Records.)
Shrewsbury, N. J., October 19, 1776.
"Sir : I can infonn you that two ships of war are now passing our quarters and stand-
ing along the shore to the southward; we suppose they are bound to the capes. This
intelligence is by the request of Captain Boid, who has lately been with me on said
account. You can depend upon every item of intelligence from your very humble and
obedient servant, GEORGE TAYLOR."
P. S. — We have a fleet of sixty-four sail now lying at Sandy Hook, inward bound.
" 71> Thomas Wharton, Esq., President of the Comtnittee of Safety, Philadelphia^
So that Taylor was standing on the watch tower of freedom, on the Jersey coast,
looking after the movements of the English fleet, and transmitting the news to the Com-
mittee of Safety at Philadelphia. A courier could fly across the State of New Jersey and raise
the alarm in advance of a moving fleet round Cape May. The committee could prepare
for the danger. We get something of an insight of the adlivity and painful and ceaseless
watching and harassing care which weighed upon the souls of those men. The times
had greatly changed since Mr. Taylor was in the Assembly before. The cloud which was
then gathering over the devoted colonies had burst in fury on the plains of Concord and
Lexington, and on Bunker Hill. The blood of patriots was hot. The battle of Bunker
Hill had taught the British that the colonists were not cowards, and that they were bent
on war. The die was cast. The war was begun. November 4, 1775, the Legislature
proceeded to elecft delegates to the succeeding Continental Congress; and shortly after they
had chosen them, Mr. Taylor was appointed with several other gentlemen to prepare and
114 THE HISTORY OF
report a draft of instnidlions by which the delegates were to be governed in their delibera-
tions. It was a delicate duty. The Pennsylvania delegation was not unanimous; but it was
evident that a crisis was at hand, when the wise might anticipate, and the bold and vigor-
ous might hope for, a separation from the mother countr}-. jMassachusetts had been
oppressed, but Pennsylvania had been kindly treated, and there seemed a reluAance to
break the tie. Her proprietary government had been condudled without oppression, her
constitution was liberal, Democratic to an extent, not known in other colonies; and her
population was largely, by habit, little inclined to uncrompromising violence. The rash
and arbitrary proceedings of the British government were fast wearing away this kindly
feeling. Under these circumstances Mr. Taylor and other members of the committee
drew up instrudlions to this effecft: "We therefore, in general, diredl that j'ou, or any four
of you, meet the delegates of the colonies, and use your endeavors to agree upon and
recommend such measures as you shall judge to afford the best prospecft of obtaining
redress of American grievances, and restoring that hannony between Great Britain and
the colonies, so essential to the welfare and happiness of both countries." They instrudled
their delegates to utterly rejecft any proje6l which should separate the colonies from Eng-
land. The ensuing winter and spring of 1776 had brought a rapid and decided change
in the sentiments of the people. They became more and more convinced of the necessity
of a separation, and to prepare more and more earnestly for diredl resistance. Four
months had scarcely elapsed since the report we have just mentioned, so guarded and
pacific in tone, was presented by one committee, of which Mr. Taylor was a member,
when another, to which he also belonged, laid before the Assembly a document which
bears all the marks of a detennined and indignant spirit. They speak of their faithful
discharge of their duties for the public welfare. They tell of their efforts to prepare the
province for defense. "Every day brings fresh proofs," they say, "of the v-iolence of
the British Ministry', and of their fixed purpose to subdue the free spirit of America, that
has yet given such obstrTi<5lion to all their schemes of tyranny and despotism." The
committee recommend the raising of troops for the public defense. In June, 1776, the
same committee recommended the raising of two thou.sand troops, a part of which should
be regulars, and the remainder riflemen, for the public defense. They thought the
situation in public affairs so changed that they felt justifiable in removing the restri(5lions
they had imposed upon their delegates in Congress. News had come across the sea that
the British government had pronounced resistance in America open rebellion; that treaties
had been formed with foreign princes for soldiers to subdue the proud spirit of the colonies.
The day for compromise was passed. The bright days of July were near at hand. The
most glorious event since the crucifixion would soon gladden the souls of men reaching
out after freedom. Brave men would stand around the scene of a nation's birth. There
were a few leading men in Pennsylvania who yet hesitated, doubtful which course to
pursue; whether to renounce the British government, or the Revolution. And they .say,
" But, if we must renounce the one or the other, we humbly trust in the mercies of the
Supreme Governor of the Universe, that we shall not stand condemned before his throne,
if our choice is determined by that over-ruling law of self-preservation, which His divine
wisdom has thought fit to implant in the hearts of his creatures."* These views of the
Assembly were in perfect accordance with the wishes of the people; but, owing to the
* Sanderson'.s Lives of Signere, paKf ■'i.S-
E ASTON, PENN'A. u^
reluctance which existed in the minds of many of the members, of thus making a breach
which could never be repaired, the views were not adopted with the unanimity which
so great a measure required. Indeed, it had become evident that an essential change
ought to be made in the nature of the government, and the whole energies of the province
should be exerted in giving weight to the great objecfl at which Congress was aiming.
The regular Assembly was, therefore, allowed gradually to cease by the absence of its
members, and a temporary body, called a conference, consisting of committees chosen by
each county, met at Philadelphia, and assumed by degrees a large portion of the legislative
powers. On the twenty-fourth of June they took up the subjecfl which had engaged the
attention of the Assembly — the dissolution of allegiance to Great Britain — and coinciding
in the views which we have seen that body adopt, passed a resolution unanimously, as
the deputies of the people of Pennsylvania, in which they expressed their willingness to
concur in a vote of Congress, declaring the United Colonies free and independent states,
and asserted that this measure did not originate in ambition or in an impatience of lawful
authority, but that they were driven to it in obedience to the first principles of nature,
by the oppression and cruelties of the king and parliament, as the only measure left to
preserve and establish their liberties and transmit them inviolate to posterity. Embold-
ened by this approbation, and that of most of the colonies, Congress proceeded zealously
towards the great end. But in their body there were yet many who looked with fearful
anticipation on the consequences. Among these were several of the delegates from
Pennsylvania, and neither the instructions of the Assembly, nor the resolutions above
named, had yet changed their sentiments. When we mention among these the name of
that great and good man, John Dickenson, we give sufficient proof that the cause of these
sentiments was no unmanly fear. It was a reluctance to jeopardize the future prospects
of the country, by involving them in a war with a powerful nation; it was, they asserted,
changing the wholesome system of resistance to arbitrary acts into the pursuits of ends
which the happiness of the people did not require. It was relinquishing the safe ground
on which the colonies had planted themselves, and rushing into a war which, in its
course, must bring with it slaughter and inexpressible distress, and in its end might fix a
severe despotism on the ruins of liberties that had been rashly hazarded.
Fortunately, there was energy enough in Congress to resist these plausible, but
delusive, opinions; and, when the ultimate question was proposed, an approving vote by
all the colonies gave to the measure of resistance that unanimity which secured its
eventual success. Of the delegates from Pennsylvania, however, five still retained their
sentiments in opposition to the majority. The approbation of the State was only obtained
by the casting vote of Mr. Morton. Under these circumstances a new choice of repre-
sentatives became necessary, and on the twentieth of July the convention of the State
proceeded to elect them. Mr. Morton, Dr. Franklin, Mr. Morris and Mr. Wilson were
re-elected, and in lieu of the other five gentlemen were substituted Mr. Taylor, Mr. Ross,
Mr. Clymer, Dr. Rush, and Mr. Smith. On the same day Mr. Taylor took his seat in
Congress. On the second of August, following, Mr. Taylor signed the Declaration of
Independence. It was not until that time that any delegate actually affixed his signature
to the instrument; for, although it was passed and proclaimed on the fourth of July
preceding, the copy engrossed on parchment was not prepared until nearly a month after.
These circumstances have once or twice given rise to errors, but they have been fully
ii6 THE HISTORY OF
explained in a letter from Mr. M'Kean, one of the delegates from Delaware, which is
inserted in his life. The following is the letter of M'Kean.
Philadelphia, September 26, 1796.
"Sir: Your favor of the nineteenth instant, respecftingthe Declaration of Independence,
should not have remained so long unanswered, if the duties of my office of Chief Justice
had not engrossed my whole attention while the Court was sitting. For several years
past I have been taught to think less unfavorably of scepticism than fonnerly. So many
things have been misrepresented, misstated, and erroneously printed (with seeming
authenticity) under my own eye, as in my opinion to render those who doubt of everything
not altogether inexcusable. The publication of the Declaration of Independence on the
Fourth of July, 1776, as printed in the Journals of Congress (Vol. II, page 241), and also
in the adls of most public bodies since, so far as respecfls the names of the delegates or
deputies who made that Declaration, has led to the above refle(flion. By the printed
publications referred to, it would appear as if the fifty-five gentlemen, whose names are
there printed, and none other, were on that day personally present in Congress, and
assenting to the Declaration; whereas the truth is otherwise. The following gentlemen
were not members of Congress on the fourth of July, 1776, namely: Matthew Thornton,
Benjamin Rush, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor and George Ro.ss. The
five last named were not chosen delegates until the twentieth day of that month; the first
not until the twelfth day of September following, nor did he take his seat in Congress
until the fourth of November, which was four months after. The Journals of Congress
(Vol. II, pages 277 and 442), as well as those of the Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania
(page 53), and of the General Assembly of New Hampshire, established these fac?ts.
Although the six gentlemen named had been very adlive in the American cause, and
some of them to ni)- own knowledge, wannly in favor of independence, previous to the
day on which it was declared, yet I personally know that none of them were in Congress
on that day. Modesty should not rob any man of his just honor, when by that honor, his
modesty cannot be offended. My name is not in the printed journals of Congress, as a
party to the Declaration of Independence, and this, like an error in the first concodlion,
has vitiated most of the subsequent publications; and yet the fa6l is, that I was then a
member of Congress for the State of Delaware, was personally present in Congress, and
voted in favor of independence on the fourth of July, 1776, and signed the declaration
after it had been engrossed on parchment, where my name, in my own handwriting, still
appears. Henry Wisner, of the State of New York, was also in Congress, and voted for
independence.
" I do not know how the misstatement in the printed journal happened. The manu-
script of the /i«/V/'r journal has no names annexed to the Declaration of Independence, nor
has the secret journal; but it appears by the latter, that on the nineteenth day of July,
1776, the Congress directed that it should be engrossed on parchment, and signed by
every viember^ and that it was so produced on the second of August, and signed. This
is interlined in the secret journal, in the handwriting of Charles Thompson, Esq., the
Secretary. The present Secretary of State of the United States and myself have lately
inspected the journals, and seen this. The journal was first printed by Mr. John Dunlap,
E ASTON, PENN'A.
117
in 1778, and probably copies, with the names then signed to it, were printed in Angnst,
1776, and that Mr. Dunlap printed the names from one of //icui.
" I have now, sir, given you a true, though brief, history of this affair, and, as you are
engaged in publishing a new edition of the Laws of Pennsylvania, I am obliged to you
for affording the favorable opportunity of conveying to you this information, authorizing
you to make any use of it you please. I am, sir, with particular esteem.
Your most obedient servant,
THOMAS M'KEAN."
'•'■Alexander James Dallas, Esq., Secretary of State for Pemisylvaniay
We have thus far traced the life of Mr. Taylor, following mainly the work of
Sanderson, author of the "Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence,"
in nine volumes. In transcribing the legislative career of Mr. Taylor, we have followed
this author very closely, and, inasmuch as he copied from the records of the Provincial
Assembly, it must be looked upon as correcfl. Mr. Taylor was elecTled a member of the
Assembly in 1764, and must have removed from his farm, which was situated in what is
now Catasauqua, to Easton in the same year in which he became a member of the Assembly,
for we find him in Easton in 1764. He was appointed in that year one of the trustees to
have charge of the building of the Court House, and all the moneys expended in the work
passed through his hands. Thus, wherever he appears in our early history, he steps to
the front. In his career as legislator, in business for himself, in business for the community
in which he lived, he .always acquitted himself to his credit. From the humblest
positions in life, to that of membership in the national legislature, he was never found
wanting. He could adl as coal-heaver without wounding his pride, or sign the Declaration
of Independence without exciting his vanity. He was a citizen of Easton, mainly, for
seventeen years, yet we find but very little material for the pen of the historian during
that time. Having again leased the Durham Furnace, the scene of his former prosperty,
he became engaged in casting cannon balls to fire at the enemies of freedom. He must
have done a large business in casting these balls for the public use, for we find the following in
the Colonial Records, Vol. V, in Council of Safety, August 17, 1776: "An order was
drawn on Mr. Nesbit in favor of George Taylor, for .j/^iooo, toward shot cast by him for
the service of the State to be charged to his account." So it seems he had a running
account, and the sum here mentioned was one payment. These missiles were cast in
Durham, and sent down the river in the Durham boats. On January 30, 1777, George
Taylor and George Walton were appointed by Congress to be present and preside at the
Indian treaty to be holden at Easton. This great convention met in the Gennan Refonned
Church on Third street. One of the most serious troubles with which the colonies had
to contend was the constant effort of the English to stir up the Indians to war on the
western frontier, while they would attack in the front. It was a .source of constant
anxiety to keep the savages under control. The treaty to be holden in the German
Refonned Church was for this purpose. It was, therefore, a very delicate duty imposed
upon Mr. Taylor to conducft the negotiations with these children of the forest. The
organ in the gallery pealed forth its merry notes, and as these joyous strains filled the
temple of God, Taylor and Walton entered, followed by the proud children of nature in
their wild and savage costume. There is the genial shaking of hands, the passing of the
THE HISTORY OF
social glass; these preliminaries over, the business was begun, and was carried on to a
successful conclusion. George Taylor was at this time a member of Congress, having
been ele6led a member of the Provincial Assembly in 1775, and the next year eledled by
that body, or more properly by the Conference, to Congress in July, and affixed his
name to the Declaration in August.
The year upon which Taylor was
entering was the darkest of the
Revolution and the darkest hours
in the life of General Washington.
Dark clouds came rolling up from
the fields of Brandywine and Ger-
mantown, closing in almost with
the blackness of midnight. In the
political writings of Thomas Paine,
when looking at the sore trials
through which the struggling
patriots must pass with bleeding
feet and aching hearts, exclaimed :
"These are the times that tn.-
men's souls." Men that could
face such darkness, and stand to
their colors, would hardly shudder
at death. They were men of iron
uer\-e, who had sworn their country-
should be free : the pathway was
\^x\ dark, but there was light
beyond. Many unkindly con-
trasted the success of Gates in the
North with the failure of Wash-
ington in the South. Lewis Gor-
don, for twenty-five years a
favorite son of Northampton, had
entered with zeal and earnestness
in the cause of freedom, but in this
dark hour had turned his back
upon his suffering countrymen,
and declared for the crown. Gal-
loway, of whom Taylor had rented
the Durham furnace in 1774, who
had entered the contest with the patriots with a warm heart, in this dark hour went over
to the king. In this treason of Galloway, Taylor lost the bulk of his property by the
detention of the works, for the estates of Galloway were confiscated, and when Taylor
died there was not property to pay liis debts. But amid all these reverses, this favorite
son of Easton stood finn. He had pledged his " life, his property, his sacred honor" to
the cause of freedom. There might be reverses in the field, there might be treason among
THE TAYLOR MONUMENT.
E ASTON, PENN'A. ng
his friends, but death to him as a patriot was preferable to life as a traitor. He might
lose his property, but not his manhood. Others might barter away their honor to save
their lives; his honor should never be tarnished. He had associated himself with
Jefferson, Franklin, Hancock and Adams, and he stood firm and unmoved amid the dark
shadows which hung in deep gloom over the land. He hoped a brighter day would come.
His faith could see rifts in the clouds, and through them the glories of the future may
have dawned upon his soul. Many years afterward, when a stranger inquired of one of
Mr. Taylor's neighbors what kind of a man he was, he answered: " He was a fine man
and a furious Whig." The disasters at Brandywine and Germantown had sent about
two thousand sick and wounded soldiers into Northampton County. They were divided
between Bethlehem, Allentown and Easton. Those that were sent to Easton were
quartered in the Court House and the old German Reformed Church, that old temple of
liberty. Here the kind and brave women of Easton cared for them and kindly ministered
to the wants of these suffering heroes. Among those at Bethlehem was the gallant son
of France; and during the next year Washington went to cheer his dearest friend,
Lafayette, at Bethlehem, and passed through Easton on this journey. At this time
George Taylor was living in the old stone mansion built by William Parsons on the
corner of Fourth and Ferry streets. Taylor and Washington were warm friends, and no
doubt Washington sought out the home of his friend and had a pleasant chat on matters
mutually dear to both. Could Washington pass so near the Court House and church
filled with suffering soldiers, and not call to see and cheer them in their sorrows?
Impossible. No doubt this great man entered the old church and cheered the soldiers,
who could have borne their pains more easily if these wounds had been scars of vi(5lory.
They were enduring a double agony, a sense of defeat as well as laceration of limbs. It
would have been a source of pleasure to know that Taylor lived to hear the news of the
surrender of Cornwallis. But he died February 25th, and the surrender occurred on the
19th of 0(5tober, 1781. He had rejoiced to hear of Franklin's success at the court of St.
Cloud, to know that Bonny France had linked her destinies with his country. No doubt
the star of hope in ultimate success rose clearly over his dying bed in the old Parsons'
mansion. Mr. Taylor had two children, a son and daughter. The son, James, married
a daughter of Lewis Gordon, was a lawyer, and died at twenty-nine, leaving a widow and
five children. The daughter did not marry. Some of his descendants live in South
Carolina.
In 1855, thirty-one years ago, the people of Easton gave expression to their gratitude,
honored themselves in rendering honor to departed worth, and to keep in memory the
virtues of George Taylor, by erecting a beautiful and costly monument to his memory in
their beautiful cemetery. No one can pass this monument without thinking of the
youthful Redemptioner working out his time to pay the expense of his passage across
the sea. The passer-by will think of the successful proprietor of the Durham furnace;
the faithful member of the Provincial Assembly; the member of the National Congress;
the man who boldly signed the immortal document when others hesitated. They will
think of the man who was appointed to reprove the Governor of Pennsylvania, and extend
the thanks of the province to the King of England. They will pause to pass a reflection
on the glory of our institutions under whose benign influence the poorest may rise to
wealth, the humblest to the most exalted positions, the weakest to positions of power not
I20 THE HISTORY OF
inferior to that wielded by the Csesars. Alexander E. Brown, Esq., delivered an excellent
oration at the dedication of the monument, in which we find the following beautiful
stanzas:
"No night-shade spreads its death-like pall !
No gloomy cypress waves its head,
But let the glorious sunbeams fall
Where rest Columbia's honored dead.
Columbia's eagle \'igils keep !
Columbia's banner o'er him wave!
Naught to disturb his peaceful sleep,
For freemen guard his hallowed grave."
THE DESCENDANTS OF GEORGE TAYLOR.
The following genealogical table is the result of the careful and patient research of
Mr. Ethan A. Weaver, of Philadelphia. He is a graduate of Lafayette College, a wann
friend of Easton, and deeply interested in her history. It has been a matter of long corre-
spondence, but his success has amply repaid his toil, and he receives our most hearty thanks.
"It is a strange fa6l that no biography of George Taylor heretofore published has
contained anything concerning the descendants of this distinguished patriot. Sanderson,
the earliest biographer of the signers, says "he has no legitimate living descendants," and
M. S. Henry, author of the History of the Lehigh Valley, passingly alludes to descendants
living in South Carolina and a natural daughter living in Easton. As long ago as 1853,
when Matthew Henry was colle<5ling material for his work, he was in correspondence with
a great grandson of Colonel Taylor, James Lewis Gordon Taylor, then living in Virginia,
(and who had visited Easton) but nothing further than what is above alluded is published
in Henry's book. The writer's antiquarian spirit led him some years ago to making
diligent researches for Taylor's descendants with the success herein shown.
"George Taylor <"' by his marriage had one son, James Taylor, <=•' who was bred to the
bar, to which he was admitted in 1765; he died very young (1772), but left five children
by his marriage with Elizabeth Gordon, daughter of Lewis Gordon, Esq., the first
attorney in Northampton County. The names of those children were George, (^' Ann,*-*'
(always called "Nancy" in the family), Mary, '5' Thomas ^''' and James. <'' James Taylor*''
dying before his father, George Taylor,'"' the latter took his children and tenderly cared
for them. (See George Taylor's will — will book 1, p. 275.) All the children remained
with their grandfather until his death, save Ann,*''' who married Colonel Samuel Swann,
of Powhatan, Virginia. At the death of Colonel George Taylor,*"' his grandsons, George '3)
and James, '7' went to Virginia to live with their sister Ann'"' (Mrs. Swann). Thomas <*'
was drowned in the Lehigh river; Mary*^' died young; George*'' never married. Ann*"'
(Nancy) Swann left several sons ; their descendants will be noticed hereafter, and James*''
married his first cousin, Anna Maria Miranda, daughter of Alexander Gordon, who was
the son of Lewis Gordon, Esq., of Easton, and brother of Elizabeth Gordon, who married
James Taylor, *'' son of George Taylor. <"' The mother of Anna Maria Miranda Gordon
was Mi.ss Mary Morris, of Philadelphia, niece of the famous Robert Morris.
AS CENTRE SQUARE LOTDf
[FROM A DRAWIXC, MADE jV);:
'ICCAI
iled fifty years ago
mS. MCCARTNEY IN 1835.]
E ASTON, PENN'A. i3i
"By this marriage of James Taylor <'> there were four children. George Alexander'^'
(died in infancy), Mary's' (who died young), Sophia Gordon, <'°' and James Lewis Gordon.'"'
James Taylor*'' (grandson of George Taylor), was for many years a man of wealth, but
late in life he had reverses which he bore with noble serenity. He lived in Richmond,
Va., and was universally honored. He and his wife are buried in the cemetery of St.
John's Church, Richmond. James Lewis Gordon Taylor'"' married (1856) Hannah, daugh-
ter of Colonel Wilson Jones of Hampton, Va. , but left no issue. Sophia Gordon <'°> married
first, John Rutledge Smith, of South Carolina (grandson of Edward Rutledge, signer of the
Declaration of Independence), and has issue. Jane Ladson Alston Pinckney Smith, '■=>
now Mrs. Gill Armistead Carey of Alabama, who had two daughters :'"' Isabella Gordon <'3>
married Gordon Macdonald (issue Belle Gordon Macdonald,''^)) and ''' Mattie Lee'"-'' (unmar-
ried). Sophia Gordon'""' married jcrw/rt' Rev. John Collins McCabe, D. D. of the Episcopal
Church, and left issue, viz : Isabella Gordon,'"^' who died unmarried in 1857 ; and William
Gordon,''3> who in 1867 married Jane Pleasants Harrison Osborne (daughter of Edward
Harrison Osborne, whose maternal grandfather was a brother of Benjamin Harrison, signer
of the Declaration of Independence), and has issue, Edmund Osborne,''^' William Gordon, ''5>
Edward Rainsford Warner.'"*'
"Concerning the descendants of "Nancy" Taylor (Ann Swann), the writer has been
unable to procure a complete genealogy. She left several sons ; one of these, Thomas
Thompson Swann, was born January 12, 1785, while his mother was visiting her grand-
father's (Colonel George Taylor's '"') home, at Easton. Two other sons are reported, Samuel
G. and George, the latter dying without issue. Thomas Thompson Swann married Miss
Sallie Woodson Macon, on July 24, 1806, and died in Cumberland county, Va., April 27,
1845. His oldest child, George Taylor Swann, was born in Powhatan county, Va., July
5, 1808 ; graduated at Hampden Sidney College in 1826. He married Miss Mary Lee
Patton, daughter of James D. Patton, M. D., of Danville, Va. He was a lawyer by pro-
fession, and went to Mississippi in 1836. In 1844 he was elefted to the legislature as a
member of the Senate, over which body he was chosen to preside. He was twice ele<fted
to the office of Auditor of Public Accounts ( 1847-1849). In the spring of 1854 he became,
by choice of the Judges, Clerk of the High Court of Errors and Appeals. In the summer
of 1865 he was appointed Judge of the Special Equity Court by Judge Sharkey, Parishional
Governor of Mississippi. In 1867 he was made Clerk of the United States Circuit and
Distri6l Courts for the Southern District of Mississippi. In October, 1877, he died, leav-
ing seven children. Another son, Thomas Thompson Swann, Jr., was also Auditor of
Mississippi, and still another, William Macon Swann, was Lieutenant in the United States
Navy, lost on "United States Steamer Grampus" at sea, about March 20, 1843.
"The eldest child of George Taylor Swann is Mrs. Archie McGehee, of Jackson, Miss.,
to whom the writer is indebted for information concerning this extension of the family,
whose son Dr. Daniel Macon McGehee, graduate of the Jefferson Medical College, Phila-
delphia, the writer of these genalogical records knew as a room-mate and companion in
his early residence in the Citj' of Brotherly Love. It was through him that I first and
accidently learned of the descendants of this distinguised Eastonian ; and my best wishes
for my cherished friend are that he will prove a worthy scion of a noble ancestor. ' '
Easton During The Revolution.
The nation bleeds wher'er her steps she turns ;
The groan still deepens, and the combat burns. — Iliad.
THE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
V. COME now to that part of Easton' s History which relates to the
jiatriotic struggles of our ancestors in throwing off the yoke of British
oppression and establishing principles of political freedom based upon the
broad foundation of equal rights and self-government. The French and
Indian war had closed and left a heavy debt upon the British Kingdom,
and Parliament was determined the colonies should help pay it. The
Stamp A61 was passed ; no legal paper could be used except such as
was stamped in England and sold in America. The people would not
consent to be taxed when they were not represented in Parliament.
Franklin wrote, saying "the sun of liberty had set." The people of
America looked upon liberty as dead, and the bells of the cities were
tolled. The excitement grew to fever heat. The Boston massacre, the hanging of patriots
in the Carolinas, the arrival of a large army and fleet on the coast, all indicated a deter-
mination to enforce the despotic power of the English throne. The people saw there was
no alternative but abje<5l submission or acftive and vigorous resistance. The thirteen
colonies were preparing for war with the most powerful monarchy in the world. They
were determined to throw off the cumbrous weight which threatened to crush them.
The words of Patrick Henr>-, "Give me liberty, or give me death," became the rallying
cry of the patriots. All the emblems of royal authority were to be utterly destroyed and
entirely new institutions created in their place. And while this Revolution was in pro-
gress, there was a necessity for a strong and vigorous organization which could a(5l promptly,
see dangers in the distance, meet them courageously, and battle with them manfully. This
organization was found in the Committee of Safety. These committees were also called
Committees of Correspondence, of Observation, and of \'igilance. "At a consultation of
the Virginia House of Assembly, in March, 1773, held in the old Raleigh taveni, at Williams-
burg, at which Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson and Richard Henry Lee were present, it
was agreed to submit a resolution in the House the following day, appointing a Committee
of Vigilance and Correspondence, and recommending the same to other colonies. The
measure was carried, and these committees formed one of the most powerful aids to
carrving on the work of the Revolution. Similar committees had been already formed in
several towns in Massachusetts." These organizations spread rapidly and were found
"in ever\- colony in 1773." (Lossing, page 171.) These committees fonned a perfeCl
net-work throughout the colonies. British annies, fleets, and the Tories were watched
E ASTON, PENN'A. 123
with careful zeal by these faithful men. The Safety Committee for Newark, N. J.,
was formed May 4, 1775, by a meeting of the inhabitants on that day. As the utterances
of this committee speak the feelings of all, it may be well to quote a few words to show
the spirit which animated these bodies of men wherever formed: "We, the freeholders
and inhabitants of the Township of Newark, having deliberately considered the openly
declared design of the Ministry of Great Britain to raise a revenue in America ; being
affected with horror at the bloody scenes now acfting in the Massachusetts bay, for carrying
that arbitrary design into execution ; firmly convinced that the very existence of the rights
and liberties of America can, under God, subsist on no other basis than the animated and
perfecft union of its inhabitants ; and being sensible of the necessity in the present emer-
gency of preserving good order and due regulations in all public measures, with hearts
perfe<5lly abhorrent of slaver>', do solemnly, under all the sacred ties of religion, honor
and love to our country, associate and resolve that we will personally, and as far as our
influence can extend, endeavor to support and carry into execution whatever measures
may be recommended by the Continental Congress, and fixing our Constitution on a per-
manent basis, and opposing the execution of the despotic and oppressive adls of British
Parliament, until the wished-for reconciliation between Great Britain and America on a
constitutional basis can be obtained." These words speak the feelings of all those men
thus banded together battling for freedom. Communication was carried on by special
messenger, as the mails were slow, and could not always be trusted. They a(fted in the
light of present exigencies without consulting any higher earthly power. They exercised
judicial, legislative and executive power. They received their power from the people,
the highest and most sacred source whence it could come. Sustained by their fellow
men, and their confidence in the justice of their cause, and trusting in God, they went
fearless to their work. They were like an invading army burning their bridges behind
them. They had determined these hills and valleys should be free. This will appear
from examining the records of the Committee of Safety in Easton.
The people were divided into two parties, "Whigs and Tories," or " Associators and
Non-Associators. " The Whigs, or Associators, were fighting for freedom ; the Tories, or
Non- Associators, were in sympathy with the Crown. The Whigs were very largely in the
majority, but the Tories were so large a fra<5lion that they were capable of doing much
harm, and must be closely watched and severely dealt with. These committees were
secret organizations, intended to watch the Tories, punish them for their misdemeanors,
and take adtive measures in support of the common cause. The committee had the power
to arrest, imprison, and put them under heavy bonds to keep the peace. They had
the power to compel them to apologize to persons against whom they had uttered
slanders ; to sign papers of recantation, and to ask pardon before the committee of
those against whom they said things injurious to the cause. Summonses were issued,
prisoners were brought by police force, examined and punished immediately. But, why
should such powers be exercised by a committee, when there were courts of law? The
courts of the King were suspended, the power of the English King was passing away.
The friends of liberty miist move quickly, powerfully, and administer punishment imme-
diately. Society was changing, institutions were changing, political science was changing ;
it was a time of Revolution, the results of which were to undermine the thrones of the
world ; it was a turning point in history. The patriots had pledged their property, their
124 T^i'^ HISTORY OF
lives, their sacred honor to liberty. Failure was slaver}-, success was freedom. These
Committees of Safety were to check opposition in its bud, repress insurrection while
struggling into life ; they were war measures, institutions that would be criminal in
times of peace and would not be tolerated for a moment. The Safety Committee was the
offspring of the political storm that was to give freedom to a continent, and ultimately to
the world. When the sun crosses the "line," the trade winds change, violent storms
sweep over the earth, carr\'ing death and destrudlion in their pathway. But from these
violent atmospheric changes emerge the flowers of spring, the fruits of summer and
autumn. So when those storms of suffering, sorrow and blood-shed had passed away, the
sun of freedom would shine brightly, and his benignant rays would be enjoyed by all
lands. These "Committees of Safety" were made legal by legislative enactment subse-
quent to their fonnation. In the proceedings of the Assembly at Philadelphia, June 30,
1775, we find this resolution : "That this House approves the Association entered into by
the good people of this colony, for the defense of their lives, liberties, and property."
This is the foundation of the legal existence of the Committees of Safety. The organi-
zation of the Northampton County Committee of Safety was formed December 21, 1774.
It was called the "Committee of Observation and Inspe(ftion. " At a public eledlion in
Easton, the following persons were eledled members of the committee, viz. : Lewis Gordon,
Peter Kachlein, Jacob Arndt, Michael ^lessinger, Melchoir Hay, George Taylor, John
Okely, Anthony Lerch, Jacob Morry, John Wetzel, Andrew Engelman, John Greesemer,
Henry Kooken, David Deshler, Casper Doll, Joseph Gaston, Yost Dreisbach, Daniel
Knows, Thomas Everet, Michael Ohl, John Hartman, Nicholas Kern, George Gilbert,
Abraham Smith, Abraham Miller, Nicholas Depui, Manuel Gonsales, and Abraham West-
brook, being nearly one for each township. The committee then chose the following
gentlemen as a Standing Committee of Correspondence for the county, viz : George Taylor,
Lewis Gordon, Peter Kachlein, Jacob Arndt, John Okely, and Henry Kooken, Esqrs.
Lewis Gordon was chosen Treasurer, and Robert Traill was chosen Clerk. The General
Committee met January 9, 1775, and elected the following persons to represent them in the
Provincial Convention to be held at Philadelphia, January- 23, 1775, viz : George Taylor,
Lewis Gordon, Peter Kachlein, Jacob Arndt, and John Okely, Esqrs. The committee
met May 6, 1775, at Easton, and considered a letter received from the committee of Phila-
delphia, which made a deep impression on the members present. It is easy to surmise
the tenor of the letter when we read the atlion of the meeting. A resolution was unani-
mously adopted to form companies in every township in the county ; every man should
supply himself with a good firelock, a pound of powder, four pounds of lead, a quantity
of flints, and they were to choose their officers. A general meeting of the committee of the
whole county was to be held on the 22d of the month, and the Clerk was ordered to send
letters notifying the representatives of the various townships of the meeting. The Port Rill
of Boston had been passed in the British Parliament, forbidding the landing of merchandi.se
at the wharves of that city. Paul Revere had performed his famous midnight ride, the
battle of Concord and Lexington had been fought, and that of Bunker Hill was approaching.
The bells of Boston had tolled for the death of freedom, and old Northampton was arming
for the fight. The excitement was at fever heat.
At the meeting of the 22d, it was unauimoush- \oted to abide by the action of Con-
gress ; to associate together for mutual ])rotection ; that no powder be expended, except
E ASTON, PENN'A.
125
when absolutely necessary, and upon urgent occasions; to encourage military drill in
the manual of arms ; those who refused to associate for the common cause should be
considered enemies, and business with them suspended. At the same meeting we
have a list of those who subscribed to the general association in numbers, and their officers
chosen, viz :
Easton — Captain, Peter Kachlein ; Lieutenant, Abram Labar ; Ensign, Matthias Miller — 87 men.
Forks — Captain, Jacob Amdt ; Lieutenant, George Stocker — 126 men.
Williams — Captain, Melchoir Hay ; Lieutenant, Philip Mixsell — 104 men.
Bethlehem — Captain, Christian Newman ; Lieutenant, Ulrich Sleppy — 130 men.
Allen — Captain, Neigal Gray; Lieutenant, John Lickpot — 120 men.
Upper Saucon — Captain, Henry AUise ; Lieutenant, George Kern — 105 men.
Lower Saucon — Captain Huebner ; Lieutenant, Jesse Jones — 142 men.
Macungie — Captain, Peter Traxler ; Lieutenant, Henry Felker — 120 men.
Upper Milford — Captain, Christian Fisher ; Lieutenant, Philip Walter — 64 men.
White Hall — Captain, Peter Burkhalter; Lieutenant, Philip Knappenberger — 100 men.
Salisbury — Captain, Nicholas Fox ; Lieutenant, H. Hagenbuch — 100 men.
Plainfield— Captain, Casper Doll ; Lieutenant, H. Engel— 88 men.
Mount Bethel — Captain, John Nielson ; Lieutenant, S. Rea — 224 men.
Moore — Captain, Adam Bruckhauser; Lieutenant, Timothy Reed — 106 men.
Lehigh — Captain, Yost Dreisbach ; Lieutenant, Enoch Beer — 70 men.
Weisenburg — Captain, Michael Probst; Lieutenant, P. BenninghofF^32 men.
Lynn — Captain, Matthias Propst ; Lieutenant, John vStane — 70 men.
Heidelberg — Captain Michael Ohl ; Lieutenant, Jacob Zeiger — 100 men.
Lowhill — Captain Michael ; Lieutenant, Jacob Horner — 35 men.
Towamensing — Captain, Nicholas Kern ; Lieutenant, Jacob Wagner — 50 men.
Penn — Captain, Richard Dodson ; Lieutenant, John Siegley — 25 men.
Chestnut Hill — Captain, Abraham Smith ; Lieutenant, Dewalt Kuntz — 82 men.
Hamilton — Captain, Abraham Miller ; Lieutenant, Michael Raup — 50 men.
Lower Smithfield — Captain, Jacob Stroud ; Lieutenant, Samuel Drake — 127 men.
Delaware — Captain, John Van Etten ; Lieutenant, David Van Aken — 47 men.
Upper Smithfield — Captain, John Van Sickel ; Lieutenant, Nathaniel Washburne — 53 men.
The author has made this record to show the relative strength of the townships ; the
nature of the work which the Committee of Safety had to perform, and the patriotic
leaders in those dark days. Here is a volunteer force of two thousand men preparing
for duty at the front when called for under the dire6lion of this committee. They
had the authority of raising, equipping, and sending soldiers to the front. In July,
1775, the projedl of equipping a company of riflemen having been adopted, Craig, their
captain, was authorized to purchase rifles, and present the bill to the treasurer of the
committee. At the October meeting the military forces of the county were divided into
four battalions, each to be commanded by a colonel ; the Easton battalion to be com-
manded by Colonel Peter Kachlein. At a meeting of the committee, July 9, 1776,
five days after the Declaration of Independence, it was resolved to form a Flying Camp,
and to give a bounty of three pounds to all able-bodied men who would join it.
The following officers were recommended for the Flying Camp now to be raised.
This camp was to be divided into four battalions. The officers of the first battalion were.
Captain, John Arndt ; First L,ieutenant, Joseph Martin ; Second Lieutenant, Peter Kach-
lein, Jr. ; Ensign, Isaac Shimer. The second battalion were officered as follows : Captain,
Henry Hagenbuch ; First Lieutenant, John Moritz ; Second Lieutenant, Godfrey Myer ;
Ensign, Jacob Mummy. The officers of the third battalion were : Captain, Nicholas Horn ;
126 THE HISTORY OF
First Lieutenant, Enoch Beer ; Second Lieutenant, Peter Buche ; Ensign, William Daniel.
The officers of the fourth battalion were : Captain, Timothy Payne ; First Lieutenant,
Peter Middaugh ; Second Lieutenant, Benjamin Ennis ; Ensign, Abner Everet. Lieutenant-
Colonel, Peter Kachlein ; Major, Michael Probst ; Sergeant Major, John Spangenburg.
Each battalion was to consist of the following numbers: First, 92; second, 120; third,
57 ; fourth, 49. The four battalions combined would number three hundred and eighteen
men ; a small compacft force, that could move in mass or in separate battalions at a moment's
notice, as on the wings of the wind. The bounty paid to those joining the Flying Camp
was to be met by a tax on the county of nine pence per pound, and single men to pay six
shillings. Captain John Arndt's Company of the Flying Camp was to be the rifle com-
pany. Gunsmiths and locksmiths were not allowed to enlist, as they were needed at
home.
General Washington was appointed Commander-in-chief of the American anny, June
15, 1775, and thus the man who had saved the wreck of Braddock's army was called to
lead, preserve and foimd a nation. He took command of the anny under a wide spreading
elm at Cambridge, Massachusetts. The British held the city of Boston, and during the
winter of 1776, Washington pressed the siege. In the following spring he felt strong enough
to commence operations. It was resolved to seize Dorchester Heights and drive General
Howe out of Boston. For two days the attention of the British was drawn by a fire from the
American batteries. On the night of the 4th of IMarch the Heights were seized, and
breast-works erected. In the morning Howe saw he must stonn the works or leave the
city and harbor. He immediately ordered twenty-four hundred men to proceed and storm
the position before night. But a storm arose, and the wind blew so severely that the
vessels could not cross the bay. And during the day and night the works were so
strengthened as to bid defiance to the British army, and Howe gave up the Capitol of
New England. Washington supposed New York would be the next point of attack, and
so hurried away from Boston to defend it. He had entered the city of Boston in
triumph. The countr\- was wild with delight, and Congress voted a gold medal to be
struck in honor of this great victory over the enemy. But the bright sun of freedom was
soon to be covered with dense clouds and a darkness, like that of Egypt, which could
be felt. Howe soon landed on Long Island with a powerful army of veterans led by the
best generals of Europe. Washington ordered his army to Brooklyn, and at once prepared
for battle. L^ntried soldiers, fresh from their farms and workshops, led by officers not
educated to arms, were to go into this fierce contest to fight for freedom. What these
fearless men lacked in experience was supplemented by that omnipotent emotion, love of
one's country' and home. The Americans were beaten and forced to retreat, which they
did in a masterly manner on the 29th of August. The American lo.ss in killed was
upwards of one thousand men. This battle took place on the 27th of August, at what is now
Greenwood Cemetery. Into this fierce contest John Arndt led his brave men. Only thirty-
three of his company rallied the next day at Elizabeth. The first battalion had been
increased in number to eighty-seven, was sent to the front by this committee, and was in
the thickest of the fight. It was one of the fiercest battles of the war. Captain Arndt
lost many of his men ; was severely wounded ; and Colonel Peter Kachlein was, with
Captain Arndt, taken prisoner. We copy the following muster roll of the comjiany from
the History of the Lehigh Valley :
E ASTON, PENN'A.
127
MUSTER ROLL.
Captain— John Amdt.t
1ST Lieut.— Joseph Martin.
Sergeants.
Robert Scott, t
Andrew Herster,(
Philip Anidt.t
Andrew Keifer.ji
1 Daniel Lewis, t
2 Benjamin Depue.t
3 Thomas Sybert,
4 John Wolf,t
5 Christian Roth,}
6 James Hindshaw,}
7 John Middagh.t
8 Alex. Sylliman,t
9 Jacob Difford,^
10 Jacob McFarran,t
11 Robert Lyle,t
12 John Ross,}
13 Richard Overfield,?
14 Jacob Miller,!
15 Martin Derr,(!
16 Henry Siegel,
17 Christian Stout,}
18 Jacob Andrew,
19 Joseph Stout,?
20 Jacob Weidknecht,?
21 Henry Onangst,}
22 George Fry,?
23 John Smith,
24 Jost Domblaser,
25 John Bush,}
26 Macheas Steininger,?
27 Jacob Wagner,}
28 Con'd Bittenbender,}
29 Henry Bush, Sr.,?
CORPORAI^S.
Jacob Kichline,}
George Edelman,
Peter Richter,}
Elijah Crawford.}
Privates.
30 Paul Reaser,}
31 John Shurtz,}
32 Lawrence Erb,?
33 Isaac Berlin,}
34 Adam Yohe,}
35 Frederick Rieger,}
36 J. McCracken,}
37 James Farrel,}
38 Jacob Engler,}
39 Geo. Ryman,
40 Conrad Smith,}
4! Geo. Essigh,f
42 Val'n Yent,}
43 Philip Reeser,
44 Lewis Collins,}
45 Joseph Keller,}
46 Peter Byer,?
47 Conrad Metz,
48 Peter Kern,?
49 Henry Fatzinger,}
50 John Kessler,}
51 Geo. Shibly,
52 M. Kress,}
53 M. Kailor.f
54 \Vm. Warrand,}
55 F. Wilhelm,}
56 A. Frutchy,?
57 Henry Wolf, Jr.,}
58 A. Everts,
2D Lieut.— Peter Kachlein.}
3D Lieut.— Isaac Shimer.}
Drummer.
John Amdt.}
Fifer.
Henry Allshouse.}
59 Peter Lehr,?
60 M. Deal,}
61 Philip Bosh, I
62 Peter Frees,?
63 Henry Wolf, Sr.,}
64 Isaac Shoemaker.t
65 Dan'l Sailor,}
66 Fred'k Wagner,}
67 Sam'l Curry,}
68 Henry Fretz,}
69 Henry Bosh, Jr.,}
70 Henry Strauss,}
71 Isaac Koon,}
72 Chr. Harpel,}
73 Joseph Miner,}
74 Bernh'd Miller,!*
75 John Falstich,
76 Henry Weidknecht,}
77 Ad. Weidknecht,}
78 J. Fraunfelter,}
79 John Yent,}
80 Geo. Eddinger,}
81 Ab. Peter, J
82 Adam Bortz,}
83 Jacob Kreider,}
84 Christ'n Harpel,} 2d.
85 Jos'h Chass,}
86 John Harpel, J
87 James Symonton,}
t Rallied next day at Elizabethtown. (33 men. )
} Killed or taken prisoner at Fort Washington.
? Killed or taken prisoner at Long Island.
At a meeting July 17, 1776, Peter Kachlein was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel. At
the same meeting an order was granted to Captain Hubner for two casks of gun powder
for the use of troops passing through this county. The meeting of the committee July
26, 1776, gives a proper idea of the working of the organization. A father and two sons,
some distance from Easton, were charged with being Tories ; and they were to be
deprived of their fire arms to prevent their doing harm to the patriot cause. An officer
was sent to get these arms of the family, but they refused to deliver them, and threat-
ened to fire on any man who should dare to take them. An armed force went to their house,
128 THE HISTORY OF
the whole three were brought to Eastoii and lodged in gaol, and kept there till they
submitted and paid costs. At the meeting on the 29th of the same month another was
imprisoned for speaking disrespe<5lfully of the committee, and kept there till he could take
better care of his tongue. At the meeting of August 2, 1776, we find the following:
"Upon the complaint of Lewis Gordon that Mr. had uttered opprobrious words
against him and the cause, Resolved, that, upon due consideration, Mr. ask pardon
of this committee in general, and of Lewis Gordon in particular, and pay his gaol fees ;
otherwise to be remanded to gaol till next meeting." He made the apology, paid the costs,
promised better things, and went home a wiser man. These minutes of the committee
are kept in an elegant hand-writing, rarely a mistake in grammar or spelling ; showing
that the school teacher was at home in the Orkney Islands. The royal courts were sus-
pended ; the laws of King George were inoperative ; the Committee of Safety encircled
the people with their strong arms ; their eyes, like those of Argus, looked in every
diredlion for the first appearance of danger, and crushed the rising storm in the first
rustling of the wind. Many a stubborn Tor\' slept in the old gaol at Easton until he would
apologize, promise good behavior, give bonds of ^100 to ^400, sign his parole, and go
quietly home. The committee had eyes and ears in every township in the county.
Colonel Kachlein (Kichlein) and Captain Omdt (Arndt) were prepared to lead the
Flying Camp where dangers were to be found. Hardly any feature of Easton' s history
should be a matter of greater pride than the record of this remarkable body of men. The
fearful responsibilities voluntarily assumed, and so manfully, honorably and successfully
discharged, have made their names immortal. Lewis Gordon, Robert Traill, Peter Kach-
lein, Jacob Arndt, John Okely, Henry Kooken, Robert Levers, Jesse Jones, Jonas Hartzel,
Abram Berlin, Cornelius Weygant, Robert Matthias, Anthony Lattimore, Peter Beisel,
Peter Kohler, Timothy Reed, Anthony Moore, Jacob Shoemaker, Jeremiah Traxler, and
Nathaniel Britain, are names which frequently appear in the proceedings of this zealous
and patriotic body of men. They conducted the affairs of Old Northampton through
the storm of the Revolution, and when their services were no longer needed they gladly
laid their despotic powers at the feet of the people with liberty secure. The sun of liberty
shone out brightly in the heavens ; the power of the crown had passed away, and the
people were free. And those men might sing with a full heart —
" Laus Deo."
No person had been wrongly injured, no man's property wrongly taken ; the women
and children found prote6lion under the broad shield of these noble men, the home
was sacred, liberty was the boon for which they toiled and prayed ; while the temple of
law and justice was closed, that of Janus stood wide open. England had never dealt
very tenderly with rebels, and those men who formed this remarkable committee knew
the power with which they were contending. No doubt there was a feeling of relief
when they were permitted to lay aside their work. They have all passed away, but their
names are gratefully remembered, and will ever be held in high esteem by all true
patriots. The descendants of these men of the Revolution will read over their names
with filial pride.
When the Revolutionary struggle began the Colonial Assembly was the legislative
authority for the colony. It was not desirable to destrov this bodv bv violence, and so it
E ASTON, PENN'A.
129
was concluded to let it die by its members absenting themselves from the regular meet-
ings. There were members who sympathized with the Revolution to accomplish this
purpose, and so the Royal Legislative Assembly was allowed to die a quiet death. And
yet there was an eifort made to preserve its life, and this will explain the proceedings of
the Committee of Safety, July 9, 1776. Upon the complaint of Peter Kachlein, Ivieu-
tenant Colonel of the first battalion of Associators in this county, representing that a
certain John M , of the township of Easton, had falsely and maliciously calumniated
and slandered him by circulating a report that he, the said Peter Kachlein, was proffered
view of northampton street, looking toward the old court house, in 1845.
[from a photo(;raph taken by r. knecht.]
the quantity of two thousand acres of land as a bribe or reward to use his best influence
and interest to keep up and support the Assembly of this Province ; and the said Peter
Kachlein further represented that the courts of law being now shut up, he could find no
redress or remedy from thence ; he therefore prayed the committee to take the same into
consideration. Whereupon it was resolved that the parties and their evidence be heard
iimnediately. And the said parties appearing in committee, the said Peter Kachlein pro-
duced Cornelius Weygandt (one of the members of this committee), who solemnly declared
that the said John M told him that the said Peter was to have two thousand acres
of land as a bribe or reward for his supporting and upholding the Assembly of Pennsyl-
[30
THE HISTORY OF
vania, or words to that effett. The committee then adjourned for further consideration
for the space of three hours, and being met again resumed the consideration of the afore-
said complaint, and upon mature deliberation are of the opinion that the said John
M shall sign a writing acknowledging his fault for circulating so injurious a report
which had greatly hurt the characfler of the said Peter Kachlein through the whole county,
but more especially as an associator and officer whereby the public service is likely to
sustain some loss ; which paper being drawn up the said John refused to sign, and being
repeatedly afterwards summoned to appear before the committee he constantly refused to
pay any obedience thereto. Whereupon resolved, that this committee do hold up the said
John M to this county, as a designing, dangerous, and refractor}' person ; and the
public are desired to beware of him accordingly. It was ordered that the above transacflion
be published in the English and German newspapers.
x\t a meeting of the Standing Committee, December 19, 1776, Abraham Berlin,
Anthony Lattimore, Jeremiah Trexler, Anthony Moore, Timothy Read, Jacob Shoemaker,
and Robert Traill were present. Jacob Shoemaker delivered a letter from the Council
of Safety of Philadelphia, with six hundred dollars to be paid toward supporting
the sick and disabled soldiers in this town, to be paid into the hands of Abraham
Berlin for that purpose. Mr. and Mr. appeared before the committee, and
upon due examination, it appears that they are guilty of using language laid to their
charge. Therefore ordered, that they be sent to the gaol of this county there to continue
until they shall be discharged by this committee. At the same meeting of the committee,
Captain John Arndt appeared and made complaint against three prominent men for slan-
derous stories told about his condu<fl at the battle of Brooklyn. It was ordered that
summonses be issued and that said parties be delivered here with evidence by the 24th
instant. They were tried and sent to the gaol. At a meeting, December 27, 1776, the
three men expressed their sorrow for the wrong they had done Captain Arndt, and prayed
to be set at liberty. Their prayer was granted. They were each put under bonds of
from twenty to forty pounds as security for their good behavior, and liberated. At a
subsequent meeting of the Standing Committee it was resolved that a magazine of powder,
lead and arms be immediately collected and prepared in the town of Easton, under the
care of Abraham Berlin, for the defense of the county against the incursions and depreda-
tions of the Indian enemy ; and that the Standing Committee write to the Council of
Safety of Philadelphia for such ammunition and anus.
The Journal of the Committee gives little of the History- of Easton, except as con-
nected therewith. It was then a village of perhaps eighty houses, mostly log buildings.
There were no bridges over the Delaware and Lehigh rivers ; the roads were few and poor.
The streets of the town were not graded or paved. Its population did not exceed five
hundred. The larger buildings were the German Reformed Church, the Court Hou.se,
and the Moravian House on South Third street, just below Ferry.
The use of the Church and Court House for the sick and wounded soldiers of the
American army has already been referred to. Many had been wounded in the battles of
Long Island and of Brandy wine, and afterwards brought to Easton to be cared for. Captain
John Arndt, who had been wounded and taken prisoner on Long Island, returned home ;
and after his recovery, he was appointed to provide for them. Money was sent from Phila-
E ASTON, PENN'A. 131
delphia, and the town people provided from their own stores, food and clothing-, in a
liberal measure.
Northampton county then extended from Bucks to the New York line, to Berks and
Northumberland on the west. Easton was the most important town in Pennsylvania, so
near New York and Philadelphia as to be convenient of access, and yet safe from attack
by British or Indian forces. The Journal of the Committee, and references in the Colonial
Records and Pennsylvania Archives, show that it was the centre of revolutionary affairs
for all of northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Journal of the Easton Committee of Safety commences thus: "Agreeable to
notice for that purpose given, the Freeholders and Freemen of the County of North-
ampton, qualified to vote for Representatives in the Legislature, a very respe6lable number
of them, met at the Court House, in Easton, in the said county, on the 21st day of Decem-
ber, A. D. 1774; when George Taylor, Peter Kachlein, and Henry Kooken, Esqrs., were
nominated Judges of the Election for a Committee of Obserx-ation and Inspeiftion, confor-
mable to the Eleventh Article of the Association of the Continental Congress, and recom-
mended by the General Assembly of this Province. The late County Committee appearing
and resigning their authority, received the public thanks of the county for their faithful
services." The election of a new General Committee was then held. See ante, page 124.
It thus appears that in Northampton county there had been a committee appointed
previous to December, 1774. The fa6l is very significant of the patriotism of the people
of this county. They led in the van. The Newark, N. J., Committee was formed nearly
four months after. May 4, 1775; and that of Philadelphia, July 3, 1775. Of the latter
Committee, Benjamin Franklin was the first President. Associated with him were Robert
Morris, John Dickenson, Daniel Roberdeau, and others, who afterwards became prominent
in the state and nation. This was the Central Committee, and the controlling power of
the state for nearly two years.
The formation of the Committee at Easton preceded the battles of Concord and
Lexington by four, and that of Bunker Hill by six, months. After these battles, and
when it became evident that the result must be victory and freedom, or defeat and slavery,
these committees multiplied through all of the Colonies. Communications were kept up
by special messengers, and thus these organizations were enabled to adl with great effedl.
Between the Philadelphia and Easton Committees, there was frequent correspondence.
Large sums of money were sent to Jacob and John Arndt, Peter Kachlein, and Robert
Traill. Easton was then the frontier town on the Delaware river, the centre of a large
population, for that day, and the rallying place for the patriots of all of northeastern
Pennsylvania. After the defeat of the American forces at the battle of Brandywine,
September 11, 1777, Philadelphia was abandoned by them, and Easton was chosen as the
place for depositing the public records and papers, and for coUetliling military stores. On
September 14, 1777, it was resolved by the Supreme Executive Council (Col. Rec. 11, p.
864), "That Mr. Sowden and Mr. Hoge be appointed to have the money and the papers
belonging to the Public Loan Office removed to Easton, in Northampton county ; and
John Snyder and Henry Bartholomew were employed with a wagon to convey it to said
place." "Ordered, That Colonel Nichola furnish a guard of two men to go with the
said wagoners. These papers, etc., are contained in a case, a barrel, and an iron chest."
The contents were noted, and it was resolved, "That the said chest, with its contents.
[32
THE HISTORY OF
be immediately sent to Eastoii, and committed to the care of Robert Levers, Esq. , of said
place." On the 17th of September, it was fnrther, "Ordered, That the books in the
Library belonging to the State, be sent immediately to Easton, in Northampton county,
and committed to the care of Robert Levers, Esq., of said county, to whose care, a case
and a barrel containing the books and papers of the Council of Safety, and the Board
of War, have already been sent, with the loan office money and papers." On April 23,
1778, it was, "Ordered, That the ammunition and valuable stores be removed from Pitts-
town, (N. J.,) to Easton, in the County of Northampton; that the wagon master of the
County of Northampton furnish wagons to the State Navy Board for the removal of the
stores from Pittstown, New Jersey, to Easton, in this State." In Irving' s "Life of Wash-
ington," Vol. Ill, p. 306, a reference is made to "the public stores at Easton, Bethlehem,
and AUentown."
At a meeting of the Committee at Easton, June 22, 1776, Captain George Huebner
con tracked "to deliver to them 140 lbs. good gun powder for even,- cwt. of salt petre they
shall deliver to him, gross weight, he to be allowed at the rate of £t, per cwt. for making
and for the casks ; he, the said Huebner, delivering the powder at Easton and fetching
the salt petre, gratis." On the same day, "Jacob Opp, Commissioner, is appointed to
receive all the salt petre made in the county, who shall pay for the same at the rate of
^25 per cwt., or 5 shillings per pound."
At a meeting, August 5, 1776, the Township Committees were directed to buy all the
blankets from the stores and shops in their respedlive townships, and to ask ' ' the good
people of their townships to spare from each family as many as they possibly can, for the
u,se of the jVIilitia and Flying Camp of this county now preparing to march to New
Bninswick, for the defence of American liberty." On August 8, 1776, at the next meeting,
Jesse Jones reported that he had brought up from Philadelphia ^1300, "for advance money
for our Militia." At several meetings in the fall and winter of 1776-7, reference is made
to "the sick soldiers, now quartered in this town," and the expenses of their support.
At a meeting, January 9, 1777, it was, "Resolved, That the following persons of the
Easton Compan}' of Militia be detained from marching with the said company to the camp,
viz : Robert Traill, Clerk and Treasurer to this Committee ; Henry Shouse, joiner,
employed in making coffins for such of the soldiers as shall die in Easton ; Henr%'
Shnyder and Nicholas Troxell, shoemakers; Abraham Berlin, Jr., gunsmith; Jacob
Berlin, blacksmith ; and Peter Ealer, keeper of the gaol of this county." It thus appears,
that the entire able-bodied male citizens of the town were in arms and ready to march in
the service of their country ; as also, that a resolution of the Committee was required, to
designate those who must remain at home.
Notwithstanding the confli(5t of arms, the people desired that social order should be
preserved. At a meeting, August 2, 1776, it was, "Resolved, That this Committee will
take upon them to keep the peace and call offenders to justice, in the name of the State
of Pennsylvania, until it shall be otherwise ordered by the convention, or any other
superior authority of this state, for the preservation of men's lives, liberties, and reputa-
tions," etc. On the same day, it was, "Resolved, That this Committee will take into
consideration the complaint of Myer Hart against Barnet Levi." The Journal contains
many complaints for injuries, usually redressed by the civil courts ; but the Committee
did not a.ssume jurisdi6lion over capital offences, such as were punishable witli deatli.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
a
While "the Courts were shut up" in 1776 and 1777, there could be no convidlions for
crimes ; and there could be no better example of the capacity of the people for self-o-ov-
ernment than that presented by the citizens of Northampton county in those years.
The proceedings of the Committee were always orderly. A complaint was made,
summons issued, and a hearing had at an appointed time, when the accused person was
confronted with the witnesses against him. He was heard in his defence with his
witnesses ; then, after a short deliberation, the judgment was pronounced and at once
executed. Disobedience to the summons, or refusal to comply with the sentence, was
punished by imprisonment in the ' ' gaol. ' ' But the powers of this Committee soon ceased.
They were no longer needed. The adl of the 6th of April, 1776, was the last adl of the
session of the General Assembly, which commenced September 30, 1775, and ended the
6th of April, 1776. It was the last exercise of Legislative authority under the Proprietary
Governments, to which succeeded the Legislative authority established by the Consti-
tution of Pennsylvania, of the 28th of September, 1776. Dallas Laws, Vol. I, p. 720.
The last Court of Quarter Sessions for this county, under British authority, was held
at Easton, on June 18, 1776, "in the sixteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord,
George the Third, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King,
Defender of the Faith," etc. But little was done at this term ; no Courts were held for
one year. The next Court was held June 17, 1777, "for the County of Northampton, in
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," before John Arndt, Thomas Sillyman, Thomas
Hartman, Benjamin Depui, Samuel Rea, William McNair, Lewis Steckel, Frederick
Leinback, Peter Moyer, Matthias Probst, and Jacob Horner, Justices of the Peace. The
entire proceedings of the session are contained on one page of the Court Record, upon
which is this entr>' : "The Court being opened, the Sheriff, John Jennings, Esq., reported
that no precepts or any other process had been delivered to him." The next Court of
Quarter Sessions was held September 16, 1777, before Justices of the Peace as above
named. Little was done except to appoint constables and to recommend to the President
and the Executive Council, persons to keep public houses of entertainment; "Provided,
they all had, or should take the test" oath. At December sessions, 1777, one indi(5lment
was found and the trial postponed to the next term, which was held March 17, 1778,
before Justices as before stated. Courts were held in June, September, and December of
this year, and regularly thereafter.
In the Court of Common Pleas, the last term under English rule, was June, 1776.
The next term was held under the Commonwealth, September 16, 1777. There had been
some adlions and judgments entered in the meantime, which were confirmed by the
Court. It was at this term, that on motion of Robert Levers, and upon the recommen-
dation of Daniel Clymer, Esq., Robert Traill, Esq., was admitted as an Attorney of
this Court. There were many suits brought to December Term, 1777, and thereafter
Courts were regularly held. There were no Courts from June Term, 1776, to September
Term, 1777. The attorneys whose names appear most frequently thereafter were Traill,
Read, Currie, Clymer, Biddle and Robison. Though the county was then geographically
large, yet there was little done in the Courts. One small docket of 361 pages contains
all the anions from December, 1765, to December, 1781, a period of sixteen years. At a
Court held at Easton May 16, 1779, William McCoy, Daniel Monaghan, and Patrick
Drogan, were tried and convidled of murder. They were sentenced to be hung, and that
'34
THE HISTORY OF
sentence being approved, the Supreme Executive Council fixed Saturday, June 12th,
following, for its execution. Col. Rec, Vol. XII, p. 5. In the same Vol., p. 535, we find
that in October, 1780, Ralph Morden was convi<5led of high treason and sentenced to be
hung. This sentence was ordered by the Council to be executed on Saturday, the 25th
day of November, following.
Easton has frequent mention in the Colonial Records and Pennsylvania Archives.
Enough has been given to show, in some measure, her importance in those days. We
come now to what was probably the most exciting military incident of Easton's early
history — Sullivan's Expedition against the Indians.
Note. — The patriots of Northampton, whose names appear upon the records of the Committee of Safety,
were of different nationalities. Taylor, Gray, the Craigs, Horners, Browns, Kennedys, Hays, Wilsons, Millers,
and many others, were from the north of Ireland. Jesse Jones was of Welch descent. Traill, Gordon, Nielson,
McFall,- Gaston, and Hay, were of Scotch ancestry. The Amdt, Kachlein, Hess, Shnyder, Odenwelder,
Mixsell, Horn, Ludwig, Lerch, Wagener, Schnable, Kreider, and other families, were of German origin. The
De Pui, La Bar, La Wall, and De Long families, were of French-Huguenot descent. The Van Campens, Van
Ettens, Van Aukens, and Van Sickles, were from Holland. The Everett, Barton, Read, Bush, Jayne, Mead,
Washburn, and Walls families, were from England. Manuel Gonsales was of Spanish origin.
So, there are nine names, representing the same number of nationalities, prominent in the early history of
New York. Schuyler, was of Holland ; Herkimer, of German ; John Jay, of French ; Li\'ingston, of Scotch ;
Clinton, of Irish ; Morris, of Welsh ; Hoffman, of Swedish ; and Steuben, of Prussian, descent. Alexander
Hamilton was born in the Island of Nevis, one of the English West India Islands. His father was a Scotch-
man, and his mother, a French-Huguenot lady. The early settlement of New York, under Dutch auspices,
affords an example of religious toleration, very remarkable for that era. Around New Amsterdam were many
nationalities, of diverse creeds, who lived in peace. There were Hollanders, Swedes, Waldenses, French
Huguenots, Scotch, English, Irish, and Germans. Later a colony of Germans from the Palatinate settled on
the Mohawk, many of whom afterwards came to Berks county, Pennsylvania. Conrad Weiser, the celebrated
Indian Interpreter, was of this stock.
Thus was there a blending here of the best blood of the world, and the result was independence of thought
and adtion, self-reliance, and at last, freedom throughout the land — the land of soul-liberty — our countn,-.
" It is the land that freemen till,
That sober-suited Freedom chose ;
The land where, girt with friends or foes,
A man may .speak the thing he will."
SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION.
Organized at Easton — Arrival of Artillery and Soldiers from the National Army — Advance of Pioneer Corps —
Sullivan's Road — March to Wyoming— Union of Forces with General Clinton — The Battle — Devastation
of the Indian Country — Return to Easton — Depreciation of the Currency.
^|[g|ANY years had passed since the last of the Indian treaties had been held
at the "Forks of the Delaware." Parsons, Gordon, and others, who had
so well cared for the interests of the town had finished their earthly labors
and were at rest. But their mantles had fallen on others who had bravely
taken up their work, and to whom was given the great privilege of wit-
nessing its triumphant success. Great Britain was in 1775, beyond ques-
tion, the ruling power of Europe. France had been beaten in the seven
years war, which closed in 1763, and had lost the greater part of her
colonial possessions. In the interval of peace England had become rich
and powerful. Her ships were on every sea, and the nations of the civi-
lized world were but her tributaries. The united American colonies,
without money, or public property, or a treasury, or national credit, had entered into war
with this nation, and had met with varying success. Angered by the desperate courage
and continued resistance of the colonists, the British sovereign resolved to call to his aid
his Indian allies, the most faithful and powerful of whom were the Iroquois, or Six
Nations, whose headquarters were south of Lake Ontario, in what is now New York State.
It was their influence which brought against the colonies the combined Indian forces from
the Mohawk to the great lakes of the northwest. Then was heard the fierce yell of the
savage along the frontier settlements ; then the torch and the tomahawk performed their
deadly work ; then were outrage and murder rife ; then was the irruption of Indians, led
by Englishmen and Tories, into the valley of the Susquehanna, and the slaughter of
Wyoming.
The defeat and surrender of Burgo)-ne at Saratoga, in October, 1777, had left the
British without forces for a regular campaign in the year 1778, and it was determined to
employ the Indians and Tories in carrying on a war of desolation on the frontier. The
invasion of Wyoming was resolved upon, because her sons had early declared against
British usurpations, and had freely volunteered in the revolutionary anny. It was made;
the fair valley was devastated, the houses burned, the crops destroyed, and her brave men
slaughtered. A thrill of horror passed through the country at this outrage. General
Washington took prompt a(?lion, and on Ocftober 26th, following, addressed a communi-
cation to Congress in reference to an " Expedition against Chemung, ' ' enclosing reports
of Governor Clinton, and Generals Schuyler and Hand; on which it was, "Resolved,
That Congress approve the reasons for not undertaking, for the present, an expedition
against that place." Journals of Congress, Vol. Ill, p. 108. But the purpose was not
abandoned. On February 25, 1779, Congress "Resolved, That the representation of the
circumstances of the western frontiers, communicated by a committee of the General
136
THE HISTORY OF
Assembly of Pennsylvania, and copies of the memorials and letters from the governors of
Connedlicut and New York, respedling the depredations on the said frontiers, be trans-
mitted to the commander-in-chief, who is direcfled to take effedlual measures for the pro-
tedlion of the inhabitants and chastisement of the savages." lb. lb., p. 212.
Washington acted promptly. He was a grand judge of men, and he ordered General
John Sullivan to carry the war into the country of the Six Nations, "to cut off their set-
tlements, destroy their crops, and infli(5l upon them every other mischief, which time and
circumstances would permit." The plan of the campaign was that one division should
ascend the valley of the North Branch of the Susquehanna to its interseclion with Tioga
river, under General Sullivan ; and the other, from the north, under General Clinton, to
descend the Susquehanna, from its source; and after forming ajuncftion, to march along
the Chemung river into the Indian country. General Sullivan made Easton his head-
quarters in preparing for his campaign, doubtless after con-
sultation with General Washington, who was so sensible of
its great importance, and so extremely anxious for its success,
that he wrote, on July 5, 1779, the following letter (Penn.
Archives, Vol. VII, p. 535), urging the Executive Council to
give all the aid in their power: "I must entreat, in the most
pressing tenns, that the Council will be pleased, without delay,
to take effedlual measures to have the number of men origi-
nally requested sent forward. The Council are fully sensible
of the importance of success in the present e:<f)edition, and
of the fatal mischief which would attend a defeat. We should
perhaps lose an army, and our frontiers would be desolated and
deluged in blood. A large reinforcement has been sent from
Canada to join the savages. They are collecfling their forces
for a vigorous opposition, and if they are successful, their de-
vastations will exceed anything that we have yet experienced.
Their means will be increased, and their cruelty will be em-
boldened by success and sharpened by revenge. It was not
in my power to send a greater Continental force. I have stretched this string as hard as
it will possibly bear, and relied on the further aid of the States more immediately con-
cerned. I hope I shall not be eventually disappointed. I flatter myself, that the Council
will think my anxiety on this occasion natural, and will excuse my importunity."
As we have seen, Congress had authorized this expedition, February 25, 1779. This
letter is dated July 5, 1779. The summer was passing away, and the forces promised from
Pennsylvania have not yet appeared. General Sullivan had written the Council upon
this matter. In his letter dated, "Headquarters, Easton, May 31, 1779," he says: "I
am informed by Mr. Blaine," the Commissary, "that the stores on the Susquehanna have
no guards to secure them. I always supposed that the ranging companies from your State
would pass by that route and guard the stores to Wyoming. I must entreat of your
Excellency to send them on to Easton, if they are ready ; if the whole are not prepared
to march, I wish such as possibly can be spared, may be sent on. Should the whole fail
to reach me in time, I must request the favor of your Council to call out a number of >our
militia from the neighborhood of Sunbury for the purpose. I have just returned from the
A CONTINENTAL SOLDIER.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 137
great Swamps; I find the road in such forwardness, that I shall march the army for
Wyoming, this week." Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. VII, p. 450. But the men were
not furnished. General Sullivan then wrote to Congress, lb. lb., p. 568, as follows:
"Headquarters, Wyoming, July 21, 1779. General Washington, in consequence of my
letters, wrote the Executive Council of Pennsylvania, for the rangers and riflemen, and
the President frequently wrote me that they would be ready in season. Not a man of
them has joined us, nor are any about to do it. The reason assigned by them is, that the
quartermaster gave such extravagant prices to boatmen, that they all enlisted in the boat
service. But this must be a mistake, for we have not a hundred boatmen enlisted for the
army, and but forty-two pack horsemen, so that I must draft for boatmen and pack horse-
men." Wagons, teams, and drivers were needed to transport the baggage. On p. 388
of same volume of Archives, we find the following letter :
"Headquarters, Easton, May 11, 1779.
To President Reed :
I find that a law of your State will much impede the intended Expedition, unless
your Excellency will procure an order from the Executive Council, impowering the
Quartermaster to impress in this county such wagons, horses, etc. , as may be found neces-
sary for forwarding the stores, etc., over to the Susquehanna. You will easily discover
the necessity of this measure, and I doubt not, of your readiness to comply with this
request. ' '
President Reed, in his reply, intimated that the word "impress" was too harsh for
use in Pennsylvania. General Sullivan courteously acknowledged that he had used the
wrong term, and attributed it to his ignorance of Pennsylvania law. This letter bears
date, Easton, May 26, 1779. Penna. Archives, Vol. VII, p. 439. In it he thanks the
Council for sending "three blank warrants for teams, wagons, etc.," to fill out at his
pleasure, and thus obtain the means of transportation. The warrants were for North-
ampton, Bucks and Berks counties, though used only in the first two. Of one hundred
wagons needed, he procured sixty from Northampton and forty from Bucks. Thus were
his means of transportation provided. And now the town is roused from its quiet. All
eyes were turned to the Jersey shore. The First New Jersey Regiment approaches through
the village of Phillipsburg, and martial music echoes from the surrounding hills, while
the troops were transported over the Delaware in boats. Colonel Pro<5lor's Artillery thun-
dered forth a welcome. On May 26th, the Third New Jersey Regiment crossed the river.
A German Battalion, and Major Powell's command, had come in April. In May appeared
a regiment from York County, Pennsylvania. Then came a regiment from New Hamp-
shire, the neighbors of the heroes of Concord, Lexington and Bunker Hill. There was
also a regiment commanded by Captain John Paul Schotts, a German ofl!icer, who served
in the army of Frederick the Great.
Thus was Easton filled with soldiers. Their tents were pitched along the Delaware
and Lehigh rivers, and up the Bushkill creek. The officers occupied the hotels. The
Court House in the Square was filled ; so was the old Durham boat store house of Chris-
tian Butz. The heavy wagons of the farmers of Northampton and Bucks came slowly in.
Never before had so large a number of troops congregated here. There was an army of
twenty-five hundred men, with teamsters for the transport wagons and drivers for the pack
138
THE HISTORY OF
on the 2oth at Choiider'
horses. The hour for the inarch was at hand. The advance corps of pioneers had opened
a road, and all was in commotion incident to the great campaign, the results of which
were to influence for good or ill the destiny of our countr}% and to draw the attention of
the civilized world. There was then no road up the Bushkill creek beyond the mill, near
the present county bridge, next the planing mill ; and Sullivan street, more generally
known as "Lover's Lane," was then made by the pioneer corps of General Sullivan's army.
It ran by the reservoir of the Easton Water Company, and thence westwardly direclly
over Chestnut Hill.
On the morning of June i8, 1779, the troops were early in motion, and as they
marched to the martial music of fife and drum, the soldiers were shouting the refrain —
" Don't you hear your General say,
Strike your tents and march away."
The line of march extended more than two miles. The army encamped the first
night at Wind Gap, near Heller's ; on June 19th at Larner's, on the Pocono Mountain ;
Camp : 21st at Fatigue Camp ; 2 2d at Sullivan's Camp, at Great
Meadows, seven miles from the Wyoming \'alley,
where it arrived on the 23d of June. The soldiers
had now reached the beautiful vale which had so re-
cently been the scene of rapine, outrage and murder ;
of most savage cruelties inflicfted by the Indians under
the lead of Tories and British officers. But the day
of vengeance was at hand. If aught had been needed
to nerve the heart and strengthen the arm of ever>'
soldier in the ranks, the recital of the wrongs suffered
by the inhabitants, the charred timbers of the houses
burned, and the destrudlion wrought everywhere,
would have sufficed. The brief accounts of the march
handed down to us show that there was no flinching
thereafter from the fight. Each man was filled with
the desire of avenging the vidlims of that cruel onslaught. Such an army was invincible
in such a cause. At last had deliverance come to the people of fair Wyoming ; and we can
well believe that the brave men and noble women of the valley welcomed the anny with
joy and exultation. The river was lined with the boats sent for the transportation of pro-
visions, artillery, and the munitions of war. Before the march began, a soldier who had
been tried and condemned at Easton, was executed. Twenty of a German regiment
were condemned to death for desertion ; but intercession was made for them, a pardon
granted, and they were restored to the ranks.
Upon the evening of the 28th of July, Colonel Reed arrived with ninety wagons
loaded with provisions ; and on July 31st, the whole army was on the march. Meanwhile
had every movement been watched by the enemy, who resorted to ever\- device to delay
and harass the advancing ann>-. Brant, the celebrated Iroquois Chief, attacked its right
flank. McDonald, with a combined force of British troops and Indians, led by Hiokoto, a
veteran Seneca warrior, came down on his left. Messages came from right and left,
beseeching aid ; but General Sullivan was not to be turned from the grand purpose of his
INDIAN SCOUT.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
139
campaign, and steadily pressed forward to Tioga Point, near the present site of Elmira,
New York, where he arrived on August 11, 1779.
As already stated. General James Clinton, of New York, had been ordered to co-ope-
rate with General Sullivan in his expedition against the Iroquois. Crossing the Mohawk
river he came to Lake Otsego, one of the sources of the river Susquehanna, down which
he was to join Sullivan. Upon his arrival at the lake, he had built two hundred batteaux,
for the transportation of his army. And here an unforeseen difficulty presented itself.
The water in the outlet was too low to admit the passage of his boats. He immediately
damned the lake, created an artificial flood, and then suddenly breaking the centre of his
dam, produced such a current as sufficed to carry his boats rapidly to the place of jundlion
at Tioga Point, where he arrived on August 2 2d, midst the cheers of the army under
Sullivan, and the roar of his artillery. The following account of the battle is taken from
Miner's History :
"On the north side of the Tioga river, where there was a bend fonning almost a right
angle, on a steep gravelly bank, the enemy had thrown up a breast work, nearly half a
mile in length ; this was to be the scene of the final battle. Their works were masked by
shrubs stuck in the ground as if still growing. The divisions of the army soon took
position, and all was ready for the attack. General Sullivan promptly gave orders to Poor
to scale the hills on the right, rouse the Indians from their lurking places at the point of
the bayonet ; press on with spirit ; give them no time to shelter themselves behind the
trees, and then to wheel, fall on their left flank and rear. Pro(flor took good position and
played vigorously with his artillery'. Parr with his whole rifle corps was adlively engaged.
Spalding and Franklin, with the Wyoming troops, were in the thickest of the fight.
General Hand led his infantry gallantly into the storm of battle. Generals Clinton and
Maxwell, with their forces, were held in reserve, impatient at their restraint. Tlie enemy
contested the ground with determined resolution until Poor had cleared the hills of the
sharp shooters of the enemy, and was coming down like an avalanche on their left flank
and rear, when their whole force broke and fled with precipitate haste.
"The enemy did not attempt to rally, nor was further resistance offered to the advance
of the combined armies. About thirty were killed in the battle, and a number wounded.
But there was not a moment's delay. The dead were buried ; the wounded cared for ; and
then the destrudlion of the enemy's country was commenced. It was the last of August.
Corn and beans were ripening in the fields ; these and all other vegetables were destroyed.
An orchard of fifteen hundred peach trees, bending with ripening fruit, near an Indian
town, between the Seneca and Cayuga lakes, was destroyed and the trees cut down. The
combined armies, nearly four thousand strong, marched through, laying waste the whole
country. Forty Indian towns were laid in ashes, the largest containing one hundred and
twenty houses. Every field of growing corn was destroyed and every cabin burned.
The quantity of corn destroyed was estimated at 160,000 bushels."
The work of devastation occupied the amiy for one month. The orders of General
Washington, already referred to, had been obeyed to the very letter ; and the combined
armies returned from the field of vi6lory. The army of General Sullivan came down the
north branch of the Susquehanna to Wilkes-Barre ; and from thence marched to Easton
over the road made but a few months before. On their arrival the soldiers were ' ' billeted ' '
upon the town. An officer passed through the streets and marked upon each house the
[40
THE HISTORY OF
Yet their stav was brief, and in a few davs Easton
number the family must entertain,
resumed its peaceful habit.
The expedition thus brought to a successful close was one of the most remarkable in
the war of the Revolution. No better evidence of its importance can be given than the
adlion taken by Congress in relation thereto, on Thursday, Oclober 14, 1779. "A letter
of the 9th from General Washington was read, enclosing a letter of the 28th of September
from Major General Sullivan, at Chemung, giving an account of his successful expedition
against the hostile Indians. Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Gerry, it was, Resolved,
.ACROSS THE DEI.AWARK — THK
[l-"R(lM A
FIFTY VEAR.S AGO.
That the thanks of Congress be given to his Excellency, General Washington, for diretling,
and to Major General Sullivan and the brave officers and soldiers under his command for
effecflually executing an important expedition against such of the Indian nations as,
encouraged by the Councils and condudled by the officers of his Britannic Majesty, had
perfidiously waged an unpro\oked and cruel war against these United States, laid waste
many of their defenceless towns, and with savage barbarity slaughtered tlie inhabitants
thereof. Resolved, That it will be proper to set apart the second Thursday in December,
next, as a day of general thanksgiving in these United States, and that a committee of
four be appointed to prepare a recommendation to the said States for this purpose. The
E ASTON, PENN'A. 141
members chosen : Mr. Root, Mr. Hoi ton, Mr. Muhlenberg, and Mr. Morris." Journals of
Congress, Vol. Ill, pp. 2;]-], 378. Against such contemporaneous testimony, the carping and
disingenuous comments of Bancroft, in his History of the United States, Vol. X, pp.
230, 231, 232, can have little weight.
There is but little known of the history of Easton in the concluding years of the
war. Business was prostrate, and the closest economy required. A further disheartening
complication arose from the depreciation of the public money. The expenses of the war
had been heavy, and the calls upon the people for clothing, food, and military stores, very
many. Bills of credit to a very large amount had been authorized by Congress in the
year 1779, in addition to previous issues. On February 3, 1779, an issue was resolved of
$5,000,160; on February 19, following, a further issue of $5,000,16; on April i, fol-
lowing, another issue of 15,000,160; on July 17, following, further issues of $15,000,280.
See Vol. HI, Annals of Congress, pp. 195, 207, 242, 324. Thus more than $30,000,000
were authorized within five months. There could be but one result ; specie disappeared
from circulation. The entire paper currency issued amounted to $200,000,000. Confi-
dence was lost. Taxation could not be resorted to, for the country was poor, without
trade, agriculture, or commerce abroad. Hence great exertions were made to give value
to the currency. Meetings were held throughout the State for this purpose. Among
them was one held at Allen township, in this county, at the house of John Siegfried, at
which Colonel Henry Geiger presided, and Robert Traill was secretary. Addresses were
made and resolutions passed, expressing a belief that this currency would be redeemed.
But these exertions were fruitless; the bills sank steadily in value, until in 1781, they
became nearly worthless, as is shown by the following receipt of an Easton inn keeper for
entertaining an agent of the State :
"Easton, March 17, 1781.
To nip of toddy 10 dollars.
" cash 8 "
" cash 12
" I bowl of punch 30
" I bowl of punch 30 "
" I grog 8 "
" washing 49
" I bowl of punch 30 "
" I grog 8 "
" I bowl of punch. 30 "
" 21 quarts of oats 62 "
" hay 90 "
" 12 meals vi(ftuals 260
" lodging 40
Total 667
Received the contents of the above.
JACOB OPP, Inn Keeper."
See History of the Lehigh Valley, p. 109. The liquor bill was $146. This was
probably then the leading hotel ; for the first pavement of which we now have any account
was laid from the Public Square to "Opp's Tavern," at the corner of Northampton and
Hamilton .streets, now the Central Hotel.
142 THE HISTORY OF
The depreciation of the currency became of such grave public concern that it was
regulated by legislation. In Dallas' Laws, Vol. I, p. 882, it was enadled, "That the fol-
lowing scale of depreciation shall be the rule to determine the value of the several debts,
contracfts, and demands, in this a(5l mentioned compared with silver and gold:"
One thousand seven hundred and seventy -seven.
January, one and a half. July, three.
February, one and a half. August, three.
March, two. September, three.
April, two and a half. Oftober, three.
May, two and a half. November, three.
June, two and a half. December, four.
One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight.
January, four. July. ^o\i\.
February, five. August, five.
March, five. September, five.
April, six. OAober, five.
May, five. November, six.
June, four. December, six.
One thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine.
January, eight. July, nineteen.
February, ten. August, twenty.
March, ten and a half. September, twenty-four.
April, seventeen. OAober, thirty.
May, twenty-four. November, thirty-eight and one-half.
June, twenty. December, forty-one and one-half
One thousand seven hundred and eighty.
January, forty and a half. Jul.v. sixty-four and a half.
February, forty-seven and a half. August, seventy.
March, sixty-one and a half. September, seventy-two.
April, sixty-one and a half. OAober, seventy-three.
May, fifty-nine. November, seventy-four.
June, sixty-one and a half. December, seventy-five.
One thousand seven hundred and eighty-one.
January, seventy-five. February, seventy-five.
This a(5l was passed April 3, 1781. We have given this table that our readers may
realize, in some measure, the condition of affairs, when the war of the Revolution was,
praiflically, ended by the surrender of Comwallis, at Yorktown, 0<5lober 19, 1781.
The following list of the taxable inhabitants, with the valuation of their property, in
1780, will show who then resided here :
Henry Alshouse, Sr., joiner .^435
Henry Alshouse, Jr., joiner 49
Philip Achenbach, laborer 120
Jacob Able, inn keeper 260
keeper of the ferry 680
Henry Barnet, tanner 970
Abraham Berlin, Esq 325
.Abraham Berlin, Jr., blacksmith 130
Jacob Berlin, blacksmith 260
Widow of Henry Bush, inn keeper 406
Widow of George Bush, inn keeper 69
F.rnst Becker, baker 143
E ASTON, PENN'A.
John Batt, skindresser ^224
Chris. Bittenbender, skindresser 161
George " nailer igj
Henry Brown, tailor 126
Nathaniel " " 280
John Brotzman, " ny
John Bishop, " 48
Peter Batchman, joiner ,2
Henry Bush, carpenter 25
George Balmer, surveyor 05
John Coleman, barber ^8
John Deebler, miller 48
Peter Eahler, gaoler 107
Andrew Epkelmyer, laborer ' 65
Arnold Eberhard, weaver 1S3
George Ernfreed, blacksmith 260
Henry Fullert ^go
143
Nicholas Funston, farmer
349
James " " 48
Lewis Gordon, (Est.) 243
Jacob Grotz, Sr., farmer 143
" Jr., carpenter 146
Abel Gibbons, skindresser 48
and the house he lives in 48
Myer Harts, storekeeper 2095
Michael
1797
and the house he lives in 464
Adam Haj', weaver 97
Christian Holland, nailor
130
Abraham Horn, joiner 48
and the house he lives in 48
Jacob Hernt, innkeeper ■ 82
and the house he lives in 250
Conrad Houseman, butcher 48
and the house he lives in 48
Christopher Hartzell, joiner 151
R. L. Hooper, Jr., D. Q. M. G'l 1760
John Hatfield, cooper 30
Henry Hain, carpenter 25
Conrad Ihrie, Sr., innkeeper 351
" " Jr., treasurer 114
John Kary, carpenter 25
Peter Kachline, Sr., miller .... 2095
Andrew " 195
Lewis Knouse, saddler 291
Abraham Labar, tailor 545
Michael Lehn, laborer 48
Widow Lyons, shopkeeper 78
Andrew Ledlie, physician 468
Burnard Levi, storekeeper 260
John Mush, shoemaker 245
John Myer, farmer 148
John Murphy, watchmaker 161
Widow Nungesser, innkeeper 620
and the estate 1312
John Nicholas, butcher 346
THE HISTORY OF
Jacob Nunnemacher, cooper ;f i86
Joseph Nathan, shopkeeper 291
Jacob Opp, innkeeper 829
Michael Opp, weaver 273
Christian Pfeiffer, shopkeeper 297
John Reese, tailor 245
Jacob " " 20
John Randal, shoemaker 20
Widow Reeger, " 82
Lew-is " mason no
Adam Reeser, laborer 84
Conrad Rohn, " 114
Peter Reghter, cooper 48
Herman Snyder, " 349
Peter " tanner 760
John Simon, hatter 232
Cath. Spering, " 69
Lewis Shaub, joiner 69
Frederick Shouse, mason 326
Henry " joiner no
John Spangenberg, shopkeeper 298
John Shock, innkeeper 585
Theophilus Shannon, innkeeper 801
George Taylor, esquere 82
and the house he lives in 285
Nicholas Traill, shoemaker 161
Robert " " 378
Adam Yohe, Sr., " 3S0
" Jr., •• 25
Henry Young, locksmith 97
John " armorer 232
Michael Yohe, shoemaker 232
David Wagoner, miller 1151
Frederick " innkeeper . . 255
Robert Levers, prothonotary ... 82
SINGLE FREEMEN.
Thomas Anderson, commissions 200
John Herster, laborer 160
Adam Crafft, tailor 170
Christian Shouse, joiner 170
John Funston, laborer 170
Isaac Berlin, armorer 170
Robert Hannon, tailor 150
Merits Bishop, watchmaker 160
E ASTON, PENN'A.
145
HON. SAMUEL SITGREAVES.
The family of Hon. Samuel Sitgreaves was of English origin, and settled at Lan-
cashire, England, as early as 1626. In September, 1729, a descendant came to Philadelphia,
where William Sitgreaves, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born, December
14th, in the same year. He married Miss Snsanna Deshon, at Boston, Mass., in the year
1756. Their children were ten in number, four daughters and six sons. Of these, four —
three sons and one daughter— died in infancy. Another son died at Germantown, near
Philadelphia, and was buried there. Of the remaining sons, Samuel was bom in Phila-
delphia, March 16, 1764.
Mr. William Sitgreaves was a merchant of wealth and position in his day ; and gave
to his son Samuel every advantage in acquiring an education. Philadelphia, even at that
early day, was well supplied with schools, taught by graduates of the best of the English
Universities. After completing his course of studies, Samuel entered his father's counting
room, where he acquired a thorough mercantile education and a systematic method of
conducfling business, which was observed throughout his eventful life.
Philadelphia was at that time a centre of social and intelledlual culture. From
Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, and the West Indies, came the children of planters
and merchants, to her schools and her University. After 1765, the Medical Department
of the University, established in that year, with four professorships, became the centre of
medical teaching on this continent.
Though too young for military service, yet it cannot be doubted that he eagerly
watched the progress of events throughout the war; and when in 1781, from the tower of
the old State House, came the cry: "Twelve o'clock and Cornwallis is taken;" which
first, when doubtiugly repeated, quickly ran through the whole city, we can well believe
he was one of that joyous throng of shouting freemen who assembled round that historic
building. There can also be no question that he was a most careful observer of both state
and national affairs, between the close of the Revolution and the adoption of the Federal
Constitution, September 17, 1787. He had personal knowledge of the defedls of the
Articles of Federation, and he was therefore peculiarly prepared to comprehend the nature
and advantages of the new national government. His eager mind caught the underlying
principles of free government, ' ' of the people, by the people, for the people ;' ' and he
thus became, at a later day, when a member of Congress, a powerful aid to Washington
and the elder Adams.
After the completion of a thorough academical and mercantile education, Mr. Sitgreaves
became a student at law with Hon. James Wilson, one of the most able men of his day, a
Signer of the Declaration, a member of the Provincial Convention of Pennsylvania in
1774, of the Continental Congress, and one of the first Judges of the Supreme Court of
the United States, appointed by President Washington. James A. Bayard, of Delaware,
afterwards Congressman and Senator from that State, and one of the Commissioners for
negotiating peace with Great Britain, after the war of 1812, was a fellow student.
Young Sitgreaves was admitted to the bar, at Philadelphia, September 3, 1783, being
then in the twentieth year of his age, with a reputation for talent, learning and ability,
al.eady well established. Soon after, on November 27, 1783, he married Miss Francenia
146
THE HISTORY OF
Allibone, of that city. Three children were born of this marriage, the first two in Phila-
delphia, and one in Easton, September 9, 1786. The name of Samuel Sitgreaves appears
on the records of the courts of this county as early as 1779.
In 1786 he removed to Easton, where he became very prominent, both as an advocate
and statesman. In 1790 he was elected a member of the Convention to form a Consti-
tution for the State of Pennsylvania. In that body he took a most prominent part, advo-
cating with great ability the most liberal features of that instrument, which is an
embodiment of the fundamental principles of a free government. Among his colleagues
in this Convention were Albert Gallatin, member of the fourth, fifth and sixth Congresses,
and Secretary of the Treasury from 1802 to 1814 ; United States Senator in 1793-4;
Thomas McKean, a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Governor of the State from
1799 to 1808; Simon Snyder, afterwards Governor from 1808 to 181 7; William Findlay,
Governor from 1S17 to 1820; Joseph Hiester, Crovernor from 1820 to 1823; James Wilson,
of whom mention has been made, and others, then the ablest men of the State. Of such
men was Samuel Sitgreaves the peer in every regard.
His reputation so rapidly extended that he was elected a member of the fourth and
fifth Congresses, 1795-6-7-8. Though lie was but thirt\- \-ears of age, he became, at once.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
147
among the foremost in debate ; and earl}- distinguished himself in the defence of President
Washington, who had refused to send the documents relating to Jay's Treaty to the
House of Representatives. A careful examination of the Congressional Reports shows
that few members were heard more frequently in debate during his four years of Congres-
sional life ; and as was to be expedled, every effort bore the impress of a vigorous and
cultivated intelle(5l, fully fitted for the work of preparing and laying deeply the founda-
tions of the temple of liberty, regulated b>- law. Meanwhile, he had lost the wife of his
youth. He was married a second time, at Philadelphia, June 6, 1776, to Miss Maria
Angelina Kemper, a daughter of Mr. Daniel Kemper, of New York City, at the house of
Dr. Jackson, an uncle of the bride. Mr. Sitgreaves was then a member of Congress from
this State.
Probably the most brilliant periods in the life of this distinguished man were his
advocacy of Jay's Treaty, in 1794, and his mission to England, in 1800. It was his
fortune to have served in the last Congress of Washington's administration, and the first
of President John Adams. Very serious difficulties had arisen between Great Britain and
the United States, growing from unsettled boundaries, and the attacks of the former
power upon our commerce ; war seemed inevitable. To avoid this calamity. President
Washington resolved to send a special messenger to London to effe6l an amicable arrange-
ment of the points in dispute, and nominated John Jay, then Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court of the United States, who resigned in order to accept the appointment of special
minister. He was successful in his mission, and a treaty was agreed upon, November 19,
1794, which arrived in this countrv' in March, 1795, just after the adjournment of Con-
gress. At a Special Session of the Senate, called in June, the treaty was ratified. It
needed only the signature of Washington. Meanwhile the treaty was surreptitiously
procured and published, without the accompanying documents and correspondence. It
was criticised, disse(?ted, and condemned, with much passionate declamation. Its merits
were concealed, and its objectionable features censured and exaggerated. Public meetings
were held, and resolutions passed, condemning the treaty and intended to intimidate the
Executive. The first resolutions came from Boston, and were forwarded by an express,
which overtook Washington at Baltimore, on his way to Mount Vernon. The time had
now come for action. The popular affedlion for France and hatred of England had so
disturbed the public mind, that an unbiassed judgment was impossible. Washington, in
the quiet shades of Mount Vernon, calmly considered the treaty and the resolutions and
addresses sent to him. He determined to approve the treaty, returned to the capitol,
summoned his cabinet and submitted the question of signing the document immediately.
The cabinet approved, with the exception of the Secretar)' of State, Edmund Randolph ;
and the treaty was signed, August 18, 1795. Its enemies, confounded by this decisive
action, determined to obstruct its operation, by refusing the funds required. It was in the
midst of these bitter strifes, at the incoming Congress, that Samuel Sitgreaves took his
seat, as the member from this Congressional Distridl. Petitions against the treaty came
in abundance. At this jundlure, and for the purpose of a renewed opposition, a resolution
was passed in the Hoiise of Representatives, calling upon the President for the instru(?tions
given to Mr. Jay, and all of the correspondence and documents relating to the negotiation
of the treaty. The crisis was momentous. After calm and mature deliberation, the
President sent a message to the House, refusing the request, and in candid and respectful
148 THE HISTORY OF
tenns showing that the Constitution had placed the power of making treaties in the
Executive, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The friends of the reso-
lution were not prepared for this refusal ; and a heated debate followed, lasting many days,
and very remarkable for "passion, party zeal, eloquence, and argument." In this debate
Mr. Sitgreaves took a most acftive and a leading part. His speech was pronounced by
cotemporaries to have been one of the most powerful of all those made in defence of
Washington's course. The House yielded, possibly as much from expediency as from
convidlion ; gave the necessarv' appropriations, and the treaty passed from the reach of
Congressional a6lion.
But the ability, learning, and zeal of Mr. Sitgreaves had attra(5led the attention both
of Washington and Adams. By Art. VI of Jay's Treaty, provision was made for the adjust-
ment of debts claimed by English subjects from citizens of the United States to the
amount of $25,000,000. This was to be settled by a mixed Commission of five members —
two from England, two from the United States ; they to choose a fifth Commissioner.
The Commission was to meet in Philadelphia.
The American Commissioners were Thomas Fitzsimmons and Samuel Sitgreaves ;
the English, Thomas MacDonald and Henr}' Pye Rich. The fifth Commissioner was
John Guillemard. The first meeting of this Commission was held in J\Iay, 1797. Pro-
ceedings were suspended, July 19, 1799, and never resumed. The reason is explained in
the following letter from Mr. Pickering, Secretar}' of State, to Rufus King, Minister at
the Court of St. James, September 4, 1799: "A letter received from Mr. Fitzsimmons
informs me that Mr. MacDonald and Mr. Pye Rich, English Commissioners, were going
to embark for England in the Packet to sail from New York this week. I do not know
that this step, if it could be prevented, should be objedled to, because I see no probability
that the business of the Board can be executed by the present members. There appears
an incompatibility of temper, if I am rightly informed ; it would be difficult for any set
of American Commissioners to a<?t harmoniously with Mr. MacDonald, unless they pos-
sessed such weak and yielding dispositions, as to submit implicitly to his dogmas."
The Commission began its session in May, 1797, just at the outset of President John
Adams' administration ; and suspended, July 19, 1799, a period of more than two years,
during which time little progress had been made. Further negotiations were transferred
from Philadelphia to London. Art. VII of the Treaty related to claims of American
merchants for vessels captured and property destroyed in the war then waged between
France and England ; and were to be settled by a mixed Commission in London, similar
to that which met at Philadelphia. Neither Commission had finished its labors, when
that at Philadelphia dissolved. President Adams had anticipated the transfer, and had
resolved upon a Special Commission to Great Britain. The interests of the United States
had been advocated with as much firmness and zeal by Mr. Sitgreaves as those of
England by Mr. MacDonald. Certainly his condudl met the wann approval of the Gov-
ernment and the people; for his commission bore date, August 11, 1798, and he was
confirmed by the Senate, December 20, 1798, 'soon after the meeting of Congress.
As the English members of the Commission did not leave this countn,- till September,
1799, Mr. Sitgreaves did not arrive in London until 1800, because the required preparation
for his mission could not be made until the deliberations of the Board were suspended.
Application was made b\- the autlior of this history to the Department of State at Wash-
E ASTON, PENN'A. 149
ington for the instrudlions given to Mr. Sitgreaves on the eve of his departure ; but none
were found, and it is believed that they were either verbal, or contained among his papers,
when they were afterwards destroyed by a fire which happened at his home in Easton.
But from the letters written by him to his family we learn that his mission related princi-
pally to financial matters contained in Articles VI and VII of the Treaty. It is certain
that the interests of the United States had been belittled and disregarded, as also that the
smiles and blandishments of British diplomats had hitherto prevented that full acknowl-
edgment and recognition of our rights, which was so essential to a speedy settlement upon
a basis, mutually honorable and satisfactory to both nations. It was at this juncture that
the new Commissioner arrived at his post. He was then in the prime of manhood, of fine
presence, and fully prepared, both by mental accomplishments and education, aided by
more than two years of careful examination of the matters in dispute, for the settlement
of the points at issue. The appointment had been peculiarly judicious, and it is not sur-
prising that an adjustment was speedily attained, which gave satisfadlion to all concerned.
All financial differences were finally adjusted in convention, January 8, 1802.
Meanwhile Thomas Jefferson had been eledled President. Mr. Sitgreaves, upon his
return to his native land, abandoned the realm of politics forever, and entered with zeal
upon the duties of his profession, at Easton, to which he gave the remainder of his life.
A most important event in the public life of Mr. Sitgreaves was the impeachment
of William Blount, one of the Senators from the State of Tennessee. In 1797, Mr. Blount
was impeached by the House of Representatives for having intrigued, when Governor of
the Territory, to transfer New Orleans and the neighboring districts to Great Britain, by
means of a joint expedition of English and Indians. He was expelled from the Senate,
and the process was therefore, after a protracted discussion, dropped in the house.
This impeachment took place in the spring and summer of 1797, at the beginning of
President John Adams' administration. The United States were at peace with the world,
but England and Spain were at war. The latter claimed dominion over the Floridas, and
Louisiana, and the former coveted that possession. Suddenly, as by a fire in the night,
the administration was startled by the fear of war with the Indians and with Europe.
Senator Blount had written to a Mr. Carey, a Government Agent, among the Indians of
the South. His letter disclosed the fa6l that he had already agents in Florida and Louis-
iana, striving to detach the tribes there located from their allegiance to Spain, and to incite
them to war against her colonies. Another agent had already been sent to Europe to
further the project. By other letters it was disclosed that an English fleet would be sent
in due time upon the coast to render the aid needed. It was also disclosed that Mr. Blount
expedled a large reward for his services. President Adams had early information of the
plot, and at once sent a message, with the papers, to the Senate and House. Mr. Sitgreaves
had just been re-ele6led to the latter body, and at once took a leading part in advocating
an impeachment of that Senator. He fully realized its importance as a precedent ; and
at once moved that the Senator be impeached by the House of Representatives and the
American people for high crimes and misdemeanors. Upon the adoption of this reso-
lution, Mr. Sitgreaves then moved that a messenger be appointed to appear at the bar of
the Senate and inform that body of the action of the House. Objection was made to the
announcement of the aCtion of the House until the articles of impeachment could be
drawn, so that both might be presented at the same time. Mr. Sitgreaves then showed
I50 THE HISTORY OF
that he was following striclly the precedent established in the impeachment of Warren
Hastings ; and that immediately after the passage of the vote for impeachment, j\Ir.
Burke was appointed the messenger to convey the resolution of the Commons to the House
of Lords. The House was convinced, and Mr. Sitgreaves was appointed as messenger to
convey its atlion to the Senate. He then, with the dignity and solemnity befitting the
occasion, approached the bar of the Senate, and announced that "William Blount, Esq.,
a member of that body from Tennessee, had been impeached by the House of Represen-
tatives and the whole American people, for high crimes and misdemeanors ; and that articles
of impeachment would be presented and the same made good. ' '
He then returned to his seat in the House, and at once moved that a committee be
appointed to prepare articles of impeachment, with power to sit during the recess and to
send for persons and papers. The resolution was adopted and he was appointed chainnan
of the committee. This was at the close of a special session of Congress. During the
recess following, articles of impeachment were prepared, and presented when the next
Congress assembled. Mr. Dallas, in behalf of the defence, then answered that as the
accused was not an officer of the government, nor a member of the Senate, the Court had
no jurisdiclion. Senator Bayard replied for the prosecution, and I\Ir. Dallas was again
heard in defence. The prosecution was finally dismissed for want of jurisdicilion ; and the
point settled, that a Senator of the United States, who has been e.xpelled from his seat, is
not, after such expulsion, subjedl to impeachment. See Wharton's State Trials, 264, 290,
317 ; note.
It was also the privilege of Mr. Sitgreaves to clearly establish the law relating to
treason against the United States, in the trials of John Fries, in the years 1799 and 1800.
The country was yet new, and the people were not well instrutled in their duties to the
government of their own making. Hence came "Shay's Rebellion" in Massachusetts;
and later the "Whiskey Insurre6lion " in Western Pennsylvania, which became so formida-
ble that President Washington sent an army of fifteen thousand men to subdue it. The
leaders were tried and convicfled, but afterwards pardoned.
Yet there was still an idea that odious taxes should be resisted by force of anus.
There was comparatively a small national revenue from taxes on importations. The
needs of the government for its necessary expenses and for interest upon the public debt
were great and pressing. Therefore a direcft tax had been laid on land and houses, which
was in part regulated by the number of windows in each house. It was the duty of the
assessors to measure both houses and windows in order to estimate the tax. Serious resis-
tance was made by the inhabitants of Northampton, Bucks, and Montgomery counties.
Assessors were driven off and intimidated, until at length an open resistance was made.
The insurgents appeared, armed with swords, rifles, and pistols. John Fries, who lived
in Lower Milford township, now in Lehigh county, was the leader of the malcontents.
He was bold and fearless in his opposition to the tax, and yet unwilling first to cause the
shedding of blood.
The insurredlion culminated at Bethlehem, in this county, where the officers of the
government held some prisoners who had been arrested, preparatory to taking them to
Philadelphia for trial. Fries appeared with his adherents, and forcibly rescued them from
the officers of the law. The government prompth- quelled the uprising and arrested the
leaders. P'ries was indicled by the Grand Jury, in the Distrid Court of the United States,
E ASTON, PENN'A. i^i
April II, 1799. The leading Counsel were Mr. Sitgreaves for the government, and Mr.
Dallas for the prisoner. The trial was ably conduced. Though Fries had pracftically
confessed his guilt and signed his confession, Mr. Sitgreaves declined to take advantage
of it, but rested his case upon the evidence produced. The Adl of Congress of 1790 had
provided "that if any person or persons owing allegiance to the United States of America
shall levy war against them, or shall adhere to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort
within the United States or elsewhere, and shall be thereof convidled in open Court or on
the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt a6l of the treason whereof he or they
shall stand indi<5led, such person or persons shall stand adjudged guilty of treason against
the United States and shall suffer death." This clause in the Constitution was substan-
tially the same as a provision in the Statute of Edward III, upon which the best legal
ability of England had been engaged. For a judicial exposition of that clause and that
statute, the reader is referred to 4 Cranch, U. S. S. C. Rep., pp. 75 to 137. Trials of
Burr, Bollman and Swartwout. But the pivotal question, what is a levying of war
against the United States within the meaning of that statute, was first and finally settled
by the argument of Mr. Sitgreaves in Fries' case. He contended that there must be an
adlual levying of war, carried into some pracftical operation and effedl, and throughout the
prosecution, held the testimony to this, as the real issue. Mr. Dallas appealed to the
sympathies of the jury and plead his client's penitence for his a<?ts ; but the reply of Mr.
Sitgreaves was that this showed only that the prisoner was sensible of the wrong he
had done.
It is very plain from the proceedings of the trial which have been handed down to us
that Mr. Sitgreaves deeply realized the gravity of the case. It was already the second
insurredlion in the one State of Pennsylvania alone. The general government had been
but lately inaugurated ; and by slow and painful steps was it rising to a place among the
family of nations. But the power of self-protec?i;ion, of subduing insurrection at home,
was of the very first importance, and the argument of Mr. Sitgreaves shows how thoroughly
he comprehended the tremendous responsibilities then cast upon him, and how well his
duties were performed.
Fries was found guilty, and sentenced to death by Judge Chase, who had presided at
the trial ; but through the clemency of the National Executive he was finally pardoned.
The labors of Mr. Sitgreaves may be better understood, when we add that at the time of
this trial he held his appointment as a member of the commission, under Jay's Treaty,
as before referred to.
He returned to Easton in 1802, and thereafter was its most prominent citizen, first
in every good work. In the Act of September 23, 1789, incorporating the Borough of
Easton, he was named as " Town Clerk;" and it was drawn by him. He was also one of
the orignal members of the Delaware Bridge Company, wrote the act of incorporation,
and, for many years, was secretary and treasurer. Most of the stock certificates, the
originals of which, with the transfers of the intermediate holders, are yet in existence, in
the hands of the present owners, were signed by him. He was also one of the founders
of the Easton Library, and of the Easton Bible Society.
After his return to Easton, he gave his attention mainly to the practice of the law.
He became a leader at the bar throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. He was then in the
prime of his mental and physical powers, of splendid personal presence, of most dignified
152 THE HISTORY OF
yet courteous manners. He made the most exaft preparation for the trial of the cases in
which he was concerned, and most careful briefs, not only of the law, but of the facts.
His manner before the coiirt and jury was respedlful, grave and impressive. His pradlice
became very large, and so continued to the end of his life.
In his dav, Easton was the business centre of a ven,' large extent of country, reaching
to the New York line on the north and the Susquehanna on the west. Turnpikes were
the sole means of communication and transportation. Mr. Sitgreaves took great interest
in their support and management, especially in "The Easton and Wilkes-Barre Turn-
pike." From the year 1816 to 1827, ^^ ^'^'^ the president of the Easton bank ; and by
his financial skill and watchful care did much to establish its reputation and to give to
it that large share of public confidence which it has for so many years enjoyed.
His was an acftive, busy life ; yet withal, was his home the centre of a most generous
hospitality. His garden was an attracftion to all who visited the town. It extended from
Spring Garden to Bushkill, and from North Third to North Second street. It was filled
with flowering trees and shrubs, and its borders contained most of the rare roses and
flowers to be found in England and this country. He was the soul of honor, possessed of
the strictest integrity, and his word was ever as his bond. In his professional capacity he
was as remarkable as a sound and safe counselor, as he was fertile of expedient, adroit in
management, profound in law learning, and eloquent in advocacy. Beyond question, was
he in the front rank of the advocates of his time. His study of the great orators of
antiquity, with whose writings he was familiar, his acquaintance with the best writers of
modern times and his practical opportimities of hearing the most cultivated statesmen
both of Great Britain and the United States, uniting with his own native genius, invested
him with a superior and powerful eloquence, rarely exceeded, in this country.
"He was a scholar, and a ripe ami good one,
Exceeding wise, fair spoken and persuading ;
Lofty and stem to them that loved him not.
But to the men that sought him, sweet as summer."
He was the founder of the Protestant Episcopal church of Easton. The regular
services were first held at his own house at the comer of North Third and Spring Garden
streets, and were condudled by himself and Mr. John Dolby, for more than one year,
when Rev. John Rodney, deacon, was sent here by the Society for the Advancement of
Christianity in Pennsylvania. Mr. Sitgreaves gave the church site. When in England,
he drew the model of a rural parish church and brought it with him on his return. The
first church was built after this plan, and was often called the "White Church," as its
walls were of snowy whiteness, which in summer time, were beautifully contrasted with
the foliage of the surrounding trees. It was the child of his aflfedlion, the objedl of his
care and his prayers. He was most faithful to his church, throughout his eventful life.
He was never "ashamed of the gospel of Christ," for he held it to be "the power of God
unto salvation unto every one that believeth."
He was acftive in his professional pursuits until the year 1826, when his health began
visibly to decline. He died April 4, 1827, aged but sixty-four years, and was buried in
the church-yard, near the church he loved so well, which has been, for so many years, liis
memorial and his monument.
E AS TON, PENN'A. 153
If, after contemplating the splendid parts of his public and professional charader, we
shall inquire for the milder virtues of humanity, we shall find the beneficent and social
qualities of private life, through all its forms and combinations, so happily blended with
stridl integrity and sincere piety, that, in the fullest measure, he may be said to have
been great and good ; with all
"The elements
So mixed in him, that nature might stand up,
And say to all the world, this was a man."
Note.— Rev. John Rodney died at Germantown, Pa., September 28, 1886. He was a member of the family
of Hon. Caesar Rodney, of Delaware, who was one of the leaders in the Council of Safety and Committee of
Inspedlion, of that State, before and during the Revolution ; a signer of the Declaration of Independence ;
member of the Continental Congress from September 15, 1774, and a Brigadier General in the Revolutionary
Army.
Rev. John Rodney was born August 26, 1796, and was graduated at the college of New Jersey, Princeton,
in 1816, being at the time of his death the oldest graduate of that institution and the oldest clergyman in
order of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States. Soon after his ordination by Bishop White, he
became the first rector of the church at Easton, where he remained till the year 1S25, when he was called to
the rectorship of St. Luke's, at Germantown, which he held more than three-score years.
He has left a most exceptional record in his long, successful and continued ser\'ice in one community,
ministering to three successive generations with great acceptance, winning, and retaining to the last, the love,
respedl and confidence of all who knew him.
THE HAY FAMILY.
Malcolm Hay, the father of Melchoir Hay, was born in Scotland. Political reverses
led him to Germany, where, after serving with honor in the military duties in his adopted
country, he married a German woman, and settled at Zwei-Breucken, Bavaria. The name
Melchoir coupled with the name Hay indicated the mingling of the blood of the Scotch
and German nationalities. Melchoir Hay came to America with his two brothers in 1738,
one year before David Martin built his Ferry House at the "Point." He settled on the
land where South Easton is built. He assisted Messrs. Parsons and Scull in surveying
and laying out the town of Easton in 1750, and thus early took an interest in the begin-
ning of Easton life. In 1771, he purchased a tra<ft of land, consisting of twenty-six acres,
of Israel Morris, of Philadelphia. The same year he bought from Peter Rush and wife
another tra<ft of three hundred and seventy-five acres ; and we learn from the county records
that there were six acres allowed for roads. This tra<?t was a part of ten thou.sand acres
bought of William Penn. The deed to Melchoir Hay is dated August 9, 1771 ; the land
embraced in the deeds being bounded on the north by the Lehigh river. Many who
bought land of the Proprietaries in those days bought subject to "quit rents;" but in the
column opposite the assessment of Mr. Hay's property are the words "no quit," showing
that he bought the property in fee simple. This land was sold by Mr. Hay in 1796, to
Jacob Eyerley, of Nazareth, who, in 1798, sold it to Henry Snyder, of Easton, for $2133.33.
The land was used for farming purposes until the completion of the Lehigh Canal, and
154 THE HISTORY OF
the upper portion is still used for that purpose. Mr. Hay donated a large lot and burying
ground to the church, which still bear the names "Hay's Chapel" and "Hay's Burying
Ground." Melchoir Hay took an adlive part in the tr>'ing struggle of the Revolution,
and was elecfted among the first a member of the Committee of Safety, and was one of its
efficient members. He was captain of the company raised in Williams township. This
company consisted of one hundred and four men. Many of his descendants served with
distindlion in the war of 1812, the Mexican war, and the late civil war. The patriotic
spirit of 1776 still lives in the hearts of his children. After the close of the Revolution,
Melchoir Hay, having sold his South Easton property, bought a large fann about three
miles west of Easton, in the locality called the "Drylands," where he and his descendants
have tilled the soil for generations. A great deal of this property is still held by his grand
and great-grand sons. Melchoir Hay had a son named after himself. This second Melchoir
was the father of Abraham Horn Hay, Peter Hay, George Hay, Melchoir Hay, Charles
Hay, and John Hay. Abraham Horn Hay was the father of Jacob Hay, the late Andrew
J. Hay, Thomas J. Hay, and Peter Hay, all of Easton.
Jacob Hay is one of Easton's most successful merchants ; is at the head of the large
wholesale dry goods house of Hay & Sons, situated in Hay's Place, and Hapgood, Hay & Co. ' s
wholesale boot and shoe house, 339 Northampton street. In 1854 he married a daughter
of the late Alexander Wilson, Sr., who was a fitting representative of that sturdy race of
Scotch-Irishmen who have indelibly put their impress upon the affairs of our Common-
wealth. Jacob Hay has four children : Thomas A. H. Hay, who married Helen, elder
daughter of Brig. General Thomas H. Ruger, U. S. A., and who has three children,
Helen, Anna, and Ruger Wilson Hay ; Annie W. Hay, who is married to Hon. Asa W.
Dickinson, Collector of the Port of Jersey City, N. J. ; Ida Wilson Hay, and William O.
Hay. The laudable desire to be land owners is just as adlive in the hearts of the Hays of
the present day as in the heart of the founder of the family one hundred years ago. Jacob,
the great-grand son of the first Melchoir Hay, is a large owner of real estate in Easton,
and has great faith in the future expansion of our town. He has done more than any one
man to beautify and improve the north western section, and enhance its value b)' exten-
sive purchases of land, laying out and grading streets, and preparing a large tra(5l for
building purposes. He began in 1871, just one hundred years after his great-grand-
father purchased the large tradi in what is now South Easton, to buy lands west of
Twelfth street and north of Northampton street. He purchased twelve trails, comprising
one hundred acres — a part within and a part outside of the town limits. His objetl; in buy-
ing this land was to beautify and adorn it, and set it apart as a place for suburban residences
of a high order, for himself and family and friends. In the locality of Easton, teeming
with beautiful sites, this seems the only place set apart and dedicated to this purpose on
so large a scale. The tradl extends from Twelfth to Seventeenth streets, and from North-
ampton to Wood streets. On this land Mr. Hay has spent annually large sums in
grading and embellishing. Fourteenth street, near the centre of his land, is a veritable
park, adorned with elegant villas, lined with beautiful shade trees and shrubbery, and
accessible by handsome drives. In 1871 he erecfted the first house on this property
at a cost of $25,000, on the block bounded by Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets. Bush-
kill and Wood. In 1881 this house was consumed by fire, the family narrowly escap-
ing death. We append an excellent picture of the house thus burned. A few years later
E ASTON, PENN'A.
^55
Messrs. William Laubach and Floyd S. Bixler, built handsome residences on Fourteenth
street. Captain Hay has always evinced a spirit of enterprise and liberality in our town
affairs, which might well be emulated by others. He gave the entire ground covered by
Fourteenth street, from Northampton to Wood streets, to the public, although it cost him
two thousand dollars. He then curbed and paved it in a most substantial manner, at
an expense of many thousand dollars, and planted trees, making it the handsomest residence
avenue in Easton. He has since laid out and macadamized private drives and walks
at a great outlay of money, in which the public share the benefit and pleasure without
FIRST HOUSE ERECTED ON NORTH FOURTEENTH STREET, EASTON— RESIDENCE OF
CAPT. JACOB HAY — DESTROYED BY FIRE JANUARY 29TH, 1881 .
cost. Mr. Hay has expended in the Seventh Ward about $100,000 in lands and improve-
ments. A little fa<?t, unknown to most of our people, will more fully illustrate the magni-
tude of his improvements, and others whom his enterprise has attra(5led to this locality.
In 1871 the total taxes of that particular portion of the town were fourteen dollars ; now
they are over sixteen hundred dollars per annum. This quite clearly shows the benefits
do not all accrue to himself, but the public shares in the profit arising from the invest-
ment. After the destrudlion of his handsome house in 1881 he purchased the house of
Mr. Floyd S. Bixler, which he enlarged and improved. Major Thomas L. McKeen has
since built an elegant home on the site of Mr. Hay's original house. Mr. Herman
Simon, our enterprising and successful silk manufacturer, has since built a beautiful home
156 THE HISTORY OF
adjoining Major McKeen's, which is also a handsome home. Another fine dwelling
has been erecfted by Mr. William Gould Heller immediately opposite. Mr. C. ]M. Hapgood
is now engaged in building the largest and most costly residence in the neighborhood, at
the corner of Northampton and Fourteenth streets.
When Captain Hay began his enterprise it seemed far out of town. People had been
accustomed to look upon Easton as mainly centering at the Circle, and were not prepared
to witness the rapid growth of that portion of the town in the last few years. The suspen-
sion bridge has brought South Easton and West Easton into close relation, which will also
aid its growth. The new railroad to come down the Bushkill will also add impetus to the
growth of this part of the town. This beautiful locality, of which Captain Hay has been the
pioneer, will soon be occupied by a busy population. Easton seems to have started upon a
new period of her growth, and at the only point where growth is possible. Business
cannot always be confined in its present boundaries, but will follow the population
westward.
THE GREEN FAMILY.
William Green <'\ ancestor of the families of that name in this region, dissatisfied
with some new relation in his father's family, left his native land, England, at the early
age of twenty, and landed at the port of Philadelphia. Soon after, desirous of returning,
and finding no vessel about to sail from that port, he went to New York, but not meeting
with an opportunity immediately, visited Long Island. He there became acquainted with
the family of John Reeder, recently arrived from England, whose sister, or daughter,
Joanna, in process of time, he married, and removed to Ewing township, about 1700.
He purchased three hundred and forty-five acres of Colonel Daniel Coxe, the deed bearing
date 1712, and on it eredled the first brick house in the township, which is still standing,
having on the west end the date 171 7, and is owned and occupied by his descendant of
the fifth generation, Henry Green. His qualities were such as to give him distinction,
for he was appointed one of the first judges of Hunterdon county, and from the frequent
mention of his name in public affairs and important business transactions, he was evidently
a prominent and useful citizen. His children were: Richard'^'; Joseph (^i; William *^';
Benjamin's); John; Jeremiah, who removed to North Carolina; Isaac, married, and
removed to Sussex county, N. J., where his descendants are to be found ; Joanna, Sarah,
Esther, and Mary. Of the daughters, there is no record. He died, as is indicated by
his antique tombstone in the Ewing church-yard, in 1722.
Richard'"', son of William'"', who died 1741, married Mary, daughter of George Ely,
of Trenton, and had children: Richard'*'; George''"'; Rebecca, wife of Samuel IMoore ;
Christiana, wife of Joseph Moore ; and William, who died 1754, probably unmarried, or
without children, as he leaves his property to his brother Richard, ;,^30o to his eldest
sister's three sons, Richard, William, and Elijah Moore; a legacy to his youngest sister's
three sons, Ely, Moses, and Ephraim Moore ; also to his mother, Mar\- ; and his plantation
to his brother George, when 19.
Richard''', son of Richard'-', who died 1797, married Phebe, daughter of Nathaniel
Moore, whose children were: William R., Nathaniel, Richard, Enoch, John, Samuel, not
E ASTON, PENN'A. 157
married, Benjamin, Joseph, George, Rebecca, wife of William B. Green, Sarah, wife of
Samuel Moore, and Mary, married Daniel Stillwell, and went to Ohio.
Richard <'°>, son of Richard'^', married, first, Martha, daughter of Christopher Howell,
by whom he had a daughter, Martha, wife of Charles Reeder. By his second wife he had :
Ely, Mary, Elizabeth, and perhaps others. He lived in Pennsylvania.
John<"\ son of Richard <«', one of the first settlers of Easton, Pa., died March 9, 1854,
aged 88, having married Rhoda, daughter of Daniel Howell, who died September 19,
1859, aged 73. Their children are : Enoch ; Charles, married first, Elizabeth Maxwell ;
second, Mrs. Latimer ; Richard, married Sarah, daughter of Samuel Sherrod, of Wash-
ington, N. J. ; William, Elizabeth, wife of David Deshler, and Lydia.
Enoch <^''\ son of John*'"', married, first, Mary, daughter of George Beidelnian, and
had children : Ellen, wife of Whitfield S. Johnson, a lawyer of Sussex, and for several
years Secretary of the State of New Jersey, whose children are : William M. , a lawyer of
Hackensack, Mary M., Emily E., Laura C, Elizabeth B., Margaret G., and Ellen Green ;
George B. , married Ann Disbrow, resides in Jersey City ; Mary, wife of George Woodruff,
merchant of New York ; John, Joseph ; Henr>', a graduate of Lafayette College, a lawyer
of Easton and judge of the Supreme Court, married Ann Hulsizer, of Easton, has chil-
dren : Caroline, wife of Hiram Howland, of Indianapolis, Frances, wife of Henry E.
Potter, of Orange, N. J., Frederic, and Ada; and Margaret, married Henry Johnson, a
lawyer of Muncy, Pa. Married, second, Catharine Teneyck, of Princeton.
William *"5)^ son of John''"*, married, first, Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Beidelman ;
and, second, Jane Sherrard, and had children : Sarah, wife of Rev. John Kugler, of War-
ren, N. J. ; Theodore, married Miss Kinsey ; Frank, John, Louisa ; Mary married Rev.
William Thompson, of Stewartsville, N. J. ; Howard, Miriam, and Emily.
Benjamin <'3)^ son of Richard**', removed to Easton, Pa.; died 1852, aged 82, having
married there, Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Traill, a lawyer, and by her had children :
John, Traill ; Robert Traill, married Catharine Van Camp ; Elizabeth, wife of John Stewart,
of Greenwich, N. J. ; and Maria, wife of Enoch Clark, of Monroe county, Pa.
Dr. Traill *"7', son of Benjamin f'^', a physician, honored with the degree of LL. D.,
professor of chemistry in Lafayette College, and the liberal donor of funds to that college
to establish an observatory. He married Harriet, daughter of Loammi Moore, of Morris-
town, and has children : Ella, Frances, and Edgar Moore. Edgar Moore Green recently
graduated at the University of Pennsylvania with the highest honors of his class, and is
now pradlicing medicine with his father in Easton, Pa. His daughter Ella is married
to Dr. Charles Mclntire, of Easton.
Prof William Henr)'*3''', son of George S. <3°), was born in Groveville, N. J., January
27, 1825; graduated at Lafayette College, Pa., 1840; studied theology in the Princeton
Seminary ; was for three years assistant teacher of Hebrew there ; was pastor of the Cen-
tral Church, Philadelphia ; thence he was called, in 1851, to be a professor in the Princeton
Theological Seminary, where he now is. Among his publications are, a Hebrew Gram-
mar and Chrestomathy, a Commentary on Job, a Vindication of the Pentateuch, from
Colenso's Aspersions. He married, first, Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Stephen Colwell,
of Philadelphia, who died March 29, 1854, aged 26; second, Elizabeth Hayes. Their
children are : Mary Elizabeth, wife of William Libbey ; and Helen Hayes.
OLD HOTELS OF EASTON.
Important Factors to Business— The Remark of Thomas McElrath— The Hotel at the Point— The Old Mora-
\-ian Building— Bull's Head, its History— White Horse Hotel— Black Horse Hotel— White's Hotel : Chippy
\\Tiite — Holiday Life at the Hotels ; Best Man ; How Settled— Old Hotel Buildings that Remain.
E TAKE the following from a journal of Frederick Push, a botanist, who
traveled through the countn.- in the interest of science : "May 27, 1807 — at
four o'clock this morning, we left Philadelphia, the stage being remarkably
full of passengers and goods, which made it very disagreeable traveling ; the
road about twenty-five miles from the city got very bad and hilly ; w^e broke
down the stage twice, but luckily without any injur)' to us ; arrived at 10
o'clock at Easton ; took up lodging at Abraham Horn's, sign of the Golden
Swan." This was seventy-nine years ago, and the Swan Hotel remains,
though the golden sign has disappeared. This will give us some idea of
traveling in those days. The hotels of Easton have always been an impor-
tant fa<5lor in the business of the town. The Durham boats early became
a means of transportation for all kinds of farm produ(?ts, and attra6ted farmers from a large
region to Easton as the best market they could find. While riding quite recently on the
Central road of New Jersey the author met with Mr. Thomas ^IcElrath, one of the
original founders of the New York Tribune, who said: "When I was a boy I lived in
Williamsport, and the farmers of that region brought their grain to Easton and sent it to
Philadelphia in the Durham boats." This is a distance of a hundred and fifty miles and
shows how difficult it was in those days to obtain money. Many an old farmer could say
with the Apostle Peter, ^^ Argcutuui cf aiiriim uon est miki,'^ and they were willing to drag
their produces through snow drifts in mid-winter and spend half of the value of their load
to convert the remainder into money. The farmers came from far up the North and
West Branches of the Susquehanna, making an area of nearly half the State, having
Easton for a market. This necessitated good hotels to accommodate the sturdy farmers
from far and near.
The first hotel established was that of Craig S: Anderson, next to the jail lot, fronting
the Square, which obtained a license at the first session of the court in 1752. This house a
few years after came into the possession of Christian Rinker, who for main- \ears was the
landlord. Of its histor)- these fafts only remain.
The second hotel was at the Point. The landlord was Nathaniel Vernon. David
Martin had passed away. During his occupancy of the log ferr^' house it was used for
no other purpose, and only became an inn after the establishment of the county and laying
out of Easton. The license was first refused and afterwards granted. There is not a
hotel in the State which has so strange a history as the first log house of Easton. The
travel to and from New Jersey for a large region passed over this fern-. It was sufficiently
large as a ferry house, but when it rose to the dignity of a hotel it must be enlarged, and
this was accomplished by the adding of sheds to the .sides, thus making it great
E ASTON, PENN'A. 159
enough to contain the gatherings when the Indian treaties were made here. The ferry
was used for sixty-six years, until the bridge at the foot of Northampton street was com-
pleted in 1805. All the treaties spoken of in the early part of this work were concluded
at this historic spot, and centered in and around this simple log stru6lure. The influence
of these great treaty gatherings annoyed the French and gave great aid to the Eng-
lish while these nations were waging a fierce and bloody war for the mastery of a conti-
nent. Had the nineteen Indian tribes which these treaties combined and turned against
the French been marshalled against the English, the result might have been a French
instead of an English victory. A deep interest was felt and a keen watch was kept in
Paris and London while these fierce nations were gathering at the Point. Had a building
like the United States Hotel, on Third street, occupied the position, it would have been
more in keeping with the august gatherings, led on by the Governors of Pennsylvania
and New Jersey, and Kings Teedyuscung, Beaver, and Paximora, skilled in savage war-
fare. There is no other building in the past history of Easton around which cluster so
many associations. How long it lasted, or when it disappeared, history does not inform
us. But as the business increased the venerable old building, whose walls had echoed
to the eloquence of Teedyuscung and the chiefs of the Six Nations, became affedled with age
and gave place to another, still standing at the Point. The building is owned by Mr. William
H. Hazzard, and is the second building from the corner. It is built of massive logs and
seems strong enough to have withstood the battering rams of Alexander's army. The great
logs have been smoothed off and washboards nailed upon them. One log is still seen pro-
truding above the plastering. The old building is so strongly built that nothing but fire
can destroy it. Its old chimney might have answered well for a tower of an ancient city.
Its walls, doors and windows remind one of ante-revolutionary days. It has been said
by some that Washington was in Easton but once ; but I have it from a member of the
Abel family that Squire Jacob Abel ferried General Washington across the Delaware at the
Point, and that he lodged in the upper room of this second hotel building. One of the
grand children told the author that the General was watched by tories and spies, and
hence he tried to escape observation. When the great bridge over the Delaware was com-
pleted the ferry ceased to be used, but the Durham boats maintained a large commerce on
the river, and their place of shipment was on the bank, from the Point to Christian Butz's
storehouse, above the bridge. The boatmen made the hotel their temporary residence,
and the imagination need not be greatly strained to get a glimpse of many a boisterous
and jolly time. The boats would be fastened along the banks of the Delaware and in the
mouth of the Lehigh, while these "river marines" were making merry at the inns of
Jacob Abel and John Nicholas. The house occupied by Mr. Hazzard was built subse-
quently to the house adjoining and became a much more pretentious hotel. In those days
there was no partition dividing the hall from the front room. The front door opened into
the large room and large folding doors separated this room from the bar-room. In the
northeast corner of this room, enclosed by a circular front, stood the bar. The floor was
always ready for the "tripping of the light fantastic toe." Two or three times a week
the merrs' dancers would come and remain till the rising of the morning star told them it
was time to go home. An old lady now ninety years of age remarked to the author :
"This was the place for frolics." The young farmers would come with their sweet-hearts
and engage in "running the ring and tracing the mazy round." An old citizen describing
i6o THE HISTORY OF
to the author these "old times," sadly remarked: "Yes, those were pleasant days.
There was not so much distindlion in society then as now. Working girls and daughters
of wealthy parents would dance side by side. There were no big-bugs or little-bugs, but
all stood nearly on a common level. ' ' These old houses have marvelous stories told of their
past history. ' ' A young girl was stolen from the room where Washington slept in the old
house ; has never been heard from since, and the old house has always been haunted. If
some young people will look up the old stairway into the dark attic the}' would not ven-
ture into the darkness for fear of seeing more ghosts than one." "O, Mrs. Hazzard," said a
old lady, "if you knew the deeds that have been done in this place you would not live
here." The times have changed. The recolledlions of the past can be preserved only
by the historian. The Point was the scene of activity and life until the construdlion of
canals and railroads. The boats have been cut into fire wood, the hotels turned into
dwellings. It will be difficult to find a more beautiful spot than the veranda of this now
neat and comfortable house. Names intimately connedled with the history of these
famous hotels are David Martin, Nathaniel Vernon, Daniel Brodhead, Lewis Gordon,
John Green, and Jacob Abel.
There was formerly an old hotel standing on the west side of South Third street, on
the corner of an alley below Ferrj'. This was called the Washington Hotel, and it has
an interesting history. The author has not been able to find any account of it in any
works he has consulted. There is an allusion to the building while in process of eredlion,
in the history of the "Crown Inn" of Bethlehem, but it is very brief. Mr. Ethan A.
Weaver kindly consulted Mr. Jordan of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, in regard
to the matter, and he very generously examined old papers sent from Bethlehem, with the
result indicated in this narrative. When the old building was torn down in April, 1873,
the pastor of the Moravian Church came to Easton to examine the comer stone in hope of
finding some account of its eredlion, but nothing new was discovered. The following
letter from Mr. John W. Jordan gives the information which has been sought. The letter
is addressed to Mr. E. A. Weaver, and is as follows: "My dear sir. I took advantage of
yesterday, there being not many visitors here, to examine the contents of several boxes
packed away since 1879, and was fortunate enough to find numerous drafts of lands
belonging to, or adjacent to, those of the Moravians in Northampton county. Among the
number — a draft of Easton — the county town of Northampton, in Pennsylvania, and of
the out-lots proposed to be laid out for accommodating the inhabitants thereof, with the
ferry land, and other lands opposite to the same town, surveyed by William Parsons.
This draft also contains plan and description of the house and lots owned by the Mora-
vians in Easton. I copy the following from the Bethlehem diaries and account books :
'1752, June 27, Brother Horsefield, who had been commissioned a Justice of the Peace for
the new county of Northampton, went to Easton to the first session of the court and took
up two lots for us, situate on Ferry street; 1760, 0(5lober 7, the house and lot in Easton
staked off; preparations began to build on the land, and that a well forty feet deep had
been dug; 1761, May 2, timber floated from Bethlehem to Easton to build the house.'
"From the Cougrcgation Ledger: '1760, November 29, first iteni in the account:
Frederick Schaus did the mason work ; Jacob Bosch did the carpenter work ; Henry Als-
house the roofing with shingles; Abraham Berlin did the blacksmith work; 1761, May,
expenses at laying the corner stone, 8s., 4d. Jost Vollert was the agent of the Moravians.
E ASTON, PENN'A. i6i
From November 29, 1760, to June, 1762, there was spent on the building /341, i6s. and
I id. This messuage, together with the two contiguous lots on which the building stood,
numbers 121 and 122, situate on Ferry and Pomfret streets, bought of the proprietors in
1757, at four shillings apiece ; and one whole lot on the same street, sold to the Easton
Lutheran Church Wardens, Adam Yohe, Conrad Steuber, Abraham Berlin, and Valentine
Opp ; April 18, 1763, by Bishop Nathaniel Seidel for four hundred pounds. March 16,
1765, the church wardens paid in full."
Accompanying this letter is a sketch of the building, as well as a description. It was
forty feet front, twenty feet deep, and two-and-a-half stories high. On the lower floor
were four rooms, and the second story was one entire hall. There were six dormer win-
dows— five windows in front of the upper story and four in the lower story, with a large
double door in the centre. This hotel was kept for a time by a Mr. Bachman, and hence
it was sometimes called Bachman's Hotel, though its proper name was the Washington
Hotel. The building was never occupied by the Moravians. The corner stone was not
laid till 06lober 8th, 1761, and sold to the Lutherans of Easton, April i8th, 1763. The
Lutheran Church occupied it until 1776, a period of thirteen years, when they removed
to the German Reformed Church, Third street, which building was ere6led by the two
congregations jointly. The room in the upper story was used as a drill room during the
Revolutionary war. The building was also used for a time as a poor house, where the
poor of the town and probably of the surrounding towns in the county were cared for.
There is a fine brick block now standing in the place of the old strucfture, owned by
Louis Roesch, Philip F. Stier and C. Kilian's estate. The property was purchased from Mr.
Henry G. Tombler, who bought it of Mr. Frederick Lerch ; this gentleman bought it of
Sheriff Bachman, who purchased it of Jacob Abel, who it is supposed bought it from the
Lutherans. What strange vicissitudes this once prominent building has passed through !
Built by, and sancftified by the prayers of the noble Moravians of Bethlehem, and after-
wards dedicated to the worship of God by the Lutheran Church of Easton. In the first
story of this old house the first pastor of Easton resided and preached in the large hall in
the second floor. This pastor was Rev. Bernhard Michael Hansihl. Dr. Richards is of
the opinion that his pastorate lasted until 1769. He was succeeded by Rev. Christian
Streit. The first Vestr}-, while the Lutheran Church worshiped in this old Moravian
Temple, were Melchoir Stecker and Frederick Kuhn, Elders ; Michael Lehn, Frederick
Gwinner, Johannes Ries, and Conrad Ihrie, Deacons. When the Union Church was
finished on Third street, this was sold, changed to a hotel and continued as such until 1873,
when it was taken down in the presence of the pastor of the Moravian Church of Bethle-
hem, who was searching for historic papers supposed to lie concealed in the corner stone.
Thus has this historic strudlure passed away like the generations who built it and wor-
shiped in it, who have joined
"The innumerable caravan which moves
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death."
And no doubt manv have
' By an unfalteriuff trust approached their grave
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams."
l62
THE HISTORY OF
The author found an old tax list of 1817 in the hands of ]\Ir. B. M. Youells, from
which he gained much knowledge of the hotels and landlords of that time.
At the foot of South Third street, near the Lehigh, was a hotel kept by John Sletor
and aftervvards by his sons, Thomas and John ; the latter kept it until after the Rebellion.
It was at one time the Ferry Hotel.
On the southwest corner of Lehigh and South Third streets was a hotel kept by Wil-
liam Diehl and John Brotznian. William obtained the license. This William was the son
view of the union house, south third street,
[formerly the bull's head.]
of Jacob Diehl, the old court crier. He afterward kept the Bull's Head, and later a hotel
on Front street. His occupation was a boatman on the canal, and on the Delaware with
Durham boats.
The Bull's Head Hotel (now I'uion House) is still standing on South Tliird street, and
is at present occupied b\- Francis Ward. It is built of stone, having the same surface appear-
E ASTON, PENN'A. 163
ance as the old jail. It was formerly called the Nungesser Hotel, from the name of the
landlord. There is no date when it was built, but we have learned from prominent citi-
zens that it was about or near the time when the first jail was erected. Frederick Nungesser
was the great-grandfather of the late Governor Reeder. Hon. Howard J. Reeder, of Easton,
has now in his possession the innkeepers' license granted to his great-great-grandfather by
Governor Denny in 1759. It is justly prized as a relic. The author has now lying before
him a similar license granted Mr. Nungesser by Governor Hamilton in 1760. The name
is spelled Nuncaster. The document is signed in a large and beautiful hand by Governor
Hamilton. There is no doubt that the same workmen built the Bull's Head who built
the first jail and the old Moravian House. The old Parsons building, on the corner of
South Fourth and Ferry streets, has the same surface appearance ; it was finished in 1757.
The Bull's Head is undoubtedly one of the oldest houses in Easton, built near the time
of the Parsons mansion. The license thus signed by Governor Hamilton is in possession
of George I. Nungesser, a great-great-great-grandson of Frederick. The Bull's Head was a
noted place in old times for dancing parties, especially during the holidays. It was also
the locality for political meetings ; the first Jackson club was formed in it. There may be
some yet living who remember when the old Jackson pole was cut down that stood in front
of the hotel. At a meeting of the club a resolution was passed "to take the tree down
and make it into canes for each member of the club." The tree was cut down, then the
club assembled in front, and by the use of hand spikes it was carried by the members to
Fifth street, through Northampton street, to a place near where the IvUtheran Church now
stands, where Francis Jackson's cabinet warehouse was situated. Major Straub and Samuel
Horn, with fife and drum, led the procession. Here the tree was worked into canes which
were taken to the club room. The club met and each member was presented with one.
After the presentation speech a line was formed, and with a band of music at the head the
members marched through town, and closed with a grand banquet at Nubby Shule's hotel
at the Point.
South of the Bull's Head, on the same side of the street, just below, was a hotel kept by
Jimmie Hays of "Bully Whack" memory. There are many who will remember him by
that name. This was a place of resort for old citizens to drink cider and talk over the
events of the day. The visitors were fond of sitting and hearing Jimmie tell Irish stories
and see him "Bully Whack" the rebellious customers out of the house. His "Bully
Whack" was a large club, like an Irishman's shillalah. This house is now occupied as a
stove store by Mr. A. F. Heller.
On South Sitgreaves street, in the rear of Mr. James Young's coal yard, stands an old
building which, doubtless, has an interesting history, though little can be learned concern-
ing it. It is constructed of logs and plastered with mud ; and were it not weather-boarded
it would appear the old log Ferry Tavern intacft. For many years it has served as a
stable, and is still used as such by Mr. Young. It will repay the reader to take a stroll in
that neighborhood and peep under the weather-boards of this building.
Opposite the Bull's Head, on Third street, was a hotel kept by Peter Ihrie, the father
of Anthony Ihrie. This was called the Golden Lamb. Peter kept this hotel thirty years.
It was afterwards kept by James Hackett, the father of William Hackett, President of the
Easton National Bank. James Hackett moved to and kept the Black Horse Hotel.
The Black Horse Hotel (see page 146) was a stone struc^ture and stood where the
1 64
THE HISTORY OF
UNITED STATES :
'THE ARLINGTON
present United States Hotel stands. It was a famous resort for raftmen returning home.
Mr. Hackett was a good hotelkeeper — very popular, — and his house was often crowded.
He was blind when he kept the hotel, and this made him a favorite with the raftmen.
Mr. Theophilus Hackett was his clerk, and had charge of the business.
On the north of, and close to the present Police Headquarters, facing on the Square,
stood a hotel kept by a Mr. Erb, and its sheds and other outbuildings extended from the
corner of Northampton street up to near Bank street. Of its real history, however, but
little could be learned. Later a hotel stood where the Easton National Bank now stands.
While Mr. Gulick was its landlord, British prisoners were quartered in it for a few
days. Mr. William White also kept this hotel, and maintained it as such until about the
year 1814, when the building having been disposed of for the use of a banking house,
Mr. White moved into the dwelling on the north side of the Square, now in the occu-
pancy of the family of the late Matthew Hale Jones, Esq.
The accommodations furnished by this building proving inadequate to the demands
of an increasing business, Mr. White erecfted the house in which Dr. .\mos vSeip now
E ASTON, PENN'A.
^65
resides as an annex to his hotel. The lot on which the latter bnilding stands was origin-
ally owned by Arnold Everhart, father-in-law of William White. By referring to the cut
of this part of the Square, it will be observed that the property on the corner, now in the
possession of the Jones family, was occupied by Mr. White as the hotel proper. The
adjoining small frame house was used as a barber shop by Mr. Samuel Finley ; in this
building B. M. Youells subsequently acquired his skill in the tonsorial art. The double
two-story house in the centre was used for offices, the first story being occupied as attor-
neys' offices by Richard Broadhead and Washington McCartney, Esqrs. , and Jacob Wey-
gandt, Esq., J. P.; and the second story by Dr. F. L. Crane, dentist, and Samuel Moon,
artist. In this building Charles Getter was arraigned on the charge of betraying Margaret
Lawall, and here he was married by the Squire. In a few weeks afterwards he was again
arraigned, but under the more serious charge of the murder of her whom he had so
recently married. Mr. Theophilus Hackett told the author that he was in Squire Wey-
VIEW OK THE ORIGINAL WHITE S HOTEL, CENTRE SQUARE.
[sketch by S. ASHFORD, LAFAYETTE COLLEGE.]
gandt's office when Getter was brought in a prisoner. The one-story frame on the east of
the stone building was an exadl counterpart of that one referred to as the barber shop.
This building was used as an office by Dr. Miller, who exercised his medical skill, but
made no charges. If his patients saw fit to pay him anything, they did, and that was
right. He must have lived on faith, which might have been done in those days, but the
experiment would be somewhat hazardous now. The three-story brick building on the
northeast corner of the Square was the one built and used by Mr. White as already indi-
cated. The east front room of this house, now occupied as a dental office by Dr. H. F.
Seip, was the place of meeting of those who assembled and organized Dafayette College.
John Nicholas, in 1799, bought of Henry Spering, Esq., the lot of ground on the
northeast corner of Ferry and Second streets, and in 1806, ere6ted the stone building now
standing thereon for a hotel, and kept it as such until 1832, when he sold it to Dr. Stewart
Kennedy. For more than a quarter of a centur\' it was the resort of the young people of
i66 THE HISTORY OF
that day, when gay festivities and the merry dance was the rule. It is now the residence
of George W. Stout, Esq.
In 1817 Christian Hartzel kept a hotel on Front street, called the "Delaware House."
This was a prominent resort for Durham boatmen and raftsmen. It was afterward kept
by David Stem. There was an old hotel kept b}- Mr. Moore on the south side of North-
ampton, a few doors from Front street. This was called the " Ferr\' Hotel." j\Ir. Moore
kept the ferry and hotel at the same time. This house is now owned by Mr. Bornman.
A few doors above this, on the corner of Green and Northampton, was a hotel in 1817,
kept by Daniel Swander, and it too, was a resort for boatmen and raftsmen. There is
still a hotel at this place kept by Mr. Robert Gerver, and named The Gerver House.
Christopher Engle kept a hotel on North Fourth street, at the sign of the White
Horse. This was the headquarters for lumbermen from over the mountains and for
farmers bringing their produce to market. At the same time it was a great place for
dancing and frolics and fighting. This was especially true during the holidays, to see who
was the best man. It was a common occurrence at the hotels, except White's. At the
latter hotel, gentlemen from the cities, traveling on business or for pleasure, found repose.
The "Green Tree" Hotel, now the Franklin, was kept in 181 7 by Adam Heckman.
When he died in 1818 it passed into the hands of William Shouse. In 181 7 the Swan Hotel
was kept by Thomas Sebring. At the same time a Mr. John Yohe kept the Central Hotel.
After this Christian Butz took it down and rebuilt it. It was formerly two stories high
and built of stone. The sign of this old hotel was an Indian Chief in full Indian costume,
which was removed when the house was taken down and the new one built. The Central
Hotel stand is one of the oldest in the borough. In the early days of hotel life, Adam
Yohe kept a hotel on the southwest corner of Fourth and Northampton streets.
"Daddy" Hempt kept a hotel in an old log house, situated on Sitgreaves street, near
the corner of Northampton, used at one time by John Dawes as a chair fadlory, where he
carried on the business on the corner fronting Northampton street. There are many
people living who remember this old log house.
We have thus given a sketch of the hotels of former da\'s in Easton. In a historic
point of view, the old log house at the Point will ever stand most prominent. Its history
will be read with deep interest. In a social point, White's hotel will be recognized as
standing first. This was a home for those who sought a temporary retreat where they
might enjoy rest and a generous fare. The landlord was known, far and near, as a
most genial, skilled and companionable host. He was a man of very keen wit and ready
repartee. He could tell a humorous story and crack a joke in such a way as to give life
to the company without giving offense. For this peculiar power he was called "Chippy
White." Few names were better known or more pleasantly remembered than his. His
house was the home for gentlemen from the cities and all parts of the countr}-, traveling
for pleasure or on business. Those going to the Water Gap or Schooley's Mountain would
always arrange to stop at White's Hotel. His business increased, and needing more room,
he moved Dr. Miller's office, cut the stone building in the centre, tore down the eastern
half, and built the house now occupied by Mr. James W. Long. The ample parlor of this
house was the dining room of the hotel. Mr. White was very kind to the poor. He had
tenants who were needy, and many times could not pay their rents, but the)- were not dis-
tressed, the debt was not collected. He was sheriff" of Northampton county from 1814 to
E ASTON, PENN'A. 167
181 7. In proof of his proverbial generous nature it is said, that, while in the discharge of
his duties as sheriff, an execution was placed in his hands, amounting to one hundred
dollars, against a widow with a family of children. He entered the woman's house, made
known his errand, and the mother and children were in tears. To sell the property was to
turn the family out of doors. The debt was paid by the sheriff and the widow remained
with the children.
The other hotels were, most of them, centres of frolic and fun. Dancing was a great
source of amusement. There would be frequent scenes of fighting, not from malice always,
but from a desire to see who was the "best man." The word "best" had reference, not
to morals, but to muscular force. The man who could whip any other in the town was the
best man. But manners and customs have greatly changed in the lapse of time. Easton
then had, as it now has, as good hotels as could be found in the State.
An incident, charadleristic of the times, is narrated in John Hill Martin's "Historical
Sketch of Bethlehem, p. 37, of Just Johnson, landlord of the "Sun" Inn, over one hun-
dred years since : ' 'Johnson was a man of powerful frame, a host within himself. Christian
Grubb, an iron master of Lancaster county, having heard of Johnson, and being himself
notorious for his great strength, and also a celebrated boxer, visited the "Sun," on pur-
pose to get up a fight with the giant Moravian Brother ; but it was not until he had been
grossly insulted that Just lost his temper ; then suddenly seizing Grubb by his breeches
and his coat collar, he threw him over the iron railing of the tavern porch to the pavement
below, saying, "God bless meiner soul, I drows you over de banisters." Grubb was quite
a heavy man, and being very good natured in the main, was satisfied with Johnson's dis-
play of strength ; he told him who he was, and why he had visited Bethlehem, and so
together they made merry over the occurrence."
THE ABEL FAMILY.
'Squire Jacob Abel came to this country from Germany, in the early days of Easton,
and was for many years one of its most prominent citizens. He was born in 1744, and
was thirty-two years old when the Declaration of Independence was adopted. It had
been twenty-six years since the Durham boats began the navigation of the Delaware,
and he had been engaged in the business of boating a part of that time. Being familiar
with the handling of that craft, a patriot, and in the vigor of manhood, he helped colledl
the boats for the passage of General Washington's army over the Delaware in his retreat
through New Jersey, after the battle of Brooklyn. The author learned from Mr. John
Abel that his grandfather carried the mail to Philadelphia for a time on horse-back. The
most direct route from the Eastern States and from places on the upper Hudson to Phila-
delphia was over the old mine road from Esopus to Van Campen's mills, above the Water
Gap. While Adams was President, he came from Boston by this route, descending the
Delaware in Durham boats. The news of the sui-render of Burgoyne came over the same
road, and Jacob Abel carried this news to Philadelphia, and heard the shouts of the
patriots as they rang through the streets. He owned the Ferry in 1787, and was one of
five who purchased Getter's Island during the same year, of the Penns. He became
i68 THE HISTORY OF
Justice of the Peace, and held the office inan\- years. He kept hotel at the "Point" at the
same time. His name appears on the tax list of 1788 as one of the large property holders
of the town. His office was in the stone house that stood where Magee's fruit store now
stands. In this house he died in 1822, aged seventy-eight.
His children were Jacob*-'; John*^'. Jacob followed the business of transportation, as
his father had done before him ; first with Durham boats on the Delaware river, and after-
wards on the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Canals. In the later years of his life he was
largely engaged in the transportation of coal and merchandise, both on his own account
and as a partner in the firms of Drake, Wilson & Co., Abel, Berthoud & Co., and the
Lehigh Transportation Company. He also, for a number of years, kept a hotel at the
"Point," which was for a long period the centre of a large trade, both before and after
the building of the canals. He was a very active and energetic business man, and was
known to all who traversed either river or canals, in New York, New Jersey, and Penn-
sylvania. His children were William W; Jacob'^); George'^); John S.<''; SamueP*'; Ann'9>,
wife of George W. Housel ; Elizabeth <'°>, wife of Rev. J. W. Wood, D. D. ; and Maria'"',
wife of Joseph Stabp.
William'-'' is a resident of Easton, and has no children ; George'*' is also a resident
and has nine children. Samuel *'' is dead. His widow, Mrs. Valeria Abel, and two chil-
dren. Dr. Samuel V. Abel, and Nettie, wife of George W. Geiser, Esq., sur\-ive him.
John Abel '3', the brother of Jacob '^', had a large family, of whom but one survives —
John ''"', who is a confedlioner at No. 237 Northampton street, Easton. He has a large
family: Louisa, wife of W. W. Cottingham, Esq., Superintendent of Schools; Charles J.,
confe(5lioner, of Phillipsburg, N. J. ; Elizabeth, wife of W. E. Hammann, druggist, of
Easton; Josephine, wife of Mr. G. T. Hammann, of Bethlehem; Emma M., John H.,
Isabella, Edward, and Mary. John was also engaged in boating with Durham boats until
the opening of the canals, when he carried on boating between Easton and Philadelphia.
He also, for some years, was engaged in the grocerN- business in Easton.
On July 7, 1825, hs ^^^ appointed by Governor Shulze a Commissioner for improving
the navigation of the river Delaware, under the A<fl of March 26, 1821. The first Com-
missioners were Lewis S. Coryell and John Kirkbride, of Bucks coimty, and Jacob Shouse,
of the County of Northampton ; but Mr. Shouse resigned and Mr. Abel was appointed in
his place. He was engaged for more than three years in this important work. It was
with him a labor of love, for he knew every rift and fall in it. The transportation of logs,
lumber, grain, etc., down the Delaware from New York State, and the upper counties of
New Jersey and Pennsylvania, was then an important business. In fatt, the public roads
were so few and so poor that they were not used unless such use was unavoidable. In
this day and generation, it is hard to imagine the importance of the river communication
of that day, before the construction of canals ; and it is no small proof of the ability and
efficiency of John Abel that he was chosen, with such men as Lewis S. Coryell and John
Kirkbride, for this public service by Governor Andrew Shulze.
HON. TIMOTHY PICKERING.
had become
Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.
ROM the New American Cyclopaedia we learn that Timothy Pickering was
born in Salem, Massachusetts, July 17, 1745. He graduated at Harvard
when he was eighteen years of age, and at once became a clerk in the office
of John Higgins, Register of Deeds for the County of Essex. Living so
near Boston, he early became identified with the patriotic movements which
immediately preceded the Revolutionary war. He was elected a member
of the Committee of Safety, and was arrested at the instance of Governor
Gage for calling a town meeting on public grievances, but was soon set at
liberty. He wrote ' ' an essay on the Plan of Discipline for a Militia, ' ' which
was ordered by the Legislature of Massachusetts to be used by the militia
of the colony. In the autumn of 1776 the army of General Washington
inch reduced, and large reinforcements were called for. Pickering took
command of a regiment raised in Essex and went to the front. In 1777 he was appointed
adjutant general by General Washington, and was present at the battles of Brandywine
and Germantown. He was in adlive service during the siege of Yorktown, and at the
surrender of Lord Cornwallis. The Revolutionary war having closed, the controversy
in Wyoming was renewed between the New England settlers and the Proprietary Gov-
ernment. Connecticut claimed that her charter included a large tradl of land in the
Wyoming Valley which had been settled by people from that State. Pennsylvania claimed
the same territory as included in the purchase of William Penn, and secured by the
charter from the English King. A long and bitter contest enstied. Each party felt
their claim was valid, and were equally determined to maintain their title to one of the
most beautiful valleys in America. The leader of the Conne6licut people was John
Franklin, who was fearless, bold and daring ; and the idol of those whom he led. John
Franklin had been arrested on a charge of high treason. The writ was issued by Chief
Justice McKean. To arrest him was looked upon as a perilous undertaking. Timothy
Pickering had been sent to Wyoming to assist in the formation of a new county (Luzerne)
and tise his endeavors to calm the troubled waters, and settle all difficulties. It was at his
instance that the writ was issued and the arrest made. John Franklin was a man of
powerful muscles, and he knew how to use them. There was not a man in the valley
who could take him a prisoner ; and so it must be done by stratagem. At the close of
September, after a political tour, he had returned to Wilkes-Barre, and was standing near
the ferry, when a person whom he knew approached and said, "a friend at the red house
wished to see him." Unconscious of danger he walked down, when suddenly he was
seized behind and an attempt made to pinion his arms. By powerful efforts he shook
himself loose ; was again seized, but by the most powerful exertions he kept his opponents
Note. — As Mr. Pickering was for some time a resident of Easton, the author has felt it at once a duty and
privilege to give a sketch of the life of this most remarkable man. He has consulted Bancroft's United States,
The New American Encyclopedia, Miner's Historj- of Wyoming", and the biography of Timothy Pickering, sent
by Mr. E. A. Weaver, of the Engineering Department Pennsylvania Railroad, at Philadelphia.
ijo THE HISTORY OF
from their purpose, till a noose was thrown over his head and his amis confined ; the
power of four men being requisite to bind him. To get him on horse-back was the next
obje<fl. Colonel Franklin now cried out, "help! help! William Slocum ! Where is
William Slocum?" and drawing his pistol, for he went armed, discharged one of them
without effecft, when a heavy blow struck him for a moment almost senseless, and covered
his face with blood. The hour had been judiciously seledled, in the midst of seeding
time. William Slocum, with nearly the entire male population, was in the distant fields
sowing grain. But the spirit of the good Quaker mother was aroused. Her Yankee
blood was up. A lovely and amiable woman she was, but for the moment she thought of
nothing but the release of Franklin. Mrs. Slocum seized the gun, and running to the
door, "W^illiam," she cried. "Who will call William?" "Is there no luan here?"
"Will nobody rescue him?" From the river bank Captain Erbe had taken his prisoner
into the main street, near Colonel Pickerings ; but with tremendous power, in despite of
his four captors, Franklin threw himself from his horse as often as placed on him, when
Colonel Pickering was obliged to come from behind the curtain and decisively interpose.
Accompanied by his servant, William A. George, he ran to the door armed with a loaded
pistol, which he held to Franklin's breast, while George tied his legs under the horse, and
bound him to one of his captors. Colonel Pickering tells the story of binding the prisoner:
"The four gentlemen seized him, two of the horses were in my stable which were sent to
them ; but soon my servant returned on one of them with a message from the gentlemen
that the people were assembling in numbers, and requested me to come with what men
were near me to prevent a rescue. I took loaded pistols in my hands and went with
another servant to their aid. Just as I met them Franklin threw himself from his horse
and renewed the struggle with them. His hair was disheveled and his face was bloody
with the preceding efforts. I told the gentlemen they could never carry him off unless
they tied his feet under his horse's belly. I sent for a cord. The gentlemen remounted
him and my servant tied his feet. Then one taking his bridle, another following behind,
and others riding, one on each side, they whipped up his horse, and were soon beyond the
reach of friends." Thus subdued by six, he was hurried with painful speed to the jail of
Philadelphia.
Colonel Pickering had tried all the arts of the diplomatist, all the kindness of the
Christian gentleman, and all the shrewdness of the politician to bring about a reconcilia-
tion between opposing fa<5tions. And when all had failed he called upon the strong ann
of the State and hastened a crisis. But his turn came next. All Wyoming was in com-
motion from Nescopeck to the State line on hearing of the violent abduclion of Franklin,
and the part Pickering had taken therein. A violent civil war seemed at hand. General
Wayne appeared in the valley. Oliver Wolcott, of Connecfticut, had drawn up a consti-
tution for a new State. Pickering apprehending violence had fled to Philadelphia, hoping
the storm of wrath would pass away. The winds of passion seemed to have subsided, and
Pickering returned to his home in the valley. Yankee vengeance only waited opportunity,
and that soon came. On the 26th of June, 17S8, while he was asleep, at eleven o'clock
at night, the door of his house was violently opened, and he was ordered to get up, dress,
and follow them. "Get a warm coat, you will need it," said his captors. In a few
minutes they left the hou.se and took their march into the darkness. There were fifteen
men who liad him in charge, who, forming a hollow square, placed their prisoner in the
E AS TON, PENN'A. 171
centre. "Now," said one of his captors, "write two or three lines to the Executive
Council that they may release Franklin and we will release you." Instantly Pickering
answered: "The Executive Council know their duty better than to release a traitor to
procure the release of an innocent man." "Damn him," exclaimed a voice, "Why don't
you tomahawk him?" The only design seemed to be to force Pickering to intercede for
the release of Franklin. In crossing the river, when the water was too shallow for the
canoe to reach the bank, one of the company carried the prisoner to the shore on his back
rather than allow him to wet his feet. At another time a fawn had been shot and a choice
piece was cut and roasted for him. So that there was much of kindness mingled with
severity. After being some days in the woods, a chain was brought by one of the
party ; it was about six feet long, and attached to one end was a band like a horse fetter.
They said : "Colonel Franklin had been put in irons in the jail in Philadelphia and you
must by put in irons also." They placed the fetter around one of his ankles, locked it
and bent the key, so that it could not be used without an instrument to straighten it. The
other end of the chain was fastened by a staple in a tree, and thus one of America's great
statesmen was chained in the woods like a beast. At other times when halting for the
night the chain would be wound around the leg of one of his captors so that he could not
escape in the night without awaking his keeper. He was kept thus for nineteen days in
the woods, sleeping at night in the open air or in deserted cabins. Rumors came that
State troops were in pursuit of the captured statesman, and swearing vengeance on his
captors. They had been heard by Pickering early in the morning while his keepers were
sleeping. At length Gideon Dudley approached him and said: "Do you wish to be set
at liberty" "Of course I do," was his answer. "Will you intercede for Franklin's
pardon?" "No, I will not." "Will you intercede for our pardon?" Knowing them
personally, and that they were acting under orders from others, he promised his influence,
and he was finally set at liberty. The last day of his confinement his chain, which he had
worn for nine days, was taken off; he slept with his guard that night free from the chain
which had annoyed him so long. He was first awake in the morning, stirred up some
coarse meal, kindled a fire, placed his cakes on hemlock bark and cooked them for his
morning meal. As soon as it was light enough to see, he gathered their "green tea,"
which was winter-green and made a cup of tea, his guard awaking in time to enjoy the meal
which their prisoner had so kindly prepared. No doubt this last breakfast in the woods
was among the most enjoyable of his life. How quickly and strangely this scene is
changed ! He went from his chains in the woods of Wyoming to the Cabinet of Washing-
ton. In August, 1791, he was appointed Postmaster-General. On January 2, 1795, he was
transferred to the office of Secretary of War, and on December 12, to that of Secretary of
State. He held this position during the remainder of Washington's administration, and
for more than three years under President Adams, who removed him from office May 12,
1800. He never inquired into and never knew the reason of his removal. He was Sec-
retary of State during the exciting times occasioned by the arrival of Genet as Minister
from France, and the negotiations of Jay's Treaty with England. He safely guided the
country through this most trying period in the history of the Republic. He had spent his
salary as fast as he had received it, and was left without an income when suddenly dismissed
by President Adams. During his services in Wyoming, he had acquired possession of ten
thousand acres of wild land near the Great Bend of the Susquehanna, and fourteen
172 THE HISTORY OF
thousand in the western part of the State. He regretted ver}- much that he had not gone
into tlig woods instead of going into the Cabinet, and during the eight years spent in
office cleared up a farm and comfortable home for himself and family. He looked upon
this eight years as a financial mistake, and determined to rectify it a-t once. Though fifty-
five years of age, he would plunge into the wilds of Pennsylvania and hew out a home for
his family where he could enjoy happiness in his declining years. There was nothing like
it in our history. He could proudly refer to Cincinnatus, but his farm was cleared ; he
might quote the lines :
" Cincinnatus at his plough,
With more true glorj' shone,
Than Caesar, with his laureled brow,
His palace and his throne. ' '
Yet his friends laughed at his projecl, ridiculed it, and plead with him to relinquish it.
But to no purpose. He resolved to place his famih' in Easton where there were good schools,
and take one of his sons and go to the forest. He lost no time in carrying his plans into
execution. His friends offered him money sufficient for comfort, but "he would not take
a gift while he could dig." He was offered a seat on the bench of the Supreme Court of
IMassachusetts, "but that would only help to starve him politely," and he refused it. All
things having been made ready. Col. Pickering, at the end of June, 1800, started, in high
spirits, on his bold and resolute enterprise. He and his son Henr}- were at Easton, July
ist. The month of July was spent in providing for the comfort and support of his family
here until his return in the winter. He collected whatever was necessary for his use in
the woods, and on the nth of August started with his son on his journey, a distance of a
hundred miles, taking laborers acquainted with the business of making a clearing in the
forest, a span of horses, a yoke of oxen, chains, axes, and other required articles. In 1794,
the Academy and the stone school house, corner of Church and Sitgreaves streets, were
built. Here were the opportunities which Mr. Pickering sought for his children. He
felt it might be some time before he would be ready to take his family to his new home,
and here in Easton were good advantages and a good home. He went at work in the woods
with the utmost energy. His hands were blistered, his limbs were made lame and tired.
But his strength was invigorated. His free and independent life and the forest air were a
constant delight. Its mystic silence inspired his fancy and elevated his soul. His
biographer thinks this the happiest period of his life. The work of the season having been
accomplished, he returned to E)aston, December 10, 1800. He spent a couple of weeks
with his family and then set out on a brief visit to his relatives and friends in the place
of his birth. He was warmly welcomed by his friends in Salem, who determined to induce
him to give up what they considered a wild projecfl. They had tried ridicule and argu-
ment without effecft. The\- now changed their tatlics. They spoke in high terms of his
lands and of his tremendous energy in his efforts to make for himself a home. But he had
incidentally said that if he could sell enough to realize a sufficient sum to buy a farm near
his childhood home he would dispose of his Pennsylvania lands. His friends saw their
opportunity. They ascertained his price, formed a compan>-, and paid him $25,000, and
Timothy Pickering's toil came to an end. How much the memories of childhood had to
do in changing his course he has never told us. But it is quite likely that the sweet
recollec^Tiions of the home of his youth lielped to wean his affecifions from the "mystic
E ASTON, PENN'A.
173
silence of the forest which had so inspired his soul." The purchase of the land was a
business transa<5lion, though his friends never received a dollar for the land they bought.
Alexander Hamilton has just fallen in a duel with Aaron Burr ; his family was left poor,
and the land bought of Pickering was freely given the widow and her children. Picker-
ing came back to Easton, and spent a short time here. His friends bought a farm for him
near Salem, Massachusetts, and the family left Easton in 1801. After the commencement
of hostilities against Great Britain in 18 12, he was a member of the State Board of War ;
from 1813 to 1817 he was a member of the House of Representatives of the United States.
He was one of the ablest men of his time and possessed the entire confidence of Pres-
idents Washington and the elder Adams, as well as that of the people of his native State,
and must ever be remembered as one of the most remarkable heroes in the history of the
Republic.
That he had a taste for humor is evident from the following incident. He wrote to
his son from Washington in 1805, saying : "Hand the enclosed slip to your mother when
opportunity offers. We have a Scotch clergyman here who is one of the Chaplains to
Congress. He furnished one of my fellow lodgers with two verses written by Robert
Burns, on hearing a report of the death of Thomas Paine, which are not published in
Burns' works. I enclose them." The following was the enclosure :
" All pale and ghastly Tommy Paine
Last night goed down to hell ;
The de\nl shook him by the hand,
Says Tom, I hope your well."
" He led him to a furnace hot
And on him shut the door ;
Oh, how the devils leap and laugh,
To hear the rascal roar."
Mr. Pickering died at Salem, January 29, 1829. His son John became an eminent
scholar, philologist and Jurist. He was the author of a Greek and English lexicon, which
he commenced in 1814, before any similar work had been undertaken, and, with the assist-
ance of Dr. Daniel Oliver, finished and published in 1826.
174
THE HISTORY OF
:ENKRV — "MOUNT IDA, ON THE LEHIGH. SHOWING TH>
TO THE RIGHT; AND SNUKFTOWN TO THE LEFT.
ROADS--THE FIRST STAGE LINE.
|N the twelve years of peace, which succeeded the cessation of the Indian
troubles in 1764, the county and its inhabitants made good progress in ma-
terial prosperity, and in such public improvements as naturally follow new
settlements in the wilderness. At the time of the planting of the first set-
tlements, the only road reaching to them was the "King's Road"— as it was
called — reaching from Philadelphia to the Lehigh, at Jones' Island, about
a mile below Bethlehem. This was really nothing more than an Indian
trail — the "Minisink Path" — over which the il/?«j?' warriors had, from
time immemorial, passed to and fro, between the Blue Mountains and tide
water. This was improved from time to time, until at last it became a good
and solid road. Next was laid out, a public road from Goshenhoppen, in
Montgomery county, to Jeremiah Trexler's tavern, which stood in what is now Upper
Macungie township, Lehigh county; then the territory of Bucks county, and embraced in
Northampton, at the time of its eredlion. This laying out was made in 1732. Five years
later — 1737 — a road was opened from Nazareth to the Depui settlement at the Minisink,
and, in 1744, inhabitants petitioned that this road might be continued to the mouth of the
Saucon, by the way of Bethlehem. They stated that they "labored under great incon-
venience for want of a road to mill and to market (the latter being at Bethlehem, and the
former at Saucon Creek); the paths being yearly altered, so that they could not travel with-
out endangering their lives, and going far out of their way" and they asked "that they
may have a road fit for wagons to pass from Saucon Mill to Bethlehem, and thence to Naz-
areth, on account of a corn-mill that is at Bethlehem, without which road the people of
Nazareth, and others, the inhabitants of the county, will be put to great inconvenience,
and the same mill to them be rendered useless." Upon this petition the road was laid out
as follows: "Beginning at Irish's stone-quarry, at a white oak, thence northwest forty
degrees, north thirty-five perches" and so continuing through the various courses and
distances "quite to Nazareth, twenty-eight hundred and forty perches."
Also in 1744, there was laid out, a road from Walpack Ferry, on the Delaware, to
Isaac Ysselstein's place on the Lehigh. This road was twenty-seven miles, and one hun-
dred and eighteen rods in length. A road was asked for in the year 1745, to run from
Bethlehem to the ferry at the "Point" where the Lehigh enters the Delaware, that is, to
conneft with the ferry to New Jersey. The petition was granted, but years passed before
the road was built.
The next year a road was opened from the German settlements in Macungie, north-
easterly, to the Lehigh, opposite Bethlehem, and again, in 1747, a highway was petitioned
for, to run from the Saucon, by way of Bethlehem, to Mahoning Creek, beyond the moun-
tains, which in due time was granted and laid out.
Thus it will be seen, that in the proje(5ling, and laying out of roads, the town of
Bethlehem was made an objedlive point; all the routes of travel radiating from thence as a
common centre; Bethlehem being, at that time, more considerable in size than any other
town in the countv.
176 THE HISTORY OF
It must be borne in mind, however, that in those days, in Northampton county, the
granting of a road was an entirely distinct affair from the building thereof, and in almost
every case, years elapsed between these two operations, as, for instance, the road from the
Macungie German settlements, to the Lehigh, at Bethlehem, which was laid out in 1745,
was no more than a bridal-path, for at least fifteen years, and it was considerably after
1760 before it became, in any sense, a wagon road.
And again, in the case of the road which had been laid out from Martin's Ferr}', at
the mouth of the Lehigh, in 1745. John Chapman and John Watson, surveyors, had been
directed to lay out "a commodious road from the mouth of the West Branch of the Dela-
ware— the landing place of a well-accustomed fern.- over the Delaware River — over the
aforementioned West Branch, into the great road leading from Saucon to the city of Phila-
delphia," and yet, when Governor Hamilton, on the thirteenth of July, 1752, had occasion
to pass over this road on his way to Easton, it was discovered that not only had it not
been built, but that ]\Iessrs. Chapman and Watson, had not even so much as laid it out,
as they had been directed to do seven years before. And it was not until years later than
this, even, that it was completed for the passage of vehicles.
So that, in the year 1763, there was not a really good road in the bounds of the county;
but the best there was, was the "King's Road" from Philadelphia to Bethlehem — striking
the Lehigh at Ysselstein's Island, and it was over this road that the travel between the
Capital and all parts of Northampton county passed ; the Durham road, which struck the
Lehigh at Easton, being, to all intents and purposes, impassable.
It was over this road, too, that George Klein, of Bethlehem, made the first trip with his
" stage- wagon, " in September, 1763. After that, he ran regularly between that town and
Philadelphia, making the round trip weekly — that is, he started on Monday mornings,
from the Sun Tavern, in Bethlehem, and on his return, he set out from the inn, called the
"King of Prussia," on Thursday morning of each week. This inn stood on Race street.
It is not known whether or not this "stagewagon" line proved profitable to the proprietor,
but certain it is that it continued its trips, through fair weather and foul, and was the
pioneer of all the stage-lines which succeeded it in the county.
The first regular stage route to Easton was established by Frederick Nicholas, in the
year 1796. One trip a week was made, leaving Easton on Monday mornings. It was not
until 1815 that trips were made daily. Packages of money and small parcels were carried
by the drivers. We cannot better illustrate the mode of travel in those days than by tran-
scribing from Martin's "Historical Sketch of Bethlehem" the following advertisement
which appeared in the Philadelphia Advertiser of April 5, 1798 :
"Philadelphia, Allentown, Bethlehem and Wind Gap Stages.
"The subscribers respectfully inform the public that they will start a line of stages, to
set out at the Wind Gap at Mr. Jacob Hellers, on Saturday the i8th of April, 1798, at one
o'clock in the afternoon, and arrive at Bethlehem same evening. Another stage will start
from Bethlehem at five o'clock next morning, at which time an extra stage will start from
Allentown from the hou.se of Jacob Hagenbuch, and fall in with the line at Mr. Cooper's
(Coopersburg) ; then proceeding to Mr. vSamuel Sellers' (Sellersville), where another stage
will set out immediately and arri\e at Mr. Eh' Chandlers' PVanklin Head, Philadelphia,
E ASTON, PENN'A.
177
same evening. Set out from E. Chandler's Franklin Head, Philadelphia, on Wednesday
morning at five o'clock, and proceed the same route back, and arrive at Allentown and
Bethlehem same evening. Another stage will leave J. Heller's at one o'clock said day,
and likewise arrive at Bethlehem same evening ; set out from Bethlehem Thursday morn-
ing, at five o'clock, and both stages take their respective routes, and arrive at Philadelphia
the same evening, and at Mr. Heller's, at nine o'clock the same morning; set out from Mr.
Chandler's (Philadelphia) on Saturday morning at five o'clock and arrive at Allentown and
Bethlehem the same evening ; and so twice a week from the Wind Gap to Philadelphia.
"The fare for passengers from Mr. Heller's (Wind Gap) to Bethlehem, for each
passenger, seventy cents ; from Bethlehem or Allentown to Philadelphia, three dollars ;
way passenger, six cents a mile ; 14 pounds of baggage allowed each passenger ; 150 wt.,
same as a passenger, and the same for returning.
"Parcels taken in at the stage office at Mr. Chandler's, Philadelphia; at M. Severing' s,
Bethlehem, and at Mr. Heller's, Wind Gap. The smallest parcels twelve cents; two cents.
ILLUSTRATION OF AN OLD-TIME STAGE-COACH.
per pound that exceed fourteen pounds, for which the subscribers will vouch for their de-
livery at their respedlive places.
"The subscribers from the liberal encouragement received from the public last season,
and now by providing several sets of the best horses, and commodious stages, sober and
careful drivers, they flatter themselves that the public will continue to give them the pre-
ference, as the line will run through from Bethlehem to Philadelphia, in one day. — George
Weaver, Samuel Sellers, Philip Sellers, Enoch Roberts, Jacob Hellers."
At that period there was more travel from Bethlehem to Philadelphia than from
Easton ; the "stage wagon" of George Klein was the pioneer of stages in this secftion.
At a later day, the lines from Philadelphia to Easton and Wilkes- Barre, became the main
route of travel for all Northeastern Pennsylvania. The line from Bethlehem to Philadel-
phia continued in use, until the completion of the North Pennsylvania Railroad, in
January, 1857. Easton became the centre of operations for many lines of stages. Some
of our older readers will live again the life of by-gone days as they read these lines. The
close contadl into which the stage coach brings its passengers, the genial and hearty
manners, the ready wit and unstudied humor of the travellers, made companions out of
178 THE HISTORY OF
strangers before many miles had been traversed, and before the journey had ended, friend-
ships, which ended only with life.
About the years 1825 to 1830, there were, in all, ten stage routes leaving Easton in
various dire<ftions. The Philadelphia route, fifty-six miles in length ; the Newark route,
sixty-two miles in length ; the New Brunswick route, forty-five miles in length ; the
Wilkes-Barre route, sixty-five miles in length ; the Mount Pleasant route, eighty-one
miles in length ; the route to Berwick, sixty-five miles in length ; the Lancaster route,
one hundred and six miles in length ; the route to Milford, sixty-six miles in length.
The line to Newton was forty miles in length, and was the only one not using Troy
coaches and four horses. The river route to Philadelphia was not a profitable one.
The stage lines changed hands a number of times, and we give the names of some owners :
Frederick Nicholas, John Adam Copp, James Ely, Robert Levers, Richard Stout, Josiah
Horton, William and Samuel Shouse, William White, Hugh Major, Andrew Whitesell, Col.
Reeside, Jacob Peters, David Connor and Reuben Gross. Between William Shouse and
William White there existed great competition, and by way of illustration we copy the
following from the "History of Northampton County:" "William White, one of the
owners of the line, was proprietor of the Easton Hotel, or as it was better known "White's
Hotel," located at the corner of North Third street and Centre Square * * * At the
same time William Shouse * * * -^as the proprietor of the "Green Tree," now the
Franklin House * * * Mr. White, secure in owning the line of travel, refused in any
way to accommodate a guest of the ' ' Green Tree. ' ' If any one wished to stop there, they
must get there with their baggage the best way they could ; and if any one stopping there
wished to go to Philadelphia, they must go with their baggage to White's Hotel to take
passage, for the stage would not call for them, at least not at the regular prices. This
discrimination against his hotel was very annoying to Mr. Shouse, and being unable by
persuasion or remonstrance to change the matter, and being of an energetic and deter-
mined nature, he decided to make an attempt to meet the enemy on his own ground and
fight him along the entire line." He at once carried out his project by allying himself
with Col. Reeside, then one of the heaviest mail contractors in the countr,', who furnished
the lower end of the routes, while Mr. Shouse took charge of the upper end. New
coaches, new and fine horses were at once put on the road, and the fight commenced.
The opposing parties were well matched, both being determined, persevering and excited.
Such races as they had ! Such time as they made ! LTp hill and down they went at break-
neck speed, each driver doing his best to reach Easton first. I venture to say that our
good old town had no such daily excitement before or since. This continued for some
time, when Col. Reeside bought the stock of the old line and ended the conflict.
Some of the stage drivers were : John Pittenger, Jacob Pittenger, Mahlon \'annor-
man, Mahlon West and Frank Carney. Mr. Vannorman and Mr. Carney are still living ;
the former ser\'ed at the business twenty-four years, and is now hale and heaj-ty at the
good old age of 87. Mahlon West latterly was buying-agent for Jacob Peters, that is,
particularly in horse flesh. The open lot on Lehigh Hill, just above the Lehigh Valley
Freight Depot, was the pasture for Mr. Peters' horses, and for years from twent>- to thirty
head of horses were kept there.
EASTON POST OFFICE.
HE Post Office was established at Easton, Northampton County, Pa., March
20th, 1793. Prior to that date, it is probable that the residents conduced
their very limited correspondence by sending their letters to Philadelphia
or New York by the not very frequent travelers to those cities. On Feb-
ruary 20th, 1792, the Congress of the United States passed an "Act to
establish the post office and post roads within the United States," which,
receiving the approving signature of George Washington, President of the
United States, became a law. It established a post route from Wicasset,
Maine, to Savannah, Georgia, passing through Portland, (Me.) Portsmouth,
(N. H.) Boston, (Mass.) Hartford, (Conn.) New York, (N. Y.) Newark,
Elizabetlitown and Trenton, (N. J.) Philadelphia and Chester, (Pa.), and so
on to Savannah, (Ga.). This was the post route of the United States, and from this were
a few cross routes, among them one from "Philadelphia to Bethlehem," "Bethlehem to
Easton and Sussex Court House," and one from "Sussex Court House to Elizabethtown,"
intersedling there the "post road." This was the first act passed, under the Constitution
of the United States, establishing a postal system in this country. It went into effeft, in
accordance with its provisions, on June ist, 1792.
In 1792, there was established a line of stages between Bethlehem and Philadelphia,
and in 1796 between Easton and Philadelphia, or perhaps it were more proper to call it a
stage line, as probably but one stage was required, a round trip being made only twice a
week in summer, and once a week in winter. It may not be amiss to here note the rates
of postage first established in the United States ; the weight seems to have been allowed
as one quarter of an ounce avoirdupois to each letter ; the rates of postage varied with the
distance, viz., under thirty miles, six cents; from thirty to sixty miles, eight cents; sixty
to one hundred miles, ten cents ; one hundred to one hundred and fifty miles, twelve and
one-half cents ; one hundred and fifty to two hundred and fifty miles, seventeen cents; two
hundred and fifty to three hundred and fifty miles, twenty cents; three hundred and fifty to
four hundred and fifty miles, twenty-two cents; over four hundred and fifty miles, twenty-five
cents. Newspapers were carried at the rate of one cent for a distance not exceeding one
hundred miles, and one and one-half cents if over one hundred miles. Each publisher of a
newspaper could send every other publisher one copy of his paper free of postage.
The passage of the Post Route Bill and the establishment of the line of stages seems
to have had an influence on the residents of Easton, for in the following spring, to wit :
"March 20th, 1793," we find from the records of the Post Office Department, that the
Post Office at Easton was established. Since the establishment of the Easton Post Office,
the Borough has had sixteen Postmasters, as follows, to wit :
The first Postmaster was Henry Spering. He was a scrivener, and one of the most
prominent citizens of the county at the close of the last century; he filled all of the county
offices — Prothonotary, Recorder, Register, and Clerk of the Sessions — and was general
official of the town. It is most probable, though not absolutely certain, that during his
i8o THE HISTORY OF
term the Post office was located in the southwestern portion of the Public Square, in a
frame building on the lot where the First National Bank is now erected. He was
appointed during the term of President Washington, March 20th, 1793, and held the office
a little over four years.
The second Postmaster was Hon. John Ross, who was appointed during the term of
President John Adams, Oct. ist, 1797. He was one of the leading lawyers of that day,
and afterwards became a member of Congress, a Judge of the District Court, and also of
the Supreme Court of this State. He only held the office about nine months, and during
his term the office was located in the northeastern corner of the Public Square in the same
rooms now occupied by the Post Office.
The third Postmaster was Thomas B. Dick, who was appointed July ist, 1798, during
the term of President John Adams, and held the office nearly four years. He was a lawyer of
prominence and an inveterate practical joker, the legends of the bar yet telling of some of
his pleasantries at the expense of his fellow practitioners. During his term the office was
located, most probably, in the stone building at the southwest corner of Northampton and
Fifth streets, recently torn down, to make way for the brick building of Mr. H. J. Boyer.
The fourth Postmaster was Hon. George Wolf, who was appointed April ist, 1802,
during the term of President Jefferson; he retained the office, however, only one year. He
was a lawyer of great prominence, was clerk of the Orphans' Court, a member of the
Legislature, a member of Congress for three terms, and Governor of the State twice,
Comptroller of the Treasury under President Van Buren, and Collector of the Port of
Philadelphia. During his term the post-office was probably located at the northwest cor-
ner of the Public Square and Pomfret (N. Third) street, in the building now the office and
residence of Drs. Henry and John J. Detweiller.
The fifth Postmaster was John Knauss, who was appointed April ist, 1803, during
the term of President Jefferson, and held the office a little over ten years, during the
remainder of Jefferson's term and part of Madison's. He was by business a harness maker
and saddler, and kept the Post Office in an old stone building on the North side of North-
ampton street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, on the lot immediately west of the
Northampton County National Bank.
The sixth Postmaster was Philip H. Mattes, who was appointed May 8th, 1813, during
the term of President Madison, and held the office fifteen years, during the tenns of Pres-
idents Madison, Monroe and John Quincy Adams. He was a prominent citizen, a
scrivener of note, and for many years Cashier of the Branch Bank of the State of Pennsyl-
vania, and afterwards made Register of the County, and for many years Actuary of the
Dime Savings Bank. During his term the Post Office was located in the building at the
southeast corner of Centre Square and Northampton street, in the room now occupied by
Samuel Drinkhouse's hat store, the rooms then being divided into two, the Post Office
being the eastern one thereof, fronting on Northampton street.
The seventh Postmaster was Abraham Horn, who was appointed March 9th, 1829,
during the term of President Jackson, and continued in office for ten years, during the
Presidency of Andrew Jack.son and Martin Van Buren. until his death. He was by
business a carpenter and builder. In the war of 1812, he was captain of a company raised
in this county, in which compau)-, b)- the way, Capt. Horn had six brothers and a brother-
in-law ; he was also a member of the Legislature ; he first had the office on the south side of
E ASTON, PENN'A.
i8i
Northampton street above Fourth, a few doors below the Franklin House, then the "Green
Tree Hotel," in the room occupied by E. B. Mack as a stove store ; about four years after
he removed the office to the north side of the same street, almost directly opposite the
former location, to the room now occupied by Daniel L. Kutz as a saddlery findings store;
and afterwards to the frame building on the same side of the street, a few doors above Bank
street, where now is the dry goods house of Rader & Bro. ; where it was located at the
time of his decease.
The eighth Postmaster was Abraham Coryell, son-in-law of Capt. Horn, the late
Postmaster, who was appointed May 21st, 1839, during the term of President Van Buren,
and who held the office a little over nine vears. Mr. Corvell was b^' business a marble
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VIEW OF THE EASTON POST OFFICE — It
worker. During his term the office rose to the dignity of a Presidential office, i. e., an
office where the Postmaster is appointed not by the Postmaster General, but by the Presi-
dent, and confirmed by the Senate. This change occurred February loth, 1840, and Mr.
Coryell being then the incumbent, was recommissioned by President Van Buren, February
loth, 1840, served during the balance of his term, during the term of President Harrison,
and in part of President Tyler's, who reappointed him June 12th, 1844, and he continued
to hold the office during the balance of President Tyler's term, and the greater part of
President Polk's. During his term as Postmaster the office was located in a frame build-
ing in the southeast part of Centre Square, on the lot where the First National Bank now
stands.
The ninth Postmaster was John J. Herster, who was appointed by President Polk,
i82 THE HISTORY OF
June i2th, 1848, and heldhisoffi.ee eleven months. During his term the office was located
in the old stone building of Mrs. Peter Pomp, on the south side of Northampton street,
below Fourth, on the lot where Abie's Opera House now stands, and about where P. A.
Shimer's clothing store is situated.
The tenth Postmaster was Benjamin F. Amdt, who was appointed by President
Taylor, May 9th, 1849, ^"^^ held the office during Taylor's and Filmore's administrations,
until April, 1853. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and afterwards Clerk of the
Orphans' Court of this county, and for many years a Justice of the Peace. During his
term the office was located on the west side of South Third street, between Ferrj- and
Pine, where now is Garren & Son's restaurant.
The eleventh Postmaster was John J. Herster, who had been in office previously to
Esq. Arndt, for a period of eleven months. He was appointed April 4th, 1853, by Presi-
dent Pierce, and held the office until April 20th, 1857. He kept the office on the south
side of Northampton street, between Sitgreaves street and Centre Square, in the room now
occupied by W. H. Hazzard, as a paper hangings store.
The twelfth Postmaster was Col. William H. Hutter, who was appointed April 20th,
1857, by President Buchanan, and held the office until March, 1861. He was for a long
series of years proprietor and editor of the Easton Argus, and afterwards Cashier of the
Northampton County National Bank, and President of the Board of Prison Inspectors.
During his term the office was located in the stone building on the north side of North-
ampton street between Fourth and Fifth streets, opposite the Franklin House, in the room
now occupied by Hamilton & Co., as a shoe store.
The thirteenth Postmaster was Dr. Charles C. Jennings, who was appointed by Presi-
dent Lincoln, jVIarch 27, 1861, and held the office until March 20th, 1865. He was a
prominent physician of large practice. During his term the office was located in the brick
building at the northeast corner of South Third and Pine streets, in the room now occupied
by Solon Phillippe as a sportsman's emporium.
The fourteenth Postmaster was Capt. John J. Horn, a school teacher and land sur\-eyor,
who was a gallant soldier during the Rebellion, serving as Captain of Company E, 41st
Regiment (Twelfth Pennsylvania Reser\-es). He was appointed by President Lincoln,
March 20th, 1865, and held the office until his death, in the spring of 1869. He re-
tained the office at the same place in which it was located during Dr. Jenning's incum-
bency. Capt. Horn died while in office, and he and his uncle, Abraham Horn, are the only
Postmasters who have died while occupying the office. During the term of Capt. Horn, the
Money Order Business was extended to Easton.
The fifteenth Postmaster was James L. INIingle, a Telegrapher and Superintendent of
Telepraph Construtlion, who was appointed by President Grant, April 20th, 1869, and
held the office until November 187 1. He kept the office at the same place as under the
two preceding Postmasters.
The sixteenth Postmaster, and present incumbent, is James K. Dawes, a lawyer, and
for a number of years publisher of the Free Press, who was appointed by President Grant,
November i6th, 1871, and reappointed by the .same President, December 15, 1875; again
reappointed by President Hayes, January 8th, 1880; and again by President Arthur, Jan-
uary 16, 1884, being the only Postmaster of the Borough who has ever .served under fi\-e
different Presidents — his service being under Presidents Grant, Hayes, Garfield, .\rthur
E ASTON, PENN'A. 183
and Cleveland. Shortly after his appointment he removed the office to the Northeast cor-
ner of Centre Square, at the corner of Hay's Place, to the room now occupied by it, and
the identical room occupied by the post-office in 1797, ninety years ago. During Mr.
Dawes' term it was made a General International Money Order office, empowered to issue
Money Orders on all the leading Foreign Countries, and also, October i, 1885, a Special
Messenger or Immediate Delivery office. It was also during his term, December i, 1873
— thirteen years since — Easton was designated as a Free Delivery or lyCtter Carrier office,
the Post Office at South Easton being discontinued, and the limits of the "Easton" office
extended so as to include Easton, South Easton and Glendon.
The extension of the Free Delivery System to Easton has, undoubtedly, been one of
the most important events in the history of our Borough, and has proved an almost indis-
pensable convenience to the citizens, and they have so generally availed themselves of its
use as to win for Easton, the reputation, in the Post Office department, of "being" the
"Boss Letter Carrier Office in the United States," out of the very large population of the
three towns in its limits, there being only six parties — and not one of them in business —
who use boxes in the Post Office, all the rest having their mail matter delivered by the
carriers. The service is performed by seven carriers, who make thirty-six deliveries and
forty-five collections of letters daily, the first at five o'clock in the morning and the last at
half-past six in the evening. At convenient locations throughout the town, one hundred
and three letter-boxes have been placed for the reception of mail matter ; among these
boxes are four very ornamental ones, on iron posts, located in Centre Square, from which
colle6lions are made every hour, that fact being announced by gilt inscriptions on the box
in seven different languages, viz: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian and
Chinese. These boxes were eredled as a Memorial of "The Centennial," having been used
during the Great Exhibition in the Main Building, and being sent to Easton at the close
of the Centennial, as a memorial thereof, through the kindness of Hon. George W. Fair-
man, then Postmaster of Philadelphia. Of these boxes Easton is justly very proud, no
other city save Philadelphia, being the fortunate possessor of like reminders of the Cen-
tennial Anniversary of the Nation.
As in perusing the present history of this county it has been found of interest to note
the size and commercial standing of Easton at different periods of its early history, it is
deemed proper to give here such notes as will show to those who may read this history
fifty or a hundred years hence, what the amount of Postal business done at Easton, at
present is, and who the residents are, connedled therewith. During the Postal year ending
November 30, 1886, there were delivered by the carriers, 879,136 letters, 191,251 Postal
cards, 145,105 local letters and postal cards, and 567,150 newspapers, a total delivery of
1,769,641 pieces; and there were colleciled during the same time, 584,518 letters, 191,405
postal cards, and 36,249 newspapers, a total colledlion of 812,172 pieces; or a total of
pieces delivered and colletled, of 2,581,813. There were issued 3204 Domestic Money
Orders, amounting to $39,310.09; 214 Foreign Money Orders amounting to $2,371.50, and
1998 Postal Notes amounting to $3558.12; and there were paid 3127 Domestic Money
Orders amounting to $36,041.78; 82 Foreign Money Orders amounting to $1364.23, and
2591 Postal Notes amounting to $5,599.65, or a total of 11,216, amounting to $88,245.35.
The International, or Foreign, Money Orders were distributed as follows, viz: British,
105 ; German, 105; Canadian, 64; Swiss, 9; Italian 4; South Wales, 3; New Zealand, 2;
i84 THE HISTORY OF
French, i; Hawaiian Islands, i; Victoria, i; Tasmania, i. This, in connecftion with the
fact that fifteen Railway Post offices have Easton as a terminal or diredl supply office,
will be, to future readers of this histor}-, one of the very best proofs of the business
relations and commercial importance of Easton.
The officials conneded with the Post Office at the date of writing, Dec. lo, 1886, are
as follows, the date of commencement of service being given after the name in each case,
viz :
Postmaster, James K. Dawes (Nov. 16, 1871).
Assistant Postmaster and Registry Clerk, Frederick S. Stem, (July 8, 1878); Mailing
Clerk, James Ballantyne, (July i, 1876); Distributing Clerk, Walter S. Kitchen, (Sept. i,
1882); Money Order Clerk, M. Ella Sheridan, (Oct. 23, 1883); Stamp and Deliver)- Clerk,
Sallie A. Peters, (July 7, 1886); Assistant Distributing Clerk, Harry W. Drake, (Nov. 17,
1886); Assistant Stamp and Delivery Clerk, Anna M. Johnson, (Nov. 12, 1886); Night
Clerk and Watchman, Daniel L. Nicholas, (OAober i, 1883); Clerk at Chain Dam Sta-
tion, Charles W. Laudenberg, (July i, 1885); Local R. P. O. Transfer Clerk, Charles
Freeman, (June — , 18 — ); Local Mail Messenger, Henr>- Shipman, (July i, 1884); Letter
Carriers, John C. Dittler, (Dec. i, 1873); Jeremiah Helick, (Dec. i, 1873); Jolm J- Gang-
were, (Dec. 3, 1873); William P. Horn, (Dec. 8, 1873); Samuel Arnold, (Jan. 15, 1878);
John H. Horning, (Jan. i, 1881); Isaac E. Smith, (Nov. 21, 1883); Substitute Letter Car-
riers, J. Henry Waltman, (Dec. 23, 1884); Henr>' E. Ealer, (June 4, 1886); Harry O.
Weaver, (June 15, 1886).
Of the si.xteen Postmasters who have filled the office since its establishment, only three
are now living, viz : Col. William H. Hutter, James L. Mingle and James K. Dawes.
[For assistance extended the writer of this article, and for \-aluable information fur-
nished, the Editor is indebted to the late Hon. A. D. Hazen, Third Assistant Postmaster
General, Washington, D. C, himself a native of this County — Lower Mt. Bethel Town-
ship— and to Wilking B. Cooley, Esq., a native of Easton, formerly Money Order Clerk
in the Easton Post Office (1876-1878) and now Chief Clerk of the Money Order System
of the United States, Washington, D. C. ]
E ASTON, PENN'A. 185
REV. NICHOLAS POMP.
Nicholas Pomp, a native of Germany, father of the Rev. Thomas Pomp, of Easton,
and a very prominent man among the German Reformed ministers who labored in this
country during the latter part of the last century, was born January 20th, in the year of
our Lord 1734. He passed through a regular course of scientific and theological training
for the sacred office, at the University of Halle; after which he was sent to this country,
under the auspices of the Fathers in Holland, A. D. 1760.
Mr. Pomp's first charge was Faulkner Swamp, and affiliated congregations. In the
first statistical table extant, in which his name appears (1770), he is put down as conne6led
with Faulkner Swamp ; and he confirmed in that year, in his charge, fifty-one persons.
Judging from the progress exhibited in the statistical, so far as extant, his ministry must
have been successful. In 1777, we find he confirmed seventy-nine.
In 1783, Mr. Pomp accepted a call to the congregation in Baltimore, and preached his
introductory sermon on the first Sabbath in September of that year. He entered upon
his duties in the new field, under disadvantages, arising from the state of the congregation
at the time. The difficulty alluded to was a serious division in the congregation existing
when he took charge of it and which lasted many years after he left. During his pastorate
at Baltimore the people built a new church, but the difficulty was not healed, and he
closed his pastorate November 15, 1789; and after a few more years of toil, by reason of
infirmities, he came to Easton to spend the evening of his life with his son Thomas.
Though he was without a regular charge, yet such was his fondness for preaching
that he continued to preach whenever an opportunity was afforded him. For a while he
supplied several congregations in the neighborhood of Easton. In visiting these on one
occasion he fell from his horse, by which accident he received an injury which rendered it
impossible for him afterwards to ride, either on horse or in a carriage. The people to
whom he preached, however, were so anxious to hear him, that they made arrangements
to have him carried by four men, on a litter, a distance of from twelve to fifteen miles.
This was done several times.
Though feeble in body, Mr. Pomp still lived a number of years later than this. He
died in Easton, Sept. i, 1819. He was buried by the side of his wife in the German
Reformed cemetery in Easton, where a stone with the following memorial marks his
grave :
IN
MEMORY OF
REV. NICHOLAS POMP,
Who was Born
Jan. 20th, A. D. 1734,
And Departed this Life
Sept I, A. D. 1819.
Aged 85 Years, 7 Months
and 27 Days.
During a large part of Father Pomp's ministr>', he preached at Plainfield as one of
the Stations. One beautiful Sabbath morning, as he was riding quietly on his way, he
saw two young men of his congregation with their guns hunting pigeons. The young
i86 THE HISTORY OF
men saw their pastor coining, and at once laid their guns down behind a log by the way-
side, and were walking very innocently as their pastor rode along. At that moment a large
flock of pigeons alighted in the top of a tree close at hand. Father Pomp obser\'ed their
guns so quietly laid behind the log, and exclaimed: Boys, hand me one of those guns;
the blushing lads went for their guns, and Father Pomp went for the pigeons, fired and brought
down a goodly number. And with a pleasant smile, Mr. Pomp said, boys, you must
kill pigeons when they are here, you cannot kill them when they are not here. Take
them right home to your mother and tell her to cook them for my dinner.
REV. THOMAS POMP.
Seldom, indeed, and only at long and uncertain intervals, does the history' of the church
furnish us with a man whose private and public life presents so beautiful and faultless a
picture as that of the venerable Thomas Pomp. His kind and amiable disposition, sim-
plicity and gentleness of spirit, and his many other excellent social and domestic quali-
ties, place him among the most eminent of the honored class of men whose lives are
distinguished for their evenness of tenor, quietness and peaceful relations with all man-
kind. Few men, if any, surpassed him in these respects. All the accounts we have heard
or seen of him uniformly bear testimony to his superior excellence and transceudant
virtues.
Thomas Pomp was the only son of the Rev. Nicholas Pomp. He was bom on the
4th dav of February, 1773, in Skippack Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania,
where his father was then living, being in charge of several German Reformed congrega-
tions in that secflion.
The early childhood of Mr. Pomp was passed amid the quiet scenes and innocent
sports of country life. When about ten years of age his father received a call from the
German Reformed Church in the City of Baltimore, and removed with his little family to
that place in 1783. With this change in his outward circumstances and relations, the life
and habits of little Thomas must have changed very considerably. His later childhood
and youth, at a period when the deepest and most lasting impressions are made, were thus
spent amidst the busy and ever-shifting scenes of city life. His facilities for acquiring an
English education were correspondingly greater here than in his country home; and this,
added to the general advantage of city life, had doubtless much to do with the formation
of his Christian character and the cultivation of his mind. Intelledlually, as well as
morally, he stood and grew up in the midst of the most favorable surroundings. His
higher literars- and theological studies he pursued principalh-, if not wholly, under the
immediate care and supervision of his devoted and accomplished father, who was now,
since 1790, pastor of some congregations near the place of his earliest ministerial labors
in Eastern Pennsylvania.
In the year 1793, when only twenty years of age, he entered the holy ministry, to the
great joy and satisfaction of his pious parents, who, it seems, had steadily and with deep
concern looked forward to this event. In the same year he became pastor of several Ger-
E ASTON, PENN'A. 187
man Reformed congregations in Montgomery county, Penna. He remained in this first
field only about three years, when he resigned the charge and accepted a call to Easton,
Penna., entering upon his duties in the month of July, 1796. The charge consisted
originally of four congregations — namely, Easton, Plainfield, Dryland, Upper Mt. Bethel.
In this extensive charge he continued to labor faithfully and with universal acceptance to
the close of his long life— a period of fifty-six years. Several changes, however, were
made in his field toward the close of his ministry. In the year 1833, after ministering to
this people for a quarter of a century, he gave up the congregation in Lower Saucon,
which up to this time had formed a part of his charge. This gave him some relief, and
lessened to some extent the excessive labors of his calling. Father Pomp had already
been in the ministry' over forty years, and began seriously to feel the effecfls of excessive
labor and the pressure of advancing years. He greatly needed rest, and eminently deserved
to be relieved of some part of the burden which rested so heavily upon him. The people
whom he had so long and so faithfully served were not insensible to his merits, and felt
disposed to do what was right in the case. Steps were accordingly taken to procure him
some assistance. The Rev. Bernard C. Wolff, who was then just entering upon his min-
isterial course, became associate pastor with him in his Easton congregation. This
arrangement was rendered necessary by the gradual introducftion and general prevalence
of the English language among the citizens of the place, as well as the increasing infirmi-
ties, advanced age and excessive labors of Father Pomp.
Owing to the same general causes — his age and infirmities — he was induced in the
year 1848 or 1849 to resjgn the Plainfield congregation, the most distant point in his exten-
sive charge. A few years later, in 1850 or 1851, and for like reasons, an assistant was
appointed to the Dryland, or Hecktown congregation ; and about the same time, or proba-
bly a little earlier, he was also kindly relieved from the adlive duties of the ministry in
the church at Easton, while, however, he still continued to retain his former pastoral rela-
tion with some provision for his support, if we mistake not, up the time of his death. It
was with extreme relu6lance, as we have been often told, that the aged patriarch con-
sented to give up preaching "the Gospel of the grace of God" to the dear people whom
he had so long and faithfully, and also with such universal acceptance, served ; and to
whom, accordingly, he was bound by the strongest and tenderest ties of Christain love
and affedlion. In fa6l, all of the members of his charge, with but few exceptions, had
been baptized, instruAed and confirmed by him, and many of them also married during
his a6live ministry of more than half a century among them.
Few men have ever labored so long among a people with such unabated attachment
and acceptance. Every person within the bounds of his extensive charge, even now that
he is dead and gone, speaks still of the aged and venerable pastor, whose image still lin-
gers, like a vision of beauty, in the memory of his grateful parishioners. Amidst the
incessant changes and confusion which so frequently obtained sway in congregations and
pastoral changes now-a-days, it is pleasant and truly refreshing to meet with an instance
of such warm and lasting attachment and rare fidelity to an aged and worn-out pastor.
It shows what a stronghold the faithful and loving shepherd had upon their hearts and
afie<aions in the earlier and more a<flive period of his ministerial life and labors in
their midst.
During his public ministry, extending over fifty-nine years or upwards. Father Pomp
i88 THE HISTORY OF
baptized 7,870 persons; confirmed 3,616 ; married 2,059 couple ; and buried 1,670. These
figures, taken in connedlion with what has been already said of the exposure and the
many thousands of miles of travel, through heat and cold, over hill and dale, will enable
us to form some idea of the nature and extent of his official labor.
As regards the general chara<fter, private and public, of Father Pomp, we deem it
unnecessary to add much to what has been already said. His numerous friends through-
out the extensive region of countrs- over which his ministerial aftivity extended are the
best evidence of the high esteem in which he was held by the people of his own charge,
as well as by others who enjoyed the pleasure of his acquaintance. Wherever you go
among the people of his field of labor, the name of Father Pomp, as he was familiarly
called, is mentioned with reverence and affe<5lion. Many of the more aged of the 'Dry-
land and Plainfield congregations, even to this day, love to relate the little incidents which
occurred in their former acquaintance and intercourse with their beloved pastor ; and
these pleasant incidents are almost universally illustrative of his good nature, innocence
and genial spirit, and of the esteem and friendship which these excellent qualities inspired.
Never during all our extensive intercourse with those simple hearted people, while preach-
ing among them the gospel of Christ, did we hear a single unkind word spoken or a dis-
paraging remark made in reference to their aged pastor and friend.
Such a chara(5ler, sustained and kept pure and unsullied during a period of more than
half a century of private and public intercourse with the people of his charge, constitutes
the best and noblest monument that any man living or dying could desire.
Father Pomp, so far as we could learn, was not a man of brilliant parts, extraordi-
nary talents, or extensive acquirements. Both his natural endowments, as well as his
literary and theological attainments, were of an ordinary charadler. His preaching was
of a plain and pracftical kind, distinguished for its kindly and genial spirit rather than
for its depth or power. His labors, however, both in and out of the pulpit, were always
acceptable to the people of his charge ; and his long continued and unabated popularity
shows conclusively that he was not wholly destitute of those higher intellecflual qualities
which secure and maintain a controlling influence over the minds and hearts of men.
The great extent of his charge, and the distance of his country congregations from
his place of residence, not onl)- proved burdensome to him, but also interfered very mater-
ially with his usefulness. It is hard indeed to understand how those venerable men, the
early fathers of the church, could at all get round amongst the people, and accomplish
anything of account in the way of diredl pastoral labor. Every four weeks only, as a
general rule, could they visit the members of their county churches, and then frequently
only on Sunday, when the whole of their time and strength was required to fill the regular
preaching appointments. Perhaps a few hours, at most, could be spent in visiting the
people committed to their spiritual care and supervision during such a trip. Even then
they left their homes on Saturday and did not return again until Monday; only a small and
insignificant portion of their members could be reached and benefited by direcft personal
intercourse with them. Considering also the large number of funerals which would natur-
ally occur in so large a distridl and require the pastor's attention, we cannot wonder that
in this way of strictly pastoral visitation and influence so much had to be either wholly
negledled or but imperfedlly performed. These things are mentioned in this connection
for the purpose of accounting for the comparatively backward state of our churches gener-
E ASTON, PENN'A. 189
ally in Eastern Pennsylvania, and among the rest, those which were formerly served by
Father Pomp.
The good men who labored and toiled in those extensive fields and under such
immense disadvantage had of necessity to leave much good unaccomplished. For what
under the circumstances adlually was done they merit the lasting gratitude of those among
whom they lived and labored. Their extensive labors and herculean efforts deserve to be
kept in everlasting remembrance.
Father Pomp, after "having served his generation," and accomplished the work
entrusted to him, was "gathered to his people" in a good old age, full of years and weary
of life, like a shock of corn fully ripe for the harvest. He died at his residence in Eastou,
Pennsylvania, on the 22d day of April, 1852, aged 79 years, 2 months and 18 days.
On the succeeding Sunday his remains, followed by an immense concourse of sorrow-
ing friends, were reverently carried out and deposited in their quiet resting place in the
Easton Cemetery. On this solemn and interesting occasion a suitable discourse was
delivered by the late Rev. Dr. Hoffeditz in German, and another one in English by the
Rev. Dr. Gray. On the next Lord's day an appropriate funeral sermon, with special
reference to the life and labors of the deceased, was preached in the German Reformed
Church by the Rev. J. H. A. Bomberger. Thus were the solemnities of this sad occasion
brought to a close. Long will the day of his burial and the impressive services therewith
connedled be remembered by the people of Easton, and especially by the members of the
German Reformed Church.
" Thus star by star declines,
'Till all are passed away,
As morning high and higher shines
To pure and perfecft day ;
Nor sink those stars in empty night.
But hide themselves in heaven's own light."
On the spot where his remains were originally deposited the members of his charge
have eredled a beautiful marble monument, as an evidence of their affecflionate regard for
him, who, while living, broke unto them the "bread of life," the pledge of a blissful
immortality and "reunion in heaven."
Through the kindness of Mr. Abraham Kind, of Easton, Pennsylvania, we have been
furnished the following description of it :
The monument stands near the centre of the cemetery, in and close to the angle
formed by the east and south walks, and about fifty yards from the gate leading into the
cemetery from Fifth street. It is in the form of a pyramid, divided into two parts. The
frustum has four faces, on three of which are found the inscriptions which I inclose. The
top or upper half of the frustum rests on an ornamental base ; in all it is about ten feet
high, simple in its structure and beautifully characteristic of the man in whose honor it
has been eredled. On the several faces of the frustum are the following inscriptions :
West Side.— In memory of the Rev. Thomas Pomp, son of the Rev. Nicholas Pomp.
He was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, February 4, 1773, and died April 22,
1852, in the 80th year of his age, and the 59th year of his ministry.
North Side.— The only son of one of the founders of the German Reformed Church
igo THE HISTORY OF
in America. He early consecrated himself to the services of the church of his father.
He was ordained to the ministry of the Gospel in 1793. In July, 1796, he became pastor
of the German Reformed Church of Easton, Pennsylvania, in which capacity he served
that congregation until enfeebled by age and called to an eternal reward. His long and
arduous ministerial labors and personal worth will ever be held in effectionate remem-
brance by a grateful people.
South Side. — Erecfled by the congregation.
PHILIP MIXSELL.
[Easton Argus, March, 1869.]
A VERY constant and certainly one of the most welcome visitors to my sandlum for
the last quarter of a century has been our venerable fellow citizen Philip Mixsell, Sr.
Mr. Mixsell is now the oldest living resident of Easton. He was bom on the loth of
March, 1777, and was consequently 92 years of age on the loth of the present month.
Although confined to his house the greater part of the winter now passing away, from a
slight accident which injured his back, and a severe cold, he is still a hearty man. His
head is covered with a thick crop of white hair, his eye-sight is good, and he can walk as
rapidly as a man of forty. He is in many respedls a remarkable man. He writes a beau-
tiful hand, and even now wields as steady a pen as a man of twenty-one. He is living a
link, as it were, binding the past to the present generation. His well preser\-ed body
and good health so unusual in one of his advanced years are due to his uniform good
habits, his abstemious mode of living and his contented mind. He belongs to a race of
men who inhabited this country when there was less extravagance and less pretension, and
more solid sense and plain living in every American community. He has repeatedly told
me that during his long life he has never been intoxicated and never tasted tobacco. He
was systematic on this subjedl of temperance, but used good liquor when he thought it
was good for him to do so, either in sickness or when traveling. But he never abused it
and never seriously felt its influence. In a recent inter\'iew of an hour's duration with
the old gentleman I took down the following notes, thinking they would be interesting
to the readers of the Argus. I give substantially his own language :
"I was born in a small log house in Williams township, some three or four hundred
yards below Richards' tavern, on the Delaware river. My fathers name was Philip Mix-
.sell. He was born in Conestoga township, Lancaster county. He built the house in
which I was born, about the year 1736. I had five sisters and four brothers, all of whom
are dead. My youngest sister died at seventy, my yoimgest brother at seventy-two. My
father died at eighty-five, and one of my brothers at ninety-two. I was never sick ninety
days in my life, and when I think that my old limbs have carried me through the world
for nearly one hundred years I wonder that they have not given out long ago. I was
married in the month of April, 1804. I never had but nine month's schooling ; went to
school to old Mr. Abrm. Bachmah, who was the first teacher in Easton, and who taught
school in an old stone house on the lot now occupied by Joseph Sigman's residence on
E ASTON, PEJVN'A.
191
Fourth street. I came to Easton when I was thirteen years of age and engaged to attend
store for my brother. After remaining with him four years I went into the late Judge
Wagoner's store. At that time mercantile pursuits were conducfled on a different principle.
There was more hard work attending it, and men in business did not become rich as
rapidly as they do now. Judge Wagoner, with whom I afterwards became a partner, dealt
largely in grain. He built the old mill on the Bushkill, known as the Wagoner mill, and
lived a number of years in a stone house up the Bushkill, which he also ere<5led in the
year 1792. He manufadlured flour and transported it to Philadelphia on Durham boats.
A usual load for one boat was about 500 bushels of grain and 150 barrels of flour.
On more than one occasion he sold his produce and walked back from the city. There
was a coach running at that time from Easton to Philadelphia, but it made only one trip
a week and a business man did not feel like waiting. The fare was $4. The Durham
boatmen were a jolly set of men and greatly enjoved the life they led.
VIEW AT BUSHKILL AND FRONT STREETS, ABOUT THE VI
[from a DRAWING BV MRS. m'CARTNEY.]
When I came to Easton the richest man in Easton was old Peter Schnyder, the father
of the late Peter Schnyder. He owned a large lot, on which the tannery stood — now
Lehn's — a number of out-lots, and about 150 acres of farm land. Mr. Wagoner afterward
became wealthier than Schnyder. At that time among the prominent families living
here was John Arndt's family, William Craig, who was then Prothonotary and Clerk, and
Dr. Ledley, living in Peter Ihrie's present residence, which was considered the best house
in Easton.
Easton at that time contained about 1500 inhabitants, but few good dwelling houses.
The present Third street was made up of poor buildings. Peter Schnyder' s residence, on
the corner of Bushkill and Third streets, was considered a model house.
192 THE HISTORY OF
There was of course much less extravagance than we see about us now. When I was
married to my late wife she was the owner of but one silk, and that was the only silk
dress she owned for fifteen years. Calico was worn for everj'-day wear, and gingham for
extra occasions. Servant girls were then paid seventy-five cents a week.
The leading lawyers of this county at that day were Samuel Sitgreaves and John
Rose. The Penn family were a prominent family. Jonas Hartzell was the Sheriflf of the
county. There was of course no water works. The wells about town furnished good
water. The old well at Rev. Thomas Pomp's corner was considered the best well in
Easton. The lot on which the former residence of the late Rev. Mr. Pomp stood, taking
in an entire block of ground, was at one time purchased by my brother for $83, and after-
ward sold to the German Reformed congregation for $100. The 'dry lands' were at
that time considered a monstrous poor seClion of our county. Land in that quarter was
looked upon as scarcely worth buying and hardly rich enough to support a flock of crows.
Lots in 'dry land' then sold at from $15 to $18 per acre. Mush and milk and good
potatoes was the fashionable diet of the day. Old Mr. Hass was then one of our County
Commissioners. He lived within two miles of the Berks county line, in what is now
Lehigh county, and had twenty-eight miles to come to the Court House in Easton. The
late Judge Wagoner was also one of the County Commissioners. I remember that his pay
one year amounted to just $28. They received $1.50 per day. All the people of the
Mount Bethels, Moore, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Saucon, and of course Forks and Plainfield,
at that time came to Easton to vote.
Eledlion day was then considerable of a frolic day. There were fiddlers and dancing
in every tavern in Easton. The girls came to town with their fathers and brothers and
enjoyed themselves at the dances until they were ready to go home. About 1500 votes
were then cast in the whole county. Old John Schug kept the present 'Franklin House'
at that time.
Christian J. Hutter's house was then the last house on the top of the hill. A man
named Otto, who had a wooden leg, hauled a great deal of water from the river for the
people to wash with. Neither myself nor any one of my brothers ever had a lawsuit.
The amusements of the day were balls, and in the fall of the year, apple butter frolics.
The general price for a ball ticket was $2.00. Dancing commenced at about eight o'clock
in the evening, and about one o'clock the boys and girls were expedrled to be at home.
Places of business were usually opened at daylight. At sleighing parties the ladies
were treated to weak sangaree. There were no bridges — the streams were crossed on the
ice. My father was a stone mason by trade. He did the stone work on the German
Reformed Church in Easton. Was to have $800 for the job. He was paid in Continental
money, which soon after began to depreciate. My father held on to it thinking it would
again improve, but it gradually grew more and more worthless until finally he parted with
it for $83, and that was all he received for his work. As a matter of course this loss
proved a severe shock to the old gentlema:i's finances, and it was some years before he
recovered from it. Whilst working on the church his children brought up the dinner for
him.self and hands from his house on the Delaware. He also built the Dryland Church
at Hecktown. It has been said that 'cards were invented to amuse a fool' (Charles IX of
France) but here they were used to build a bridge across the beautiful sparkling Delaware.
E AS TON, PENN'A.
193
The want of a bridge over the Delaware at Easton was so seriously felt that the people
determined to make a strenuous effort to have one eretled. The enterprise lagged for
many years, capitalists having but little confidence in the stock proving a paying invest-
ment. Finally it was built about the year 1806 at a cost of about $43,000, but it had no
roof and no more money could be raised. In this dilemma the directors determined to
apply to the Legislature for relief. Samuel Sitgreaves, John Herster and Daniel Wagener
were appointed a committee to petition the Legislature for a loan of $5,000. The Senate
agreed to the bill but a careful count of noses in the Lower House showed that there was
a majority of two against it. It is related that William Barnet, who was then in the Leg-
islature from this county, invited two members who were opposed to the bill to spend an
evening at his room. There a game of euchre was proposed and Barnet dared his two
guests to play a game for their votes for or against his bridge bill. They agreed, and
having previously imbibed a good share of hot toddy, they displayed but little skill in
handling the cards and lost. In this way the passage of the bill was secured. Then
another obstacle interposed. Simon Snyder, who was Governor of Pennsylvania, threat-
ened to veto the bill unless the committee aforesaid pledged their individual guarantee that
the $5000 should be repaid in five years. He had no notion that the State Treasury
should lose this money. They agreed to this and the money was refunded in three years.
Mr. Mixsell has a wonderful memory. Often as he sat in my ofiice, reading the papers
of the day, as has been his daily custom for years (when the weather permitted), he would
relate incidents of his travel that occured as far back as 1798, and he would repeat the
details of a journey made fifty, sixty and seventy years ago as truthfully as if it had occured
but yesterday. In this respect he reminded me of the late Thomas H. Benton, whom he
also greatly resembles in personal appearance. That the sterling old patriarch may con-
tinue to live many years — long enough, at least to see his ardent and patriotic wish real-
ized— enjoying in the meantime good health, the affections of his kindred and the esteem
of his fellow citizens, is the sincere prayer of his friend."
THE WAGENER FAMILY OF EASTON.
Mr. David Wagener was born in Silesia, Germany, May 24th, 1736. His mother,
then a widow, emigrated to this country in the year 1740 on account of religious persecu-
tion and settled in Bucks county, in this State, with her two sons, David and Christopher,
aged respectfully eight and four years. David married Miss Susanna Umstead and raised
a family of four sons and three daughters. In 1 786 he bought a tra(5t of land of the Penns,
situated on both sides of the Bushkill Creek, a short distance above Easton, and moved
there. The Easton Cemetery grounds are now a portion of that tradl, and his remains
lie in his son David's plot, southwest of the chapel. He died in his sixtieth year.
Daniel Wagener was a son of David Wagener of Germany, and a prominent citizen of
Easton for many years. He was born in Bucks county, moved to Easton when young,
and early became engaged in the milling business on the Bushkill. He was Associate
Judge of Northampton county for thirty-nine years, and was a man of ability and integ-
194 THE HISTORY OF
rity in his dealings with his fellow men. To have retained the position which he honored
for so many years shows more plainly than words the confidence reposed in him by the
public.
Hon. David D. Wagener was bom in Easton, the eleventh day of October, 1792. He
built a mill on the Bushkill when quite a young man, near the one built by his father.
He was engaged in the milling and mercantile business for many years. He died in 1869,
at the age of seventy-seven years, leaving three sons and two daughters, to whom he
bequeathed a handsome estate, and an unsullied name. The early years of David D.
Wagener' s life were spent in obtaining a substantial education, and assisting his father in
his business. It was then he laid the foundation of that consistent christian and public-
spirited character, to which he was in so great a degree indebted for his remarkably suc-
cessful career. In 1816 he was elected captain of the "Easton Union Guards," then
newly organized, and continued in command until the company's dissolution, in 1829.
In this capacity he visited Philadelphia in 1824, and together with his company (135 men)
assisted in the ceremonies of the reception of La Fayette. He took great interest in poli-
tical life and became an adlive and prominent member of the Democratic party, with
which he held the closest relations until his death. In 1828 he was elecled to the Assem-
bly and performed the duties of his position so fully to the satisfaction of his fellow-citi-
zens that he was twice re-elected, serving the terms of 1829, 1830 and 183 1, and only
leaving the Assembly for the higher honors of the National Congress, to which he was
elected in 1832, after a close and exciting contest ; his opponent being no other than his
fellow-townsman, the gifted and popular Peter Ihrie. The course of David D. Wagener
in Congress was the same plain and straight-forward pursuit of his duty as a public-spirited
and high-minded citizen, and met with the same approval bestowed upon his public record
in the Assembly ; receiving the highest possible testimonial by being re-elected from
term to term, until 1839, when he retired from more adlive public life, desiring rest and
time to devote to his own private affairs. He was a member of Congress during one of
the most exciting periods of our national history, a greater part of General Jackson's, and
the early part of Martin Van Buren's administration. General Jackson was a military
hero — a man of great talent and inflexible honesty. His integrity was unassailable ; his
will, like iron. He was one for whom no toil was too arduous, and to whom fear was
unknown. He seemed to be at home in the storm of battle, either in militar)- or political
commotion. There were two great questions during his administration which produced
most intense excitement throughout the countr}-. In 1831 and 1832 additional duties
were levied upon goods imported from abroad. The manufacturing districts were favored
more than the agricultural. South Carolina took umbrage at the enactments of Congress
and prepared for open resistance to the general government. General Jackson acted
promptly and sent General Scott with a body of troops to Charleston. John C. Calhoun
was Vice President, but resigned to accept a seat in the Senate of the United States
where he might sustain the doctrine of nullification. He had prepared a speech defend-
ing the right to resist the laws of Congress. A friend of the President called upon him
one day and saw an order lying upon his table for the arrest of Calhoun if he should
attempt to deliver the speech. The Senator heard of the order, and knowing the man
with whom he had to deal, laid it in his desk. The presence of troops in Charleston
quieted the storm till 1S61. When (icneral Jackson issued his proclamation and sent
HON. DAVID D. WAGENER.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 195
Scott to that city with United States soldiers, his name was upon every lip and his praises
were sting by friend and foe. The other question was the re-charter of the United States
bank. This became quite as exciting as the tariff. In the Senate at the time were Henry
Clay, Daniel Webster, John C. Calhoun and Thomas H. Benton. These were the giants
of those days, and when they were in the Senate the debates attracted the attention of
the civilized world. During these exciting times, when the nation seemed on the brink
of revolution, Mr. Wagner was in Congress and conducted himself so as to receive the appro-
bation of his constituents, and the warm and intimate friendship of General Jackson.
During his whole public life he was the reliable and faithful representative of his distridl,
honored and beloved by the people he had so ably and faithfully served.
On the fourth of May, 1852, he was unanimously eledled President of the Easton
Bank, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Colonel Thomas McKeen, and con-
tinued in this office to the full satisfacftion of the board and the great advantage of the
bank until his death. It is but proper here to mention that the Court House stands upon
ground largely donated by him. David D. Wagener was married on the twentieth of Sep-
tember, 182 1, to Mary Knauss, a woman of great personal beauty and piety, who died
February 13, 1833. The issue of this marriage was two sons and three daughters, of
whom all are still living. He never married again, and died Odlober i, i860, in the
sixty-ninth year of his age. He was a gentleman esteemed by all who knew him ; he
enjoyed the friendship of many of the leading men of his time. James Buchanan and
General Jackson were his intimate friends, and their relations were most cordial and con-
fidential. An obituary, published in the Easton Argus, of October 4, i860, truly says :
"He was not only a good man but a useful man. He was a kind and faithful friend, a
safe counselor, an indulgent and affedlionate father, and an upright man in all relations of
life. To the poor he was kind and liberal, and many a penniless beginner as he started
on his voyage to fight the battle of life has been cheered on by the kind assistance and
good counsel of David D. Wagener. The possessor of an ample fortune, he was ever plain
and simple in his habits, familiar and sociable in his intercourse with his fellow men, yet
dignified in his bearing. He was a stri6lly upright man and scorned to do a dishonorable
adl in public or private life. He was constitutionally an honest man, and his word was
ever as his bond. Few men have left behind them a better record or example than the
Hon. David D. Wagener."
MILITARY HISTORY OF EASTON,
HILE the historian would not claim that Easton was patriotic above many
other communities in the State, yet her patriotism has been of so marked a
chara<5ter as to deserve proper recognition. From her earliest annals, in
hours of danger the people flew to arms with alacrity. Easton was sur-
veyed in 1750, and the first war came in her infancy. In 1755 the Indian
war began by the murder of the Moravians at what is now Weissport.
All feared the destruction of Easton. The efforts of William Parsons
were to put the town in a state of defence. The arms for the use of
soldiers consisted of four muskets, and only three of these were fit to use.
The people had no war material, no powder, lead nor flints. The soldiers
in those days used flints instead of percussion caps, and made their own
bullets from lead supplied by the government. A messenger must be sent to Philadelphia,
but no man could be spared, and so Mr. Parsons sent his daughter to obtain the means of
defence. His army was not so large as that of Miles Standish, which consisted of six
soldiers besides the general. Mr. Parsons could only arm three men in case of invasion.
This was Easton' s first army and first effort in war. During the long winter of 1755 and
1756, there were constant alarms and reasons for most serious apprehensions of danger. A
little powder could be found in the powderhorns of the citizens, and a little lead among
the few families, and the three muskets would be used if need should demand it. The
people would have done their duty quite as well then as in later years. There can be no
doubt about Mr. Parsons being at the post of duty and danger. But the winter passed
without the presence of the dreaded foe. At the treaty gatherings there was more or less
military display. This was done to inspire the Indians with a dread of the power with
which they were dealing. Conrad Weiser would bring a military force from Heidelburg
to add dignity to the Proprietary government. At one time he brought a company of forty
soldiers, and these would form a hollow square, in the centre of which the Governor would
be escorted from his lodgings to Vernon's tavern at the Point. The fife and drum led
the way with inspiring music, and all the boys in town would stare at the display and run
after the soldiers as in modern times. At another time when danger threatened the place,
the entire male population was put under arms, and formed a company of twenty-three,
with Lewis Gordon for their captain. It is interesting to people of Easton in these days
to look back to those early times and witness the inhabitants girding for battle ; and
though their means were small, their hearts were large, and their devotion unquestioned.
And however small the force, it served the purpose, for the Indian never approached
Easton with hostile intent. It is the desire of the author thus to briefly review the military
history of those early times, and note the contrast between the present and the past.
After the war of 1756 was ended, the Indian war, called the Pontiac war, began. The
dreaded foe might appear any hour and burn the town. The times needed a company of
men ready to move at a moment's notice. But to the workingmen there were few moments
of leisure, they must drill after the day's toil was done and be ready to lay down their tools
E ASTON, PENN'A.
197
at the call of their officers. In 1763 such a company was formed and chose Jacob Amdt
for their captain. They bound themselves together for the purpose of protecting them-
selves against the savages, under the following agreement :
"Wee, the undernamed subscribers, doo hereby joyntly and severally agree that Jacob
Arndt Esqire shall be our Captain for three months from the date of these presence, and
Be allwise Ready to obeay him when he sees ocation to call us together in persueing the
Indians, or helping any of us that shall happen to be in distress by the Indians. Each
person to find arms and powder and lead at our own cost and have noe pay. Each person
to find himself in all necessarys ; to which articl, covenant and agreement, Wee Bind our-
selves in the penal sum of Five pounds Lawful monies of Pensilvania, to be Laid out for
arms and amunition for the use of the Company, unless the person soe Neglecting to obeay,
shall Show a lawfull Reason.
"Given under our hands this 13th day of October 1763."
Signed by Jacob Arndt, Peter Seip, Michael Lawall, Adam Hay, Paul J. Ebbel,
and thirty others. The following is the muster roll of the company, the oldest company
in our history, whose names have come down to us. The list was obtained of Mr. B. M.
Youells :
Jacob Amdt, Elias Bender,
John Sandy, Richard Richards,
Philip Odenwelder, Garrett Moore,
John Jaeger, Henry Raddler,
Jacob Reichardt, Philip Mann,
Jerry Leidy, James Bunston,
Michael Butz, Christian Gress,
Christian Smith, Jacob Hartzell,
Paul J. Ebbel, M. Lawall,
Adam Hay, Matthias Pfiefer,
John Miller, M. Owen Amdt,
P. J. Mann, Matthew Rownig,
Elias Shook, Peter Seip,
Michael Sheund, Christopher Hahn,
Melchoir Young, Christopher Sienteog,
Jacob Grouse, John Painter,
Valentine Sandy, Robert Townsend.
William Bonstein,
This is the first company formed in Easton, being nearly two months older than
Lewis Gordon's. But the latter company was formed for adlive service in the field. This
company was formed December 8, 1763, and was to range between Easton and the Blue
Mountains. The company of Jacob Arndt' s was a company of minute men for the defence
of the town, and to assemble at the call of the captain at mid-day or night.
There is no evidence that the company was ever called into acftive service, but their
patriotism was very plainly seen by the firm agreement made to go when and where their
patriotic captain should lead the way. In the Revolutionary war we see the same readi-
ness to Z.&. in the defence of liberty. They were prompt in a6lion, knowing that the
opening of hostilities was only a matter of time. The people of Easton began to organize
for the struggle six months before the roar of battle on the plains of Concord and Lex-
ington, and on Bunker Hill. The Committee of Safety was organized in 1774, in Decem-
ber. The whole county was thoroughly organized ; companies, called flying camps, were
198 THE HISTORY OF
formed to move with celerity wherever wanted. A company was hurried to the front and
engaged in the battle of Brooklyn. The muster roll of this company is published in
conne6lion with the history of the Revolution.
The following is taken from the Guardian, a monthly magazine, edited by Rev. H.
M. Kieffer, A. M., of Easton :
" As one follows the old Sullivan road from Easton through the Wind Gap, he comes
upon a beautiful sheet of water called, in earlier times, 'Lake Poconoming,' and now
known as 'Saylor's Lake.' The lake is but a few miles beyond the Gap, and of late years
has become quite a favorite resort with the people of this vicinity, even as far away as
Stroudsburg, many Sunday Schools finding there a delightful spot for picnics. Imme-
diately east of the lake, a certain foreign-born German, by the name of Nicholas Young,
settled in the year 1754, having purchased a farm of some three hundred acres. His wife
was a Quakeress, whose name was Rachel Bond, whom he had brought with him over
the mountain all the way from Bucks County. At that time the Indians were in that vicinity
and sometimes became very troublesome. As they passed through the country- from Phil-
adelphia under the influence of liquor they did much harm and many deeds of violence,
compelling the people to flee for prote(5lion to a fort by the name of ' Buzzard,' which they
erected for such emergencies. Often they hid themselves for days and nights in the
swamps until the savages had passed beyond the mountains. To go with her betrothed
at such a time and to such a country, argued no little devotion and courage on the part of
the young Quakeress from Bucks County. To this couple were born two sons and five or
six daughters, the name of one of the daughters being Rachel. Let us mark her well for
she is the one only of the family with whom we are at present concerned. The father
spoke German, the mother spoke English, and nothing else, the daughters following her
example. The route of the Sullivan expedition lay directly along this homestead of
Nicholas Young, and as there was a delightful spring of clear, cold water on the farm, and
as water is a great necessity for an army marching in warm weather, the soldiers very
naturally chose this farm for a camp, halting there for dinner, it may be, or possibly
camping there for the night. It is probable also from what I can learn from the records,
that that part of the vanguard that preceded the main column by some six weeks, and went
up that way from Easton to join the other troops that came down from New York and
united with them at Larners' tavern, may have spent a little time at this point. Among
the soldiers who went with their canteens for water to the good spring on Nicholas Young's
fann was a young Irishman by the name of Thomas Gilmore, who had come from Belfast
not long before, having runaway from home and come to this country on a vessel of which
his uncle was captain. Young Gilmore had enlisted in the Continental Army early in
the spring of 1776 as a member of the First New Hampshire Regiment, saw ser^'ice at
Three Rivers and was present at the capture of the Hessians at Trenton. His term of
service having expired he re-enlisted in the summer of 1777 in the same regiment for three
years or during the war; Col. Joseph Cilley commanding the regiment, was at Burgoyne's
capture and at the battle of Monmouth, and took part also in the Sullivan expedition. A
very good and creditable military record indeed, with the larger part of which, however,
we can have no present concern, our interest in his military history being entirely confined
to the part he took (or rather to the part he did not take) in the expedition under consid-
eration. Now I cannot be absolutely certain whether young Gilmore was with the main
E AS TON, PENN'A.
199
column, or was with the guard detailed for the care of the depot of supplies named above,
or whether he was with the vanguard. It is quite probable that young Gilmore may have
spent many days at Young's homestead while the troops were engaged in mending the
road in that neighborhood. At all events, so it was that here he had an experience which
very much interfered with his going any farther than Lake Poconoming on this expedition
against the Western Indians, — at least for a while. For here, very probably while at the
spring filling his canteen, he met Rachel Young, and entertained from that moment onward
a very decided aversion to marching any further up the Pocono Mountains in search of
Indians. He would rather stay where he was and make love to Rachel. He detested
Indian warfare anyway. He had no objection to fighting the British on the open field in
a decent way, but this being shot at from behind bushes and trees and rocks by enemies
one could not even see, had certainly no charms for him. The image of Rachel's face,
which he, like Jacob of old, had first seen at the well of water, began to haunt him as he
worked with his fellow soldiers at mending the road in the day time, or as he lay in his
tent at night watching the dancing light of his camp-fire and building air-castles as young
lovers will. He began to wish himself free from the ugly service before him, and would
have been happy to have hired himself, as did Jacob of old, to the father of Rachel, that
he might stay and woo and win her for his wife. Strange things happen in war and in
love. Young Gilmore, it seems, found some difficulty in keeping away from the Young
farm. From the spring he shortly found his way to the house. It was only a short dis-
tance, and there was a foot-path between the two, so that one could hardly miss the way
in the dark. He began to do some little work about the house, perhaps in part to pay for
a warm meal, so enjoyable to a hungry soldier, helping old Mr. Young with his farm-
work when he himself was not on duty, carrying water from the spring for Rachel, cutting
wood for the kitchen stove, and making himself generally useful about the premises, with
an eye ever and anon wide open when Rachel appeared on the scene. As I said, strange
things happen in war and in love ; and a strange thing happened to this young Gilmore
about the time his regiment received orders to march. While chopping wood on the wood-
pile in front of the house, he cut his foot with the ax, the very morning too, before marching
orders came. Accidentally, did you say ? Ah ! good reader, I cannot tell. How should I
know? 'Deponent sayeth not.' It might have been accidentally, and then again it might
not have been accidentally. In war, accidents do happen accidentally, but in love — how
should I know how they happen ? When a soldier is in love, desperately in love, with a
farmer's daughter, and can't for the life of him keep her face from smiling at him through
the dancing flames of his camp-fire, and in spite of his shut eyes at night sees her looking
in through the flaps of his tent as he lies there trying to sleep and to forget all about it, —
and then of a sudden gets marching orders — there is no telling what a man will do under such
circumstances. At all events, Thomas Gilmore could not march. The regimental surgeon
came over to the farm-house to look at the foot. There was no need of his binding up the
wound, for it was already neatly bound up, and by a gentler hand than his. The surgeon
reported him on the sick-list, and left him at the Young farm-house till he got well, — a
consummation most devoutly wished for by his patient,— I make no doubt ! For now young
Gilmore had nothing in the world to do but to make love to Rachel, and get well— as
slowly as he possibly could. I cannot tell how long it would take to heal such a wound
as he enjoyed ; but I imagine it would be a considerable time before it would be so thor-
200 THE HISTORY OF
oughlv well that the patient might travel over the rough roads with safety. From the fact
that the army was up in the neighborhood of Tioga when he rejoined his regiment, I
am of opinion that he spent not less than six weeks at the Young homestead. To him,
being a ruddy-faced Irishman, we may with propriety apply the language of 'Paddy's
Excelsior'' :
" A bright, buxom young girl, such as likes to be kissed,
Axed him wouldn't he stop, and how could he resist?
So, schnapping his finger and winking his eye,
While schmiling upon her, he made this reply —
' Faith, I meant to keep on till I got to the top.
But, as yer schwate self has asked me, I may as well stop.' "
"He stopped all night and he stopped all day.
An' ye musn't be axin' when he did get away ;
For wouldn't he be a bastely gossoon
To be lea\-in' his darlint in the schwate honey moon?
When the ould man had pertaties enough and to spare —
Sure, he might as well shtay, if he's comfortable there."
"But at last he had to go. His foot got well in spite of all he and Rachel could do.
And so, some fair morning he said good-bye to the kind-hearted young family, who nursed
him in his sickness, and joined some company of convalescents, or fell in with a body of
troops guarding some provision train on its way to the front, finding the army, as I have
said, away up in the Susquehanna region. We need not follow his militar}- history
further. Suffice it to say that he ser\'ed to the end of the war, being present at the sur-
render of Cornwallis at Yorktown. When the army was disbanded he wended his way
back to his old camping ground, near Lake Poconoming, married Rachel Young, bought
a fann on the Susquehanna, and wrote to his parents in Belfast informing them he intended
to stay in America. He raised a family of children, who have many descendants, includ-
ing Gilmores, Eckarts, and a great many Appels. After his family had grown up and
Rachel had died he removed to Easton and lived many years at the Bushkill comer. He
entertained many people with stories of the Revolution of an afternoon or evening, and
died in the year 1823. He lies buried in the Reformed graveyard, on Mount Jefferson,
in Easton.
"This Thomas Gilmore was the grandfather of the Appel family, so well known, and
so highly esteemed in the Reformed Church. The Rev. Thomas Gilmore Appel, D. D.,
President of Franklin and Marshal College, and professor in Theological Seminary at
Lancaster, Pa., bears the name of his grandfather, of whose military and matrimonial
experiences I have just been speaking. To him and to his brother, the Rev. Theodore
Appel, D. D., for many years an esteemed professor in Franklin and Marshal College, as
well as to others of their family in the holy ministry, the Reformed Church owes a
lasting debt of gratitude for a lifetime of faithful and self-sacrificing service of love to the
church."
When the Revolutionar>- war clo.sed and the Constitution was adopted, the govern-
ment started on its sacred mission. Washington, who had saved the countn,', was chosen
to govern it. The people had not learned the nature of a free government. Many under-
stood freedom to mean a license to obey or resist the laws, according as fancied interest or
E ASTON, PENN'A. 201
passion might di6late. And the terrible excesses of the French Revolution had given
strength to this misapprehension of the nature of freedom. This state of things gave
Washington the most serious trouble during his administration. The revenues of the
country from imports were insufficient for the expenses of the government and a dire6l
tax became necessary. A tax was laid upon whiskey, a large amount of which was dis-
tilled in the western part of Pennsylvania. The men engaged in this business determined
to resist the payment of the hated tax and organized to make the resistance formidable.
It was not safe for the collecftors to go among the people, their lives were in danger, and
their duties could not be discharged. Genet, the French Minister, had taken advantage
of this insurrectionary spirit and openly encouraged the people in distilling districfts to
resist the government. Encouraged by the Frenchman, the disaffe6led rose in arms.
Washington saw the time for a<5lion had come. General Lee, with a strong detachment
of troops, was sent to the scene of disturbance and dispersed the rioters. In Easton, two
companies volunteered to aid the government. These companies were commanded by
Captain John Arndt and Captain John Barnet. They were absent some months from
home. They went no farther than Carlisle, and were ordered to return. Though they
were never called into a6lion, they showed their patriotism in readily volunteering to
defend their government in an hour of danger. The author has not been able to find the
muster rolls of these companies. But one name so far has been found, that of Jacob
Diehl, the court crier, whose descendants are still among us, as he was the grandfather of
Mr. B. M. Youells. The Whiskey Rebellion, and its complete suppression by the gov-
ernment, had a good influence upon the people. They learned the wholesome lesson that
while the people of the Republic eledled their own rulers, and thus indire6lly made their
own laws, they must obey these as well as if they lived under laws made by kings.
The next period of the military history is the war of 1812. The war of the Revolu-
tion virtually closed with the surrender of Cornwallis, in 1781. But its results left a bit-
terness in the minds of the English people, and a feeling of hostility among the
Americans towards the English. In the progress of the French Revolution, the people of
the United States sympathized with France and became more unfriendly to England. The
English harassed our commerce and failed to fulfill the stipulations of the Treaty of 1783.
These feelings were deepened by the arrogance of England in enforcing restriClions upon
the commerce of the Republic. All thinking men saw that war would be the result of the
increasing animosities. June 19, 1812, war was declared against England, and Congress pre-
pared for battle. No part of Pennsylvania was invaded, and there was little that Easton
could do in the contest. And not till 1814, was there anything to call it into action.
The English army had entered the Chesapeake, and it was supposed that Philadelphia
was their objeClive point. President Madison called out the militia to the number of
ninety-three thousand five hundred. The English army did not come to Philadelphia,
but went to Washington and burned the public buildings. The people of Easton were
watching the movements of the enemy and were expecfting news of a serious kind. Large
numbers had assembled at Nicholas' Hotel to hear from the seat of war. An express mes-
senger had been sent to meet the stage, get the papers, and hurry back in advance. He
soon returned and brought the astounding news that the Capitol was burned. The English
army had taken Washington City, the President had fled, the public buildings were
destroyed. The excitement was intense. The bell of the Court House was rung, martial
THE HISTORY OF
music paraded the streets, and the people could hardly have been more excited if the enemy
had been expe6led in Easton. A company was formed that numbered over sixty. Abra-
ham Horn was eledled captain. The Lehigh Valley History- tells us there were seven
brothers in this company by the name of Horn, but the writer finds only four in the
printed list in the History of Northampton County. The ladies were as patriotic as their
brothers. As soon as they had ascertained that the company had been raised, they fonned
themselves into sewing societies, and within three days had provided the company with
uniforms, clothing, blankets, knapsacks, and all that was needed for comfort. On the
morning they left for the front, they paraded through the principal streets of the town, and
many people from the country came to see them off. During their march through the
town, a beautiful flag was presented to the company by Miss RosannaBeidleman, which had
been made by the ladies as a parting tribute. The company marched to Camp Dupont
but was never called into action. The war was ended at New Orleans, and the Easton
soldiers returned without firing a shot.
The following is the muster roll (History of Northampton County, p. 82) of the First
Company, First Rifle Regiment, at Camp Dupont, Nov. 13, 1814 :
OFFICERS.
Ca/'/az>2— Abraham He
^ni, Jr
First
Corporali
;— S. Moore,
First Lieutenant^]. Horn.
E. Fortner,
Second Lie Ktc,
uant—].
Dingl
er.
J. Shipe,
Etisign—]. Biglow.
J. Dill.
Sergeants— U.
Horn,
Musieians-
-W.
. Thompson,
F.
Mattes,
J.
Horn.
C.
Hay.
PRIVATES.
J. Luckenbach,
G. Shewell,
A. Grub,
C. Bowers,
J. Bossier,
J. Falkner,
W. Mixsell,
D. Roth,
H. Piue,
W. Evans,
J. Seiple,
W. Shick,
G. Lottig,
W. Berlin,
E. Metier,
J. Bossier,
W. Wilhelm,
J. Barnes,
P. Miller,
J. Smith.
J. L. Jackson,
N. Dealy,
A. Keyselback,
J. Kilpatrick,
H. Miller,
C. Carey,
A. Flag,
J. Doan,
J. P. Breinenbach,
C. Genther,
T. Shank,
P. Storks,
A. Ward,
F. Warmkessel,
J. Grub,
G. Dingier,
F. Jackson,
A. H. Barthokl,
J. Shipe.
J. Hartly,
I. Keider,
J. Kelso.
J. Mesene,
It is interesting to look over these old muster rolls and mark the names of families whose
ancestors so readily took up arms in defence of home and our country's honor. When
Miss Rosanna Beidleman presented the flag to the company it was received by the ensign,
who was "a thorough Dutchman." The fair donor, as she handed the flag, remarked,
"Under this flag march on to glory and vi6lory." The sturdy German replied "I is de
man." This speech, as it was called, was the source of a good deal of amu.sement to the
company in their weary march. While the company was tramping through heat and
dust, some deep voice would break the silence by crying out "I is de man," followed h\
EAST ON, PENN'A.
203
the hearty laugh of the soldiers. But the flag was always in place, and no doubt the brave
German would have given it up only with his life. The thought of the burning of the
public buildings in Washington City made them feel like having revenge. But after
wearily waiting at Camp Dupont, they returned to Easton and waited for General Jackson
to strike the vengeful blow at New Orleans. If the Atlantic cable had been in use at that
time, the battle of New Orleans would not have taken place, as the treaty of peace was
signed in Ghent, December 24, 1814, and this memorable battle was fought January 8,
1815, fifteen days after the treaty of peace was signed. And what is remarkable about this
treaty is that not one word is mentioned about the causes which led to this expensive and
destrudlive war.
One of the noted military companies of Easton was formed in 18 16, and named the
"Easton Union Guards." Hon. David D. Wagener was eledled captain and remained in
\
t'i
Michael Butz.
Lawrence Titus.
command of the company till its dissolution in 1829. This company was for many years
the pride of Easton, and had among its members the best citizens of the town. Mr. Michael
Butz and Mr. Lawrence Titus are still living, and were members of this company.
(Michael Butz, grandfather of the present Michael Butz, was a member of the military
company of 1763.) The visit of Lafayette to this country in 1824 was one of the most
interesting events in the history of the Republic. It called into life once more the memo-
ries of the Revolutionary struggles in which Washington and Lafayette fought side by
side. It awoke all the enthusiasm which swept over the nation when Cornwallis fell and
liberty was secure. The joy of the people knew no bounds. Cannon echoed from hill-top
and valley all over the land. The music of national airs swelled on every breeze. The
stars and stripes, which the noble Frenchman had helped to make a national banner, met
the eye at every turn. Cities vied with each other in showing honors to this friend of
Washington ; the flags of the United States and France hung festooned all over the land.
204 THE HISTORY OF
The passage of Lafayette through the country was a triumphal march, in which he received
a continued ovation. The gray-haired patriots who had fought by his side, came to meet
him, and wept like children as they gazed upon his person. A day was soon set for his
reception in Philadelphia, when the city of brotherly love would extend the hand of fra-
ternal kindness, and show the appreciation of patriotic hearts. Easton was wild with
delight, and the old field-piece on Mount Jefferson spoke their joy, and the flags were waving
at every available point. The Easton Union Guards were well disciplined and anxious to
march to honor him whom they loved so well. Captain David D. Wagener issued a call
for the Guards to assemble on the Square with two days' provisions and go down the river
to Philadelphia. It was a beautiful morning, and one of the most exciting days in the
history of Easton. The company was promptly in line, stepped into the Durham boats
and sped on their way. A more lively and jovial company never floated down this historic
stream than on that memorable day. Thousands on the shores watched the progress of the
fleet and rent the air with their shouts, and ladies waved their handkerchiefs in token of
delight. There were people from Easton who watched the company as they landed and
began their march with such military precision and grace as to excite their pride, and the
admiration of all who beheld them. It was easy for the company to float down the river
as they made the air vocal with their mirthful songs ; but a much more unpleasant task to
spend two days in marching home through dust and heat. The following is the muster
roll of the company taken from a manuscript copy :
EASTON UNION GUARDS MUSTER ROLL, 1824.
David D. Wagener, Captain, Thomas Arnold, Third ScrgaDtt,
Peter S. Michler, First Lieutenant, Charles J. Ihrie, Fourth Sergeant,
Samuel Snyder, Second Lieutenant, John Oliver, First Corporal,
Robert Wallace, Ensign, Lewis Reichard, Second Corporal,
John Cooper, Jr., Orderly Sergeant, George Shick, Third Corporal,
John Lowry, Second Sergeant, Michael Butz, Fourth Corporal.
OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY AT DIFFERENT TIMES.
Charles Lombard, Ca/i!az«, Joseph Morgan, Second Lieutenant,
Peter Ihrie, Jr., First Lieutenant, Francis Jackson, Sergeant,
George C. Hutter, Second Leiutcnanl, James A. Patterson, Corporal.
John Stewart, Corporal.
DRUM CORPS.
George Straub, Fife Major, John Finley, Drummer,
Charles Horn, Drum Major, Jacob Batt, Drummer.
John Reichard, Base Drum.
LEADERS OF BAND AT DIFFERENT TIMES.
John Straiib, Anthony B. Johnson, John Schultz, John Coates, Jacob Till.
MEMBERS OF BAND.
Hiram Yard, Clarionet, Peter Tilton, Bassoon,
William Wertman, Clarionet, William Hemsing, Serpent,
George Cole, Clarionet, Phillip Reichard, Horn,
Samuel Troxell, Clarionet, Phillip H. Mattes, Horn,
S. Gross, Clarionet, John Kessler, Cymbals,
Timothy Vandike, Clarionet, John Mixsell, Triangle,
Henry Hutter, Clarionet, Thomas Heckman, Flute,
William Hutter, Clarionet, Charles Menner, Flute,
John Stewart, Clarionet, William White, Flute.
idt,
Robert Arnold,
Jacob Abel, Jr.,
John Await,
George Arnold,
Benjamin F.
Peter Bishop,
James Black,
Thomas S Bell,
Jos. Bigelow, Sergt.
John Bell, Sergt.
Sam'l Bachmau, Sergt.
Henry Barnes, Sergt.
John Bachman,
Jacob Bornman,
Nicholas Best,
Jacob Best,
William Berlin,
Isaac Carey,
Charles Carey,
William Carey,
William Clouse,
Jacob Coryell,
Coleman,
Ira Cook,
Charle Crowell,
Joseph Dietrich,
Sidney Down,
Valentine Deily,
George W. Deshler,
Henry Drinkhouse.
Abraham Dehart,
John Dehart,
George Dingier,
Samuel Dingier,
William Doran,
A. Driesbach,
William Eichman,
Jacob Everhart,
William Everhart,
Simon Frantz,
David Focht,
Jacob Focht,
William Garis,
Charles Genther,
William Gwinner,
William Gardner,
William Garron,
Thomas Grotz,
Jacob Hartman,
Josiah P Hetrich,
Joseph Horn,
Conrad Heckman,
Charles Heckman,
E ASTON, PENN'A.
MEMBERS OF THE COMPANY.
Abraham Heckman,
Peter Hawk,
George R. Howell,
George A. Hice,
Hiram Heckman,
Ezekiel Howell,
George Hare,
Charles Hay,
John Ha}',
Melchoir Hay,
John Haggerty,
George Heigel,
John Herster,
William Ihrie,
Francis Jackson, Sergt.
Phineas Kinsey,
George Kessler,
John Kutz,
George Kutz,
Abraham Keiter,
Henry Kessler,
Jacob Kisselbach,
Thomas Kreider,
George S. Kerhart,
William Kern,
Samuel Kutz,
William H. Keiper,
Jonathan A Kinsey,
Jacob Killpatrick,
John Leidy,
Frank Leidy,
Henry Leidy,
Jacob Lattig,
George Lattig,
Jacob Ludwig,
William Lynch,
Jacob Lesher,
Jacob Mettler,
Eli Mettler,
David Mettler,
Isaac Meyers,
Samuel Mellick,
David Mixsell,
Philip Mixsell,
William Mixsell,
Powell Moser,
Andrew McClay,
F. \V. Mueller,
Samuel Moore,
John Moore,
Peter Moore,
Charles Messiuger,
Jacob Noll,
205
John Nowck,
William Nagel,
Charles Nicholas,
Peter Odenwelder,
Michael Otto,
Jas. A. Patterson, Cor' I.
John Pruch,
George Pruch,
Nathaniel Price,
James Pritchard,
John Price,
Daniel Phillipe,
Solomon A. Rogers,
George Ross,
Frederick Rouse,
Abraham Rohn,
Charles Rohn,
Jacob Shuck,
Charles Snyder,
George Shewell,
Jacob Shipe,
• Skillman,
Samuel Shick,
Alexander Schick,
Jacob Shick,
David Stem,
Daniel Snyder,
David Snyder,
David Stidinger,
Thomas Shank,
Charles Snyder,
William Shick,
John Snyder,
Jolm Simon,
William P. Spering,
William Snyder,
Andrew Shewell,
Spangenburg,
George Taylor,
John Troxsell,
William Troxsell,
Joseph Troxsell,
Michael Trittenbach,
John Titus,
Lawrence Titus,
William Ward,
Charles Ward,
Jacob Weaver,
George Weaver,
William Woodring,
Joseph Wycoff,
William Yates,
Robert G. Youells.
The above is I believe, a full and correifl list of the whole of the
members of the Easton Union Guards.
JOHN COOPER, Jr., Orderly.
2o6
THE HISTORY OF
At this time Easton could boast of several volunteer companies. The military spirit
ran high, and many of the most prominent citizens were in the ranks. We give the mus-
ter roll of the Easton Artillerists as it stood June 30th, 1821, and regret that we have been
unable to secure those of other companies.
Gz/i/azV/— William K. Sitgreaves.
First Lieutenant —W\\\\a.m L. Sebring.
Second Lieutenant — Isaac C WyckofF.
Orderly Sergeants — William Bamet, Jr , Abraham Osterstock, Alexander Eagles and George Lerch.
Corporals— 'ia.coh Sbipe, John Bamet, Jr., Jacob Brotzman and Joseph Dill.
Artificers— ]o\i.n Burt, Jacob Gangwehr, John Brotzman, Christian Honiish, Alexander Berthold, John
Shipe, Enoch Clark and Henry Wilhelm.
Drum Major — Samuel Horn.
Fife Major— Vet&r Hay.
John Able,
Samuel Batt,
John Brauham,
William Bixler,
Joseph Buck,
John Braeder,
Wm. Bittenbender,
John Buzzard,
John Batt,
David Bamet,
John Bunstein,
Josiah Da\-is,
Robert Depue,
James Doran,
John Erb,
John Everett,
Lawrence Easterwood,
Samuel Engle,
Christian Flemming,
Michael Fraley,
Frederick Fraley,
Elias Geiger,
John Horn,
Samuel Heintzelman,
Joseph Hom,
Melchior Horn,
Joseph Herster,
Joseph Howell,
Jacob Hartzell,
Jacob Hackman,
Moses Heiss,
PRIVATES.
John M. Hocker,
George Hineline,
Henry G. Kortz,
Jacob Kilpatrick,
Chas. Kisselbach, Jr.
David Kichline,
John Kriedler,
Michael Lawall,
Lloyd Lee,
Clark Lowry,
William Levers,
Jonathan Lick,
Henry Leidich,
Isaac Levan,
Isaac Maize,
William Miller,
Abraham Miller,
Hiram Miller,
Chas. McGregor,
Peter Osterstock,
Peter Pomp,
David Price,
Augustus Patier,
George Reichard,
Thomas Roberts,
John Roberts,
Daniel Raub,
Isaac Saylor,
Samuel Sweitzer,
Jacob Smith,
Samuel Shouse,
Jacob Shick,
George Sigman,
Edward Shank,
F. Spangenberg,
William Shouse,
Joseph Sn^-der.
Charles Snyder,
John Smith,
William Stevenson,
Jacob Sigman,
George Smith,
Daniel Schwender,
Charles Schenck,
George Trittenbach,
John Tilton,
Amos Titus,
Jacob Troxell,
Henry Wagener,
Jacob Wilhelm,
Jacob Wallace,
George West,
Thomas Weygandt,
Samuel Wilhelm,
William Wilking,
Barnet Walter,
John D. Weiss,
Charles E. Wolf,
Henry Wolraught,
Samuel Yohe
RECAPITULATION.
Three commissioned officers, eight non-commissioned officers, eight artificers, two
privates. Total, one hundred and twelve.
In the interval between 1824 and 1842, the year of the Delaware Encampment, the
military organizations of Easton were highly proficient in drill, ably officered, and well
sustained b)- the people. The memories of the older citizens are full of reuiini.scence.s —
of parades, excursions, balls and banquets, and did space admit much could be added as
E AS TON, PENN'A. 207
to the doings in that period of the ' ' bold soldier boys. ' ' By the references in the papers of
the time, as far as they can be gathered from incomplete files, it will be seen that no
public festivities were complete without the presence of the military, and that they were
as efficient in preserving good order as they were in adding to the pleasures of holiday
celebrations.
CAMP DELAWARE.
On the i8th of June, 1842, a large meeting of citizens assembled at the house of Mr.
John Bachman, to take into consideration the obje6l of having a Military Encampment at
Easton. Richard Brodhead was appointed president, and H. D. Maxwell, Samuel Sher-
rerd, John A. Innes and Col. D. W. Butz were appointed vice presidents. Dr. C. C.
Field and John J. Herster were appointed secretaries.
On motion of Capt. Andrew H. Reeder, it was unanimously —
Resolved, That we hold a Military Encampment in the vicinity of Easton, in the
month of September next.
Resolved, That a committee of ten persons be appointed to procure a proper location,
and make all necessary arrangements for the encampment.
Capt. Abm. Mixsell, Col. D. W. Butz, Abraham Miller, Capt. S. Yohe, Capt. A. H.
Reeder, Capt. L. Titus, Lieut. John J. Herster, Lieut. H. Winter, Lieut. Geo. W. Barnet
and Lieut. D. W. Davis were appointed.
The location chosen by the committee was on the south side of the Lehigh, on the
hill overlooking the Borough of Easton.
The following, concerning the encampment, is taken from the "Easton Argus,"
September 8, 1842 :
"The encampment, of which we gave a hasty notice last week, was really a grand
affair and seems to have given satisfa6lion to all concerned in it. Judging from the num-
ber of spectators, and the length of time they remained to witness the evolutions of the
military, our good citizens enjoyed a treat such as has rarely fallen to their lot. The
committee of arrangements had everything in due preparation for the reception of their
military guests. The ground for the camp was well chosen. The south side of the
Lehigh, on a hill overlooking the Borough of Easton, was the spot chosen for the point
of attraftion. On Monday evening the Doylestown Grays arrived, and were received
with due ceremony by our military companies. On Tuesday morning the Philadelphia
companies arrived, and with them General Cadwallader, to whom the command of the
camp was given. Tuesday and Wednesday were spent in company and regimental drills,
and on Wednesday the Governor and his staff arrived to witness the grand review. The
whole exhibition, when fully formed, consisted of the following officers and companies :
Governor Porter, Commander-in-Chief.
Governor's Staff.
New Jersey— Maj. Gen. Plane, Brig. Gen. A. C. Davis, Judge Adv. James N. Reading,
Col. Joseph Reading, Col. A. V. Bonnel.
Pennsylvania— Maj. Gen. Conrad Shimer, Maj. Wilson, Maj. Robert Brown, Brig. Gen.
Peter Ihrie, Adj. Gen. Adam Dilles, Lieut. Col. William H. Hutter,
Col. S. Humes Porter.
Cavalry— Bucks County Troop, Capt. Archambault ; Forks Tsp. Troop, Capt. Whitesell.
THE HISTORY OF
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'4
^'
vi?;\v (IF c xMr iii:i nwakic, [from dkawing by mrs. m'cartney, 1842.]
The First Regiment was commanded by Colonel James Page, of Philadelphia, and
was composed of the following companies :
Philadelphia Grays — Lientenant Hastings, Commander.
State Fencibles — Lieutenant Goldey, Commander.
Washington Blues — Captain Patterson.
National Guards — Captain Tustin.
Holmesburg Marion Grays — Captain Dougherty.
The Second Regiment was commanded by Colonel Smith, of Philadelphia, and con-
sisted of the following companies :
Democratic Artillerists — Captain Reeder (Easton).
National Guards — Captain Yohe (Easton).
Lambertsville Cadet.s — Captain Cole.
Doylestown Grays — Captain Pugh.
Eehigh Artillerists — Captain Morehead.
Washington Grays (Quakertown) — Captain vSickel.
Belvidere Infantry — Captain Searles.
Washington Rangers — Captain Saylor.
E AS TON, PENN'A.
209
"Such was the material of which the encampment was formed. The ofBcers were in-
defatigable in their exertions to form their regiments and train them to the drill. The
evening parade was an imposing part of the ceremonies, and the soldiers entered with
spirit into the matter. To General Cadwallader too much praise cannot be given. He
was at every point — at regiment drill, at company drill, at morning parade, at evening
parade, directing at all points, and proving himself a most efficient officer. Easton will
long remember the officer who commanded at Camp Delaware, and General Cadwallader
carries with him to his home the warmest good wishes of our citizens for his prosperity
and happiness.
' ' Governor Porter and his staff were received with the customary salutes. His Excel-
lency seemed in very good health, and remained on the field from eleven to two o'clock
at the grand review. The ladies of the borough furnished a goodly quantity of cake and
such 'fixens,' and contributed to the comfort of the 'stern ' times.
"The band of music from Philadelphia, brought hither under the auspices of General
Cadwallader, must not be forgotten. They are an honor to the city. Besides their en-
livening the 'battle field' with their 'sonorous metal blowing martial sounds,' they
gave several serenades through the borough, and acquitted themselves more than well.
"The firing and charge of the cavalry on review day had an imposing effedl, and
seemed to give a more corredl idea of a bona-fide battle than any other manoeuvre per-
formed. The best part of the battle was, that no one was killed, wounded or missing.
Would that battles were as well fought and as harmless.
"But the military, though numbering from 700 to 800, did not make up the whole at-
tra6lion. The fireworks exhibited in the camp, and in the borough, drew much attention.
Mr. Jackson, the pyrotechnist, put forth his skill, and the ' red, white and blue '
illumined the darkness, and gave a treat that the citizens of the borough have seldom
witnessed.
"Besides this a concourse of people, estimated from 15,000 to 20,000 in number, gave
attendance from day to day. The sun shone brightly, or just enough obscured to prevent
the heat from becoming oppressive. No rain fell during the week.
"The tents were pitched in an orchard, with the open parade ground immediately ad-
joining. The soldiers could repose under the protection of their tents, or of the trees, as
they most desired, and the numerous spectators enjoyed the cool shade while witnessing
the military display.
"Not an intemperate man was to be seen. This is, however, fully accounted for by
the fadl that the encampment was on the same site, the identical spot where the Martha
Washington Society celebrated the last Fourth of July.
"The fa6t is worth noticing, that, notwithstanding the immense concourse of vehicles
and individuals on foot and horse-back, not the slightest accident occurred during the
encampment. This speaks volumes for the temperance and good order that prevailed,
and which elicited the praise and commendation of all present. Would that all such
assemblages were conduced with equal harmony, peace, order, and military spirit.
"To the numerous volunteers who favored us with their presence, and who are now
safely arrived at their homes, we wish happiness and long life, freedom from real battles,
and a frequent recurrence of the pleasant times they enjoyed during their encampment at
Camp Delaware."
2IO THE HISTORY OF
THE MILITARY AND THE BOATMEN'S RIOT.
No better instance of the effe<5liveness of the presence of a body of well-disciplined
citizen-soldiery, in suppressing riotous outbreaks, can be furnished than the strike of the
Canal Boatmen in 1843 for an advance of wages. Their a(5lion obstructed navigation,
and the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company suffered great loss by its inability to
deliver coal in accordance with its contradls. All efforts at compromise were unavail-
ing. The boatmen would not yield. One by one they tied up between Chain Dam and
Freemansburg, until several hundred boats had been colle<fted.
As there were ordinarily three men to a boat, able-bodied, determined fellows, they
had a force of some hundreds, ready for desperate work, if need be. The wives and
families of the captains were, in many cases, with them, and added not a little to the
clamor, and to the courage of the men, in insisting upon what they alleged to be their
EASTON SCENERY — VIEW ON THE LEHIGH NEAR THE EASTON DA\
rights. Their cause was aided too, indiredlly, by the sympathy of the outside public,
and by the customary prejudice against large corporations.
The letter of a correspondent from Easton to the "Newark Advertiser," copied in
the "Democratic Union" of Harrisburg, of date 20th of July, 1843, recites the fadl of
the stoppage of navigation, and its ruinous consequences to the company, and the una-
vailing efforts to come to any agreement with the leaders of the striking boatmen, and
then speaks thus of the condition of the strikers :
"They made a parade at Easton a few days ago, and presented a forlorn spectacle.
Ragged, bare-footed, half-dressed men, to the number of two hundred and fifty, mounted
on half-starved mules and horses, without saddles and using ropes for bridles, were fol-
lowed bv a more destitute-looking set on foot, mosth- without shoes. They excited a
E ASTON, PENN'A. 211
great deal of attention on their way through the streets of the town, and on all sides
were expressions of sympathy and regret. It was a sorrowful spedlacle. Many of them
felt that they were wronged, that the company could pay more; but on behalf of the
latter such was said not to be the fa6l. ' '
An extracfl from " The North American " in issue of the same paper, of August 6th,
1843, says :
"The strike which took place among the boatmen on the Lehigh Canal in June last,
continues, and business has been entirely suspended on the whole line for five weeks.
We are indebted to some of our Easton friends for the following particulars : There is a
continuous line of boats laden with coal extending from the basin at Easton more than
two miles up the canal. The empty boats are drawn up across the canal near the outlet
lock at the lower part of the basin. No boats are permitted to pass up or down the
canal.
" On Monday forenoon last some of the contradlors with several citizens from Mauch
Chunk and other places, came to Easton for the purpose of enabling a number of well-
disposed boatmen to proceed with their boats. The sheriff of Northampton County and
several magistrates and constables were also with them. Asa Packer, of Mauch Chunk,
a member of the Legislature, and several other persons proceeded on board one of the
boats, and the former commenced untying the rope which attached her to the other boats.
His objecft was no sooner discovered by one of the guards left on duty by the malcontents,
than he blew a horn, when a large number of the disaffected boatmen rushed from all
quarters to the spot, attacked Mr. Packer, and knocked him into the river. They then
let fly a volley of stones and other missiles at his companions, who being greatly outnum-
bered, promptly retreated. Mr. Packer during the melee swam ashore, and succeeded in
making his escape ; the disaffecfted boatmen remaining undisputed masters of the fleet.
" The military in the vicinity have been called out, but the officers (we think very
properly) objedled to a<5ling the part of policemen, and therefore declined ordering out
their companies.
"One day last week two captains attempted to get their boats under way, when they
were promptly seized and thrown into the river, and their boats forcibly detained."
The writer was mistaken as to the position of the military. They sympathized with
the sufferings of the boatmen, but yielded obedience to law, and when called upon
promptly responded. They were not called upon until the strike had continued some
time longer, and a boatman who favored a compromise had been murdered.
From William H. Thompson, Esq., one of our best known citizens, who served as a
substitute with the military upon that occasion, we learn that Mr. Packer was rescued by
Joseph Savitz ; and that upon the call of the sheriff, the two military companies of the
borough assembled quietly in the yard of the Franklin House, formed ranks, and under
command of their respedlive captains, Yohe and Horn, marched under the archway of
the house (since closed) into Northampton street and thence to the scene of the riot.
Their pieces loaded, each with a ball and three buckshot, added firmness to the
regular tread of their ranks, and gave a serious cast to the countenances of the crowds
upon the sidewalks. The strikers grew suddenly serious, too, at their presence, and
quietly bowed to the law represented by the citizen soldiery, and again, save for the
tooting of the boatman's horn, 'all was quiet along the Lehigh.'
212 THE HISTORY OF
THE CHARACTER OF THE EASTON COMPANIES.
The military spirit of Easton always gave prominence to her volunteer companies.
They were noted for the superior men of their ranks, and their high grades in drills and
discipline. For years Judge Samuel Yohe and Andrew H. Reeder, Esq., commanded
rival companies, and officers and men of each vied in soldierly competition.
At a later day under other commanders this honorable rivalry continued. It insured
spirited observance of the national holidays. Such days would open with cannon firing
on Mount Jefferson — the beautiful and bold bluff in the centre of the borough, whose
summit Bryant, in his Letters of a Traveller in 1824, said would be crowned with a
castle, if in Europe — and owed much of their life to the artistic melody of Pomp's Cornet
Band, and the vigorous martial music of the various drum corps, notably Major Mixsell's.
A prominent newspaper, "The Home Journal and Citizen Soldier," in May, 1845, thus
speaks of two of the Easton companies and the captains mentioned above :
"There is no finer body of men in the State than those composing the two companies
at Easton — the Artillery commanded by Captain Reeder and the National Guards by Captain
Yohe. Both companies are in a highly prosperous condition, with the addition of new
members continually, and as for discipline, soldierly bearing and gallant conduct, they
can't be beat — not easy. Captain Yohe, when in uniform, is a perfecft beau-ideal of an
officer, one that Napoleon, or Frederick the Great, at first sight would have stamped as
such — and better than all he is as good as he looks. Captain Reeder is also a fine officer
and has a splendid company. His company formerly wore a gray dress, but they have
lately adopted the regular blue uniform. Success and prosperity to our friends at Easton."
MILITARY NOTES FROM THE LOCAL PRESS.
In Easton newspapers of the same month, appear notices of parade of the Easton
Fencibles, by its Orderly Sergeant, Melchior H. Horn, and of the National Guards by its
Orderly Sergeant, Adam Yohe.
News of outrages upon American citizens in Mexico appeared side by side with these
military items. Week by week the slower mails of that day brought news from which
resulted the Mexican war.
The death of Andrew Jackson on the 8th of June, 1845, was the occasion of a great
military and civic procession in Easton on Saturday, the 28th of June. The Easton Fen-
cibles and National Guards headed, with full ranks and craped arms, the long funeral
cortege, composed of all the societies of the borough, the faculty and students of Lafay-
ette College, soldiers of the late war, clergy and citizens generalh'. They marched in
columns of six abreast, under marshalship of General Peter Ihrie, and to time of most
touching and tender music, to St. John's Church, where the exercises opened by the
singing of a beautiful dirge written by Mrs. John L. Gray, and Washington McCartney
delivered an oration, original in its treatment of life incidents, and masterly in its anal-
ysis of the charadler of the Old Hero.
Friday, the Fourth day of July, following, witnessed a lively and general celebration,
in which the local companies and a visiting military company from Mauch Chunk were
prominent participants. Parades were frequent during these years, far too many for
notice, and tlie great interest taken in military matters was characteristic of tlie promi-
E ASTON, PENN'A. 213
nent business men engaged who gave to them the close attention by which their personal
business was made successful. Besides the names gi\'en, those of John Eyerman, John
Maxwell, W. H. Thompson, and many others frequently appear.
In an editorial of the "Easton Daily Express," in the sixthnumber of its issue, published
then in the morning, of Saturday, November 10, 1855, appears a complaint of the decay
of martial spirit in Easton, notwithstanding the growth of the place, and a desire to see
the good old times return, when national holidays were lively "with booming of cannon
and ringing of bells, large company musters and crowds of country lasses and their beaus;
when our borough could boast of a Charley Hinkle and his nimble-footed, eagle-eyed
riflemen, Weygandt and his bold volunteers, Porter and his dashing cavaliers, Sitgreaves
and Sebring with their grim-visaged artillerymen, Wagner with his noble Guards, Shu-
man and his prim-tidy Cadets, Ihrie and Yohe with their gallant Greys, Butz with his
splendid Blues, or in later days the fine companies commanded by those gallant spirits.
Captains Yohe and Reeder."
THE TAYLOR MONUMENT DEDICATION.
This beautiful monument, a description of which has already appeared in these
pages, eredled in the Easton Cemetery to the memory of George Taylor, one of the
signers of the Declaration of Independence, was dedicated with imposing ceremonies, in
which military companies took a prominent part, on Tuesday afternoon, November 20,
1855. The full statement in the " Daily Express" extra of that date gives a long list of
visiting military companies, but mentions none from Easton but the National Guards,
Captain John Stonebach. This company, with the committee of arrangements, headed
by Pomp's Cornet Band, escorted the military visitors up Third street, down Northamp-
ton street and around the Public Square to their quarters. A salute, during the march,
was fired from Gallows Hill. In the afternoon the procession formed on East Northamp-
ton street in the following order :
Major General Laury and Staff".
Major Burnham, Major Stuart.
Washington Cavalry — Captain Wenner.
Pomp's Cornet Band.
Bethlehem Artillery — Captain Wilson.
Northampton Artillery — Captain Lynn.
Mauch Chunk Band.
Cleaver Artillerists — Captain Wolfe.
Martial Music.
National Guards — Captain Stonebach.
Bethlehem Brass Band.
Allen Rifles— Captain Good.
Soldiers of the War of 1812.
Committee of Arrangements.
Philadelphia Committee.
Orator and Reader of Declaration.
Builder of Monument.
Clergy.
Judges and Members of the Bar.
Diredlors of Cemetery.
Town Council.
Citizens.
214
THE HISTORY OF
At a stand erected at the base of the eastern slope of the cemeten- grounds the pro-
cession was halted, and after prayer by Rev. Dr. Schaeffer, the Declaration was read by
General Peter Ihrie, and an oration delivered by Alexander E. Brown, Esq. A large
crowd of persons had followed the procession, and the immense audience listened eagerly
to the words of the eloquent orator.
THE EASTON NATIONAL GUARDS.
The Easton National Guards were organized September 12, 1848, and continued to be
the sole military company for some time. The following were the officers in 1856 :
Captain — John Stonebach.
First Lieutenant — C. H. Lanning. Fourth Sergeant — Ferd. W. Bell.
Second Lieutenant — George L. Fried. First Corporal — Wm. Slaven.
Orderly Sergeant^ohn E. Titus. Second Corporal — M. K. Raub.
Second Sergeant— W. H. Mack. Third Corporal— N. Peterson.
Third Sergeant — ^John H. Genther. Fourth Corporal — A. Rothrock.
The following complete roll of the officers and members of the Guards in 1858 is
taken from their constitution and by-laws, printed in that year :
Captain— ]o\i.^ E. Titus.
First Lieutenant — George L- Fried.
Second Lieutenant— V. W. Bell.
First Serg:eant— Charles H. Yard.
Second Serjeant— John H. Genther.
Third Sergeant — Jacob G. Bamet.
Fourth Sergeant — Benjamin Smith.
Quartermaster— John Randolph.
First Corporal — William Slaven.
Second Corporat^ames McGloin.
Third Corporal — William Gaston.
Fourth Corporal — ^John H. Reichard.
John E. Titus,
George L. Fried,
Charles H. Yard,
F. W. Bell,
John H. Genther,
Jacob G. Bamet,
Benjamin Smith,
William Slaven,
James McGloin,
William Gaston,
John H. Reichard,
Charles Able,
Samuel Trumbore,
Joseph Hendrickson,
Samuel Transue,
Thomas Bishop,
Aaron Thatcher,
James Biglow,
William J. Minick,
Madison K. Raub,
Conielius Derr,
ACTIVE MEMBERS.
Edward Kelley,
William L. Davis,
John A. Frey,
John H. Flemming,
George W. Wilhelm,
William H. Weaver,
B. F. Amdt, Jr.,
William G. Osterstock,
Valentine Stocker,
Augustus F. Heller,
Daniel W. Snyder.
William H. Diehl,
Silas C. Rodgers,
George School ey,
Charles B. Zulich,
John Purdy,
James O. Neal,
John L. Clifton,
John T. Dingier,
Joseph Oliver,
Edward Heckman,
George Wycar,
Robert Peacock,
William M. Mutchler,
Robert Burrell,
James Hackett,
Augustus G. Templin,
Charles Knapp,
Jacob Freyberger,
Charles Sprow,
Richard Wolfring,
George Smitli,
Amos M. Hones,
John Yohe,
Charles Osterstock,
John Buck,
Samuel Fraunfelder,
Daniel Nicholas,
John Randolph,
Edward Housel.
The company took part, 06lober 21st, 1856, in the funeral ceremonies of Captain
Peter Nunge.sser, who commanded a company on duty at IMarcus Hook, in the war of
E ASTON, PENN'A.
215
1812. His company was among the first to offer its services when volunteers were called
for in that war.
On December 27th, 1856, the National Guards visited Trenton, accompanied by
Pomp's Cornet Band, and took part in a sham battle, in celebration of the real one fought
there in Revolutionary days. Their condudl was highly praised by the thousands of
spedlators.
THE CITIZENS' ARTII.LERY.
A new military company, the Citizens' Artillery, was organized in May, 1857, at
Hawaii's Hotel, and, as far as can be ascertained, was composed of the following officers
and members :
OFFICERS.
Captain— la.co\, Dachrodt. Second Lieutenant— iohn Stotzer.
First Lieutenant— John P. Ricker. Orderly Sergeant— ]ohn F. Bachman.
John Hensler,
George Hensler,
Jacob Hensler,
William Dachrodt,
Charles Dachrodt,
John Dachrodt, Jr.,
Jacob Bonstein,
Lawrence P\ Bonstein,
William Derr,
John Smith,
Christian Take,
Xavier Veile,
Andrew J. Hay,
Jackson Hay,
Jacob Folkenson,
Thomas Radenbacli,
Frank Shelling,
Jacob Keiper,
David Barnet,
Joseph Ochenfus,
John Bruch,
William Mutchler and Robert P.
ACTIVE MEMBERS.
Richard Fraunfelter,
Max. Wik,
Edward Troxell,
David Troxell,
Jacob F. Rafferty,
John Rafferty,
John Frey,
Josiah Cole,
John O. Wagener,
Wesley Drew,
Aaron Frey,
Andrew Adams,
Christian Bach,
William Otto,
William Drake,
David Frankenfield,
Godfrey Mutchler,
George Arm,
Wm. Conahay,
John Bittenbender,
William Eichman,
Black were ele<3;ed Lieutenants to fill
Daniel Trittenbach,
Theodore Trittenbach,
John Rinek,
James Meyers,
Jonathan Xander,
Benjamin Smith,
William Spangenberg,
Edward Cook,
William Sigman,
William Ricker,
Jacob Burt,
William Ginnard,
Joseph Warner,
Henry A. Rothrock,
Levi Fraunfelter,
Frank Danner,
Edward Hill,
E. O. Smith,
Andrew Burt,
J. L. Singer,
John Q. Hay.
vacancies at different times.
The company made a fine appearance on July 4th, 1857, when it a6led as an escort
to the Washington Grays, of Philadelphia. It was its first parade, and its drill, discipline,
and beautiftil uniforms won applause from the soldiery visitors and the large crowds
upon the streets.
BURIAL OF JOHN F. BACHMAN.
The funeral obsequies, on Sunday, May 2, 1858, of John F. Bachman, who served
throughout the Mexican War, had called together the largest number of people ever seen
in our borough at a like ceremony. Long before the hour appointed for the procession
to move, the streets in the vicinity of his late residence, on Walnut street, were lined
upon both sides with throngs of persons of all ages, sexes and conditions. It moved in
the following order :
Pomp's Cornet Band.
National Guards — Captain John E. Titus.
Citizens' Artillery — Captain Jacob Dachrodt.
2i6 THE HISTORY OF
Scott Legion of Philadelphia — Captain Gray.
Delegation of Citizens of Mauch Chunk.
Hearse,
Flanked with Guard of Honor, composed of Soldiers of the Mexican
War — Comrades of the Deceased.
Soldiers of 1812.
Judges and Members of the Bar.
Printers of Easton, Mauch Chunk and Allentown.
Humane Fire Company.
Citizens Generally.
A halt was made at St. John's Lutheran Church, where the coffin, draped in the old
flag of the Stockton Artillerists, was taken into the church and placed in front of the
pulpit. After prayer by Rev. B. Sadtler, Rev. John Beck delivered an impressive dis-
course. Through streets lined with people the cortege then moved to the cemetery,
where the Scott Legion fired over their comrade's grave. The large attendance was a just
tribute to the worth of the man. The well known lines were never more aptly applied :
"None knew him but to love him,
None named him but to praise."
Note. — John F. Bachman, printer ; bom in the township of Lower Saucon, Northampton county, January- 25,
1831 ; educated in the common schools of the township and of Easton ; was a student of Lafayette College for
one year ; served through the whole of the war with Mexico, and was one of the successful storming party at
the fortress of Chepultepec, one of the most brilliant feats of the war ; went to California in February, 1849, and
remained there till August, 185 1, when he went to Panama and there issued the Panama Star, the first newspa-
per published in that city ; was ele(5ted Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Northampton County in
0<5tober, 1854, and served till his death at Easton, April 29, 1858.
John C. Drinkhouse, another Mexican War Volunteer, was buried at Easton with
military honors March i, 1859. He had also been with General Walker in his Nicarau-
guan expedition.
A FAMOUS CELEBRATION.
Through protra(5led efforts of prominent citizens, the Nation's Holiday, occurring on
Monday, July 5th, 1858, had an extraordinary celebration in Easton. The day opened
by the usual salutes from Mount Jefferson and the ringing of the church bells. During
the whole of the forenoon the streets were kept in a continual uproar by the arrivals of
the many visiting military companies and their marching to martial music inider escort
of the home troops.
At one o'clock in the afternoon, the procession was formed on Third street, the right
resting on Centre Square, under command of Captain John Stonebach, as Chief Marshal,
and Charles Seitz and Lieutenant Bleecher as assistants, and moved as follows :
Major General Laury and Staff", Brigadier General R. S. Brown and Staff",
and Visiting Officers.
Jackson Cavalry — Captain Charles Whitesell.
Jackson Grays — Captain Laubach.
Washington Artillery— Captain J. P. R. Heller.
E AS TON, PENN'A.
217
Citizens' Artillery— Captain J. Dachrodt.
Pennsylvania Guards — Captain E. R. Siegfried.
Color Guard of the American Flag.
Guard of the Cap of Liberty, Soldiers of 1812.
Pomp's Cornet Band.
National Guards — Captain J. E. Titus.
Washington Continentals — Captain Halsey.
Carpenter's Cornet Band.
Lambertville Fencibles — Captain S. Lilly.
Allen Infantry — Captain Hart.
Milford Cornet Band.
Union Cadets — Captain Bertolette.
Allen Rifles— Captain Good.
Black Plumed Riflemen — Captain Calvin.
Rittersville Rifles— Captain Ritter.
Monroe Guards — Captain Keller.
After marching through the principal streets, a halt was made at 4 p. m., in Centre
Square, and after national airs by Pomp's Cornet Band, prayer was oSered by Rev. E.
Greenwald, the Declaration of Independence was read by E. J. Fox, Esq., and an oration
of great originality of thought delivered in a captivating way by W. H. Fry, of New
York, the musical critic and operatic author. A fine display of fireworks in the evening,
and numerous banquets to visitors, closed a day often referred to for the magnitude and
completeness of its arrangements.
THE EASTON JAEGERS.
In the spirited celebration of the 8th of January, 1859, a new company, the Easton
Jaegers, Captain Charles Glanz, composed mostly of Germans, attracted much attention
by their novel uniform and soldierly appearance. ' The following is the roll of oflScers and
members as near as could be obtained :
Ca/i'azw— Charles Glanz.
First Lieutenant — Peter Kuebler.
Second Lieutenant— VreA. Cokomille
Third Lieutenant — Robert Grcefe.
Quartermaster— '^\\X\h&\ii Kuebler.
Orderly— Vra.m. Mildeiiberger.
Joseph Long,
John Maurer,
Jacob Schwartz,
William Dennig,
George Haefler,
Franz Reis,
Joseph Reis,
Anton Gehr,
Joseph Oegsler,
Jacob Beck,
John Stattler,
PRIVATES.
First Sergeant — Michael Teichman.
Second Sergeant — Martin Goth.
First Corporal— ]oh-a Cony.
Second Corporal— Vraxiz Pfeffer.
Third Corporal — Fabian Schuh.
Fourth Corporal — William Siebert.
John Kern,
Oegsler,
Basilius Flack,
Charles Franklin,
Christopher Kemmerer,
John Picht,
William Schultz,
Theodore Roth,
George Waller,
Fred. Schwartz,
Christian Strele,
Joseph Flad,
John Gisler,
Leopold Bej'er,
Wm. Hildebrandt,
J. Bynder,
A. Hersch,
O. Glanz,
A. Lieberman,
Rudolph Rapp,
Louis Rapp,
J. Wettlaufer.
2iS THE HISTORY OF
Earlv in 1859 efforts were made to organize a Cavalry Compan)-. After several
meetings and a canvass of citizens had resulted in little encouragement, an Infantry'
Company was substituted, and the new organization was known as "The National Grays,"
and commanded by the following officers :
Captain — J. P. Chambers.
First Lieutenant — John Smylie, Jr.
Second Lieutenant — Clarence H. Michler.
Third Lieutenant — Theophilus F. Rodenbough.
Ensign — John Stonebach.
In its brief existence it attained prominence for efficiency of drill and discipline and
the neatness of its uniforms. From its ranks came men whose names appear with high
honor in the great war history of the nation. This was true in a remarkable degree of all
the military companies of the borough. Old citizens remember with pride the appearance
in the ranks in our street parades of many whose courage and soldierly skill gave them
high position in the stern struggle of later j-ears.
The eighth day of January, i860, fell upon Sunday, but the ninth had hardly dawned,
before Napoleon, familiarly known as "Poly" Patier, on Mount Jefferson, with the roar
of cannon, reminded the citizens of what was due to the memory' of General Jackson. The
military companies, led by the time-honored band, paraded through the streets, and the
day was given generally by the people to patriotic memories.
FUNERALS OF SOLDIERS OF 1812.
Details from the four volunteer companies of the borough on the 14th of April,
i860, attended the funeral of George Reichardt, an old soldier of the War of 18 12.
During the war he belonged to Captain Nungesser's company, 2nd Regiment, P. V.,
which left Easton in September, 1814, and proceeded to Marcus Hook. The old soldier
was in his eighty-fourth year, and was buried with military honors. A number of his
comrades of 1812, and many other citizens were in the procession. John Ludwig, a
member of the same company was buried a few weeks later with like honors.
REMINDER OF MILITIA DAYS.
What was intended to be a grand military parade on Thursday, May 24, i860, had,
from the reports of the newspapers of the day, many of the features of the old militia
trainings. All of the companies of the county took part, including the following from
Easton :
Citizens Artillery — Captain Jacob Dachrodt.
National Guards — Lieutenant Ferd. W. Bell, Commanding.
National Grays — Captain Charles A. Heckman.
Easton Jaegers — Captain Charles Glanz.
The streets were filled early in the day with people from the country, and the county
companies paraded at random to the continuous rattle of the drums.
About one o'clock all the companies fell in line and marched to a field in the rear of
the F'air Grounds, where it was intended to have a thorough drill. This was only par-
tially successful. The field suffered, as have manv more serious fields, from an excess of
E ASTON, PENN'A. 219
commanders. Three hours were consumed in wheeling, marching and in evolutions hope-
lessly involved but for the management of some of the company commanders. This
was the last general turnout in the borough of cavalry and infantry companies of the
county, and the closest approach for years to the old-fashioned militia field-days.
JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, 1861, PARADES.
January 8, 1861, was the occasion of a great display of patriotism in Easton. The
National Guards, Citizens Artillery and Easton Jaegers paraded with full ranks during
the afternoon, while at intervals "Poly" Patier, with his six-pounder on Mount Jefferson,
reminded the citizens who thronged the streets, how British ranks fell before the Ken-
tucky rifles at New Orleans, and how the hero of that day, had in 1832, pledged his oath
to hang the man who would attempt to dissolve the Union as high as Haman.
Washington's Birthday anniversary, the 22d of February, 1861, was more widely
celebrated than it had been for years. The clouds of disunion, gathering for some time, had
become ominously black in the southern sky and gave every evidence of being about to
burst in armed treason. This gave great significance to the celebrations in honor of the
Father of his Country, and of that stern old patriot who had sworn by the Eternal that
the Union must be preserved.
GREAT UNION DEMONSTRATION.
Day by day this feeling grew among Eastonians. Every treasonable threat was duly
canvassed, and increased the determination to uphold the republic at every hazard. The
mechanics and workingmen, the bone and sinew of every community, discussed the
threatening news early and late, at their homes, in their shops and at the meetings of
their societies. On Monday evening, February 18, 1861, they crowded the old Court
House in the Square in pursuance of a call for a meeting to give expression to Union
sentiment. John J. Otto presided, with vice presidents : Lehigh Ward, Max Gress,
William Keller ; Bushkill Ward, Charles H. Yard, Henry J. Young ; West Ward, Thos.
Daily, Aaron Frey ; South Easton, H. Wilhelm, D. Sandt ; Phillipsbitrg, J. S. Bach,
James Price ; and secretaries, H. S. Wagner, G. W. Reichard, T. T. Hamman, A. Seip.
After some spirited remarks by the President and Charles E. Buck, Esq., Isaac
Pixley, an old Mexican War veteran, was called upon and amid rapturous applause
appealed to the laboring men to stand by the stars and stripes. Mr. Horn followed, de-
nouncing concessions to traitors.
A long series of resolutions, intensely loyal in tone, were reported by a committee
appointed for the purpose and adopted by an overwhelming majority. We reproduce
three of them :
Resolved, That we, the mechanics and workingmen of Easton and vicinity, without
distindlion of party, in mass meeting assembled, do hold that the ele(5lion of Abraham
Lincoln or any other man, to the office of President in a legal and constitutional manner,
is not a fit or just cause for the dismemberment of this great and mighty republic.
Resolved, That we believe that the rights of our Southern brethren are to be main-
tained in the Union, and that we are willing to make any concessions to secure to them
their constitutional rights in the Union, and we pledge to them our hearty co-operation
in maintaining them, let them be assailed from whatever source they may.
220 THE HISTORY OF
Resolved^ That we cannot consent to a dissolution of the States upon any terms or
any manner whatever. That we cannot recognize secession as anything but revolution
and treason — a means employed by traitors to destroy the inestimable blessings of liberty,
which were bought by the blood of our forefathers and which are as dear to us as our own
lives. That we are opposed to making any concessions to those who are laboring to sever
the bonds of our Union, by a6ls of secession, that would array brother against brother in
hostile combat, that would trample in the dust the stars and stripes, the only true emblem
of our national liberty and greatness, the pride of every true American, which has floated
so long over our beloved country, and which has been acknowledged and honored by
every nation and in every commercial port throughout the civilized world.
Addresses followed by John N. Durling, Wilson H. Hildebrandt, Henry S. Seip,
William N. Drake, Peter Walter and George Finley, pointed and patriotic, and pledging
the laboring men to the maintenance of the Union and the enforcement of the laws, after
which the meeting adjourned with nine rousing cheers for " The Union."
WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OF 1861.
Many of these workingmen carried their patriotic zeal into the military parade of
four days later, the anniversary of Washington's Birthday, of which the celebration was
more general in Easton than it had been for many years. ' Poly ' Patier, with his cannon
on Mount Jefferson, ushered in a day whose sun was clear as that of Austerlitz, and to
many as prophetic. During the forenoon a company of men and boys in fantastic dress
attracted great attention on all the principal streets, by their suggestive costumes. Almost
all the leading chara(?ters of the day were personified. The drummer bore a label on
which was written, " Fort Sumter cannot be taken." In the ranks a person with a rope
about his neck, represented Governor Pickens, of South Carolina. Other prominent
persons and incidents were humorously portrayed. The company was followed by large
crowds who jeered and cheered them as their varying fancies prompted.
SHAM BATTLE.
The great attraction of the day, however, was a sham battle between the volunteer
companies, which commenced on Northampton street and closed upon Mount Jefferson.
It was participated in by the Saucon company of Northampton Artillerists, Captain Thos.
W. Lynn, the Easton Jaegers, Captain Charles Glanz, the National Guard, Captain Fer-
dinand W. Bell, and the Citizen's Artillerists, Captain Jacob Dachrodt. Their move-
ments, as reported in the borough papers, are in strange contrast with the serious work of
war begun scarcely two months later.
After a skirmish on Northampton street, about four o'clock in the afternoon, all the
companies moved toward Mount Jefferson, through large crowds of people gathered to
witness the scene. The Northampton Artillerists and the Jaegers were stationed on the
hill, protedling a mound crowned with the American flag. The attack was made by the
National Guards ascending the hill on the east and the Citizens' Artillerists from the
west. The movements were made with skill and rapidity amid continuous firing. Some
of the combatants became so excited that quite a number of flesh wounds were given,
but none of a serious nature. The summit was finally taken and the flag carried off in
triumph. It was a day of rare sport to the lookers-on, and of good practice for the \ol-
E ASTON, PENN'A. 22i
unteers, in the real warfare in which many of them were so soon to engage. A union
meeting was held in the evening, after a banquet at Hulsizer's hotel, near the Delaware
bridge. Earnest speeches were made, and with cheers for the Union, was closed one of
the most spirited celebrations of the day ever had in Easton.
WAR INEVITABLE.
The fires of patriotism were fiercely fanned throughout the loyal North during the
month of March. Rumors from day to day that Fort Sumter, closely invested by earth
works of the Secessionists, and short of provisions, would be evacuated, aroused strong
indignation among the citizens of Easton, who felt that the military spirit had been fos-
tered to little purpose if the property of the nation could be thus tamely surrendered.
Those days of suspense to the nation and the citizens, when war was looked squarely in
the face and its cost of national and personal sacrifice counted, brought increased deter-
mination on the part of those who were to become our citizen-soldiery, and were ended
on that ill-omened Friday, the twelfth day of April, 1861, when the telegraph announced
that the venerable Edmund Rufiin, of Virginia, had inaugurated the great rebellion by
firing the first gun upon Fort Sumter.
EASTON SCENERY— "MOUNT JEFFERSON," VIEWED FROM THE NORTH.
[from a photograph by ROCKFELLOW.]
THE WAR OF THE REBELLION
HE loudest call to arms the nation had yet heard, followed the cannonade
upon Fort Sumter.' As in the wars of the Revolution, 1812, and with
Mexico, the citizens of Easton were foremost in patriotic response.
At the first news of the firing upon the stars and stripes, in the early
morning of the twelfth day of April, 1861, a call was circulated for a pub-
lic meeting on the evening of the next day, Saturday, April 13, 1861, to
raise men and money for the defense of the Republic.
Notwithstanding the short notice and the falling of heavy rain at the
time named for the meeting, the old Court House in the Square was filled
to its utmost capacity, and anxious crowds swarmed like bees at its doors
and windows. Again, as in Colonial and Revolutionary days, it resounded
with patriotic appeals to arms. Lists were opened, money subscribed, and volunteers
raised ready for the march, before the call of the President, issued on the following Mon-
day, was published.
That packed audience, of but one purpose, was the first of the many immense war
meetings held in Easton during the Rebellion. At it and the adjourned Monday night
meeting, were enrolled a large portion of the first regiment of volunteers sent by Pennsylva-
nia in response to the Presidential call for three months men. From the borough news-
papers of the day we make the following extracl:s :
GREAT SATURD.W NIGHT WAR MEETING ON SUMTER'S BOMBARDMENT.
The meeting was called to order by Hon. H. D. Maxwell, who moved the seletlion
of Hon. Samuel Yohe as Chairman.
The latter gentleman, in his usual earnest manner, took the chair, assisted by James
McKeen and Captain John Stonebach as Vice Presidents and Thomas T. Miller and W.
H. Thompson, as Secretaries.
The following resolutions were moved in a patriotic and stirring speech by Judge
Maxwell, and adopted by acclamation.
Whereas, Men, certainl}- misguided, if not wicked, have inaugurated ci\nl war, and are openly in arms
against the institutions, the integrity, and the existence of the Republic of these United States ; the Govern-
ment which has ever been our pride and boast, and under whose fostering and proteifling influences we have
enjoyed greater privileges, greater comforts and greater blessings than have ever been permitted to any people
or any nation before ; and —
Whereas, We, with united hearts and united purposes, while deploring the adls of rebellious men, are re-
solved to maintain, sustain, proteA and preserve the excellent Government secured for us by the toil, sufifering
and blood of our patriot fathers ; and created by the wisdom aud intelligence of the venerable statesmen, who
planned and formed our matchless Constitution.
Resolved, That as our first atl we implore Him, who rules the universe and governs men, to aid and sustain
us in this, the time of our national calamity, asking Him that He will, in His mercy, avert the continuance of
the hostilities which have been commenced, and will protect and preser\'e this Republic, whose existence He has
so remarkaVjIy favored and prospered, and upon whose people He has showered so many benefits and blessings.
A'eso/c'ed, That we denounce the rebellion which has led to these attacks upon the forces of the Republic,
E ASTON, PENN'A.
223
the property of the Republic and the flag of the Republic of these United States, as wicked and traitorous, and
call upon its citizens to rally in mass to uphold and sustain our Government in opposing and quelling it.
Resolved, That we, a portion of the people of Pennsylvania, here pledge ourselves to stand by the consti-
tution and the Government of these United States, and resist to the very last every attack made upon them ;
and now proffer our aid in every way in which we can be of benefit to the service, to preserve this Republic in
its existence and integrity, against any and every force that may be arrayed against it.
Resolved, That lists be now opened for volunteers, who will march whenever and wherever called upon by
the proper authorities of the State or Nation, to defend the institutions we cherish, the Republic we love, and
thereby protect the homes we revere.
Resolved. That a subscription be now opened for the purpose of raising and securing the necessary means
and funds to defray the expenses of equipping and maintaining the volunteer force so proffered.
Resolved, That the funds so raised be paid to a Treasurer, to be now appointed by this meeting, as shall
be ordered by a committee of seven, to be also now selected, which committee is further authorized to take all
proper measures to carry out the views and obje<5ts of this meeting.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be reported by telegraph to the President of the United
States, and to the Governor of this Commonwealth.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in all the newspapers of the borough.
Committees to receive the names of volunteers were appointed as follows :
Bushkill Ward^^'\\X\2iVa. H. Armstrong, Peter Baldy.
Lehigh Ward — John Stonebach, George W. Reichard.
West Ward — John J. Horn, Charles P. Emmons.
South Eastoji — Emanuel R. Shelling, Thomas McKeen, Jr.
Daniel Whitesell was named to receive names of volunteers from the country outside
of the borough.
The meeting was loud in applause of earnest speeches made by Judge Maxwell, Sam-
uel L. Cooley, Peter Baldy, Silas C. Cook, Charles Goepp and William H. Armstrong,
Esquires.
Lists were opened for volunteers and the names of over one hundred persons obtained.
Subscriptions of several thousand dollars were received towards a fund for payment of
their equipment and other expenses by the following finance committee appointed by the
chair : Alexander Wilson, McEvers Forman, Thomas T. Miller, Daniel H. Shnyder, Henry
S. Seip, Derrick Hulick and William H. Thompson.
Telegrams received previous to the meeting, of the brave stand of General Anderson
at Fort Sumter, and his forced surrender, intensified the excitement. Never had the old
Court House, in the more than a century of its existence, seen such a crowded and earnest
assemblage of citizens. The cannonading at Sumter found prompt echoes, in shouts of
determination to uphold the Union at all hazards. Grave men who took part in the
business of the meeting within its bar, and excited men and boys who crowded its doors
and windows, and filled all approaches to the building, vied with each other in earnest
effort, and proved their devotion by later duty in the field.
Those war meetings were a fitting finale to the proud record of that neat old cruciform
stru(5ture. It had, in its early history, witnessed gatherings of the old Continentals to
march to a war which resulted in emancipation from British tyranny. The close of that
history was to see worthy sons of those worthy sires march to a war, which, waged to pre-
serve our integrity as a nation, left us free in fact as in name.
At a late hour that Saturday night the crowds dispersed from the meeting to gather
in groups on the street corners during the Sunday and Monday following, for discussion
224 THE HISTORY OF
of the speediest means the nation could take to resent the outrage and reclaim her fort,
and punish its assailants. At their homes, and in the churches, the condition of the coun-
try was canvassed and prayed for. The fires of patriotism, here as elsewhere, were fed
from home altars. The ladies of Easton were also prompt in patriotic duty. The large
attendance at the adjourned meeting on Monday night was due in no small measure to
their home appeals.
THE ADJOURNED MEETING.
In spite of inclement weather the old Court House was crowded at the adjourned
meeting, and again its windows, doors and sidewalks were thronged with earnest citizens.
The expelled proclamation of President Lincoln had been issued that day. Its mild but
determined appeals did not fall unheeded. They were eloquently dwelt upon by Rev.
James Y. Mitchell, of Phillipsburg, and Hon. H. D. Maxwell and others. Reports of com-
mittees announcing that two hundred volunteers were ready, in addition to the three
military companies of the borough — then filling up their ranks — and that large subscrip-
tions had been received, and that the same had been duly reported to the President, were
heard with cheers that made the old Court House resound with their echoes.
The following resolution was unanimously adopted :
Resolved^ That Henry D. Maxwell be a committee to proceed forthwith to Harris-
burg and present to his Excellency, the Governor of Pennsylvania, the proceedings of the
meeting held here on Saturday evening last, with the further acftion of and reports made
to this meeting to-night, and ascertain what further will be required, and also procure all
necessary information as to what will be desired from us here.
Amid repeated cheering the meeting then adjourned to meet on the following Wed-
nesday evening when a report from the messenger sent to the Governor could be expected.
GROWING PATRIOTISM.
Many evidences of the increasing patriotism were now apparent. Flags appeared on
the buildings and in the windows of business stands of the more enthusiastic citizens. In
neat designs, too, the stars and stripes were worn upon the persons of many, notably the
ladies, ever ready to foster the sentiment of any good and patriotic work. Sumter had
hardly fallen before the Franklin Literary Association, a local club, placed a flag on Rader's
building at the north-west corner of the public square, amid plaudits of hundreds of men,
women and children hastily assembled. The appearance of a procession on South Third
street with martial music and bearing aloft three large national flags, added to the num-
bers and excitement upon the streets. As they neared the Square it was found to be
largely composed of young ladies from the cotton mill of South Easton, who had prepared
the flags for the companies going to the front. They were greeted with rounds of cheers
from the thronged sidewalks and the masses in the Square. Many a young man at sight of
the banners so proudly borne by the ladies, resolved to bear arms in their defense.
DEPARTURE OF THE THREE MONTHS MEN.
Meanwhile the lists in the hands of the committees had been rapidly filling witli names
of volunteers. One hundred and eighty men formed in ranks in the north-west corner of
the Public Square on Thursday morning, April i8, in two companies, to take train for
Harrisburg. The Square and its approaclics were crowded with people of all classes —
E ASTON, PENN'A.
225
old and young, male and female. Fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers assembled to bid
farewell. Thousands of eyes glistened in patriotic pride as the ranks of able bodied and
valorous men, under the lead of Judge Samuel Yohe,
soon to be their Colonel, and of William H. Arm-
strong and Charles A. Heckman, to be Captains of the
respedlive companies, to the music of Pomp's Cornet
Baud, marched to the Lehigh Valley Railroad depot.
On their way they halted at the residence of Hon.
Andrew H. Reeder, on South Third street, near the
Square, where they received two elegant silk flags,
the gift of the ladies of Easton. After a fervent prayer
by Rev. Job Halsey, Governor Reeder on behalf of the
ladies, who thronged the windows and the steps of
his residence from which he spoke, presented the flags
in neat and appropriate words, to which Captains Arm-
strong and Heckman gave brief and patriotic respon-
ses. Thousands lined the streets on their further
march to the depot and witnessed their departure on
the train for Harrisburg where they were to be armed
and equipped. These companies were known subse-
quently as companies C and D of the First Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers. On the Saturday following, April
20, the firing of a
cannon on Mount Jefferson, told, as by arrangement,
of another assemblage of volunteers. Again the Square
was crowded, and amid like scenes and ceremonies
and presentations of flags, after prayer by Rev. Dr.
John Gray and speeches by Silas C. Cook and Charles
Wykoff", Esqs., to martial music from Pomp's well-
known band, and down the same street, thronged with
multitudes of applauding citizens, marched one hun-
dred and seventy sturdy men in two companies — the
Easton National Guards, commanded by Captain
Ferdinand W. Bell, and known later as Company H,
and the Citizens Artillery, Captain Jacob Dachrodt,
known later as Company B, both of the First Penn-
sylvania Volunteers — to the same depot to take train
to Harrisburg for arms and equipment.
At this time another company, the Easton
Jaegers, Captain Charles Glanz, was rapidly filling its
ranks. They left upon the Monday morning follow- 1
ing, April 22, bearing a flag also presented by the Capt.Co. h.fii
ladies, and escorted by Pomp's Band and a multitude
of citizens. They entered the Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers under command of Captain
Richard A. Graeffe, as Company G, of which regiment their late captain, Cliarles Glauz,
William H. Ariv
Captain Co. C, ist P. V. Lt. Col. 129th :
(From Brady's War Photographs.)
"'"' ^:^^^.
'.v. Capt.Co.
■ Photograph )
>^
,51st P. V.
226
THE HISTORY OF
became Major. The read)- and full response of volunteers from Easton gave them position
among the first troops formed into regimental organization. The first four companies
were mustered into ser\'ice April 20, 1861, eight days after fire was opened upon Fort Sum-
ter. The Jaegers were mustered of date April 24, 186 1.
FIRST REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS.
The chairman of the famous Saturday night meeting, Judge Samuel Yohe, was made
Colonel of the First Pennsylvania Regiment. Jacob R. Ludlow and William H. H. Mich-
ler, physicians of Easton, became respectively its Surgeon and Assistant Surgeon.
We regret that we have not the names of all who volunteered. Their numbers were
largely in e.xce.ss of the allowance of the mustering orders. Some, too, were excluded by
age and physical disability. All were alike patriotic and should appear upon our printed
lists. The best we can do is to give their names as they are found upon the muster-roll.
Equally worthy of record are the names of the patriotic citizens who accompanied the
volunteers to Harrisburg and provided their meals. The chairman of the financial com-
mittee, Alexander Wilson, Esq., was adlive in discharge of duty and fully alive to the
interests of the men.
The regiment left Harrisburg on the night of its muster and proceeded to Cockeys-
ville, via the Northern Central railway, where it was held under orders from W^ashington.
Its regimental history will be again referred to.
The names of the Easton Volunteers are taken from the muster-rolls as given in Bates'
History of Pennsylvania Volunteers.
COMPANY B.
(Recruited at Easton. Mustered in April 20, 1861.)
Fourth Sergeant — Samuel H. Barnes.
First Corporal — Edward Cook.
Second Corporal — Max Wik.
Third Corporal — G. William Barron.
Fourth Corporal — John H. Bruch.
Captain — Jacob Dachrodt.
First Lieutenant— GoAirey Mutchler.
Second Lieutenant — Charles Eichman.
First Sergeant^ames F. Meyers.
Second Sergeant — ^Jacob F. Rafferty.
Third Sergeant— Andrew Burt.
John A. Bixler,
Solomon Bigley,
John Banner,
John W. Bittenbender,
Jacob Bassett,
Gideon A. Barnes,
Edwin D. Bleckley,
Lawrence Bitzer,
P. M. Church,
John A. Dachrodt,
Paul Darmer,
Jacob N. Dittler,
William D Davi.s,
John Everetts,
William Eichman,
Richard Frounfelter,
Leonard Frankenfield,
Levi Frounfelter,
James G. Fargo,
Joseph A. Ginnerd,
Abraham Gardner,
Musicians-
PRIVATES.
Andrew I. Ha}-,
John Q. Hay,
Daniel E. Hineline,
Herman Hill,
John Hetzell,
Frederick W. Huble,
George H. Hahn,
William Hartzell,
Charles Imick,
W. H. Kromer,
Lewis F. Kromer,
Edgar Kemmerer,
John S. Lerch,
Joseph Levers,
F. Lynn.
James P. Moser,
William H. Moritz,
Peter S. Michler,
Joseph S- Myers,
John Purser,
.'\ndrew Rodgers,
■Samuel Bruch, William H. Ginnerd.
Franklin Rinker,
Jacob Rinek,
John W. Ricker,
Charles P. Shelter,
Maximilian Smith,
Charles Schortz,
Frederick Schweb,
Samuel Schaffer,
.\maiides Scljook,
Jos. W. Sa\-itz,
J. Lewis Singer,
Wm. Smith,
Wm. Schmitzer,
Edward O. Smith,
Reuben Schlabach,
Valentine Smith,
Wm. F. Snyder,
William Steer,
William A. Templin,
William T. Troxell,
Wm. I. Ziegeiifuss,
i
E ASTON, PENN'A.
227
(Recruited ;
Captain — William H. Armstrong.
First Lieutenant — Robert Ramsden.
Second Lieutenant — Charles H. Yard.
First Sergeant — Lawrence Bonstein.
Second Sergeant— ^m. H. Weaver.
Third Sergeant— ?>a.\ii\xe\ Stewart.
George W. Arndt,
Charles Arnold,
Charles Barnet,
John Broadback,
Richard N. Bitters,
Jonathan Bull,
John P. Billings,
Geo. Colbath,
Daniel J. Carey,
John Callahan,
William Colbath,
George E. Cyphers,
John Cook,
George A. Diehl,
Samuel W. Drew,
George H. Freyhart,
Stephen Gross,
John S. Green,
Owen Garis,
Edwin Gephart,
David Heath,
Alvin Huffbrd,
COMPANY C.
Easton. Mustered in April 20, i86i.)
Fourth Sergeant— Vr\>!mvii, Weirbach.
First Cor/oraif— William B. Mettler.
Second Corporal — Emanuel R. Shelling.
Third Co/'/om/— Edward Wortley.
Fourth Corporal — Daniel Laubach.
Musicians — Wm A. Heckman, Joseph Young
PRIVATES.
Henry Huber,
James Ihrie,
Martin Kichlin
Martin V. B.
Thomas Kilkerry,
William H. Kline,
Charles H. Leshoer,
John Lynd,
Lawrence Moser,
Isaac M. Myers,
Henry Mover,
Benjamin F. Moyer,
Philip L. Moser,
Francis Mowry,
John Murray,
Bernard Merwarth,
Henry Miller,
Samuel Paxson,
William Pharo,
Jacob Rustay,
Joseph Rougay,
COMPANY D.
George W. Sigman,
John G. Snyder,
Wm. H. Stultz,
Peter Smith,
Perry Simons,
Chas. Schlegel,
Richard Shelling,
Augustus Shelling,
Isaac Stiles,
Daniel Troxell,
James P. Tilton,
James Van Campen,
Joseph Vogel,
Owen J. Weida,
John D. Weller,
Augustus Weiss,
Wm. Wyker,
Josiah Weber,
George W. Wagener,
William Wolfram,
John Wolfram.
(Recruited at Easton. Mustered in April 20, 186
Ca/>/a/«— Charles A. Heckman.
First Lieutenant— ]ames F. Thompson.
Second Lieutenant— WMiam H. Able.
First Sergeant — Joseph Oliver.
Second Sergeant — Henry Arndt.
Third Sergeant — William A. Bachman.
Samuel Adams,
Amandus Attel,
Jabez Alsover,
John Andrews,
John W. Bowman,
William Blane,
Joseph Bowers,
Thomas Boyd,
James \. Brodie,
Jeremiah Cooper,
Isaac C. Clymer,
George E. Diehl,
Matthew Delaney,
Samuel I. Emmons,
Edward Finster,
Alfred Finster,
James Ferguson,
James G. Gallaghan,
Edward B. Gallaghan,
John J. Gangwer,
Samuel I. Heintzelman,
PRIVATES.
Frank A. Hubbell,
David W. Huber,
Alexander W. Hoyt,
Jacob A. Hawk,
James E. Hulsizer,
Christian Hammer,
Silas Hulsizer,
Wilson I. Hagerman,
William C. Hixson,
Luther Horn,
Henry Innes,
Joseph Ihrie,
David E. Kichline,
Adam H. Lane,
John I. Levers,
Chas. P. Levers,
James B. Meldrum,
Frederick C. Mattes,
Charles Meyer,
Patrick M'Donald,
Lewis Morrell,
Fourtli Sergeant— C3.\v\n Pardee.
First Corporal — Edward S. Carroll.
Second Corporal — Flavins G. Arrowsmith.
Third Corporal — Augustus Stewart.
Fourtli Cor/ora/— Benjamin J. Hillman.
Musician— "ErWrn Hartzell.
George M. Oberly,
William H. Pace,
Robert R. Phillips,
Abraham A. Raub,
Robert Reese,
Philip Richard,
Thomas P. Ricketts,
George Reese,
William A. Smith,
John P. B. Sloan,
William H. Seip,
Edward A. Shouse,
George H. Shaffer,
Albert N. Seip,
Albert Steele,
Thomas Snyder,
James Simons,
Theodore Troxell,
David E. Troxell,
Thomas Wagner,
Abraham K. Young.
228
THE HISTORY OF
COMPANY H.
(Recruited at Easton. Mustered in April 21
ra/:>/a!K— Ferdinand W. Bell.
First Lieutenant — Jacob G. Barnet.
Second Lieutenant — George L. Fried.
First Sergeant— ]o\\n V. Fried.
Second Sergeant — James McGloin.
Third Sergeant— Kohen Burrell.
Charles Arnold,
John H. Buck,
Samuel Buckley,
Benjamin Beatty,
Silas Beers,
James Barnet,
John S. Barnet,
James P. Buck,
George Buller,
Edward Bender,
James Bryson,
George Burrell,
John Bryson,
John Bittner,
Edward Bullman,
James Ballantine,
John L. Clifton,
Henry A. Daley,
Benjamin Dew,
John Dingier,
Charles Elliott,
Samuel Fraunfelder,
PRIVATES.
Jacob Freyberger,
George Frey,
Frank Ginkinger,
Charles A. Gosner.
John B. Haines,
George Hutman,
David Hutman,
Joseph Harmony,
James M. Hoyt,
Charles W. Kinsey,
Peter King,
Charles A. Levan,
Samuel Moore,
John Moore,
John VV. Meeker,
Alexander Mbser,
William S. Mellick,
Joseph M'Laughlin,
John S. Miller,
Ervin Miller,
Samuel Neigh,
Fourth Sergeant — Augustus Heller.
First Corfiorat— Robert Ballantine.
Second Corpora/— William Osterstock.
Third Corporat— Dame] Phillippe.
Fourth ror/>ora/— William Diehl.
George Nicholas,
Daniel Nicholas,
Henry Pittenger,
Solon Phillippe,
John Randolph,
William L. Snyder,
Richard Seip,
Frank Snyder,
Samuel Sandt,
George Sunderland,
Edw. Seals,
Samuel Transue,
William H. Unangst,
Richard Williams,
William Wilking,
John C. West,
Adam Ward,
Thomas Weaver,
Reuben Weiss,
John B. Wilson,
Charles Wykoff.
COMPANY G.
(Recruited
Ca/>/a!«— Richard A. Graeffe.
First Lieutenant — Charles Goepp.
Second Lieutenant — Frank A, Hetrich.
First Sergeant — Francis Mildenberger.
Second Sergeant— ]ohn Cooneyer.
Third Sergeant — Martin Goth.
John Adler
Jacob Beck
George Bie
Adolphus Dennig,
Jacob Ecker,
George Elhard,
Frederick Epple,
Martin Epple,
Charles Franklin,
Daniel Friedewald,
Bernhard Frothier,
Henry E. Froelich,
Anthony Gehr,
Henry fienther.
Otto Glanz,
John Haemmerlein,
Christian G. Hermann,
Joseph Hetzler,
Charles Huber,
John Hunter,
John Hutmacher,
Charles Kaiser,
in April 24, 1861.)
Fourth Sergeant — Joseph Hoefler.
First Corpora/— Francis Pfeffer.
Second Corpora/ — Francis Ries.
T/iird Corpora/— George Wahler.
Fourth Corpora/— Olio Hersh.
Musiciatts — Joseph Flad, William Weber.
PRIVATES.
Godfrey Kaiser,
William Kaltenbach,
Gustavus Kemmerer,
Ignace Kiefer,
Henry Klette,
John Kern,
Andrew Klump,
Maurice Laetius,
Joseph Long,
Anthony Lieberman,
Henry Lingeman,
Augustus Loeflfelmann,
David Loeffler,
Godfrey Lutz,
Frederick Meyer,
John Meyer,
Peter Messinger,
Charles Miller,
Dr. George Miller,
Anthony Mock,
Pius Moll,
George Palmer,
Hermann Pfisterer,
John Pfleger,
Augustus Ries,
Conrad Ries,
Joseph Ries,
Frederick Roesler,
Aaron Rogers,
Rudolph Rapp,
Frederick Roth,
Julius Schaler,
George Schrog,
Jacob Schwartz,
John H. Stein,
David F. Strauss,
Henry Sturm,
Andrew Snomann,
George Swaddell,
Clement Weber,
Charles Weidknecht,
Lewis Wendenburg,
Jacob Wettlaeufer,
John White.
i
E ASTON, PENN'A.
229
RHODE ISLAND MARINE ARTILLERY AND FLAG RAISING BY THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The war fever in Easton was not a little increased by the arrival of a company of the
Rhode Island Marine Artillery on Saturday, April 20, i'86i. They were quartered in the
Fair Grounds by permission of its diredlors, and the one hundred and twenty-five men and
ninety-seven horses, with six brass rifled twelve-pound cannon, all under command of
Colonel Tomkins, as they marched up Northampton street, gave the already excited citi-
zens new ideas of "the pomp and circumstance of glorious war." They had left in such
haste that their blankets had not been duly made. This was done by the ladies of Easton
during their brief stay, and a blanket made for each man from the material furnished by
the company.
This artillery company opened the interesting exercises of the Tuesday following,
(April 23) on the part of the children of the Public Schools of Easton, by a salute from
their field pieces on College Hill. All the schools, the board of directors, the clergy of
the borough, were assembled on the green before the High School building, while the
street in its front was crowded with citizens. At the artillery salute four bright flags of
stars and stripes were run up to the music of the
"StarSpangled Banner" played by Pomp'sCornet
Band. An appropriate prayer by Rev. Cornelius
H. Edgar followed, and then the "Star Spangled
Banner" was sung by the children. After a brief
address by B. F. Stem, Esq., one of the teachers
^^i(u~'^i^^SBS^^^^^^^"' of the High School, " America" was sung by the
children. The children, directors, clergy and
citizens then proceeded to the West Ward school building where like ceremonies were
observed and two flags raised. Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Eckert and Rev. John Beck
made appropriate remarks. Dr. Traill Green, President of the Board of Direcflors, and
Edward F. Stewart, Esq., one of its members, also made pertinent speeches. The cere-
monies were of the most orderly character, and long will the day be remembered by the
school children for its lessons of loyalty to the stars and stripes.
The incidents of that memorable April in Easton cannot, we regret, be fully given.
In the twenty-five years since numbered, many matters well worthy of note have passed
from recollecftion. At times business was almost suspended. Individual volunteering
continued at a rapid rate and many of our best volunteers gave credit to organizations not
local. The following minutes from the borough press will show that the war feeling was
strongly on the increase in the early part of the May following.
VOLUNTEERING IN MAY, 1861.
On Saturday, May 4, 1861, the Commissioners of the County of Northampton hon-
ored the old Court House, in which so many patriotic meetings had been held, by placing
above it the national flag. Captain Peter Baldy's company of volunteers sang patriotic
songs as it unfolded to the breeze, and Matthew Hale Jones and Edward J. Fox, Esquires,
made appropriate speeches to the large audience gathered in the Square. By the same
authority a flag was placed upon the new Court House in the western part of the borough.
WAR ALARM IN NEW JERSEY.
On the same day. May 4, Captain Peter Baldy marched his company, the sixth com-
23°
THE HISTORY OF
EASTON SCENERY-
VIEWED FROM LEHIGH HILL.
pany of volunteers raised in Easton, in response to a call of Major Charles Sitgreaves,
Mayor of Phillipsburg. The Mayor stated that there were six persons in Feit's woods,
near Phillipsburg, dressed like regulars of the United States Army, armed with guns,
and supposed to be deserters. Captain Baldy with his command met the supposed desert-
ers on the Delaware bridge, and escorted them to the armory of the National Guards.
Brief inquiry soon revealed the fact, that so far from being deserters, they were Germans
of two weeks' residence in the country, one of them an old soldier in Italy's war for lib-
erty, and all trying to find their way to Washington to fight for the Union. I\Ir. Solomon
Troutman, with others of our citizens, entertained them until ^londay when they left for
Harrisburg with Captain Bald\-.
EA.STON VOLUNTEKR-S IN THE PENNSYLVANIA RE.SERVES.
The departure of the sixth company of Easton volunteers, on IMonday, May 6, 1861,
was made, although the weather was very unpleasant, in the presence of a large number
of persons. It was the first company under the later call for three years men. It received
a beautiful flag as a present from the citizens, while its captain, Peter Baldy, Esq., a for-
mer Distridl Attorney of the county, was presented with a sword, pistol and purse by mem-
bers of the bar and others of the citizens. John J. Horn, one of its lieutenants, teaciier of
the (Trammar School of West Ward, was ])reseiitcd with a beautiful re\-olver and an ele-
E ASTON, PENN'A.
231
gantly bound copy of the Bible, by the teachers of the Public Schools. Hon. Peter F.
Eilenberger, a man open-handed and open-hearted in deeds of kindness to volunteers, pro-
vided for them a fine dinner upon their arrival at Harrisburg.
This company was mustered into service May 30, 1861, in the Twelfth Pennsylvania
Reserves, (Forty-first of the line) as Company E ; its captain, Peter Baldy, becoming
Major of the regiment, and by promotion August 30, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel. Its mili-
tary history will be again referred to. *
COMPANY E, TWELFTH PENNSYLVANIA RESERVES.
Captain— ]o\m. ] . Horn.
" Francis Schelling.
First Lieutenant — Edward Kelley.
J. C. Fackenthall.
Second Lieutenant — William Lind.
First Sergeant — James Johnston.
" " Henry Hess.
William Ruch.
Reuben L. Miller.
William F. Keller.
Theodore F. Hance.
William R. Kidd.
" " John Herp.
Aaron E. Beisel,
Max Bertrand,
John H. Boran,
Daniel Brounell,
Robert G. Barnes,
Leopold Beck,
William H. Bodley,
Joseph Barros,
Jacob M. Buchter,
John Barry,
Joseph Bird,
James Cummiskey,
Ramsey Case,
Charles Custard,
Hoffman Connor,
James Devine,
William Dice,
Daniel Eli,
Josiah Ettleman,
Landers Everett,
Casper Echelstien,
William Frederick,
Adam Fisher,
Paul H. Fischel,
Jervis Gould,
David H. Graham,
William F. Handwork,
John Haggerty,
John H. Hummell,
Matthew Haase,
William Handwork,
William Hardin,
PRIVATES.
William Ivey,
Warren H. Joline,
Sydney Kuehner,
Josiah Kirkendall,
Jeremiah Klein,
Edward Kimble,
John W. Leffel,
Jacob Leidv,
Edward Leidy,
Jacob Moyer,
Barney Maloy,
Jacob Muffley,
John May,
Thomas McCormick,
Amandus Miller,
George A. Miller,
John Nunnemacher,
Robert Nolf,
Fort W. Nicholas,
Savilian Otto,
Michael O'Brien,
Isaac Peifer,
James Pilkenton,
Jesse Roseberry,
George Retzler,
Lewis Roth,
William Raub,
Calvin Reed,
Paul Roth,
Thomas Ruth,
Charles F. Rothweiler,
William H . Santee,
t"br/!>o/-a/— David Campbell.
" Samuel Tolan.
" James H. Coffin.
" Daniel H. Lanbach.
C. F. Oestricker.
" Aaron Bosler.
" George Derhammer.
" William J. Kuehner.
'" George Ketchledge.
" J. H. Missinger.
Musician — John H. Wolf.
Thomas Duffin.
Lewis Stein,
Stephen Sholes,
Patrick Shine,
Robert W. Surrill,
Lewis H. Sassaman,
Lewis Schenk,
Philip Seagler,
Joseph Snyder,
Peter S. Snvder,
Christian F. Smith,
Urias Stahr,
William Schooley,
John P. Tro-xell,
Benjamin Tallman,
Benjamin Troxell,
George Troxell,
William Traugh,
Samuel Traugh,
Charles R. Teelin,
James Taylor,
Joseph Trexler,
John Williams,
Robert White,
John Worman,
John B, Wilson,
William H. Weaver,
Robert Warner,
John Wought,
George Walls,
Albert Wise,
John Younkins.
*NoTE. — These troops were called " Reser\-es" because they were recruited by Governor Curtin with wise
forethought for a day of need, inevitable in his mind, aud held in reserve, when there was no Federal call for
men froin the State. The Bull Run disaster showed his wisdom, and the nation applauded his act when those
well-drilled troops marched to the defense of Washington immediately upon that defeat. No finer body of men,
no troops that saw harder service, were in the great army of the Republic.
232
THE HISTORY OF
FLAG RAISINGS.
Flag raisings during May were frequent. Among the more prominent we note from
the newspapers one at the United States Hotel, kept by Joseph Schortz, on North Third
street, on Friday, May 17, 1861, at which speeches were made by B. F. Fackenthal, Esq.,
and Rev. Dr. D. V. McLean, and prayer offered by Rev. C. H. Edgar. Excellent music
was furnished by the Jaeger Band and the Noll family. This flag was forty-two feet in
leno-th by twenty-eight feet in breadth, and it was taken as a good omen that it waved its
ample folds southward amid the cheers of a large concourse of citizens.
On the morning of the day following, the Hebrews of Eastou, after a speech by Rev. C.
H. Edgar, in which he drew historic parallels, and claimed that Jehovah had not then de-
serted his chosen people and would not now desert his chosen nation, raised a beautiful
flag on their Synagogue on South Sixth street. This was the first house of worship in
Easton crowned with the stars and stripes.
On the same day, with whizzing of rockets and roar of cannon, a large and beautiful
flag was run to the top of a pole one hundred feet high at Reich's grocery store on the
summit of the hill at Sixth and Northampton streets. Appropriate addresses were made
to a large and attentive audience by O. H. Meyers, Esq., and others. Patriotic songs
were sung by a band of young girls, and Pomp's Cornet Band played national airs. Inci-
dents like these were now of almost daily occurrence and told the earnest and growing de-
termination to suppress the rebellion.
THE FAIR GROUND CHOSEN AS A STATE CAMP.
The prompt and full response of volunteers from Easton had attra6led attention from
all quarters of the State. This interest was increased by the visit on Tuesday afternoon.
May 21, 1861, of Governor Andrew G. Curtin, the first-named of the famous War Gover-
nors, and Major General George A. McCall, to the Fair Grounds on the west of the
borough, with the view of selecSling it, if suitable, as a site for one of the State camps. Its
many advantages secured its selection, and before another week it was occupied by volun-
teers. The Second regiment, Colonel Wm. B. Mann, Third, Colonel Horatio G. Sickels,
and Fourth, Colonel R. S. March, of the Reserves, were here organized. Their daily drills
drew large crowds of visitors, and many a man of the hard-fought Pennsylvania Resen.-es in
after service remembered the pleasures of this peaceful camp. By the sixth day of June,
i86i, over twenty-five companies, about two thousand men, were in the camp, now known
as Camp Washington, under the command of Col. William B. Mann of Philadelphia,
This number was largely added to at a later date.
AID TO VOLUNTEERS IN THE FIELD.
Meanwhile the committee appointed at the great Court House meeting to look after
the comfort of the volunteers had been unremitting in attention. Reports reached them
from time to time of lack of suitable clothing and of much suffering in consequence by the
men now in service. The men of the First Pennsylvania, in the exigency of the service,
had been forwarded ununiformed, many of their officers without swords, the buck and ball
cartridges for their smooth-bore muskets rattling in the trouser pockets of the men, and
their cotton haversacks filled with bacon and hard tack. Their clothing soon gave out in
their rough campaigning without tents. New uniforms were received at their camp near
E ASTON, PENN'A. 233
Funkstown, Maryland. It was determined forthwith to relieve the need out of the funds
already raised. On Monday, June 10, 1861, W. H. Thompson, Esq., purchased at Allen-
town two hundred pairs of shoes, which were immediately forwarded to the camp, and on
the same day Captain John E>erman purchased at Philadelphia six hundred yards of sati-
net which was made into pantaloons. These supplies, with one hundred dollars in money,
were promptly sent and proved of great benefit.
A PATRIOTIC PRESIDENT OF A VIRGINIA COLLEGE.
A flag raising at Lafayette College on the evening of Friday, June 14, 1861, had pecu-
liar interest from the fa(?t of the presence of Rev. Dr. George Junkin, its first president,
and lately the president of Washington College, Virginia. As the doctor pulled the hal-
yard and the flag fluttered to the top of its one hundred feet pole and unfolded in all the
beauty of the stars and stripes, he told how the students of Washington College had per-
sisted in raising the rag of secession and how he had taken it down and burned it, and
then when he found that the students were sustained b}- the rest of the Faculty, he had
resigned the presidency and left Virginia. The students, with Pomp's Band, had escorted
him from the town to the hill and were loud in their applause of his remarks and of those
of their spokesmen, Mr. Davis and of Dr. Traill Green. The pole stood in front of the
College building at the head of the steps, and its twenty by thirty feet flag was in full view
of the town and a proud mark of an institution noted for its heavy contribution of volun-
teers from its campus to the battlefield.
PASSAGE OF TROOPS.
Beside the different regiments now being organized and drilled at Camp Washington,
Eastonians had their faith in the final suppression of the Rebellion confirmed by the thou-
sands of well-equipped volunteers whirled by on the railroad trains on their way to the
seat of war. On the 20th of June, Governor Sprague's noted regiment of over one thousand
strong, with its full battery of eight-pounders, ambulances, baggage and powder wagons,
on a train of eighty cars drawn by three locomotives, passed up the valley. They were
followed on the succeeding Saturday by a New Hampshire regiment, twelve hundred
strong, and a full regiment of Chasseurs from New York.
FLAG PRESENTATIONS.
On the evening of June 20, Thomas Coates, the diredlor of Pomp's Cornet Band,
whose widely known music had furnished inspiration to many a meeting in Easton, was
honored by a flag-raising in front of his residence on South Fourth street. The band
played its choicest music and the glee club sang its happiest songs, and excellent speeches
assured the large crowd of citizens of the safety of the Union.
Three regiments on the following Monday, June 24, were drawn up in front of the
Institute building on the Fair Ground, and presented through Hon. H. D. Maxwell with
an elegant flag. Col. W. B. Mann responded, and soldiers and citizens were enthusiastic
in applause. A week later the Southwark Hose Company, one of the sturdiest of the old
band of fire companies, for which Easton had long been famous, flung a large flag from the
top of a pole considerably over one hundred feet high in front of its house on South Third
street. Rev. John Grant, in happy humor, patriotism and eloquence, held the close at-
tention of the large and enthusiastic crowd.
234 THE HISTORY OF
EASTON'S fourth of JULY, 1861.
War's dread realities appear to have suppressed its mock counterfeits with which the
Fourth of July had often been celebrated. It was a quiet, thoughtful Fourth, that of July,
1S61. Its celebration bv the borough antiquarian, Benjamin ]\I. Youells, was, as became
the man, original, and, as became the day, suggestive. In the wiudowof his barber shop,
widely known also as a curiosity shop, appeared, what claimed to be, a secession flag, on
which was pinned the following note :
" Camp Yoke, June 27, 1861.
"B. M. Youells, Esq. Dear Sir : I hereby present you with this emblem of treason, captured in Fred-
erick City, Md., June 26, 1 861, by Sergeant Joseph Oliver, of Company D, First Regiment Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers. ,.(- ^ Heckman, Captain Co. D, First Reg't."
A relic doubtless of rebel occupation of the city, in the fairgrounds of which the Eas-
ton Volunteers were quartered on that first Fourth of July of the Rebellion.
Still, the day was ushered in in accordance with the time-honored direction of John
Adams, — the firing of cannon — by Napoleon Patier from Mt. Jefferson, the ringing of bells
by patriotic church sextons, and later by flag raisings over several private residences,
those of Herbert Thomas, Esq., Mrs. Seiple and others, and at 6 o'clock over the Third
Street Reformed Church, at which, in presence of a large audience, prayer was oflfered by
its pastor. Rev. John Beck, and an earnest, telling speech by Rev. Dr. D. V. McLean
was followed by choice airs from Pomp's Cornet Band.
THE MARCH OF THE RESERVES DOWN NORTHAMPTON STREET.
When Col. March's regiment left Camp Washington on Tuesday, July 16, 1861, for
Harrisburg, fully armed and equipped, their solid platoons reaching from curb to curb on
Northampton street, firm tread and glistening bayonets, made the sight from the Square
one of the most imposing of military specflacles. These men had grown to be soldiers in
our midst, and densely crowded sidewalks attested the deep interest of our citizens. Eas-
ton, apart from her own large representation in the famous Reserves, with pride watched
their progress from field to field of well-fought fights, imtil it ended in final viiftory.
Col. Sickle's regiment left on Monday, July 22, 1861, and Col. Mann's, the last regi-
ment in the camp, on the Wednesday morning following. Like parades were had, and
they left for adlive service through thronged sidewalks and cheered by thousands. The
first great fight of Bull Run on Sunday, July 21, 1861, reported first as a vi<5tory and then
as a defeat, had wrought the public feeling to the highest pitch of excitement. The now
daily trains, freighted with troops and hurried with all the power of steam over our rail-
roads, were greeted as they passed by from the full hearts of people who felt that the Re-
bellion must be suppressed at any cost. When the full ranks of the last Reserve regiment
left their camp and moved down Northampton street, a living stream of earnest men clad
in their country's blue, our people massed on pavement and Square, drowned the music
of the regimental bands in cheers for the cause and its heroes, all the more heartfelt and
hearty on account of the reverses at Manassas.
CAMPAICN OF THE THREE MONTHS MEN.
Easton was now awaiting anxiously the return of her first volunteers whose term of
service had been prolonged by their volunteering to serve be>ond the three months' time
E ASTON, PENN'A.
235
for which they had been called and mustered. Although in Patterson's campaign, blood-
less through no fault of theirs, they had seen much exposure, hard service and heavy
marching, since their arrival at Cockeysville on the night of their muster. They had
been hurried into service without proper arms, uniforms or camp equipage. But with
their old smooth-bores loaded with buck and ball, and haversacks filled with bacon and
hard-tack, they were ready and anxious to march through Baltimore, had not undue defer-
ence to the authorities of that city on the part of the powers at Washington ordered other-
wise. "March through Baltimore !" said one of a committee of citizens of that city on
his return from Cockeysville,
"their old Colonel looks as if
he would march through h — ,
if so ordered."
The fortunes of the Sixth
Massachusetts, a few days pre-
\ious, were not to be theirs,
and under orders from Gen.
Wmfield S. Scott, the retro-
grade movement on the Mon-
da\ following, was made to
Camp Scott, near the town of
York. Here their equipment
was completed, and here they
remained, in constant drill for
held service until May 14,
when they were detailed to
guard the Northern Central
railroad from the Pennsylva-
nia line to Druid Park, near
Baltimore. Details were made
from time to time while at
that point for the arrest of pro-
minent persons charged with
aiding the rebellion and for
seizure of arms secreted for
its use. Camp equipage was
supplied May 25th, when the regiment marched through Baltimore and occupied an unfin-
ished asylum near Catonsville. The tents were at hand, when ordered thence to Franklin-
town, on May 29th. It did picket duty on the roads leading West from Baltimore and
intercepted many recruits for the Rebel army at Harper's Ferry. On June 3d it joined the
troops gathering at Chambersburg and was assigned to the Second Brigade, Second Divi-
sion, of the army of General Robert Patterson, whose Adjutant General was Fitz John
Porter. Company and field drill occupied its time closely here, in which the companies
and regiment were making rapid strides toward proficiency, and a few days later it left
for camp near Funkstown, where, through a false alarm, it had the surprise of a hurried
midnight march to Williamsport on the Potomac. It returned to Funkstown on the fol-
DAM," ON THE BUSHKILL.
236 THE HISTORY OF
lowing day, and then for the first time was properly uniformed. Before this the men had
suffered for the want of adequate clothing, although its need had been greatly relieved by
the partial supply sent by kind friends at Easton.
The regiment was ordered on June 21 to Frederick, and arrived there the day follow-
ing and reported to Governor Hicks. A pleasant stay of about two weeks was made in the
fair ground here, improved by daily drills, varied by a joyous Fourth of July, and made
memorable by the kind attention of citizens — particularly the Rev. Dr. George Diehl and
family, former residents of Easton.
On July 8, 1861, after a return march through Boonsboro, and a night encampment
on Kennedv's farm, and after fording the Potomac at Williamsport, it advanced to Falling
Waters and joined the balance of the division of General Patterson at Martinsburg, where
the following order was received :
"Headquarters, Department of Penxsvlvaxia.
"To Col. Samuel Yohc, Comvianding First Peniia. J'oluntecrs.
"Dear Sir : I am iustrucfled by the Commanding General to say that your regiment
has been selected to garrison this important post, on account of the confidence reposed in
the administrative qualities of the Commander and the heretofore good condu(5l of the reg-
iment, which gives assurance of the safety of the depot, and that the inhabitants will be
protected, and many now opposed to us made friends of, while the lukewann will be
strengthened in their feelings.
" I am sir, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
"F. J. Porter, A. A. G."
Martinsburg was now a base of supplies and an important station. On July 14, Gen-
eral Patterson moved his division towards Bunker Hill, and two days later the First Penn-
sylvania rejoined it at Charlestown, w^hither it had convo}ed a heavy ammunition train. It
w-as here supplied with ten days' cooked rations on Jul}- 17, and put in light marching
order, ready for a forward movement, which unfortunately was not ordered. During the
days following, until July 21, when Bull Run was fought, already beyond the time for
muster out, the volunteers were under arms, anxious for the advance which was to pre-
vent the rebel General Johnston from reinforcing Beauregard at Manassas. But while Pat-
terson was halting Johnston was marching, and on July 21, when the latter had joined the
main rebel army and had turned defeat into victor)-, our volunteers, to their surprise, were
ordered to move to Harper's Ferry. The regiment marched on the 23d to Sandy Hook,
and on the same evening took train for Harrisburg, where the men were honorably dis-
charged and mustered out of service.
Bates' History of the Pennsylvania \'olunteers, from which we have freely drawn,
closes the account of the regiment, as follows :
"During the time that the regiment was in service it did not participate in any bat-
tles ; but its timely arrival in the field accomplished much good by checking any rash
movement on the part of rebels in arms along our borders. The duties it was called upon
to perform were faithfully done, and its good conducfl, under all circumstances, was ap-
preciated and acknowledged bv its superior officers."
E ASTON, PENN'A. 237
RECEPTION OF THE THREE MONTHS VOLUNTEERS.
Committees had been appointed to arrange for the reception of the volunteers upon
their return, and the arrival of the train conveying them from Harrisburg was announced
b}' signal guns fired upon Mount Jefierson on Tuesday, July 30, 1861. At one o'clock the
citizens began to pour into the streets, and South Third street soon became a dense mass
of human beings. Near two o'clock the procession headed by a large number of citizens,
and Pomp's Cornet Band, came across the Lehigh Bridge and marched through some of
the principal streets, amid the ringing of the bells of the churches, the Court House, and
acclamations of the people. Colonel Yohe, Lieut. Colonel Good, Paymaster Thomas* and
Major Glanz, mounted, preceded the companies, which marched in the following order :
Co. B, First Penna. Vol., Capt. Jacob Dachrodt.
Co. C, First Penna. Vol., Capt. William H. Armstrong.
Co. D, First Penna. Vol., Capt. Chas. A. Heckman.
Co. H, First Penna. Vol., Capt. Ferd. W. Bell.
Co. F, Ninth Penna. Vol., Capt. Richard A. GraeflFe.
The newspapers of the day report that the men looked sunburnt, dusty and fatigued
to such a degree that many could hardly be recognized. They were halted in the Square
and welcomed home in a neat and appropriate speech by E. J. Fox, Esq., to which Col.
Yohe replied in a few brief sentences, in which he said that Rebels could be conquered
only by treating them as all other enemies are treated in war. He concluded by thanking
the soldiers for their good condudl. Bountiful collations were spread at the Masonic Hall
and the armories.
The reception was not unmixed with sadness, for disease — more dreaded by soldiers
than the dangers of the battle-field — had detained some. One young man,. William Wil-
king, had died at Harrisburg while the regiment was preparing to return. Almost the
whole of this command saw more adlive service in later organizations.
Within a few weeks the fatal fevers of the camp had taken away Benjamin F. Moyer,
John Lerch, Henry W. Wilking, George W. Sigman, John W. Bowman, Alexander W.
Hoyt, Edmund Shouse, Edwin Housel and Lieutenant James F. Thompson. None had
arrived at middle age, most were barely in their majority, and one, Lieutenant Thompson,
some months short of his, a son of W. H. Thompson, Esq., was of exceptional promise, and
in his brief service, led all to predicfT; for his ability and soldierly qualities a brilliant career.
RIOTOUS OUTBREAK.
The war feeling had now become intense. The disastrous defeat at Bull Run height-
ened, rather than depressed the patriotism of the volunteers, and the}- were restive under
the covert rejoicing and ill-timed remarks of alleged sympathizers with secession.
On Monday night, August 19, 1861, this excitement resulted in a riotous outbreak.
A speech, received as partisan and inflammatory, and denunciatory of the war, delivered
in the afternoon, was the immediate cause. The mob, in the form of a large procession,
moved up South Third street about half-past nine o'clock, led by old soldiers, some of
them intoxicated, and called upon prominent citizens in different parts of the town, whose
*NoTE.— This officer had been chosen as Regimental Paymaster, but the office being abolished, he remained
with the command, without pay, and rendered efficient service throughout the campaign.
238 THE HISTORY OF
loyalty they suspetted, to make patriotic speeches and exhibit the stars and stripes. The
speeches were made and the flags produced, when the latter could be had, for most part
in good humor. No violence was done save at a printing office on South Third street,
which was torn out and its type and printing material thrown into the street, and at a later
hour burned. An attack was made upon another printing office on Northampton street,
but further damage, here and at private residences, was prevented by the interference of prom-
inent patriotic citizens who lost no time in their effi)rts to control the mob.
A large crowd moving to martial music was halted at the Square on the following
evening by citizens who called upon Governor A. H. Reeder to speak to it. In a well-
timed and well-received speech he exhorted all to return to their homes and commit no
violence. With cheers for the Union the crowd slowly dispersed.
This was the first and most violent outbreak in Easton during the war. It was depre-
cated by all good citizens of all parties, who believed that the cause of liberty for which
they were battling could not be furthered by lawless license, and that of all tyrannies that
of the mob is the worst. At the same time all impartial persons, looking back upon the
taunts flung at men making ever\- sacrifice to maintain the integrity of the Republic, must
now admit, that there was quite as much cause for this outbreak, as for those against the
toriesof the Revolution, which have been staple texts for Fourth of July speeches.
RECRUITING IN EASTON.
But duty called volunteers to the field and recruiting for various commands was car-
ried on briskly during the summer and fall of 1861. Captain Ferdinand W. Bell, long
prominent in military circles in the borough, and a most accomplished officer, and Lieut.
Charles H. Yard, both members of the First Penna. Vols., opened recruiting lists for three
years or during the war, in the month of August. During the month of September arri-
vals are reported of soldiers at Camp Washington to join a regiment of which Col. James
Miller was to take command. Capt. Richard A. Graeffe, who had seen some years' service
in the United States Regular Army prior to his three months' campaign, was also engaged
in recruiting a company.
Capt. F. W. Bell on Saturday, September 14, 1861, left for Harrisburg with forty vol-
unteers. Twenty others had gone on the preceding Tuesday. This departure was made the
more memorable by the music of a band recruited by the diredlor of Pomp's Comet Band
and well-known composer, Thomas Coates, Esq., for the Forty-seventh Penna. \'olun-
teers. It numbered twenty-one men — all but two or three of the favorite Pomp's Band —
and as it led the column to the music of "Dixie," hundreds of our citizens kept step to
the air, regretting the loss of the famous baud to the borough, but cheering its patriotic
mission.
SEYMOUR'S BATTERY.
A battery of distinguished fame during the war was about this time recruited in Eas-
ton by Capt. Truman Seymour, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 1861. Many of these recruits had
seen ser\'ice in the three months' campaign, and the contrast, at this time, between the
complete appointments of the regulars and the uncertain equipment of the volunteers may
have helped enlistments. At all events Easton gave that worthy commander a worthy
body of men. More than forty men left Easton under Captain Seymour's command.
Their names were as follows :
E ASTON, PENN'A.
BATTERY C, FIFTH UNITED STATES ARTILLERY
(Men recruited at Easton.)
First Sergeants — ^James Simons, Frank Ginginger.
Second Sergeants— K. N. R. Ohl, William Lyons.
Sergeant — Edward Cook.
James I. Brodie. Bugler— \. R. Muller.
239
John Green.
Daniel Whitesell.
John Andrew,
William Howard,
Arthur Grimes,
Dennis Mcllheny,
James G. Fargo,
Martin Johnson,
David Tro.xell,
Herman Snyder,
James Duffy,
Milton Charles,
Samuel Emmons,
J. Mornssey,
J. F. Burghner,
C. H. Muller,
H. Hirth,
J. J. Carey,
F. Freyberger,
PRIVATES,
Edward Burke,
John H. Bixler,
Jacob Freyberger,
Samuel Vogel,
Andrew Muckley,
William Brader,
J.J. Gangwere,
John Serfass,
William Balliet,
John Fortner,
John Steiner,
W. Warner,
Ed. Lines,
S. Snyder,
G. E. DiehL
E. Galligan,
Ed. Balliet,
Sergeant — George B. Green.
" William Lynes.
tor/>ora/— Francis Mowery.
" William Naylor.
William Houck.
" John Schoen.
Peter Stone,
Charles Green,
George Sigenthall,
John Dachrodt,
Samuel S. Lesher,
David Ensley,
Thomas K. Lesher,
Simon Reed,
William Davenport,
Charles Kriche,
Edward Luker.
Captain Truman Seymour was a graduate of West Point, had served with honorable
mention throughout the Mexican War, and was one of the heroic band with General An-
derson at the bombardment of Fort Sumter. While in service in Mexico he had formed
the acquaintance of Mr. E. N. R. Ohl, of Easton, through whom he learned, in 1861, that
Easton would be a good recruiting station for a battery, which he had authority to raise,
to serve in the war of the Rebellion, He opened a recruiting office in the south-east cor-
ner of Centre Square and engaged E. N. R. Ohl as an assistant. The men were sworn
into service by Samuel Moore, Esq., J. P., and upon arrival at Harrisburg, received their
equipment. The battery numbered 138 men, and the armament consisted of six twelve-
pound brass Napoleon guns. The winter of 1861 was spent in Harrisburg in constant
drill, and it joined the Army of the Potomac in the latter part of March, 1862, one of the
most efficient batteries in the service, as will be seen when we refer hereafter to its long
roll of hard-fought battles.
Every few days, say the borough papers of the time, officers were taking from ten to
twenty men to Harrisburg. Capt. David Schortz and Lieutenant Albert N. ,Seip were
busily engaged in recruiting a cavalry company during this month of September. On Mon-
day, Oct. 14, they left with forty men for Camp Curtin and added to their number largely a
few days later. Col. Miller's regiment, eight hundred strong, had left Camp Washington
the week before. This regiment contained many three months men. It was known as the
Eighty-first Penna. Vols., and took part in many hard-fought engagements, as will appear
in our further reference to its long and honorable record.
During the winter of 1861-2, while recruiting continued a6live in our borough, the
ladies of Easton were busy in preparing many articles for the comfort of the sick and
wounded soldiers. Clothing of all kinds was made up and sent to Washington for distribu-
tion among the different hospitals.
WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, 1862, AND NOTES OF VOLUNTEERS.
An unusually earnest celebration of Washington's birthday was had Feb. 22, 1862.
At the Third Street Reformed Church in the forenoon there was a general meeting of the
clergy and citizens. Prayers were offered by Revs. John Gray and B. Sadtler, and the im-
240
THE HISTORY OF
mortal Farewell Address was read by Hon. A. H. Reeder. Cannon firing from Mt. Jeffer-
son continued throughout the day. In the evening many buildings, including the College,
were brilliantly illuminated, and rockets whizzed and bonfires blazed in the streets which
were filled with people. It attested the earnestness of the masses for the maintenance of
the Union. The events of the war had now in some measure lost their novelty, but the
spirit of this celebration, the active recruiting, the many organizations for the comfort of
our volunteers, all proved the ready determination of our people for its serious work.
OVATION TO CHARLES A. HECKMAN, COLONEL OF NINTH N. J. VOLUNTEERS.
A large number of citizens on March 31, 1862, through their spokesman, E. J. Fox,
Esq., extended a hearty welcome to Col. Charles A. Heckman, late Captain of the First
Penna. Vols., and then of the Ninth N. J. Vols., at the American Hotel, and in the even-
ing tendered him a banquet at the National Hotel. The Colonel's promotion was well
earned, and his regiment performed gallant service.
We note with pleasure the further promotion of this gallant ofiBcer (although since his volunteering with
the three months men he has been a resident of New Jersey) to Brigadier General and Major General by brevet,
the just reward of distinguished
military services, dating from
the Mexican War, and closing
with the well-fought battles of
the Army of the Potomac. The
annexed extracft is from the First
Reunion pamphlet of the Ninth
New Jersey Volunteers : " Chas.
A. Heckman was born at Eas-
ton, Pennsylvania, December 3,
1822, and commenced his bril-
liant military career during the
war with Mexico, in which as
First Sergeant of Company H,
First United States Voltiguers,
he took part in most of the bat-
tles. Returning to his home at
Phillipsburg, this state, his pres-
ent place of residence, he accept-
ed a conductorship on the Cen-
tral Railroad, which position he
filled with great acceptability to
the company until the rebellion
broke out, when he raised a com-
pany, which was assigned to the
First Pennsylvania Regiment.
At the end of the campaign, his
1864, General Heckman relieved Gen. Getty
command was mustered out,
when, at the urgent solicitation
of Governor Olden, he accepted
the majority of the New Jersey
Ninth. Foster, in his 'New Jer-
sey- and the Rebellion,' says:
' Heckman at once became con-
spicuous as a soldier of the high-
est accomplishments. Perhaps,
no general ever behaved with
greater gallantry in acT;ion than
he. He was, as truly as any man
that ever lived, insensible to fear.
During the whole period of his
service, he was never once found
in any other position than at the
head of his columns.' Often
was his apparel perforated bj'
bullets. He escaped death so
frequently that his men believed
he bore a charmed life, and fol-
lowed him more cheerfully to
the ven,- jaws of death. The
men of the Ninth won for him
a star in their six days' terrible
fighting on the Goldsboro' ex-
pedition, in December, 1862. In
the command of 20,000 troops defending the approaches to Norfolk.
The general was captured at the desperate battle of Drury's Bluff, May 16, 1864, and confined in various prison-
pens until late in the summer, when he was exchanged. He was heartily welcomed by General Butler, who
gave him command of the second divnsion of the Eighteenth army corps, with which he captured Fort Harri-
son (two thousand Confederates and four pieces of artiller}- being the fruits of his brilliant victory) for which he
was complimented by General Grant. In the spring of 1865 he became commander of the Twenty-fifth corps,
which he moulded into an efifecftive command. In May, 1S65, General Heckman resigned, having previously
been commissioned a major-general by brevet. He possessed a magnificent voice, whose clarion-like notes were
often heard above the roar of battle. Despite his apparent love of war, he had a passion for music, his flute
being scarcelv less dear to him than his sword.''
ist P V Br M.1
»m War Photograph.)
Gen Vol
E ASTON, PENN'A.
24]
LIEUTENANTS REEDER AND W^'CKOFF WOUNDED.
In April, 1862, Lieut. Howard J. Reeder, son of Hon. A. H. Reeder, and Lieut. Wal-
ter Wyckoff, son of Dr. Isaac C. WyckofT, both of the U. S. Army, returned home upon
furloughs, both being disabled by wounds, — the former at New Madrid and the latter at
Pittsburg Landing. The elder brother of Lieut. Reeder, George M. Reeder, had joined
the First Kansas Volunteers as private and was promoted to a captaincy. Their names,
with that of a younger brother, Frank Reeder, also in service, will again appear in con-
ne<5lion with their respe(5live commands.
FUNERAL OF COL. JAMES MILLER, EIGHTY-FIRST PENNA. VOLS.
The body of Col. James Miller, who fell while gallantly leading his regiment, the
Eighty-first Penna. Vols., at the battle of Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862, was received in New
York by a committee of Eastonians appointed for that purpose.* Easton lamented him
dead as she had cheered him when in strong life he left her camp for the battlefield with
his brave command. The military procession at his funeral, June 11, 1862, consisted of
one cavalry and three infantry companies. It was much increased by the Odd Fellows,
Order of United American Mechanics, students of Lafayette College, many citizens on foot,
and a large number of carriages filled with relatives and friends. After marching through
several streets a halt was made at the Brainerd Church, where, after a sermon by Rev. W.
C. Cattell, the remains were escorted to the cemetery for interment.
During service with this regiment, H. Boyd McKeen, promoted from Major to Colonel,
was wounded at Malvern Hill, at Fredericksburg, and at Chancellorsville, and was killed
at Cold Harbor while heading the brigade in a desperate charge. He was a son of Henry
McKeen, Esq., and well known in Easton. Another son, long a resident of South Easton,
William M. McKeen, First Lieutenant, Co. K, One Hundred and Eighteenth Penna. Vols. ,
was severely wounded at Shepherdstown, Va., Sept. 20, 1864.
* This regiment, as has been stated, was recruited at Camp Washington, and many men from the borough of
South Easton, with some few from Easton were in its ranks, but not in a separate company organization. Its
Colonel was born in Antrim, Ireland, in April 1 823, and emigrated to America in 1 834, settling in what is now Carbon
County, but then part of Northampton. At the outbreak of the Mexican War he was a jeweler in Mauch Chunk,
and was made Captain of a company of volunteers raised in that place, and with it was mustered into the United
States service as part of the Second Regiment Penna. Volunteers. He took distinguished part in the most
prominent battles of that war, and while storming the heights of Chapultepec was severely wounded in the arm,
notwithstanding which, with his arm in a sling, he marched at the head of his company in the triumphal entry
of the army into the City of Mexico.
He was in business in New York City when called to the command of the Eighty-first Penna. Volunteers,
upon the recommendation of prominent citizens, of whom Edward J. Fox, Esq., was most adlive. It was a
worthy appointment and the regiment was ably commanded and faithfully led until his death, which took place
at the battle of Fair Oaks through his mistaking a rebel regiment in his front for Union troops. Clad in stolen
blue, they had emerged by the flank from a wood in his front, and upon his hail "What regiment is that?"
they faced to the front, and at short range, delivered a volley, by which he fell, shot through the heart, and
many of his command were killed and wounded. In the years of hard service following, until the surrender at
Appomatox, Col. Miller's name was a rallying cry in many a well-fought fight.
In a public address Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard, while referring to the Pennsylvania Volunteers under his
command, paid a warm and deserved tribute to his service and gallantry. An obituary in a leading NewY'ork
paper said "He was not only a true soldier and faithful officer, ever seeking the good of his men, physically
and morally striving to make them a regiment to be trusted in the day of battle, but he was a faithful Christian,
a true soldier of Jesus Christ, as energetic a hero under the banner of the Cross as he was under the banner of
his country."
After funeral obsequies in New York, in which the body lay in state in City Hall, and was escorted by the
Twelfth Regiment National Guards, N. Y., to the ferry, it was delivered to the Easton committee.
242 THE HISTORY OF
PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND PATRIOTIC WORK.
Besides the substantial comfort provided for the volunteers by the Ladies' Aid Society
from time to time, almost all of the public schools of the borough at the close of their
term in June 1862, made up boxes filled with articles suitable for sick and wounded sol-
diers. The children were, from the outbreak of the war, schooled in practical lessons of
patriotism.
SEYMOUR'S BATTERY.
An hiteresting War Letter.
The following note from Edward J. Fox, Esq., was published in the "Daily Express"
of July 15, 1862. It accompanied the letter of Lieutenant Scott, which we also give :
Editor Express : I received on Friday a letter from General Truman Seymour, who is, since the capture
of General McCall, commanding the di\-ision of Pennsylvania Reserv'es, and who was in all the recent battles
near Richmond, but escaped unharmed, as his many friends here will rejoice to leani. He sends me a letter
from Lieut. Scott, who, since the wounding of Capt. Dehart, is in command of Battery C, Fifth Artillen.-, the
Batterj- raised by General (then Captain) Seymour. Speaking of the men in the Battery from Easton and
vicinitv, General Sevmoursa3S : "That they could do well we all knew ; that none would have behaved more
gallanth', may well now be asserted." He gives me permission to make Lieut. Scott's letter public, saying that
it will gratif}- many of the Easton people to be assured that their friends bore a prominent and honorable part in
these terrible encounters. E. J. F.
Camp near James River, June 7, 1862.
General : An answer to your inquiry respecting the Easton men of our battery during the recent engage-
ment would be easy, were it not that to make a distinction in the case of any would be invidious if not unjust,
where all did so well. To answer then for all — they did nobly, and I wish it was in my power to express in
words the coolness and intrepidity they showed in deeds. Of course during tlie excitement of an action
my eye could not have been upon all. I can therefore speak onh' of those under my immediate command, ad-
ding such items concerning others as I have since obtained from my brother officers.
Searfoss was the first victim chosen from among us. He was acting as No. 6 to my right piece, and was in
the act of cutting the fuse of a shell when struck by a round shot below the left knee. We were under a ven.-
heavy fire from three batteries at the time, and it was some time before he could be carried from the field. He
expired in a few hours after being taken to the hospital, and in him the battery lost a good soldier and a good
man. This occurred during the first engagement, June 26, and was the sole casualty of that action. In the
action of Gaine s Mill on the following day the batter}- suffered severely. Sergeant Brodie, the chief of my left
piece, paid the penalty of his almost rash bravery, by receiving a wound in his knee. He was struck almost as
soon as we had come into battery and before the firing commenced. He reached Savage's Station, where he
was no doubt taken prisoner a few days afterward. The courage he displayed deserves especial mention, as did
also that of Sergeant Ginginger, who was shot through tlie body in the same action. On the retreat he came
along side of me, and noticing that he swayed unsteadily in his saddle, I called to him, asking if he was hit and
telling him to keep by my side. He made no reply, but urged on his horse and was soon lost in the crowd. He
died, I think, on Sunday, at Savage's Station. I made an effort to see him but failed. He was remarkable for
the energT,- and thoroughness with which he accomplished whatever he put his hand to, and in his death the
battery met with a great loss.
Corporal Hauck was chief of caisson, and when struck was attending to his duties in serving out ammuni-
tion. He was shot in the breast and in the thigh and fell immediately. An effort was made to get him off the
field, but it was unsuccessful. Sergeant Cook attempted to get him on his horse, but at that moment the horse
was shot and the Corporal had to be abandoned. The horse carried the Sergeant off the field and they fell,
pierced in six places The Sergeant himself escaped after doing his duty nobly to the last minute, unhurt, but
carrying off a memorial hole through his blouse. Corporal Hauck was a man of quiet, modest demeanor, who
gave great promise as a soldier.
Naylor was acting as No. i to Sergeant Cook's piece, and was killed at his post while fighting bravely.
You will recollect him the more particularly from the service he rendered you when the battery was under your
command. The manner of his death verified your high estimate of his charaiter.
Corporal Carey, gunner to Sergeant Cook's ])iece was struck in the shoulder while unfixing the prolonge
E ASTON, PENN'A. 243
by a buck-shot. I am happy to say he is still with us, that his wound is doing well, and that he will soon re-
turn to service.
Of those immediately under my command I cannot speak too well. The two Balliets, Corporal Brader
Simons, Gangwere, Galligan, Shane, Mowry, Grimes — in faifl all stood up to their work more than like men
Simons and Gangwere you will recolle<ft as the lead drivers of my pieces. Though in a most exposed situation
and with no atlive dut^- to draw their attention from the scene around them, like men thoroughly in earnest
they found for themselves something to do in reporting the effeft of the different shots, not discernible by us
and when the smoke became so packed in front of the guns as to cut off the view entirely, these men stood up
in their stirrups aud cheered on the cannoniers till the last shot was fired. Corporal Brader acted as chief of
piece after Sergeant Brodie was shot, and filled his place well. He was well sustained by Galligan, the No. i of
the piece. Corporals Lines, Muller, Green, Reed, and privates Whitesell, the brothers Green and Andrews, have
won from their commander the highest praises, and others of whom I have heard, but the multiplicity of whose
names prevents any mention of them, have carried their share of the encomiums which public opinion seems to
have given the battery. In faifl, sir, I find it impossible to mention one without doing injustice by my silence
to another. All did well — not one flinched or wavered, or made the first motion towards retreating till they
were ordered to do so, and then they stuck by their pieces. That I have not mentioned other names is no rea-
son that they are not deserving of mention. On the contrary there is not one of whom his State and town can-
not be proud. I cannot close without mentioning the refreshing coolness of Bugler Reeder Muller on that warm
day. The youngest member of the battery, he was not surpassed in courage by the eldest, and followed the
Captain hither and thither with the same nonchalance with which he had often followed you on the drill
ground.
In conclusion, let me congratulate you sir, upon the good effecftsofthe discipline you enforced when in
command of this batterj-. With education a good beginning makes a good ending. These men received their
first start in their military life from you, and to vou is due in a great measure the satisfaftory results.
In the hope, sir, that our deeds have been as satisfaAory to you as your commendation has been pleasing to
us, I remam. Your obedient servant, E- G. ScoTT,
Lieut. Commanding Battery C, Fifth Artillery, U. S. A.
For convenience of reference we continue here briefly our account of the full and faith-
ful services of this body of Eastonians.
After the fearful fighting on the Peninsula, the battery went with the Army of the
Potomac on its northward march in pursuit of Lee, and took part in Second Bull Run,
South Mountain and Antietam, which latter fight it opened by a cannonade upon the rebel
Washington Artillery on the night of September 16. In the defeats of Fredericksburg
and Chancellorsville it did its duty, and in the victory of Gettysburg, which gave the nation
so glorious a Fourth of July for 1863, it rendered prominent service, and was highly com-
plimented in general orders.* During the draft riots of 1863, in the City of New York,
the battery was ordered there and stationed in City Hall Park, and remained on duty until
quiet was restored. It was in the terrible battles of the Wilderness, and closed its fighting
at Appomatox. It was subsequently ordered to Fortress Monroe, and performed guard
duty over the prison in which Jefferson Davis was confined. At the expiration of its term
of enlistment the men returned to Easton and received the congratulations of the citizens
for patriotic duty faithfully performed.
*NoTE.— Sergeant James Simons, in a report of the position of the place of death of the rebel General Ar-
mistead upon the field of Gettysburg, in the Daily Free Press of April 22, 1SS7, states : "The fight went on, and
a few minutes after when the wind shifted the smoke, I saw General Armistead lying right out from my gun and
from Cushing's guns. I sent Samuel S. Lesher and John J. Gangwere, of Easton, and a man named Thomas
Brannon from New York State, to bring the General in. * * * Onr battery was located next to Cushing's
battery, right behind the stone wall. * * * When they carried General Armistead in the lines he thanked
them, and said ' I did not expe(5l to receive such kind treatment from your hands.' Those are believed to be
his last words. He was placed on a stretcher, carried down the hill back of our guns, and there died. Our com-
mander. Captain Weir, gave me the order to send out men to bring in the General."
244 ^^^ HISTORY OF
EASTONIAXS WITH BATTERY C, FIFTH U. S. A., WHO FELL IX BATTLE.
Sergeant Frank Ginginger, Sergeant Edward Brader, Corporal William Naylor, Cor-
poral Francis Mowery, Corporal William Houck, John Andrews, John Serfass, William
Howard, Thomas Morrisey. Besides the killed there were about twenty-five wounded.
"we are coming, father ABRAHAM, THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND MORE."
In July, 1862, five different recruiting offices were opened in Easton. The heavy de-
pletion of Union ranks consequent upon the severe fighting of the Peninsular campaign,
demanded prompt supplies of men. The local prints were full of reports of Eastonians
killed and wounded in service, but the call of the President for three hundred thousand
nine months' men met with ready response. On Monday evening, July 11, 1862, the
date of the Governor's proclamation. Masonic Hall (the old Court House had by this time
been torn down) was crowded to its utmost capacity. Col. Samuel Yohe presided, assisted
by the following Vice Presidents : Samuel Moore, James McKeen, James Dinkey, Derrick
Hulick, John Abel, Jr., Thomas T. Miller, Frederick Seitz, John Eyerman, Major Charles
Glanz, Max Gress, Thomas Bishop, Thomas J. Hay, Major Thos. W. Lynn, Owen Reich,
William Firmstone, James Kidd, Edward Ouinn, George G. Zane, James Young.
Secretaries — C. Edward Hecht, Wilson Hildebraud, Jacob Dachrodt, J. I. Kinsey,
E. Rockwell.
Hon. H. D. Maxwell offered the following resolutions, which were seconded by ]\I.
Hale Jones, Esq., and unanimously adopted.
The preamble sets forth the nature of the Rebellion, which, after fifteen months of
desperate struggle was then calling into service the entire male population of the Confed-
erate States, between the ages of eighteen and sixty years, capable of bearing arms, and that
the President of the United States, ever mindful of the best interests of the Republic, had
called for three hundred thousand more men for the field to reinforce the armies of the
Repiiblic ; that the existence of the great Republic, the prosperity and happiness of its
people, the preservation of the precious free institutions handed down to us by Revolu-
tionary sires, and the continuance of the best Government the world has ever seen, with
all its rich benefits and blessings for us and our posterit}', depended iipon our success in
this great contest.
Resolved, That we, the citizens of Easton, South Easton and -s-icinity, again assembled to consult as to our
duty to the Government and Nation in this matter, do hereby solemnly reaffirm the resolutions passed in mass
meeting in this borough on April 13, 1861, the day the news reached us of the attack upon Fort Sumter.
Resolved, further. That we again, now, here tender to the Government our hearty earnest self-sacrificing
co-operation and support, and renewedly pledge ourselves, collectively and indi\-idually, to do all in our power
to aid the Government in the overthrow of this wicked Rebellion.
Resolved, That we feel and appreciate the magnitude of the undertaking and the greatness of the work now
devolved upon the loyal people of these United States. We know that we are engaged in a fearful war with an
almost savage enemy ; that blinded, infuriated and desperate, through the machinations of desperate dema-
gogues, our foes will not succumb, will not cease their hostility or abandon their revolt, until conquered, over-
thrown and subdued ; that they have gathered themselves up with relentless venom and bitter hate, and are de-
termined to withhold no means, stop at no measures and hesitate at no adt, heathenish, barbarous or devilish, to
attain their end.
Resolved, That in full view and conscious of the great work before us, we accept the issue. We feel that
we are fighting for good government, law, order, progress, truth, civilization, humanity and religion ; for all
that is dear and cherished by civilized men ; while our foes are struggling for power, rule, darkness and
" I
246 THE HISTORY OF
oppression. We feel that the manhood of twenty-two millions of free people will never permit the glorious tem-
ple of their liberties to be overthrown and cast down by a quarter of their number of rebel traitors, in arms to
destroy it.
Judge Maxwell accompanied the resolutions with a patriotic address, in which he
invoked all to use every means God had given them to assist in putting down the rebel-
lion. He said that those who were unable to go to the war themselves could give it their
moral and financial help ; every one male and female could do something.
Earnest and effective speeches were also made by Edgar F. Randolph, Esq., O. H.
Meyers, Esq., Capt. Wm. H. Armstrong, and Hon. Philip Johnson, and the following
committees appointed to devise means for raising volunteers :
Bnshkill Ward—Yi. D. Maxwell, Peter F. Eilenberger, Edward J. Fox, Edgar F.
Randolph, McEvers Forman.
Lehigh Ward — Charles Seitz, Daniel Black, David Garis, Henry S. Troxell, William
H. Lawall.
West Ward — Thomas Deshler, William Haniman, Jacob Rinek, Christian Take,
Thomas Bishop.
Sotith Eastoii — Emanuel R. Shilling, Egbert Rockwell, Thomas L. McKeen, George
G. Zane, James Young.
Patriotic excitement ran high. Recruiting lists, opened at the law office of W. H.
Armstrong, Esq., on North Third street, were speedily filled with names of over four
hundred men. These men, for the larger part, entered the 129th Regiment Penns>lva-
nia Volunteers, of which Jacob G. Frick, late Lieutenant Colonel 96th Penna. \'ols., of
Schuylkill county, became Colonel, and William H. Armstrong, Esq., of the Xorthamp-
ton county bar, late Captain Company C, ist Penna. Vols., Lieutenant Colonel.
ACTION OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY TO AVOID THE DRAFT.
Under the schedule of apportionment appended to the proclamation of the Governor
three companies were expected from the county of Northampton. To fill up this quota
a county meeting was called to be held at Nazareth on Saturday, July 26, 1862. It was
largely attended, and a prominent part in its proceedings was taken by citizens of Easton.
The handbill announcing the meeting stated that the boroughs and towns of the county
had thus far contributed most of the men and means, and that additional bounty and
inducements were imperatively needed to procure these volunteers and thus obviate a
draft.
In pursuance of action then had, a meeting was held at the Court House in Easton on
the Monday following (July 28), at which committees were appointed to induce citizens
to take the bonds, aggregating thirty thousand dollars, of fifty dollars each, to be issued
by the County Commissioners. The committeemen from Easton were :
Btishkill //'r?;v/— Samuel Boileau, C. E. Hecht.
West Ward—]o\\\\ Stotzer, Robert C. P>le.
Lehigh Ward—V>a\\^ Garis, Henry S. Troxell.
This was the origin of the 153d Regiment Penna. Volunteers, of which Cliarles
Glanz became Colonel and Jacob Dachrodt, Lieutenant Colonel, John F. Frueauff, Major,
and Howard J. Reeder, Adjutant. All of these officers were from Easton, as were also
many of the company officers and privates.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
247
DEPARTURE OF VOLUNTEERS FOR THE 129TH PENNA. REGIMENT.
Two companies of the volunteers raised at the office of Captain Wm. H. Armstrong
left for Camp Curtin on the morning of Friday, August 8, 1862, under command respec-
tively of Captain John Stonebach and Captain Herbert Thomas, and were followed upon
the next day by the company of Captain David Eckar. The 129th Regiment P. V., of
which they formed part, was organized and mustered into service August 15, 1862.
MUSTER ROLLS OF EASTON COMPANIES, 129TH PENNA. VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY D.
Captains — Herbert Thomas.
" George L. Fried.
Lieutenants — William H. Weaver,
Joseph Oliver,
Charles P. Arnold.
Sergeants — Hiram Hanlcey,
" Henry Huber,
" Henry Gangwere,
" Jeremiah Bachman,
Solon C. Phillippe.
Reuben Albert,
Edward Alsfelt,
Charles Barnet,
Charles Broad,
Richard Brinker,
Burton Burrell,
Joel Bauer,
John H. Buckley,
George Bidwell,
Charles F. Chidsey,
Uriah Clayton,
Charles Correll,
Samuel D. Crawford,
William H. Cornell,
Arthur Davis,
C. Dittler,
John Dittler,
Paul Danner,
Albert Drinkhouse,
Lewis H. Eckert,
John Eveland,
Theodore Eveland,
James Fraunfelter,
Jacob Haup,
Wm. H. Hagenbuch,
James W. Heller,
Henrv Herger,
PRIVATES.
Amos Hinkle,
Luther Horn,
Martin L. Horn,
Aaron D. Hope, Jr.,
Michael Herger,
Erwin Hartzell,
Robert Jamison,
Frank Keller,
Peter J. Keime,
William H. Kinnev,
Henry Kline,
William H. Kline,
Richard Knauss,
Aaron F. Knauss,
John Levan,
George Lewis,
Benjamin A. Loder,
George H. Ludwig,
Thomas Malcolm,
William Miller,
Joseph H. Moyer,
John Murray,
Mathew McAlee,
George Oberly,
J. F. Osterstock,
Mahlon Raub,
Francis B. Ruth,
COMPANY F.
Captain — David Eckar.
First Lieutenant— PhWip Reese.
Second Lieutenant — Josephus Lynn.
Jnrst Sergeant — David Bless.
Sergeants — William Hartzell,
Peter M. Miller,
" Lewis Keis,
" Elisha Dunbar,
" O. H. Armstrong.
Corporals — Peter S. Stem,
<ror/>ora/i— Charles Able,
" Reuben Lerch,
" Charles M. Ludwig,
William N. Scott,
" Adam A. Lehn,
Frederick C. Mattes,
" Isaac Fine, Jr.,
Howard R. Hetrich.
Musicians— YAi^ix Campbell,
John P. Speer.
John C. Richards,
Joseph P. Rudy,
John Schwab,
John Shaffer,
Jacob Shewell,
Ernest Shnyder,
John Shawda,
Edwin Shnyder,
James S. Sigman,
Samuel Stern, Jr.,
Edwin Swift,
George N. Spear,
B. R. Swift,
George W. Thatcher,
Albert T. Tilton,
William Tomer,
Frank Tomer,
Amos C. Uhler,
William H.Unangst,
Samuel Weaver,
James Weaver,
Peter S. Williams,
Samuel S. Williams,
George Wolf,
Anthony Wagner,
Edward Wilson.
ror/>o>-a/i— William Atten,
Otto Wohlgemuth,
" Francis Wipler,
Jacob H. Kline,
" John Greenaugh,
" Lorenzo Reimal,
" Stephen Brotzman,
" Josiah Transue.
Musician — Alpheus Frey.
248
THE HISTORY OF
Peter Aten,
Samuel Adams,
John J. Allen,
Derick Aten,
Jeremiah Albert,
David H. Bruce,
Har. Bartholomew,
Samuel Bidleman,
James Bowman,
John H. Butts,
Jacob Bidleman.
John Bangor,
John Banhart,
Enos Dunbar.
William Eckar.
Robert Ellet,
William H. Fuhr,
William Frick.
Charles Fo.x.
William Frey,
David Frankenfield,
Edw. Fraunfelder.
Joseph Geisinger,
William Gosner,
Andrew Hoffman,
Captain — John Stonebach.
Lieutenants — Augustus F. Heller,
Henry Mellick.
Sergeants — Alvin M. Meeker,
" George E. Hutman,
" Horace W. Snyder,
" Tilghman Brong.
" Herman Alsover,
" Henry L. Arndt.
Corporals — George Schooley,
" George W. Wagner,
PRIVATES.
Robert B. Hill,
Edmund Hibler,
Henry Hunsberger,
Jeremiah Hellick,
Richard Hahn,
Simon Knoble,
John Kresler,
Joseph Kocher.
Thomas Kelly,
Jacob E. Long,
Theodore Labar,
Aaron J. Lambert,
William Lay,
Aaron Miller,
John Mover,
Levi H. Mann,
Alfred Myers,
John M'Ginis,
John W. M'Cracken,
John Xolf,
Peter Ott,
Thomas Powe,
Thomas Rewurk,
Hiram Robert,
COMPANY K.
James P. Buck,
J. J. S. Bonstein.
A. Buckman,
James R. Bryson,
James Bowman,
Henry E. Burcaw,
D. A. Beidleman,
John Blass,
Samuel D. Cortright,
John DeHart,
John Durand,
James Derr.
Elias Fritchman,
George Fenicle,
Charles Godlev.
John J. Horn.
Wm. H. Harrison,
Wm. H. Hartzell.
William P. Horn,
John P. Hay,
Lewis Hartzell,
George W. Heckman,
William P. Innes,
Joseph Kichline,
Martin Kichline,
David Kutz,
Wm. H. Kutz,
PRIVATES.
Andrew J. Knauss,
Jacob Keinast,
August Keiter,
J. W. H. Knerr,
Edward Y. Kitchen,
Amandus Lerch,
Charles Lanning,
Owen J. Lerch,
Samuel Moyer,
Philip M. Metier,
James Mapp,
Justice McCarty,
William H. Omrod,
Napoleon Patier,
Jacob Paulus,
Martin Pohl,
John K. Quigley,
Robert Rolling,
J. W. Rodenbough,
William Roseberrv,
P. W. F. Randolph,
Charles H. Rhoads,
George W. Rice,
R. J. Ramsden,
Michael Rafferty,
J. G. Reichard,
Jacob Raub,
Christian Rice,
Christian H. Rice,
Edwin H. Rice,
James H. Stocker,
John Seip,
Thomas Sherer,
William Snyder,
Harrison Sciple,
Enos Shoch,
George Stocker,
Joseph W. Savitz,
William G. Sullivan,
Jacob A. Stocker,
Edward H. Transue,
William Trumbaur,
John J. Troch,
Josiah L'nangst,
Joseph Wheeler,
William Williams,
Robert Wagner.
William Wideman,
John Woodback,
John M. Wallace.
Samuel Watson.
Cor/iora/j— Herman H. Pohl.
James P. Tilton,
F. E. F.Randolph.
" Thomas Wagner,
" August Heiney,
" William Minnich,
Charles Diehl,
" George A. Simons,
Musicians— ]o\\n J. Bell,
Edward Roseberrv.
J. F. Reichard,
William Reichard,
William F. Roseberry,
Edward Ricker,
Henry Steinmetz,
George P. Steinmetz,
George E. Sciple,
William H. Smith,
J. Stocker,
Ed. Smith,
Benjamin Smith,
John P. B. Sloan,
Samuel Stoneback,
George \. Stern,
William Sletor,
Val. \'annorman,
W. H. Vannorman,
Joseph Woodring,
M. L. Werkheiser,
Thomas Weaver,
John D. Willauer,
Lewis Wilhelm.
Charles Wolf,
F. Willauer,
John A. Young,
Martin Young.
E AS TON, PENN'A. 249
DRAFT ORDERED IN THE COUNTY.
Detachments of recruits were now so frequently forwarded that their departure
created but little excitement. The streets resounded with martial music, and volunteer-
ing was continued by Captains John J. Horn, John E. Titus, John P. Ricker, and others.
It had not, however, been sufficiently brisk in the county to avoid the draft, and Peter F.
Eilenberger, Esq., was appointed Deputy Marshal for the county to make preparations
for drafting. In his list of deputies appear the following names for the wards of Easton :
Biishkill Ward — William Ricker, Isaac S. Eilenberger.
Lehigh Ward—SSI. N. Drake.
]l'cst Ward— John Bitters, Thomas W. Lynn.
It was estimated that Easton had at that time furnished about seven hundred men,
and would be exempted from a draft. W. H. Thompson, Esq., was appointed by the
Governor as Commissioner, to conduct the draft in the county, and on Monday, Septem-
ber 8, 1862, entered upon his duty of determining claims for exemption. With proper
credits for volunteers the county was deficient eleven hundred, somewhat more than a full
regiment.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR STATE DEFENSE.
Rebel invasion caused Governor Curtin to call for fifty thousand volunteers for the
defense of the State. On Thursday evening, September 11, 1862, a telegram was received
from the Governor requiring the volunteers as early as possible. At nine o'clock Judge
Maxwell read the order to a large gathering of citizens in the Square, and on Saturday
morning, September 13, two hundred and fifty able-bodied men left the borough for Har-
risburg, under command of Captains Brackinridge Clemens, Thomas W. Lynn and George
Finley. Enough men to fill the three companies to one hundred men each, followed on
the succeeding Monday morning. Augustus Patier, a patriotic Frenchman, and an
old resident of the borough, who had served under the first Napoleon, with his tri-colored
flag aloft, escorted the volunteers to the railroad depot. Upon their flanks hung mothers,
wives, and children, with large crowds of citizens generally, all the more apprehensive,
now that the foe was at their door ; and to meet him there were in the ranks many of the
older business men and heads of families. These men formed part of the Fifth Regiment
of what were called Militia or Emergency Men of 1862. Captain J. Brackinridge Clem-
ens was made Lieutenant Colonel, Melchior H. Horn, Major, and Edward D. Lawall,
Adjutant. The Fifth Regiment of Militia was organized September 11-13, 1862, and dis-
charged September 24-27, 1862. The muster roll of the Easton companies, as they
appear in Bates' History, P. V. , are as follows :
COMPANY A.
Captain— WiWiam B. Semple. Corfiora/s~Edvia.rd H. Heckman,
Mrsi Lieutenant — George H. Bender. " Rush H. Bixler.
Second Lieutenant — ^John O. Wagener. " Lewis C. Drake,
First Sergeant — Theodore Oliver. " Howard Burke,
Sergeants — William Eichman, " Thomas Rinek,
Johu S. Barnet, " James M. Rothrock,
Henry B. Semple, " Charles J. Rader.
" Jeremiah Murphy. Musician — Philip Bruch.
Corporals — Valentine Weaver,
THE HISTORY OF
Thomas Allen,
Allen Albright,
Thomas M. Andrews,
William Ackerman,
James Barnet,
Daniel Brown,
William Brinker,
Samuel Butz,
William Butz,
David Butz,
George Barron,
Jacob Burt,
Thomas Bowers,
John D. Bowers,
Henry W. Barnet,
William Brong,
Floyd S. Bixler,
Henry Brodt,
Daniel Conklin,
Henry M. Clay,
Robert Coons,
William Davis,
George A. Drinkhouse,
James Donovan,
Edwin Ealer,
Daniel Frankenfield,
Forman,
PRIVATES.
Henry S. Frey,
Edward H. Green,
Isaac Goldsmith,
Theophilus P. Gould,
Frank Green,
Samuel Garis,
George Hess,
James Hoffman,
Reuben Hellick,
Calvin Horn,
Edward Harmony,
William Hutchison,
Charles L. Hemingway,
Samuel Howell,
Reuben Hines,
Stephen Mines,
William H. Jones,
Amos Kunsman,
Edward Keller,
Daniel L. Kutz,
Francis King,
Reuben Kolb,
Owen Laubach,
David Lerch,
George D. Lehn,
Alexander Moore,
Captain— George Finley.
First Lieutenant— ]ohn J. Otto.
Second Lieutenant— Dan\e\ W. Snyde
First Sergeant— Joseph P. Cotton.
Sergeants— liame\ Phillippe,
John M. Seals,
" Richard N. Bitters,
Nelson P. Cornell.
COMPANY F.
PRIVATES.
Cyrus B. A
Edward Ar
Samuel C. Brown,
George Bachman,
Jacob Bryson,
George Benson,
George Barron,
Fred. Bornman,
Joshua Bercaw,
William Buck,
Edward D. Bleckley,
George J. Copp,
Reuben W. Clewell,
J. S. Conklin,
Howard H. Douglass,
Charles W. Dickson,
Valentine Diley,
Al)raham Fowler,
Bartlett C. Frost,
William Fulmer,
Max Gress,
Lewis Gordon,
Benjamin F. Hower,
Lewis M. Hamman,
Theodore F. Hamma
William E. Hamman
Alfred Hart,
Charles A. Hilburn,
Alvey Harris,
David Kutzler.
Peter Kelchner,
Jesse Lewis,
Frank Ludwig,
Charles W. Meeker,
John Moser,
J. Traill Nungesser,
John Mock,
Joseph Moser,
Barnet Mansfield.
John C. Mock,
William Moon,
Thomas McNess,
John R. Nolf,
Oscar Nightingale,
James Pittenger,
John W. Pullman,
Robert Peacock,
Samuel Rader,
Henry A. Rothrock,
Martin J. Riegel,
Isaac S. Sharp,
Joseph G. Semple,
William A. Seitz,
Augustus Stewart,
William H. Thomas,
James B. Wilson,
Henry W. Wilking,
John Weiland,
Theodore Woodring,
James E. Young,
William Young,
Richard Young.
-William Slavin,
John H. Heckman,
Alexander Reichard,
Wilson H. Hildebrandt,
John H. Yohe,
John Datesman,
James Ballentine,
George W. Reichard.
E. F. Probst,
Thomas F. Shipe,
Jacob Sandt,
Roseberry Seip,
Charles Sigman,
Andrew Smith,
Frank Sigman,
Robert Stabp,
Frank Tellier,
Jacob Vannorman,
Wm. H. Werkheiser,
Jacob W. Weaver,
Henry S. Wagoner,
James Ward,
Henry Weidknecht,
Nicodemus Wilson,
Albert Youndt,
Charles B. Zulick.
COMPANY
Ca/>/a;n— Thomas W. Lynn,
First Lieutenant — William A. Conahay.
Second Lieutenant— yN\\\\Am L. Davis.
First Sergeant — Reuben Schlabach.
Sergeants-Wm^im H. Ginnard,
John W. Ricker,
" Joseph A. Ginnard,
" Joseph H. Clark.
Corporals— Thomas J. Taylor.
Corporals — George Davenport,
" Isaac S. Eilenbergcr,
" Jacob Kiefer, Jr.,
" Jonathan L. Fackenthall,
" George P. Wagner,
William C. Harrison,
" Howard Bowers,
Musician— C\\aT\es D. Horn.
Thomas Aikens,
R. H. Abernethy,
Samuel Abernethy,
V. H. Durkhouse,
Henry Beavers,
Thomas Davis,
Madison Eilenberger,
Erastus Eilenberger,
Alfred Godshalk,
Charles Hyde,
William H. Hartzell,
E ASTON, PENN'A.
PRIVATES.
Samuel Innes,
W. S. Johnston,
Peter Klas,
John Knauss,
Frank Leidy,
James W. Lynn,
H. M. Mutchler,
William Moore,
James A. McGowan,
Theodore McCloes,
William S. McLean.
251
Joseph McCabe,
Frank Reeder,
Howard J. Reeder,
Wilson Skinner,
John Simons,
Jacob Troxell,
T. M. Todd,
George Willauer,
Daniel Weinland,
Jeremiah Yeisley.
COMPANY B. (South Easton.)
Ca/i/ai«-William Kellogg.
First Lieutenant — Thomas L. M'Keen.
Second Lieutenant —George E. Cyphers.
First Sergeant — George Hubbard.
Sergeants — Emanuel Kline,
William Wolfram,
" John Wolfram,
Henry C. Ashmore.
Samuel Allen,
William C. Aten,
Labourn W. Aldridge,
Hiram Buss,
James Briedy,
Lewis Blose,
Jacob Brinig,
Francis Barr,
Henry Brawley,
Martin Brotzman,
James Burns,
George Brooks,
Robert Boyd,
William Cameron,
Thomas Coyle,
Samuel Chamberlain,
John Carlin,
John Chiston,
Aaron B. Charleen,
Samuel Davis,
Samuel Dull,
Peter Donnelly,
Peter J. Dougherty,
Andrew Elliott,
John Frey,
Luke Fox,
PRIVATES.
Henry Fryberger,
James Fagan,
Joseph Fisher,
Henry Frompter,
Peter Garris,
Richard Griffiths,
David Gullion,
William Galloway,
John Guiley,
August Goelitz,
George Horning,
John Hahn,
Philip Hyle,
William Heath,
Thomas D. Hanlon.
Gottlieb Heitzelman,
Philip Hildebrand,
Josiah Kohl,
William Kolb,
John F. Kline,
John Miller,
Patrick Mundy,
John Marsteller,
Joseph Marsteller,
Stephen Mover,
Sylvester Merwarth,
Corporals— ]o\m H. Wilhelm,
" Charles Huber,
" John Billings,
Peter Wilhelm,
William H. Wilhe
Joseph Vogle.
Musician — Emanuel Wilhelm.
John Maddox,
Thomas M'Laughlin, ist,
Thomas M'Laughlin, 2d,
Richard M'Gee,
John M'Makin,
Robert M' Donald,
Owen B. Roberts,
John Rice,
John C. Sheppard,
John Stoker,
William Shilling,
Oscar L. Singer,
Joseph Stiles,
Aaron Transue,
John Vogel,
Peter Waltman,
Franklin Waltman,
Samuel Waltman,
John Wilhelm,
George Walter,
John Weiss,
Richard Wolfram,
Josiah Weber,
George P. Wright,
William L. Zane.
The emergency for which these men were called soon passed, but they were entitled
to great credit for the promptness with which they volunteered, and their presence in
large numbers on the southern border of the State, without doubt, as General McClellan
in his letter to Governor Curtin, stated, exercised a great influence upon the enemy.
I74TH REGIMENT DRAFTED NINE MONTHS MILITIA.
In the 174th Regiment, nine months service, drafted militia from Pennsylvania, organ-
ized in West Philadelphia during the latter part of October and early in November, 1862,
a number of Eastonians served. Prominent among them were Frank Reeder, Adjutant of
the regiment throughout its term of service, son of Hon. A. H. Reeder, and J. L. Pack-
252
THE HISTORY OF
enthall, Captain of Company A. We regret that we cannot obtain names of others scat-
tered tlirough the company lists. This regiment saw much active service; proceeding
after its organization from Washington to Suffolk, Va., and thence on Januarys 6, 1863, to
Newberne, N. C. It formed part of the force under General Foster to reinforce the army
in front of Charleston, and reached Hilton Head, February 5, 1863. At Helena Island it
remained in camp until February 27, when it proceeded to Beaufort and was engaged in
the routine of camp and garrison duty until its transfer in June to Hilton Head. It was
ordered north in July, its term of service being about to expire, and on August 7th was
mustered out at Philadelphia.
Charles Glanz,
Captain Co. G, 9th P. V. Colonel 153d P. V.
(From War Photograph)
Dachrodt,
B 1st P V. Lieut. Col. 153d P. V.
(From Recent Photograph.)
MU.STER IN OF 1530 PEXX.\. VOLUNTEERS.
The draft ordered by Governor Curtin had been postponed to the fifteenth day of
September, and again to the twenty-seventh. Meanwhile, Commissioner W. H. Tliompson
announced that he would proceed to fill the draft on Monday, wSeptember 22, 1862, unless
by that date .satisfied that each township had furnished its full quota. E.\tra bounties
offered by the townships had aided greatly, and some of the volunteer.s, by October,
returned from service in defense of the State, again enrolled themselves, and the 153d
Regiment, recruited wholly in the county, and the first regiment rai.sed in the State in
lieu of draft, was mustered into service at Harrisburg, October 11, 1862. For some days
previous to their departure the men gathered from the county were quartered at the
hotels of the borough, under direction of Commissioner Thonipson. They assembled at
their respective quarters, and under command of Colonel Charles Glanz formed in regi-
mental column and marched to the Pliillipsburg depot of the Lehigh Valley Railroad (the
Soutli Third street bridge across the Lehigh river having been swept away by a late
E ASTON, PENN'A.
253
freshet) and there took the train for Harrisburg. Commissioner Thompson accompanied
them, and delivered to the State one of the strongest and most efficient regiments in the
service. Their departure occasioned great excitement. The streets were thronged with
their country friends, and inhabitants of the borough. Immediate active service was
expedled and farewell greetings were frequent and hearty. Company E of this regiment,
whose roster is given below, was composed almost wholly of Eastonians ; many others
from the borough were mustered into the other companies.
COMPANY E.
Captain— }o\\n P. Ricker.
First Lieutenant— Christian H. Rehfuss.
Second Lieutenants— Jeremiah Dietrich,
" " Paul Bachschmid.
First Serjeants — Theodore R. Combs,
Andrew Burt,
Adam Reisinger.
-William F. Snyder,
Andrew J. Hay,
John Bittner,
Amandus D. Snvder.
Corporals — ^Jacob Christian,
" Lewis Fraunfelder,
Vanselan Walter,
Nathaniel Michler,
" Ab'm G. Snyder,
" George W. Barnet,
" Noah Dietrich,
" Edwin Brinker.
-Samuel E. Lerch,
Darius Thomas.
Musician
Joseph Andrew,
David Abel,
Reuben Abel,
Levi S. Brady,
Edward Boadwee,
Samuel Ball,
Edward Bonden,
Thos. T. C. Brady,
Tobias Bauer,
Adam Bonden,
Sidney R. Bridinger,
Joseph Cole,
Charles H. Derr,
Christian Dick,
William Dachrodt,
William Diehl,
George Ellhardt,
William Entlich,
Simon Engel,
Edwin Ealer,
Pearson Flight,
Reuben Faucht,
Peter Glass,
William Geiger,
Peter Hart,
Joseph Hetzler,
PRIVATES.
John Q. Hay,
George Heffling,
Edward Hayden,
Charles Immich,
Jacob Jacoby,
John Johnson,
Thomas Kichline,
Mover Kohn,
John Kisselbach,
William Koch,
Edward Lear,
Peter Lear,
Francis Leidy,
Valentine Messinger,
Aaron Messinger,
John Mertz,
William Martin,
John H. Moser,
Henry Mutchler,
William Miller,
William Moyer,
John S. Neubrandt,
Joseph Norton,
Edward Osterstock,
John J. Pa.xson,
Emil Robst,
Jacob Rasener,
John A. Schug,
John Stecher,
Alexander Schug,
August Stumpel,
Samuel B. Smith,
Frank Smith,
John Saylor,
William T. Sandt,
Theodore Snyder,
Theodore Schug,
Messiah Transue,
George W. Vanosten,
Richard J. Walter,
Charles C. Warner,
Ab'm K. Woodring,
Levi F. Walter,
James E. Wilson,
Augustus Wagner,
Eph'm Werkheiser,
Isaac Writtenberg,
Peter Yeager, Jr.,
Charles A. Vouch,
John Young,
John Zeller.
DEPARTURE OF DRAFTED MEN.
To fill up the quota for the county, two hundred and thirty-si.x drafted men left Eas-
ton for Philadelphia, on Wednesday morning, October 29, 1862, and were there mustered
into service. Their march down Third street, in charge of the Draft Commissioner, is
noted by the papers, as peculiarly solemn. Many had left household and business, poorly
able to afford their absence, and great sympathy was felt by the attendant crowds who
watched their march and ferriage across the Lehigh river.
254 THE HISTORY OF
EASTOX LOYAL UXIOX LEAGUE.
At a meeting held at the National Hotel on Saturday evening, jNIarch 24, 1863, which
from its numbers and enthusiasm, was reported as an unmistakable exhibition of the loyalt\-
of our people to the government, and their determination to crush the rebellion, the
Easton Loyal Union League was organized. Its alleged aim was to support the Union
and the Constitution and to uphold the government in the prosecution of the war. The
following named persons were chosen unanimously as permanent officers :
President — Hon. Henry D. Maxwell.
lice Presidents — Lehigh Ward: Russell S. Chidsey, Frederick Seitz, Sr. Bushkill
Ward: John Pollock, Peter F. Eilenberger. West Ward: Jacob Rinek, Andrew J. Hay.
.S"£r;r^7;7«— Lehigh Ward: Wilson H. Hildebrand. Bushkill Ward: J. F. Thompson.
West Ward: W. C. Detweiler.
Executive Committee — Lehigh Ward: Daniel Black, Henry A. Sage, William X.
Drake. Bushkill Ward: Derrick Hulick, John Able, Jr., James L. Mingle. West Ward:
Charles Goepp, John Bitters, Samuel Oliver.
Corresponding Secretary — Benjamin F. Stem.
Treasurer — William H. Thompson.
A constitution and by-laws, reported by Benjamin F. Stem, Esq., chairman of com-
mittee for that purpose, was adopted and speeches were made by Judge Maxwell on taking
the chair, and by Charles Goepp, Esq.
PUBLIC PRESEXTATIOX OF A HORSE AND EQUIPMEXTS.
The following is abridged from the lengthv report of the Daily Express of April
8, 1863 :
"The presentation of a horse and equipments to Lieutenant Colonel William H.
Armstrong, 129th Penna. Vols., to replace one killed under him at the battle of Freder-
icksburg, took place at Whitesell's Hotel, on Tuesday afternoon, April 7, 1863, in presence
of a large concourse of citizens. The Colonel was escorted to the hotel by a committee
headed by Coates' Cornet Band where the presentation speech was made by Hon. H. D.
Maxwell. It complimented the Colonel upon fidelity to his men, and the interests of the
service, at the expense of heavy personal sacrifice, and for gallantry upon the field, and
assured him of the respecfl and support of the citizens who gave this fine horse and equip-
ments as a slight testimonial of their esteem. A feeling, impromptu response was made
by the Colonel, and received with cheers for himself, his regiment, and other commands
to whom he had referred in the following extra(5l from his speech :
" The vigorous prosecution of the war alone will suppress the rebellion. It is a day
of sacrifices, and our community, to its praise, has not been lacking in patriotic devotion.
A stranger seeing the busy valley of the Lehigh, or the lively streets of our beautiful
borough, would scarcely realize that the nation was engaged in a contest of so great mag-
nitude. Here and there, desolate hearts and hearth-stones reveal it. The ranks of our
representatives in the field are thinned through casualties incident to war, but hundreds
yet in civil life stand ready to fill the gaps. Our large representation, already in service,
has done us no discredit. The 51st Penna. Vols., vi(5torious upon many fields, has a repu-
tation for efficiency and heroism throughout the army. The caps found nearest that
deadly wall at Fredericksburg bore the figures 129. In other organizations are we repre-
E ASTON, PENN'A. 255
sen ted with equal credit. The brave and accomplished Captain, Ferdinand W. Bell, of
the 51st, who fell at Fredericksburg, will long be remembered for his soldierly attain-
ments and superior ability as a commander."
' ' In the evening a complimentary serenade was tendered to the Colonel at his resi-
dence on North Third street," continues the Express, "to which he briefly responded,
and with nine hearty cheers for the army of the Union the vast crowd proceeded to the
residence of Lewis A. Buckley, Esq., and serenaded Captain Herbert Thomas of the
129th Penna. Vols. Thus ended this glorious and well merited ovation to Lieutenant
Colonel Armstrong, and through him to our gallant boys in the field."
RECEPTION OF THE 129TH PENNA. VOLS.— SKETCH OF SERVICE.
"This regiment" — to quote mainly from its regimental history, prepared for the
Reunion of August 14, 1884, by Charles F. Chidsey, Esq., of Co. D, and from Bates' His-
tory of the Pennsylvania Volunteers — "was organized at Camp Curtin on August 15, 1862.
Its Colonel, Jacob G. Frick, of Pottsville, had served as a Lieutenant in the Mexican War
and as Lieutenant Colonel of the 96th P. V. Captain William H. Armstrong, of Easton,
late Captain of the ist P. V., a member of the Northampton County Bar, became its
Lieutenant Colonel." The rosters of the companies from Easton have already been given.
Volunteers from the same place also appear upon some of the rolls of the other companies.
"The day following its organization, August 16, after having been armed and equipped
in great haste, it was hurried to the front and merged into the Fifth Army Corps of the
Army of the Potomac, commanded by General Fitz John Porter. Here, by constant com-
pany and regimental drill, in camp near Alexandria, Va., under the a6live and intelligent
guidance of Colonel Frick, the regiment rapidly attained a marked degree of efficiency.
Two companies, while here, rebuilt the Bull Run bridge, and for a while were stationed
there as a guard. August 30th the 129th was for the first time under fire. It was at the
second Bull Run fight as they were preparing a camp, after having safely delivered an am-
munition train at Centreville. The shelling was so severe that on a double quick the
camping ground was abandoned for one more secure from intrusion of rebel artillery prac-
tice. September 3d, near Fairfax Seminary, the regiment was brigaded with the 91st,
134th and 126th Penna. Regiments, commanded by General E. B. Tyler. Its next camp
was near Fort Richardson, where brigade and battalion drill was studiously pra6liced. On
the morning of September 15th the brigade started on its march toward the memorable field
ofAntietam. By an exhausting march, which sorely tried the men, the 129th pushed
forward for two days, crossing the Monocacy, and to the sound of heavy cannonading
arrived early in the morning of the i8th on the battlefield. With thousands of others in
line of battle the men awaited renewal of the fight. But during the night the enemy had
retired, and the command went into camp, where for six weeks the regiment remained
engaged in drill and picket dut^. During this time, in an expedition up the Shenandoah
Valley, the 129th had a lively skirmish with the enemy near Kearneysville, Va.
AT FREDERICKSBURG.
"On Ocftober 30th the movement towards Fredericksburg began, and the regiment, now
in the First Brigade of General A. A. Humphreys' Third Division of General Butterfield's
Fifth Corps, marched upon that bloody, but fruitless campaign. On December 13, just
before twilight, the gallant 129th entered the fight under a ceaseless fire of musketry and
256 THE HISTORY OF
artillery. Over the prostrate bodies of thousands of Union dead they pressed forward as
a forlorn hope to capture the heights of Fredericksburg. In the gathering darkness they
fought, as only true soldiers could, and made a charge which became famous in the many
heroic endeavors of that dreadful day." The charge of Humphreys' Division is a feature
of the battle mentioned in many histories of the war. It is graphically shown in a large
double page picflure in Harper's Weekly of January 10, 1863. The New York ]\'orld
correspondent of the time wrote: "The column moved gallantly forward, reached the
line of battle, passed fifty yards beyond, when a deadly fire from behind the stone wall
caused it to recoil, and the Second Brigade (Allabach's) fell back to reform. In fifteen
minutes the brigade had lost five hundred men. There was but one more chance. Tyler's
Brigade had come up, and, notwithstanding the turmoil. General Humphreys had suc-
ceeded in forming it in gallant style. The only hope now was with the bayonet. The
men were ordered not to fire — to rely upon their trusty steel. General Humphreys took
the command. General Hooker exhorted the men not to quail ; not to look back ; to dis-
regard the men prostrate on the ground before them, to march over them. The oflicers
were ordered to the front ; then the brigade, led in person by Tyler and Humphreys moved
forward with a glorious cheer. They came within eighty yards of the fatal wall, crossing
line upon line of men lying flat upon the ground ; they moved over the living mass amid
shouts from the prostrate men, ' Don't go there, its certain death ;' and rising they began
to impede the progress of the column. Then the crisis came ; older troops than they had
quailed before the murderous volleys now making great gaps through their ranks ; the
head of the column was enveloped in a sheet of living flame ; the hideous shells were
bursting all around and in their midst. The men began to load and fire ; the momentum
of the charge was gone and they were forced to fall back. Humphreys had two horses shot
under him and was terribly chagrined at his repulse, and this was the forlorn hope of the
day. It demonstrated the impregnability of the enemy's position — demonstrated that the
bravest troops in the zvorld could not stem the torrent of fire which poured and plunged
and converged into that fatal space." It is said in "Bates' History" that the caps found
nearest the rebel wall at the slaughter of Fredericksburg were marked "129th P. \'."
Company D lost Lieutenant Joseph Oliver and seven privates as prisoners taken at the
wall. The regiment lost in killed and wounded 142 men. Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong
had his horse shot under him. Captains Lawrence and Taylor were mortally wounded,
and Captains Wren, Thomas, Rehrer and Leib, and Lieutenants Luckenbach and Oliver
received severe wounds. The General commanding in his report of the battle spoke in
glowing terms of the 129th.
The casualities at Fredericksburg among the Easton companies were :
Company D — Captain Herbert Thomas wounded ; Second Lieutenant Joseph Oliver
wounded and captured ; Sergeant Jeremiah Bachmau wounded ; Sergeant Solon C. Phil-
lippe wounded ; Corporals Reuben Lerch, Frederick C. Mattes, Isaac C. Fine, wounded ;
Privates George Bidwell, Erwin Hartzell, Edward Wilson, killed ; Privates Reuben Albert,
Edward Alsfelt, Burton Burrell, Paul Danner, George Oberly, Frank Tomer, wounded,
and Charles Barnet, Matthew McAlee, John Shaffer, Amos C. l^hler, James Weaver,
Samuel S. Williams, captured.
Company /•'—Sergeant O. H. .Vrmstrong killed ; Sergeant William .\ten wounded ;
E ASTON, PENN'A. 257
Corporal Josiah Transue killed ; Corporal Otto Wohlgemuth wounded ; Privates Jeremiah
Albert, John H. Butts, William Frey, Thomas Kelly, Edward Frounfelder killed, and
Enos Dunbar, Robert Ellet, David Frankenfield, Joseph Geissinger, Andrew Hoffman,
Henry Hunsberger, John Kresler, John McGinnis, Christian H. Rice, Edward H. Tran-
sue, Joseph Wheeler, John M. Wallace, wounded.
Company K — Corporal George A. Simons wounded ; Privates William Sletor and
Franklin Willauer, killed.
THE DRESS COAT EPISODE.
Towards the middle of January, 1863, an order was issued, through division head-
quarters, requiring the men to draw dress coats. As they had just been provided with
two blouses per man the dress coat did not seem to be needed. It would only be an incum-
brance and a needless expense, and moreover their term of service would shortly expire.
The officers sought to have their regiment relieved from the operations of the order ; but
in this they were unsuccessful, and upon their refusal to obey the order the Colonel and
Lieutenant Colonel were summarily tried and dismissed from the service. They were,
however, soon after reinstated and restored to their commands, the general officer who
had preferred charges against them testifying to their fidelity and gallantry.
Upon their return to the regiment a grand ovation was given to them by the officers
and men of their command, in which many from other camps participated. It was all the
more marked for being spontaneous, and strongly showed the gratitude of the volunteers
for the stand taken by the officers in their behalf.
THE CHANCELtORSVILLE CAMPAIGN.
On the retreat from Fredericksburg the knapsacks and baggage of the regiment fell
into the hands of the enemy through failure of the Division General to permit the men to
take them from the building in which he had ordered them stored previous to the fight,
so that until December 23d the men were exposed to the cold rainy days of winter with-
out shelter of any kind, not even having overcoats or blankets. Their sufferings in con-
sequence, were intense. One man died from exposure and many were thrown into hos-
pitals. From January 20th to 24th the regiment was on the famous Burnside's mud
march, and on picket and scouting duty until Hooker's campaign opened against Chan-
cellorsville, in the rear of Fredericksburg. Space forbids a detailed account of the glorious
part taken in this memorable affair by the 129th. It engaged the enemy in a hot contest on
Sunday morning. May 3d, 1863, in the wood in front of the Union batteries. For two
hours they fought, till, with ammunition exhausted and their right flank turned by an
overwhelming force of the enemy, they were ordered to face by the rear rank and retire
behind the batteries.
The 129th had not left the wood before the rebels were upon them, and some spirited
hand-to-hand encounters occurred. The colors were twice seized, but defended with great
gallantry and borne safely off. Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong fell into the enemy's hands,
but escaped in the confusion in the rebel ranks caused by the fire of our artillery. Major
Anthony was shot through the lungs, but survived for many years, what was then thought
to be a mortal wound. Captain Stonebach of Company K, was seized twice as a prisoner,
but, using his fists, he. knocked down his would-be captors and escaped. The loss was
258 THE HISTORY OF
five killed, thirty-two wounded, and five missing. " The 129th," says General Tyler in
his official report, "was on our left, and no man ever saw cooler work on field drill than
was done by this regiment. Their firing was grand, by rank, by company and b)- wing,
and in perfedl order.
Casualties at Chancellorsville among the Easton companies :
Company D — Privates Arthur Davis, William Tomer, wounded.
Company F— Private Theodore Labar, wounded.
HOMEWARD BOUND — THE WELCOME.
The regiment's return to camp at Falmouth, Va., on May 6th, was followed on the
1 2th by the order to report at Harrisburg, where, after a joyous homeward journey, the
regiment was mustered out of the United States service on the i8th of May, 1863. Its
term of service was for nine months, and the time had fully expired ; in fadl the time of
some of the volunteers had expired before the battle of Chancellorsville.
The citizens of Easton, who had, among other organizations for relief of the soldiers,
maintained what was called the " 129th Regiment Express Association," for the purpose
of giving the regiment information from home and such assistance as was possible, had
arranged for a general and flattering welcome upon their return.
The following account of their reception is abridged somewhat from the report of the
Easton Daily Express of Thursday evening. May 21, 1863 :
"The 20th day of May, 1863, will ever be a day memorable in the annals of the
History- of Easton. It was signalized by the arrival of three companies of the 129th
Regiment, P. V., commanded respe6lively by Captain George L. Fried, Captain John
Stonebach, and Captain David Eckar, all under command of Lieutenant Colonel William
H. Armstrong.
"The citizens of Easton opened their arms and their hearts to welcome home that
gallant band of patriots, who left home and kindred nine mouths since, with high hopes
and enthusiastic aspirations, and amid the horrors of war have ever upheld the honor of
the cause in which they were engaged, as well as the nation for which they were fighting.
Since that time the men of the 129th have written for themselves and for their country a
glorious page in the history of a patriotic and brave people, struggling to maintain their
national unity. Nine months have elapsed since those gallant companies marched down
Third street, fully three hundred strong, eager to take part in the battles of their country,
and many a brave hero who then formed part of the noble band, now sleeps on the shores
of the Rappahannock.
" How sad, and at the same time chivalrous a tale is told by this reception. How
many a thrill of joy it brings to the hearts of some, while pangs of anguish wring those
of others. To those who have lost friends and relatives in the 129th in the chances of
war, the cheers of welcome, yesterday, bursting from hundreds of voices were a striking
and melancholy reminder of lost ones, upon whom they should never look as of \ore.
Those who recognized their brothers, sous, fathers, husbands and friends, thanked Heaven
that they had been spared to them.
"Those who knew the charadler of the citizens, who formed the soldiers of the regi-
ment, expedled much from them, and were not disappointed. All through their campaign
we had good reports of their soldierly condufl, of tlieir endurance of the toilsome march.
E ASTON, PENN\4. 259
of their patience in the tedium of camp, of their faithfulness on the outposts, of their
excellent discipline on all occasions, of their coolness for hours under terrific showers of
shell and shot at the first battle of Fredericksburg, and finally of the heroic manner in
which they won imperishable laurels at Chancellorsville under their gallant and beloved
commander. General Joe Hooker. It was fitting that the welcome should be so imposing,
and so cordial a demonstration. The programme adopted by the committees was carried
out to the letter, and the demonstration was a perfedl success, creditable to those whom it
was intended to honor.
ARRIVAL OK THE VOLUNTEERS.
" The firing of five guns from Mount Jefferson on the previous evening, announced,
according to arrangement, that the volunteers would leave Harrisburg for Easton on the
next morning, and during the night and early forenoon, the entire town, from one end to
the other, was decorated with flags, evergreens, etc. The morning opened beautifully,
and a finer day could not have been seledled. At the salute of three guns fired in the
morning, many of the friends of the volunteers from the country came to join in the wel-
come. At one o'clock in the afternoon another gun was fired to announce that the line of
procession should be formed in the Square, and immediately thousands of persons began
to wend their way toward the bridge and the Lehigh Valley Railroad depot, and South
Third street soon presented a solid mass of men, women and children. The procession
soon made its appearance at the bridge, and crossed over to the depot and awaited the
appearance of the train. Soon the special train hove in sight, and then a deafening shout
arose, added to by the simultaneous whistling of at least half a dozen locomotives which
were standing on the track in the vicinity of the depot, that took down anything in the
way of a salute we had ever heard. As the train stopped a general rush was made for the
cars, and such a shaking of hands, kissing and embracing, as took place by the friends of
the volunteers, some laughing, and others crying, our pen is inadequate to describe.
"The line was immediately formed, and, headed by Coates' Cornet Band and Chief
Marshal Colonel Samuel Yohe, proceeded across the crowded bridge, and entered Third
street in the following order :
Committee of Arrangements.
Soldiers of 181 2.
Carriages containing wounded and sick soldiers.
Orator of the day and invited guests.
Guard of Honor commanded by Lieutenant Joseph Oliver.
Lieutenant Colonel William H. Armstrong.
Company D, commanded by Captain George L. Fried.
Company F, commanded by Captain David Eckar.
Company K, commanded by Captain John Stonebach.
Citizens of Easton and South Easton.
Three wagons neatly decorated with wreaths of spruce, and the horses handsomely
caparisoned, containing the baggage of Companies D, K and F, brought up the rear of
the procession. The teams belonged to Seitz & Brother, who had done much in getting
up the demonstration.
' ' The scene, upon the arrival of the volunteers at Third street, could better be imagined
than described. The streets were a perfe6l jam, so much so, that it was with diflJiculty
26o THE HISTORY OF
that the procession could pass through. The cannon again belched forth, and the bells of
the town added to the enthusiasm. The scene along the whole of Third street to the
Square was most imposing. The waving of handkerchiefs from the crowds on the streets,
and by the ladies from the windows of the houses along the route, and the loud huzzas of
manv hundred voices, were well calculated to cheer the hearts of the brave soldiers. The
throng increased as the procession made its way along the designated route, which occu-
pied one hour. Nearly every house, by flag, banner or evergreen, made a display. A
notice of all the decorations would be impossible. A beautiful arch of evergreen was
erecfted on Second street, in front of the Public School buildings by the teachers of Bush-
kill ward. It was of double formation, extending across the street, and between the two
bows was the motto in large letters, 'Welcome Home, Br.we 129TH.' Each letter was
about a foot in height and surrounded by a wreath of evergreen. Other mottos adorned
other parts of the arch, and the whole presented a most beautiful sight. The companies
of the 129th halted at the arch, and before passing under gave three hearty cheers. Manx-
private residences, stores and public buildings were handsomely decorated, and patriotic
mottos abounded on all sides. The national flag was hung across the streets in great pro-
fusion and floated above the hotels.
" The procession passed through the principal streets and halted in the Square, in the
northeast corner of which a stage had been erecfted. The volunteers were drawn up in
solid column before it, and the orator of the day, Edgar F. Randolph, was introduced by
Hon. A. H. Reeder. In the course of his eloquent address are the following remarks :
" 'For these virtues and services, heroes of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and
other familiar fields, let me again greet you with a hearty welcome. The pen of the his-
torian will indeed portray in living colors your deeds of daring and high emprise, but in
this venerable borough you will find your most faithful chroniclers ; for ever}' citizen will
have your names graven as with a diamond on the tablet of his heart. Anxiously have
we watched your career since you left your homes. From press, and letter, and telegram,
we have learned the story of your military life. We have read your record upon the
field, and proud am I to declare that you have fully justified our highest estimate of your
honor and courage. If you have not always won success, you have invariably deserved
it. And while I desire not to be invidious where all have so nobly acquitted themselves
as to elicit encomiums from highh- intelligent witnesses of the field, I trust I will be per-
mitted to remark, that the troops whose annals are illustrated by the leadership of a Frick
and an Armstrong, and whose colors are defended by a Bower and a Miller, are to be
envied in their good fortune. Invidious did I say. No, I will not so wound you. These
men are dear to you — their fame is your fame, their honor your honor.
" ' But in the jo>- of receiving the living, let us not forget the lamented dead. There
are before me representatives, not only of the 129th regiment, but gallant representatives
of other regiments of the Keystone, State, familiar to you all. And there is aboi-c me, in
that spirit land, whence no soldier will ever return to earth, and where no bugle call will
ever reach his ear, many a noble soul who laid himself a sacrifice upon the altar of his
country that she might live.
" 'These streets now thronged with a concourse of joyful people, have witnessed far
different scenes during the progress of this horrid rebellion. * * * See the gloomy
catafalque, deeply shrouded, while through its dim portals may be discerned our sacred
E ASTON, PENN'A.
261
flag, embracing within its glorious folds the earthly remains of a Bell, a Miller, or a
Buckley, or of some other noble spirit who has fought his last fight. Slowly and sadly
we followhim to the cemetery. Our work is done. God bless our heroes. * * * Again,
soldiers of the nation, we offer you a hearty welcome.'
"To this address an able reply was made by Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong of the
129th. It was brief, but impressive, and the loud cheers that followed it indicated the
great esteem which the people have for this patriotic man.
" Here the line was re-formed and marched to Masonic Hall, where a grand collation
had been prepared by the citizens under the superintendence of the committee, and the
ladies of the Union Aid Society. On reaching the hall the committee opened ranks, and
led by the marshal, the brave boys entered the hall, which was beautifully decorated for
the occasion.
"Tables that reached the entire length of
the hall were loaded with every luxury, and
conveniences were afforded for the entire con-
course. Ladies were in attendance, especially
those of the Union Aid Society. Governor Reeder
presided. When the companies had surrounded
the tables, and had uncovered, he arose and in elo-
quent and touching remarks, on behalf of the
committee of ladies, bid the soldiers welcome.
His speech was full of patriotic feeling, and was
listened to with deep interest. Governor Reeder
then introduced S. L. Cooley, Esq., who read a
beautiful and touching poem written for the occa-
sion. It was received with applause, but in the
eyes of some we saw starting tears for the mem-
ory of those who had fallen.
"The dinner was a splendid one, and was
enjoyed to the utmost, and the ladies of the asso-
ciation, and of the borough generally, deserve
great credit for the manner in which the hall was
decorated and the tables spread. The south end
of the hall was decorated with the cards contain-
ing the names of 'Frick,' 'Armstrong,' 'Anthony,'
and 'Green,' of the field officers and adjutant,
respe6lively of the regiment. On the east side
of the hall were the following inscriptions set in
tasteful decorations :
' Nothing could have been more glorious than
the charge of Humphreys' Division. — General
Hooker. '
'So long as God gives me strength, a cartridge, or a fixed bayonet, I'll do my duty. —
Private of the i2gth.^
FREDERICKSBURG,
Dec. 13th, 1862.
129a
D Pa. F
CHANCELL0R8VILLE,
May 3d, 1863.
262
THE HISTORY OF
very proud of them.'
' Easton has cause to be very proud of her soldiers, and she
' We all stand by the army.'
"Officers and men were greatly pleased with the reception. All our citizens took
part in it, and the greetings from all, irrespedtive of party, showed that every citizen wel-
comed them home. It was a general celebration. The festivities of the day closed by a
display of fireworks and firing of rockets. Thus ended the 'Welcome Home' of the gal-
lant 129th. Long may they live to enjoy the fruits of their well-earned honor, and re-
count to their descendants the part they took in the great battles for the Union."
We print an engraving of the badge designed by the committee for this reception, and
worn generally on the occasion. Other appropriate badges were also worn. In the hearti-
ness of the welcome, and completeness
of the arrangements, and general char-
acter of the reception, the day was a
memorable one in the annals of Easton.
ladies' aid societies.
While the men of Easton were vol-
unteering for the field the various
Ladies' Aid Societies met regularly
every week to prepare and forward such
articles as were needed for the sick and
the wounded. Some of these societies
were organized in the different church
congregations of the borough early in
1861, and rendered most efficient service.
The contributions of one that was con-
nedled with one of the least of the
churches, the Reformed Dutch, amounted
at date of November, 1862, to upwards
of fifteen hundred dollars in money and
articles. The others were equally lib-
eral, and the hardships of adlive cam-
paigning were thus materially light-
ened.
It is to be regretted that the names
of the ladies who provided this comfort
for soldiers in the field, and picked
lint for those who were wounded, while they exchanged notes of victories won or perils
dreaded, in their pleasant social circles, cannot be fully obtained. Our older citi-
zens readily recall Mrs. Andrew H. Reeder, President of the Easton Sanitary Aid Society,
Mrs. Josiah P. Hetrich, President of the Easton Ladies' Aid Society, Mrs. James Thomp-
son, Mrs. Isaac C. WykofT, Mrs. Traill Green, Mrs. John T. Knight, Mrs. Frederick W.
Noble, Mrs. John Eyerman, Mrs. M. Hale Jones, Mrs. Henry Green, Mrs. Washington
McCartney and many others. Where all were so worthy, to name any may seem invid-
ious. Their good work relieved many a weary march and lonely picket hour, and has left a
jileasant memory with the soldiers and a sacred example to the daughters of tlie republic.
Mrs. Am>k
President of E.i;
Society.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
263
'amber
THE citizens' aid SOCIETIES.
These organizations, dating from the first great war meeting, continued their work of
relief to the volunteers, with untiring zeal. Notably was this the case after the great
battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. The roar of the cannon had hardly died away
before the committee of citizens sent from Easton to the Army of the Rappahannock, was
there with boxes of eatables and bundles of clothing, aggregating in weight about two
tons. These supplies were of great solace to the wounded and fever-stricken of the hos-
pitals, and their bearers were amply repaid for the luxuries added to army rations, by
sight of the perfe6l look of content with which the bronzed men enjoyed the whiff of their
"sublime tobacco, glorious in a pipe," an army pipe at that, never dreaming of
tip," or "naked beauty" of a cigar.
These "ministering angels" in the
spirit of true charity, were more zealous
in rendering aid than in preserving rec-
ords of their kindness. Beyond frequent
notices of the departure of some one for
the front, who would take with him
packages for the soldiers, we find no
reference to their work. Old soldiers,
however, will remember their visits,
usually after some great army move-
ment, and their Santa Clans appear-
ance, laden with bundles of clothing
and boxes of eatables, as they entered
camp, and their protuberant pockets, as
they left, stuffed with the army mail.
Wm. Thatcher, R. C. Pyle, R. S. Bell,
B. F. Riegel, C. Ed. Hecht, H. Ham-
mann, S. Stonebach and Wm. H. Bix-
ler were frequent visitors.
REBEL invasion OF 1863.
Again Pennsylvania was threat-
ened, and again the citizens of Easton
with like ready response to the procla-
mation of the Governor, issued on
Monday, June 15th, 1883, for fifty
thousand men, met in general mass meeting in front of the county house, in the southeast
corner of Centre Square, on the evening of that day. Hon. A. H. Reeder spoke and Judge
Maxwell read the proclamations of the President and Governor, and several telegrams, and,
as at previous meetings, committees were appointed to obtain men for the six months'
term of service, and thereby procure proportionate credit upon the impending draft. Vol-
unteering was spontaneous, and the company lists given below, show how fully all classes
were represented. The volunteers were ready to leave in a few hours, and the greater
portion became part of what was known as the Iron Regiment, 38th Penna. Militia. In
Mrs. Josiah P. Hetrich,
President of Ladies' Aid Society.
264
THE HISTORY OF
its ranks were manv who had seen service in other organizations and many prominent
business men. They performed duty for which it would have been necessary to draw upon
troops in the front but for their prompt enrolment. Its staff and company rolls, so far as
they relate to Easton volunteers, are copied from Bates' Histor}- P. V.
Colonel — ]\Ielchoir H. Horn.
Lieutenant GVo;/£-/— William H. Thompson.
Major — Thomas L. McKeen.
Adjutant — William Mutchler.
COMP.-\XY c.
Ca/>/a/«— Joseph P. Cotton.
First Lifii/eitait/^Charles F. Chidsey.
Second Lieutenant — Thomas M. Andrews.
First Sergeant — Joshua R. Bercaw.
Sergeants — William T. Rundio,
" John H. Heckman,
" George G. Rambo,
•• . Jacob C. Mixsell,
Silas Hulshizer, pr. to Sgt. Maj., July 3, '63.
Corpo
■aA— John .\. lunes,
John H. Yohe,
James W. Wood,
William J. Biery,
Xicodemus Wilson,
Jacob Sandt,
James A. Petrie,
Benjamin A. Loder.
ian — Joseph B. Campbell.
Jacob August,
Henr\- Bercaw,
William Biery,
James B. Bruner,
George Bachman,
Henry L. Bunstein,
Franklin Bower,
Tilghman Brish,
Alfred B. Black,
John W. Campbell,
Erwin Eckert,
James J. Edmonds,
Jonathan Fly,
Jacob Gary,
John B. Grier,
Charles D. Horn,
Andrew Hoffman,
William Hoffman,
Charles Hyde,
PRIVATES.
John W. Horn,
William Houser,
William Hopkins,
William H. Horn,
Da^-id Kelso,
John Kiffle,
Jacob Kramer,
Charles C. Keller,
John W. Keeler,
Simon H. Kester,
Alfred Lynn,
David K. Messinger,
James E. Middaugh,
Isaac S. Moser,
George H. Miunick,
John Morghen,
Isaac Pixley,
Jacob Person,
Da\'id M. Plumlev,
Charles R. Phillips,
Isaac Riley,
John Riley,
William H. Stultz,
James H. Stites,
Thomas J. Shields,
William F. Small,
Thomas F. Shipe,
Frank Schlabach,
William H. Sigman,
Francis Sigman,
Samuel C. Seiple,
Jacob S. Wilson,
William Walton,
Jacob Welser,
Erwin C. Wickhoff,
Jacob W. Weaver,
Thomas Yelverton.
COMPANY D.
Gz//«/«i— Wm. H. Thompson, pr, toLt. Col., July 3, '63,
" Jacob Hay.
First Lieutenant — Isaac Fine, Jr.
Second Lieutenant— YloviarA R. Hetrich.
First Sergeant— 'VfWWa.va H. Weaver.
Sergeants — Samuel D. Crawford,
" Adam A. Lehn,
" James S. Sigman,
William H. Unangst.
Corporats — Charles M. Ludwig.
Corporals— ^ras\. W. Snyder,
William Miller,
" Lafayette Sox,
" Daniel Conklin,
" Augustus S. Templin,
" Jacob Burt,
Theodosius S. M'Leod.
Musicians— hhtahHiXa Fowler,
" James Mc'Gowan.
EASTON, PENN'A.
265
James F. R. Appleby,
Jeremiah Anglenieyer,
George H. Bender,
John D. Bowers,
William Q. Brotzman,
William D. Brown,
Rush H. Bixler,
William H. Butz,
Edward D. Bleckley,
William Brinker,
Edward Butz,
John Bush,
Robert Cottingham, Jr.,
Charles T. Cole,
Charles Deshler,
James Deshler,
Lewis C. Drake,
George Drinkhouse,
James Donnelly,
Valentine Diley,
James Frounfelder,
COMPANY E.
Ta/i/fljn— Edward Kelly.
First Lieutenant — George G. Hutman.
Second IJeutenanl—] ames Tarrent, (Discharged.)
Charles B. Zulick.
First Sergeant— }ohn Wilson.
Sergeants — Patrick Shine.
" Ephraim Steiner.
" Robert Arnold.
PRIVATES.
Owen Garis,
John A. Gerhart,
Stephen Hines,
Alvin Harris,
Andrew J. Hay,
James Hacket,
Isaac P. Hand,
Charles Hemmingway,
William Houck,
Joseph L. Hance,
C. Edward Ihling,
Evan Knecht,
Edward Keller,
Thomas J. Kolb,
Amos Kunsman,
Francis King,
Stephen Laubach,
Charles W. Meeker,
John Z. Moyer,
Reuben Moyer,
John Bittenbender,
Anthony Brauer,
Patrick Boyle,
William H.Cornell,
John Cummiskey,
Alexander Colbathe,
Edward Demsey,
Timothy Dawes,
Jacob Dean,
John Donnovan,
Frederick Fry,
Allen Ginginger,
Stephen Gross,
Jacob Hartzell,
Captains — Thomas L. McKeen, (pr. tc
Henry Huber.
First Lieutenant — William H. Kline.
Second Lieutenant— WMiam N. Scott.
First Sergeant — Samuel Laird.
Sergeants — John Murray.
" Daniel Laubach.
" Samuel Cortright.
" Alexander E. Robinson.
Corporals — William H. Ormrod.
PRIVATES.
Hiram Hackman,
Luther Horn,
George W. Horn,
John Herman,
George Johnson,
John King,
Jacob Knobloch,
Peter Kelchner,
Franklin Ludwig,
Edward Lewis,
John May,
Hugh E. Major,
Daniel Medler,
COMPANY F.
Maj.,July3, '63.)
John Menaul,
Charles B. Notson,
John F, Opdycke,
Alfred P. Reid,
Samuel Rader,
Edward Snyder,
Clement Stewart,
Henry B. Semple,
John M. Seales,
Samuel Sigman,
Henry N. Schultz,
Emelius S. C. Schmidt,
John Shaffer,
Augustus L. Steuben,
Joseph Vanorman,
Henry W. Wilking,
Thomas J. Weaver,
Theodore F. Woodring,
Henry C. Wagner,
George Wolf.
Sergeants— Joseph Snyder.
Corporals — Joseph Savitz.
" Jacob Arnold.
William Shick.
" William Osmun.
" Daniel Black.
Musicians— WtU'iam Major.
" John Schooley.
John Noe,
John Pittenger,
Richard Person,
William Randolph,
George Smith,
Charles Smith,
George Sweeney,
Josiah Woolbach,
William Wright,
George Walsh,
James Whitesell,
William Wheeler,
Charles H. Woerhrle
Corporals— AUin J. Hufford.
John Wolfram.
" Herman A. Pohl.
Henry W. Wilhelm.
Samuel Arndt.
William Elliott.
Franklin L. Terry.
Musicians — Emanuel Wilhelm.
Thomas A. Martin.
THE HISTORY OF
William C. Aten,
Labourn Aldridge,
John Billings,
Lewis Bloss,
Reuben Briesh,
Thomas Boyce,
Hiram Buss,
Thomas Buss,
Henry Bachman.
Henry Basset.
Israel Briggs,
Samuel Cosner,
William Cheston,
John Clark.
John Cheston,
Samuel Chamberlain,
Andrew Dietz,
James Duncan,
Joseph Dodd,
James Dereemer.
Samuel Dull,
Andrew Elliott,
Henry Freyberger,
Henry Foster,
Augustus Goelity,
Ca/i/ain— William Otto.
First Lieutenants — William Mutchler (pr
William F. Schatz.
Second Lieutenant — William H. Ginnard.
First Sergeajit — Charles Eichman.
Sergeants — Levine F. Leibfried.
" Reuben Schlabach.
Obadiah Huebner.
" Joseph A, Ginnard.
PRIVATES.
Joseph Goodear,
Ale.xander Gillian,
William Galloway,
George Hubbard,
Thomas Hanlln,
William Hampton,
Job Henry,
William Hyle,
George Hartzell.
Nicholas Hartcorn,
Augustus G. Ibach,
John Koch,
Peter Kleckner,
John Kemery,
Josiah Kohl,
George F. Kimball.
Wilson Lesher,
John Miller,
Charles Menninger,
Frederick Mayer,
John M'Kelvey,
Amos M'Niel,
Thomas M'Laughlin,
Andrew M'Laughlin,
John Price,
COMPANY G.
toAdj't,July3,'63.>.
Stewart Altamus,
George Brinker,
Jacob Bower,
George H. Beam,
Howard Bowers,
John Berkey,
Daniel Butler,
Joseph Brinker,
Richard Beitel,
Leonard Breidinger,
William A. Conahay,
Richard Clewell,
George Davenport,
Charles W. Dickson,
William Denning,
Charles Dittler,
John Dewalt,
Christian Dittler,
Joseph Flad,
Tilghman Fehr,
William H. Fehr.
Alfred Frey.
PRIVATES.
Franklin T. Grube,
Albert H. Good,
Jeremiah Hellick.
Jacob Hensler,
Christian Hartman,
Reuben Hines,
Lewis H. Hamman,
Jacob Keiper, Jr,,
John L. Keiper,
Henry Keiper,
William F. Keller,
Jonas F. Kindt,
Jacob Kratzer,
Henry Leidy,
John Leidich,
Elias B. Lynn,
James Mutchler,
Charles Medler,
Traill T. Nungesser,
George B. Nace,
Jo.seph J. Ochs,
Ednunid A. Oerter,
Josiah Poe,
Martin Pohl,
William Pendegrast,
John B. Roberts,
Joseph Rupell,
Charles V. B. Rinker
John Rice,
Charles Saylor,
Joseph Siles,
Adam Styers,
Emanuel R Shilling,
Oscar A. Singer,
Harman F. Shuler,
Thomas Shannon,
Andrew Tsnir,
Stephen Taggart,
George Vanscoter,
John Vogle,
John Wilhelm,
William Wolfram,
David Weber,
William Waltman,
John Weiss,
John R. Young,
John Young.
Corporals — John Hensler.
George Arm.
" Rudolph Babp.
" Jeremiah Dietrich.
" George Hensler.
William Steckle.
" George W. Wagoner
William L. Ricker.
Musician — William Barnes.
John Percival.
Jacob Plattenberger,
John Rupp,
Jonas Reeser.
Robert Rollan,
Samuel Reese,
William Snyder,
Edward Smith,
Neander D. Siegfried,
John H. Santee,
Edwin Siegfrid,
William H. Thomas,
John Wolle,
Clemens Weisenbach.
Reuben Willour,
Edwin Werner,
William H. Werner,
Joseph Weiner.
Jonathan Xander,
John P. Young,
Theophilus J. Zorn.
EAST ON, PENN'
COMPANY H.
267
Ca/i/ajn— Christian Kroehl.
Firsl Lieutenant — David Bless.
Second Lieutenant— James M'Gloin.
J^irst Sergeant— ]o\\n P. Hay.
Sergeants— SamueX Bruch.
" Edward Troxell.
" Levinus Transue.
" Jonathan J. Carey.
Corporal — Lewis Eckert.
Thomas Bauer,
Charles A. Barron,
Adam Bacher,
Andrew J. Bonstein,
Felix Bachman,
Daniel S. Crawford,
Samuel Dutt,
Benjamin Delp,
Cyrus Flory,
Martin Faulstich,
Jacob Goether,
Sith Crawford,
John Garis,
Daniel Hertzog,
William Helwick,
John Hensler,
George H. Hare,
Captain — Augustus F. Heller.
First Lieutenant — Daniel Phillippe.
Second Lieutenant— Ti\ghman Brong.
First Sergeant — Henry L. Arndt.
Sergeants — Adam H. Lane.
" Samuel Stem.
" Burton Burrell.
" Solon Phillippe.
Corporals— John H. Richards.
PRIVATES.
David W. Huber,
Michael Herther,
Jacob L. Hay,
Meising Kutzler,
Joseph Kobb,
Edward B. Leibensperger,
William Leibensperger,
Charles Miller,
George Miller,
John Miller.
John Moutz,
Adam Ruff,
Thomas Rothrock,
Joseph Reese,
John Straub,
Edwin Sandt,
2ls — Charles Knapp.
Daniel Hunt.
George W. Barron.
Frederick Tacke.
Patrick Kaegan.
Henry Froelich.
Nicholas Lingeman.
ms — Franklin Leidy.
Jacob Bitzer.
Adam Schickley,
Jacob Shickley,
Frederick Steckley,
Edward Smith,
Charles Stump,
Patrick Swany,
Frederick Troxell,
Richard Templin,
Jesse Walter,
Joseph Walter,
Levi Wagner,
John Woolbach,
William E. Well,
Solomon Walter,
Charles Yonson,
William Yutz.
COMPANY K.
Corporals — Valentine Vannornian.
George E. Sciple.
" Andrew J. Knauss.
William Richard.
" Martin Kichline.
Peter Campbell.
Jacob Bryson.
Musicians— PhWip Bruch.
" Edward Barnet.
PRIVATES.
William Brady, Robert E. Godshalk, Leander Roberts,
John I. Bell, William P. Gould, Edward Roseberry,
Peter H. Barnes, Peter Gorman, Edward Ricker,
Thomas Bishop, John Grotz, James Raub,
Nelson Bishop, Henry Heller, William Raub,
George H. Barron, Edward Heckman, Robert Roling,
John H. Bruch, William Heckman, John H. Schwab,
Henry C. Barnet, Alfred Hart, Roseberry Seip,
George H. Barnet, Charles A. Hilburn, John H. Seiple.
Francis Buck, Wesley Howell, John Sloan,
Charles Barnet, William H. Hartzell, William B. Titus,
William Bercaw, Edward Jones, William Trin,
John Barnet, William Kressler, Samuel Unangst,
William H. Drake, Peter Mulhatan, George Worman,
Alpheus Frey, Alexander Reichard, Charles W. Weber,
Edward Frey, Oscar Rohn, Robert Youells,
Joseph Green, Thomas J. Roberts, Joseph Young.
The regiment was mustered into service July 3, 1863, and discharged August 7, 1863.
268
THE HISTORY OF
TWENTY-SFA'ENTH REGIMENT EMERGENCY TROOPS.
Easton was also represented in the Twenty-seventh Regiment Penna. Emergency
Troops, mustered into service June 19, 1863, and discharged July 30 and August i, 1863.
Major, George L. Fried.
COMPANY D.
Captain — Joseph Oliver.
First Lieutenant —k\\\n Meeker.
First Sergeant — Joseph S. Osterstock.
Sergeants — Adam Ward.
William Ginkinger.
Edward Alsfelt.
PRIVATES.
Joseph B. W. Adams,
William Andrews,
James O. Barnet,
Thomas Bullman,
Samuel V. Bonstein,
Benjamin Bruuner,
John F. Buttner,
William H. Correll,
Henry Coburn,
Charles W. Cole,
John J. Decker,
Matthew Donahue,
Joseph Heudricson,
Bathauser Hefter,
Sergeants — Thomas Malcolm.
Cor/>ora/.y— Sidney L. Uhler.
" Frederick Bomman.
William H. Wolverton.
Simon H. Frock.
Musician — George F. Willauer.
Edward Harrison,
Calvin Horn,
Oliver Hogarth,
Warren H. Joline,
William Lehn,
John M. Lewis,
George Lox,
Charles Lewis,
John Miller,
William Moore,
William M'Fadden,
William L. Nicholas,
Port Nicholas,
Henry C. Newman,
William Otto,
Robert Patterson,
William Roseberry,
Charles Sigman,
Peter S Snyder,
Samuel H. Slifer,
Valentine Smith,
James Todd,
Arthur Troxsell,
Jacob N. Thatcher,
George Wolf,
Walter L. Wycoff.
These troops performed valuable service in strengthening the borders of the State,
and assuring confidence not only to the armies in the immediate front of the enemy, but
to all loyal citizens throughout the country-.
The Twenty-seventh Emergency, commanded by Col. Jacob G. Frick, late of the
One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Penna. Vols., guarded the line of the Susquehanna
against the rebel advance. On June 28, at Wrightsville, he was attacked in force by the
rebel General Early. His skirmishers were driven in and the rebel artillery posted in
commanding positions, opened fire. Without artillery, he was at the mercy of the foe
bent upon the capture of the Columbia bridge. Still he stubbornly held his ground, until
outnumbered, outflanked and likely to be captured he ordered his small force, the Twenty-
seventh Penna. Vols., to retire across the bridge. When its possession by the rebels became
inevitable, the bridge, in accordance with previous instructions, was fired. In the skir-
mish before the withdrawal of the regiment nine men were wounded.
The Thirty-eighth Militia after service in the neighborhood of Greencastle, near the
Maryland line, was ordered to Pottsville and other points in the anthracite coal fields of
Pennsylvania, where they were employed in enforcing authority.
Many of these men had been in service before. Their presence gave great moral sup-
port to the Union army, and it has been well said, that had that army been defeated at
Gettysburg, they would have taken the places of the fallen, and would have fought with
a valor and desperation worthy of veterans.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
269
Northampton Welcomes Her Brave Sons.
RECEPTION OF THE 153D REGIMENT PENNA. VOLUNTEERS.
The committee, of which Hon. Philip Johnson was chairman, consisting of two or
more from each borough and township, appointed at a county meeting called in June, 1863,
met at Easton on the third day of July, and made
preliminary arrangements, and adopted a pro-
gramme of reception. As the regiment repre-
sented all parts of the county the interest was
proportionate, and old Northampton was thor-
oughly aroused by the welcome to be given to the
command so peculiarly her own. Its service had
been watched by the people of the county with
intense interest. The individual fortunes of its
members had been closely followed in town and
country, at firesides nestled in the spurs of South
Mountain or at the base of the Blue Ridge, and
in the fertile valleys between. As will be seen
by the resume of its history, gathered mainly from
Bates' History ofthePenna. Volunteers, its friends
during its career had no lack of varied and exci-
ting news.
After muster-in the regiment under command
of the regimental officers already named, proceeded
to Washington on October 12, where, after a so-
journ of a few days at the Capital, it was ordered
to join the Eleventh Corps, then in the neigh-
borhood of Gainesville, and was assigned to the
First Brigade, First Division. On Sunday, No-
vember 9, the brigade was ordered to Aldie, and
remained there confronting the enemy until No-
vember 18, when it moved to Chantilly. On De-
cember 9th it was hurried forward by a most ex-
hausting march to Stafford Court House, where
it arrived December 16, the great Fredericksburg
disaster of December 13 having meanwhile oc-
curred. Here in picket and guard duty time
passed until January 20, 1863, when it took part in
the Mud March, and then settled into winter quar-
ters near Potomac Creek bridge. Considerable
sickness prevailed during the winter and some
died, and others were permanently disabled.
We hail the heroes' safe return
To home and friends again,
And mourn with tears of sympathy
The gallant patriots slain.
FORM OF RECEPTION I
CHANCELLORSVILLE.
The regiment was early astir on April 27, and on April 30 at 4 p. m. arrived on the
Chancellorsville battleground, and after a quiet night's rest, and some movement during
270 THE HISTORY OF
May I to threatened points, it was stationed on the extreme right of the line of the army
more as a close skirmish line than as a regular line of battle. While in this position, its
men standing at ease, it was the first regiment to receive what proved to be the last mas-
terly flank attack of Stonewall Jackson in massed columns. This was its first experience
in battle, but it delivered a deadly volley, and then overpowered in front and upon both
flanks, broke to the rear, and with the fragments of the brigade retired rapidly until it
could reform on open ground to the west of Chancellorsville. Before the swooping charge
of Jackson's heavy columns, formed as they were, they could not but be scattered as straws
before a whirlwind. The regimental loss was heavy. Colonel Glanz was taken prisoner,
and Lieutenant Colonel Dachrodt* wounded. IMajor Frueauff, relieved at his request from
staff duty, assumed command. In skirmish line the regiment was thrown out to meet the
advancing enemy the next morning. Musketry and artillery firing continued throughout
the day, but the brigade held its position until the night of May 5, when it withdrew with
the army and returned to its camp at Potomac creek bridge. The regiment lost in the
entire battle nineteen men killed, three officers and fifty-three men wounded, and thirty-
three prisoners. Of these Col. Glanz, captured, Lieut. Col. Dachrodt, wounded, Major
Frueauff, wounded ; Privates David Abel, Joseph Hetzler and Messiah Transue wounded ;
Charles C. Warner, captured. All of Co. E were from Easton.
GETTYSBURG.
The march toward Pennsylvania commenced June 12, 1863, and on June 16, amid
the great rejoicing of the men. Colonel Glanz rejoined the regiment, but was too much
enfeebled by the hardships of his imprisonment to resume command. On June 30 the corps
had arrived at Emmittsburg, and on the following morning moved towards Gettysburg to
the sound of the enemy's guns. The brigade passed through the town, at 1.30 p. M.
NoTE.^Extract from a letter of Colonel Charles Glanz, headed Annapolis, May 27, 1863, and published in
the Easton Free Press of June 4, 1863 '■ * * "At our retreat through the woods, which were covered
with killed and wounded and swarming with the rebels advancing, I was surrounded, nearly at the edge of the
woods, and near the new road which had been cut in the forenoon in case of retreat, and taken to a little farm-
house in front of us and placed between the two chimneys under guard. * * I sat down worried and
tired and thinking about my unpleasant position. The artillery was firing steadil}' and all at once the one
chimney came crashing down and the heavy stones falling right and left and injuring my right ear and bruising
my head. * * Shortly after I was taken with about fift}' other captives eight miles to the rear. It was
here I saw Gottlieb Heintzelman of South Easton, wounded by a shot through his breast. * * The
rebel ladies, of whom there were six or seven at the house, addressed us prisoners in bitter terms, hoping this
would be a good lesson for us, and that we would do better in the future and not come to Virginia again. The
next morning we (now about three thousand) were marched at a quickstep about fifteen miles and then to Guin-
ney's Station, and then taken to Richmond, at Libby Prison, on Maj- 7, after receiving the most insulting lan-
guage from women and boys and rowdy gents. At Ashland they had posted about one hundred negro children
to insult us, and the so-called ladies of this little aristocratic town were using the most abusive language toward
us. We all considered it beneath our dignity to notice such treatment."
Colonel Charles Glanz was born at Walkenried, in the Dukedom of Brunswick, Germany, in 1823. He emi-
grated to America in 1845 and after some stay in Philadelphia and Pottsville, settled at Ea,ston. In July, 1857,
he was appointed Consul at Stettin, on the Baltic, but compelled by business growing at home resigned the posi-
tion in 1S59. Ilis military record has been noted. He died in Easton July 25, iSSo, and his remains were escorted
to the cemetery by his old companions in arms, and his many personal friends who ever remember him as a
genial whole-souled man.
*Portraits of Col. Glanz and I^ieut. Col. Dachrodt will be found on page 252 of this History.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 271
halted at the Poor House to deposit knapsacks, and was then ordered to advance at double
quick and dislodge the enemy from a piece of woods to the right. The advance was made
in gallant style, but the enemy in heavy force was advancing on all sides, and as it was
losing fearfully, with no hope of advantage, the brigade was ordered back, and with the
corps, soon afterward retreated through the town to take a position on Cemetery Hill.
During the second day of July the artillery fire was very severe, and toward evening the
enemy in a heavy column charged upon the position held by the brigade. In spite of the
artillery fire and showers of bullets from well-poised muskets, on they came, crossing the
low stone wall and rushing among the guns. It was now a hand-to-hand conflict. Clubs
and stones were freely used when muskets were not available. A foremost rebel threw
himself over the muzzle of a cannon, calling out " I take command of this gtin." " Dit
soHst sie haben^'' was the curt reply of the sturdy German gunner, as he fired the piece,
and blew him to atoms. Later it aided in the capture of two hundred and ninety prisoners
and nearly three hundred stand of arms. The loss in the entire battle was one officer, Lieut.
W. H. Beaver, and ten men killed, eight officers and one hundred and eight men wounded,
and one hundred and eighty-eight men missing ; an aggregate of three hundred and eight.
The casualties among the members of Company E were Captain John P. Ricker, wovmded.
Sergeant William F. Snyder, captured. Corporals Jacob Christian and Lewis Fraunfelder,
wounded. Van Selan Walter and Noah Dietrich, captured, and Privates Sidney B. Brei-
dinger, William Miller, killed, Joseph Andrew, Levi S. Brady, Tobias Bauer, Jacob Jacoby,
Joseph Norton, John Stecker, Samuel B. Smith, Levi F. Walter and Peter Yeager,
Jr., wounded, Christian Dick, William Deahl, George Heffling, Edward Hayden, Valen-
tine Messinger, John S. Newbrandt, Frank Smith and Richard J. Walter, captured.
The regiment marched by Emmittsburg to Funkstown in pursuit of the flying rebels.
On July 14 orders were received for its discharge and it moved by Frederick City and Bal-
timore to Harrisburg, where, on July 24, it was mustered out of service. Its brigade
commander, Colonel Von Gilsa said, when taking leave of it : " I am an old soldier, but
never did I know soldiers, who with greater alacrity and more good will endeavored to
fulfil their duties. In the battle of Chancellorsville you, like veterans, stood your ground
against fearful odds, and although surrounded on three sides, you did not retreat until by
me commanded to do so. In the three days' battle of Gettysburg your behavior put many
an old soldier to the blush, and you are justly entitled to a great share of the glory which
my brigade has won for it&elf, by repulsing the two dreaded Tiger Brigades of Jackson.
In the name of your comrades of the First Brigade and myself, I now bid you farewell."
MUSTER ROLL CO. E, (COMPOSED OF EASTONIANS) 153D P. V.
(From Bates' History, P. V.)
Captain — John P. Ricker. Corporals — ^Jacob Christian,
First Lieutenant — Christian H. Rehfuss. " Lewis Fraunfelder,
Second Lieutenant— ]er^vQ\ih.V)\e\.'nch. " Van Selan Walter,
" Paul Bachschmid. " Nathaniel Michler,
First Sergeants — Theodore R. Combs, " Abraham G. Snyder,
Andrew Burt, " George W. Snyder,
Adam Reisinger. " Noah Dietrich,
Sergeants— '^WXxaxa. F. Snyder, " Edwin Brinker.
Andrew J. Hay, Musicians — Samuel E. Lerch,
" John Bittner, " Darius Thomas.
" Amadeus D. Snyder.
272
Joseph Andrew,
David Abel,
Reuben Abel,
Levi S. Brady,
Edward Boadwee,
Samuel Ball.
Edward Bonden,
Thomas T. C. Brady,
Tobias Bauer,
Adam Bonden,
Sidney R. Bridinger,
Joseph Cole,
Charles H. Derr,
Christian Dick,
William Dachrodt,
William Dreahl,
George Ellhart,
William Entlich,
Simon Engel,
Edwin Ealer,
Pearson Flight,
Reuben Faucht,
Peter Glass,
William Geiger,
Peter Hart,
Hetzler,
THE HISTORY OF
PRIVATES.
John Q. Hay,
George Heffling,
Edward Haj'den,
Charles Immich,
Jacob Jacoby,
John Johnson,
Thomas Kichline,
Moyer Kohn,
John Kisselbach,
William Koch,
Edward Lear,
Peter Lear,
Francis Leidy,
Valentine Messinger,
Aaron Messinger,
John Mertz,
William Martin,
John H. Moser,
Henry Mutchler,
William Miller,
William Moyer,
John S. Newbrandt,
Joseph Norton,
Edward Osterstock,
John J. Paxon,
Emil Robst,
Jacob Rasener,
John A. Schug,
John Stecher,
Alexander Schug,
August Stumpel,
Samuel B. Smith,
Frank Smith,
John Saylor,
William T. Sandt,
Theodore Snj-der,
Theodore Schug,
Messiah Transue,
Geo. W. Vanosten,
Richard J. Walter,
Charles C. Warner,
Abraham K. Woodring,
Levi F. Walter,
James E. Wilson,
Augustus Wagner,
Ephraim Werkheiser,
Isaac Writtenberg,
Peter Yeager, Jr.
Charles A. Vouch,
John Voung,
John Zeller.
WELCOME OF THE I53D REGIMENT.
Saturday, July 25, 1862, was a day long to be remembered by the citizens of North-
ampton County. On that day the friends of the 153d Regiment bade them " Welcome
Home !" and gave them a reception worthy of their gallant deeds. We gather mainly
from the History of Northampton County the following report of the reception :
"On that day the people gathered together from their workshops, their stores and their
farms to receive a gallant band of patriots, who, nine months before entered the service of
their country to aid in crushing out the rebellion, and well did they act their part and
nobly did they do their duty. Many a gallant member of that band who then left their
homes, their firesides and their friends, with high hopes and expetlations and looked for-
ward to a safe return to that home and fireside 'now sleep that sleep that knows no
waking' on the field of Chancellorsville, in Virginia, and on the bloody field of Gettys-
burg, in his own native State, Pennsylvania. The thrill of joy the arrival of the regiment
brought to some has been counter-balanced by the pangs of anguish it has brought to
others, who have lost their friends and relatives — and they are many. At an early hour
in the morning after it had been announced, on the previous evening, that the regiment
would arrive in Easton and handbills had been sent throughout the county, the citizens of
Easton began their preparations for making a grand display, and flags, banners, and ever-
greens, were brought into requisition to add to the reception. At eight o'clock the town
was decorated with flags from one end to the other, from the housetops and across the
streets. The citizens began to fill the streets, and every avenue leading to Easton was
E ASTON, PENN'A.
273
thronged with carriages, teams, omnibuses, etc., loaded with people from the country,
The hotels were filled, and the conveyances blocked up the streets so much that pas-
sage was next to an impossibility. The residences and stores along Northampton street
were beautifully decorated with festoons of evergreens and mottoes of ' Welcome Home,
Heroes of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg,' 'Gallant 153d,' 'Welcome Home,' &c.
On the top of the hill, on Northampton street, large flags and banners entwined with
evergreens, stretched from the opposite housetops to the large pole, made an imposing dis-
play, as also at the stores of Mr. William H. Kunsman and others. As the time of the
arrival of the train approached, everybody made for South Third street, and by the time
the cars came in sight the street was a struggling mass of humanity. The Provost Guard
and the soldiers under command of Captain Titus, endeavored to keep the streets clear,
but it was an impossibility.
" Many of the country people, in their anxiety to see their friends, also crowded across
the bridge, and from the depot to the square at least five thousand persons had assembled.
At 10 o'clock the cannon on Mt. Jefferson announced their arrival, and then the scene
became indescribable. Such a rush and such a scramble for the depot we never beheld.
' ' After the regiment had left the cars they marched to the South Easton road and formed
into line, and headed by Colonel Glanz and several of the staff officers, they marched across
the bridge, where they were received by the procession announced in the programme, and
under the direction of the Chief Marshal, Thomas W. Lynn, and his assistant marshals,
marched to the Square, around the Circle, and up Northampton street to the Fair building.
" All along the route the streets, housetops, and windows were filled with people, and
amid the waving of handkerchiefs and the loud huzzas their march was a perfe(fl triumph,
and calculated to cheer the hearts of the brave soldiers. Friends and relatives crowded
in upon them, and to attempt to describe the affecflionate scenes along the route would be
futile. The soldiers looked begrimed with war, fatigued and sunburnt, and presented a
far different appearance to what they did when they left home.
AT THE FAIR GROUND.
" The procession entered and halted, the right extending toward the east gable of the
building until the regiment and train of wounded passed in review and drew up in front
of the speaker's stand, around which the vast crowd gathered.
"From this stand Hon. Philip Johnson delivered an address of welcome, from which
we make the following extracts :
"Officers and Men of the 153d Regiment : On behalf of your citizens of Northampton
county I bid you a hearty welcome home.
"Thrice welcome noble remnant of a brave and gallant band.
" ' We hail the heroes' safe return,
To home and friends again,
And mourn with tears of sympathy,
The gallant patriots slain.'
" Little less than a year ago it was announced by the President of the United States
that in order to fill up the ranks of the army it would be necessary for a draft to be made
of a certain number of the able-bodied citizens of the several States.
274
THE HISTORY OF
" Pennsylvania was assigned her quota, and so of the several counties. Northampton
had already given many of. her brave sons to the war, and it was evident that the enforce-
ment of a draft, at that season of the year, for the quota required, would be attended with
a good deal of distress and very general inconvenience to our people.
" At this crisis you came forward and magnanimously volunteered your services at
once to relieve your fellow citizens of the draft and take their places in the army to fight
their battles, endure whatever such service might impose, and above all to contribute
your services and sufferings, your health, and, if need be, your lives to the support of the
Constitution, the Government, and the Flag of your Country.
" How you have discharged these duties, your decimated ranks, your tattered and
torn banners, and your long train of scarred and wounded companions, and the bloody
fields of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg too well disclose.
"How your services are appreciated by your friends at home, this immense throng,
summoned by a few hours notice of your arrival, at this busy season of the year, bears
ample testimony.
"Officers and men, one and all, once more I bid you a hearty welcome home.
"At the conclusion of his speech he was heartly cheered.
"Colonel Glanz, in reply, stated that the officers and men of the regiment were very
grateful for the honor their fellow citizens had done for them, and he was very sorry that
his health was so poor, and he was so much exhausted that he could not respond at length.
" Edward J. Fo.x, Esq., Chairman of the Committee on Collation, then addressed the
regiment, briefly alluding to the gallant manner in which they had volunteered to extend
their term of service until the last rebel invader should be expelled from the State, and
announced that their fellow citizens had prepared a collation for them which he invited
them to partake of.
" Under the diredlion of Major Thomas W. Lynn, Chief Marshal, the regiment then
marched into the fair building and were seated ; the wounded unable to walk were carried
in and cared for.
"The collation, which was got up by the citizens, assisted by some of their country
friends, and arranged by a committee of ladies, was a splendid affair, and consisted of
poultry and various meats, bread, butter, cheese, etc., with warm coffee, ice water, and
lager beer.
"The building is one hundred and si.xty feet long, and there were four tables set,
e.Ktending the whole length of the building, with seats upon each side of the tables. As
soon as they were seated, Henry Green, Esq., who had been appointed to preside at the
latter, proceeded to address them, but after a few minutes he remarked that he knew the\-
had had nothing to eat since the evening previous, and inasmuch as he could not be at all
satisfactorily heard because of the immense crowd of people that were gathered around
them and into the second story building, he must not trespass upon them. A beautiful
poem was written for the occasion by S. L. Cooley, Esq. We regret that its length will
not permit its publication here.
" It was with great difficulty that the crowd could be kept out of the building so as to
enable the ladies and gentlemen who waited upon the men to attend to their duties. A
guard had to be stationed at the doors, and, although some of the country friends com-
plained a little, it was a military ni'cessitv they had to submit to.
276 THE HISTORY OF
" After the regiment had finished their dinner, the returned volunteers, under Captain
Titus, and Provost Guard, Captain Maguire, and citizens generally, finished the feast.
SWORD PRESENTATION TO COLONEL GLANZ.
"The music of Coates' Cornet Band, upon the speaker's stand, then announced that
something else was to be done, and soon the soldiers and citizens gathered around.
"Here the splendid new sword, purchased by the regiment for Colonel Glanz, was
formally presented to him, in behalf of the officers and men of the regiment, in a very
neat and appropriate speech by Captain Howard J. Reeder, as follows :
"Colonel : After sharing the perils and hardships of a soldiers' life for ten months
we meet here this day for the purpose of saying farewell. We meet here as a regiment
for the last time ; but, before we part, we desire to give this sword to our brave and noble
commander, as a slight testimony of the high esteem and regard in which we hold him.
The One Hundred and Fifty-third is now a thing that was. Its organization exists no
longer ; but never will one member of that regiment forget its noble and gallant leader.
Never! I say, until the life-blood ceases to ebb and flow through the channels of his
earthly frame.
"Colonel — take this sword ; it comes from the living and the dead. In it, not only
do the living speak their gratitude, but those who lie beneath the soil of Chancellorsville
and Gettysburg, raise their voices from the hollow of their tomb, and ask not to be for-
gotten. Nobly have you done your duty ; faithfully have you obeyed your country's call,
and well do we know when we give this sword that it will never be sheathed in a just,
and never unsheathed in an unjust cause.
" On receiving the sword, Colonel Glanz responded in a feeling manner, assuring his
command of his high regard for them, his appreciation of their handsome present, and
the memories that he would carry through life of their glorious service, and happy days
of comradeship. That he felt it to be a high honor, that although foreign born, he had
been seledled to command them, and regarded that moment as the proudest of his life.
The large crowds of people gathered at so short notice and at such a busy season,
proved in what estimate this regiment was held by the people of this county."
THE DRAFT IN EASTON.
The exigencies of the military service requiring more men, a draft for the distridl was
held at Easton, on Monday, September 28, 1863. The envelopes were drawn from the
wheel by Mr. Charles Bixler, a blind man, in the presence of a committee, composed of
members of both political parties, and the names were announced by the Provost Marshal,
Samuel Yohe, to the crowd assembled, who took the matter very good naturedly. The local
papers of the day published long columns of the names of the drafted men, and of those
who were exempt by disability and other causes. The nation was in the third year of
the war. Its novelty had passed away, and proclamations for volunteers and calls for
drafts in the fall and winter of 1863 were expedled as certainly as the needs of the service
would demand them ; and in Easton, as in most other parts of the North, were looked upon
as so much business of the nation, to be transatled in an orderly and impartial manner.
The Provost Marshal, Samuel Yohe, Connnissioner of Board, Henry C. Wolfe, and other
officers, were accorded great credit for firmness and impartiality. Great good humor, we
EAST ON, PENN'A.
277
are told, prevailed at the drawing, and whenever the name of a prominent individual was
announced, it was greeted with cheers and laughter. It was condn(5led on an elevated
platform in front of the office of the Provost Marshal at the southeast corner of Fifth and
Northampton streets, so that all who chose could witness it and see that it was fairly done.
THANKSGIVING DINNER TO THE INVALID CORPS, NOVEMBER 26, 1863.
On this day business of all kinds was suspended and appropriate religious services
held in all the churches. News of a great victory over the rebel General Bragg, and the
capture of many prisoners and arms, had been received early in the day, and with the
Gettysburg triumph fresh in memory, all felt thankful that the crisis of the war was over,
and that the rebellion thenceforth would be stridtly defensive, and must dwindle to certain
defeat. The many families, with representatives in the ranks, and the patriotic allusions
of the ministers, rendered the services peculiarly impressive. Heavy contributions were
taken for the benefit of the Union prisoners at Richmond.
A sumptuous dinner was given by the Ladies' Aid Society of the Methodist Church,
assisted by ladies of other churches, to the invalid soldiers composing the Provost Guard
stationed in Easton. It drew forth a hearty letter of thanks from the officers in com-
mand, who stated that the Thanksgiving banquet at their barracks reminded them of
their homes, and was an assurance that they were in the midst of friends. The kindly
services of these ladies to the invalid soldiers were not limited to Thanksgiving day.
They had been constant in their care of the sick and wounded of these soldiers of the
Union, gathered from all commands, and unfit for aftive field service. The street parades
of these veterans were a marked feature of the time, and a constant reminder of the great
army in the front, from which from time to time, they had been detached by reason of
wounds and other disabilities.
RETURN OF THE 5IST P. V. VETERANS TO RECRUIT.
In February, 1864, this regiment was ordered to Harrisburg to fill its ranks, depleted
in the numerous engagements and severe campaigning of its long and honorable service.
Companies B and K, with part of Company H, recruited in Easton, on their return on
Tuesday evening, February 9, 1864, received a most flattering welcome. The Easton
men in Company H had been recruited by Captain George Finley, who, when the regi-
ment was being organized had endeavored to raise a third company from the borough.
Upon failure to secure the requisite number of men they were consolidated with others
from Union county, into Company H, under command of Captain J. Merrill Einn, of
Lewisburg.
They were met at the depot by a large body of citizens, headed by Coates' Cornet
Band, and escorted to Centre Square amid firing of cannon and ringing of church bells.
Flags waved from the houses, and an immense throng crowded the streets to greet the
returning heroes. After an appropriate welcome by Colonel W. E. Doster, a collation
was given to them at the Phoenix Hall, whither they were conducfted and where they were
again welcomed by Samuel L. Cooley, Esq. The substantial were heartily discussed by
the soldierly looking men, and they separated highly pleased with their reception.
Again they were handsomely entertained at a banquet at Masonic Hall, on Friday,
February 12, presided over by. Hon. H. D. Maxwell. The Judge was heartily cheered
278
THE HISTORY OF
during his speech on taking the chair, and the numerous toasts to the valor of the men
were eloquently responded to by Hon. A. H. Reeder and others. The large attendance
of citizens was loud in applause of the many incidents of their varied service since the
departure of the volunteers, with the lamented Captain Ferdinand W. Bell, September 14,
1 86 1. The muster rolls given are taken from Captain Parker's History of the regiment.
COMPANY B.
ra/>/aiK— Ferdinand \V. Bell.
Daniel L. Nicholas.
First Lieutenant — John H. Genther.
" " Valentine Stocker.
Second Lieutenant— KoherX. M. Burrell.
" " John \V. Meeker.
First Sergeant — Samuel A. Apple.
Sergeants — John W. Beam.
" Alson Stocker.
*' Conrad Swazer.
Charles S. Knauss.
William J. Osterstock.
George W. Arndt.
Corporals^]ohn M. Wein.
Josiah Ackerman,
Edward Apple,
Joseph Arnold,
William Albert,
John F. Ackerman,
Harrison Ackerman,
William Andrews,
Adam Buzzard,
John W. Brunner,
Abraham Babp,
William H. Bachman,
William L. Bowman,
John Burns,
George Boswell,
Sebastian Bring,
James Bisbing,
William H. Brittain,
John H. Buck,
John Bowes,
William H. Butz,
Jackson Bullman,
Philip Bond,
Jonathan Brook.
Charles Brown,
James Bridges,
William Colbath,
Jeremiah Cheney,
John L. Clifton,
Philip Curtz,
Israel Crocket,
Allen J. Clifton,
John Coff,
George Crawford,
Charles H.Chambers,
Reuben Ilutter.
PRIVATES.
Charles N. Gosner.
John B. Godley,
Lewis Group,
Jacob Haas,
William Haas,
Edward Hill,
Benjamin Hively,
Edward Hardy,
William Hufsmith,
Theodore F. Hi.xon
Michael Henning,
Charles Hiney,
Jeremiah Haines,
John A. Halsted,
William Henning,
John \. Innes,
John Judge,
Charles W. Kinsey,
Reuben Kresge,
John Kustetor,
Chris. Knauss,
Emanuel Kresge,
Lewis Kross,
John A. Lee,
John Lee,
Thomas Leary,
Aaron Lottig,
Samuel Mershon,
Thomas Marsteller,
Thomas P. Miller.
Chris. B. Myers,
Peter Myers,
Philip M. Mettler,
Henry Mixell,
William Moore.
ror/>ora/i— Philip A. Barnet.
Georgejohnson.
Milton Ackerman.
" Enos Schock.
" Samuel F. Knapp.
" Henry Schooley.
" Benjamin F. -Ackerman.
Matthew Delaney.
" Thompson .Ackerman.
" Samuel Moore.
Edward Bullman.
" George W. Moser.
Musicians — ^John D. Knauss.
Aimer Neigh.
Adam Rufl",
Charles Reed,
John Seibert,
Charles Sharp,
Peter Scott,
Henry Scott,
Henry Samuels.
James Shull,
-■Andrew Snyder,
Edwin P. Snyder.
William Stocker,
Stephen Smith,
Abraham Shook,
John S. Samsell,
Simon Searfoss.
William Searfoss,
Henry Steintioff,
John H. Schooley,
James Snedeker,
Jacob H. Sweeney.
Charles Sheets.
Thomas Sletor,
William A. Smith,
William Shick,
John H. Seiple,
Rudolph Steiner,
William F. Strattford,
John Stone,
William Stewart,
William L. Snyder,
Joseph Titus,
William Tomer,
Henry Thompson,
.\aron Thatcher,
William H. Diehl,
John H. Diehl,
George Dulot,
Courtland Dutt,
Uriah Dole,
George Dean,
William Draher,
Lawrence H. Delly,
John Eichlin,
William D. Everett,
Joel L. Everett,
Reading Fluck,
Henry Furich,
Peter Frautz,
Gabriel Fay,
Henry Gregory,
Jacob W. Gosner,
Daniel H. Gerhart,
Jacob Gamber,
E ASTON, PENN'A.
PRIVATES— Continued.
Thomas Moser,
Thomas Miller,
John Miller,
Patrick McDonald,
Titus McFall,
Wilson McKeighan,
T. J. Nicholas,
Charles Newsbaum,
John Nugent,
John Obenholzer,
James Pettit,
George Paul,
Henry Poff,
William O. Rauch,
John B. Reigle,
Thomas P. Rickets,
Charles Ricker,
Benjamin J. Reily,
Joshua Raub,
279
Daniel W. Vannatta,
Nicholas Woodring,
Thomas Williamson,
Gabriel Z. Wacht,
Calvin L. Weaver,
John Weidknecht,
S. C. Weidknecht,
Edward Weiss,
Hiram Woodring,
Henry Warner,
George Walters,
Samuel Warner,
Cyrus Werkheiser,
John Wilson,
Isaac Wilson,
Francis Young.
Lewis H. Young,
Stelio Zamaria.
COMPANY K.
ra/>/o2n— John E. Titus.
William S.Mellick.
First Lieutenant — Jacob Fryburger.
" " Jacob Hawk.
First Sergeant— 'Da.me\ W. Eichman
Sergeants— ]ohrv C. Dittler.
" Theo. Moser.
Uriah F. Dean.
Franklin S. Moyer.
Amandus Atlee,
George Buss,
Henry A. Daily,
Jacob Fortner,
Henry Gangwere,
Frank T. Grube,
Daniel Herzog,
PRIVATES.
George V. Holden,
Edward H. Patterson,
John Ritter,
Philip Richards,
Erwin Richards,
Francis Reedy,
Samuel G. Stidinger,
Corporals— Thfto. Odenwelder.
" Francis Ludwig.
*' Francis Tro.vell.
Jacob F. Cole.
John P. Huber.
" John Sutton.
Jacob Tru.xell.
Daniel Troxell.
Philip Richards.
Frederick Schwep,
Daniel Scheeks,
Christian Scheeks,
Lewis Singer,
William H. Vogel,
William Yates.
As the names of the original members of the above companies disappeared from the
rolls in the casualties of their long and severe campaigning their places were filled with
new men, many of whom had been drafted. This will account for the long roll of Com-
pany B. Scattered through the other company rolls of the regiment the names of Easton
volunteers appear. Company E, Dietrich Beckman and others not designated.
REGIMENTAL RECORD.
The 51st P. V. was organized at Harrisburg, late in September, 1861, under the
supervision of Colonel John F. Hartranft, an officer who rose through his fine soldierly
qualities and distinguished record to be a Major General of volunteers, and in civil life,
subsequently, was twice eledled Governor of the Commonwealth.
The regiment left Camp Curtin, November 18, 1861, and until its embarkation with
the Burnside Expedition on January 6, 1862, was quartered near Annapolis and en-
gaged in constant drill under the eye of its active and skilful commander. In the
28o THE HISTORY OF
engagement on Roanoke Island, the Newbern Expedition, and the movement near Eliza"-
beth City, Companies B and K were acftive and with the regiment took part in the second
Bnll Run battles, and on September 3, marched through Washington for the Antietam
campaign. Its part in the South Mountain fight and the great battle of Antietam, on
September 17, and its famous storming of the Bridge, are bright pages in the history of
the war. The gallant charge at Fredericksburg, in which Captain Ferdinand W. Bell
fell at the head of his command, was its last fight with the Army of the Potomac, before
its departure for Kentucky, on March 25, 1863.
Captain Parker in his interesting history of the 51st P. V. says of this Fredericksburg
battle, " The position assigned the regiment was diredlly in face of more than a mile of
earthworks, behind which lay thousands of rebels, who kept up incessant volleys of mus-
ketry, and their batteries, volleys of grape and canister, to say nothing of the rifle shells
that passed through the ranks, and went screeching and whizzing through the air. It
was here that Captain Ferdinand W. Bell, of Company B, was killed, whose loss was most
seriously felt by all in the regiment, and particularly in his company. He was an ac-
complished and unassuming gentleman, a good disciplinarian, a true patriot, and as
fearless as he was gentle."
The same book, in referring to the skirmish drill and bayonet e.xercise by regiment and
company, praises Company B, and its Captain, as follows: "There did not e.xist a com-
pany in the whole expedition (Roanoke) that could vie with Captain Bell's Company B,
in the bayonet exercise. Every lunge, parry and carte, were performed with so much
promptness and precision, that it looked more like automatic machine work than that of
men moving by will. Other companies also did well, especially Company D, but none
had the training that Company B had, nor did another drill-master exist in the regiment,
as was Ferdinand W. Bell ; very explicit in his instru(ftions, firm in his commands, cor-
real in his orders and movements, and who could not be persuaded to believe a soldier had
a right to make a mistake, and so heartily did his ' boys ' concur in his opinions that they
made no mistakes.''
On December 14, 1862, the day after the death of Captain Bell, his place was filled
by the promotion of Lieutenant Daniel L. Nicholas,* who had served in the First U. S.
Dragoons in the Mexican War, and who was an earnest and heroic soldier. Under his
command the company did its full share in the great battles which won for the regiment
the sobriquet of " The Fighting Fifty-first."
Lieutenant John H. Genther was transferred to the Quartermaster's Department, with
the rank of Captain.
In the historic siege of Vicksburg, and campaigning about Kno.xville, time passed
until January 5, 1864, when it re-enlisted and returned home on a veteran furlough. Its
subsequent career, as a Veteran regiment, was no less distinguished. Returning with
recruited ranks, on May 5, 1864, it crossed the Rapidan to enter upon the stubborn and
successful fighting under Grant, in the great movement by the left flank to Cold Harbor.
On June 17, it was in front of Petersburg, and at once was engaged at close quarters, at
one time for seventeen successive days and nights, in an unceasing fire of musketry, one-
third of the men being constantly employed. It was part of the storming column at the
* Captain Nicholas died November 3, 1887, and was buried on the Sunday following with the honors of war
by his ronirades of the Grand Army of the Republic.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 281
Crater, inarched to the relief of tlie ill-fated Warren iu August, was in the final attack of
April 2, 1865, which resulted in the fall of Richmond, and closed the most brilliant of
regimental careers, on July 27, when after four years of arduous duty, extending over
the whole line from the Atlantic to the Mississippi, it was mustered out of service at
Alexandria, Virginia.
CASUALTIES AMONG THE EASTON VOLUNTEERS.
CoiHpaiiv B. — Killed, Captain Ferdinand W. Bell; Corporal Edward Bullmau. Privates, killed, John F.
Ackerman, Harrison Ackerman, Philip Bond, William Dreher, Wm. F. Stratford, Cyrus Werkheiser. Wounded,
Corporal Charles W. Kinsey. Privates, wounded, Henry Furich, Gabriel Fay, Edward Hardy, George Paul.
Captured, Corporal, Matthew Delany ; privates, William Albert, Jonathan Brook, George Crawford, Courtlandt
Dutt, Lewis Group, Henry Meixsell.
Company E. — Wounded, Sergeant George Diehl.
Company H. — Wounded, Corporal H. J. Lingerman, Wounded, Private Anthony Weisinbach.
Company K. — Wounded, First Lieutenant, Jacob Fryberger. Killed, Sergeant Franklin S. Moyer ; Cor-
poral, Jacob Troxell. Wounded, Corporal, Theodore Odenwelder, John P. Huber. Privates, killed, Frederick
Schwep, Daniel Scheeks. Privates, wounded, Jacob Fortner, William T. Rundis, Alfred Schilling, John Wine-
garden, William Yates.
RECEPTION OF COMPANY E, I2TH PENNA. RESERVES, OR 41ST P. V.
The survivors of this gallant band were accorded a most hearty and enthusiastic
reception by the citizens of Easton, on Tuesday evening, June 14, 1864. Coates' Cornet
Band headed the procession from the depot, and the veterans, many of whom were suf-
fering from wounds, were seated in carriages kindly furnished by the Seitz Brothers.
After marching through the principal streets, a halt was made in front of White's Hotel
in the northeast corner of the Square, where they were welcomed in a very neat and
appropriate speech by Colonel Baldy. After cheers for the veterans, the Governor, and
the President, there was a general handshaking between the soldiers and the citizens.
Reference has already been made in these pages to the origin and record of the
Reserves. Under the recruiting of Captain John J. Horn, and Ivieutenant afterwards by
promotion. Captain Francis Schelling, who had seen service in the nth U. S. Infantry
in the Mexican War, and Lieutenant Edward Kelly, volunteers were raised in Easton,
who, on the organization of the regiment, 41st P. V., called 12th Pennsylvania Reserves,
July 25, 1861, formed Company E, whose muster roll we have already given with the
notice of their departure for Camp Curtin. After some days guard duty about the public
buildings in Harrisburg the regiment was ordered to join the Third Brigade of the
Reserves at Tenallytown, near Washington. This it did on August 20, 1861, and was
engaged in camp drills until October 10, when it marched into Virginia, and on December
20 joined in the advance on Drainesville, where it was engaged with slight loss. On
March 10, with the army, it moved towards Manassas, and on the retreat of the rebels,
bivouacked, without shelter, and exposed to intense cold and rain and snow storms.
After doing some detached guard service the regiment, on May 6, joined its division at
Falmouth. The Peninsular campaign had now opened, and the Reserves were conveyed
by transports to the White, on June 14, and after picket duty and marching, on the morn-
ing of the 26th assisted in driving the rebels back by their steady fire at Ellerson's Mill,
near Cold Harbor. Colonel Taggart of the 12th held his position until near daylight and
then withdrew under orders. Two days later, the men from constant alarms, having had
282 THE HISTORY OF
little sleep or refreshment, the regiment moved to Gaine's Mills, and under a heavy fire
for three hours defended the guns and drove the rebels back. Next morning it moved,
guarding long lines of the Reserve artiller>-, and at night was on picket duty near the
James river. Next day saw it near Malvern Hill where it arrived at daybreak, after a
hand to hand conflic?t with the rebels, who poured upon its flanks in immense force.
Here in reserve they saw the heavy shells thrown far inland from the gun boats, the suc-
cessive rebel charges, and the deadly fire from the Reserve batteries. On the repulse of
the rebels, the Reserves again on transports, joined the army of General Pope, and took
part with great credit in the second Bull Run battle, and on September 17, under General
McClellan on the field of Antietam. The Reserves were selected to lead in the advance
upon the rebel lines and were engaged in heavy skirmishing on the Bowling Green road.
The loss to the regiment here was heav>-. In February, 1863, the regiment, now much
reduced, occupied the defences of Washington, and for six weeks performed provost duty
in that city. It joined the main army moving on Gettysburg at Frederick, and reached
that field at 10 h. M. on July 2, and was hurriedly moved to the vicinity of Little Round
Top. After frequent change of position during the afternoon in support of troops it com-
menced and completed during the night a stone wall connecting the sunmiit of Round
Top with that of Little Round Top. The enemy could be distinctly heard at the same
time building a parallel wall near the foot of the hill. This was held during the next
day, in full view of the charge of cavalry under General Kilpatrick on the left, and the
rebel General Pickett's grand charge upon the left centre. On the morning of the 4th
rebel bayonets gleamed above the stone wall, but the rebels themselves had departed, and
the ruse was soon detecfted and the muskets brought in. Pursuit commenced upon the
5th, and in the campaign following, the 12th was engaged at Bristow Station on October
14, Rappahannock Station on November 19, and Mine Run on November 26.
The winter passed in duty on the line of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, in
close picket duty and with frequent skirmishes. In May, 1864, with recruited ranks it
entered upon the Wilderness campaign, and was closely engaged in its heavy fights until
May 30, 1864, when its time expired, and it was ordered to Harrisburg, where, on June
II, 1864, it was mustered out after three years of faithful service.
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Baldy, promoted from Major, August i, 1862, was dis-
charged, by reason of absence through sickness, February 15, 1863.
Captain John J. Horn, in delicate health at his entry into service, was disabled to
such a degree by its hardships as to be compelled to resign, February 17, 1S62.
CASUALTIES AMONG THE EASTON VOLUNTEERS.
Company E. — Wounded, Captain Francis Schelling, Lieutenant Edward Kelly ; Sergeants, William Ruch,
James Johnston, William F. Keller, William R. Kidd. Corporals, killed, George Darhammer, George Ketch-
ledge, J. H. Messinger, William J. Kuchner ; wounded, Daniel H. Laubach. Privates, killed, Robert G.
Barnes, Thomas Duffin, Charles Custard, William Dice, Josiah Edelman, Landers Everett, David H. Graham,
Matthew Haas, William Handwork, Edward Leidy, George .A. Miller, Paul Roth, Thomas Ruth, George Walls ;
wounded, James Devine, John May, Aaron E- Beisel, Leopold Beck
180TH REGIMENT PENNA. VOLUNTEERS — 19TH PENNA. CAVALRY.
In an engagement at Franklin, Tenn., in December, 1864, Captain Frank Reeder of
this regiment was wounded. He was on January 26, 1865, promoted to Lieutenant
E ASTON, PENN'A.
283
Colonel, and later by order of the War Department to Brevet Brigadier General. Its
Major, Norman M. Finlay, discharged Jnly 23, 1864, and First Lieutenant, Jonathan L.
Fackenthall, who died at Memphis, on December 5, 1864, of disease contracted in service,
were also from Easton, as were others whose names are scattered through the muster rolls
of the different companies. The regiment was recruited in the summer and fall of 1863,
at Camp Stanton, in Philadelphia, and upon its organization in November was ordered to
Washington, and was shortly after forwarded to the army in the west.
It was engaged in adlive campaigning while operating on the flank of General Sher-
man's army in the movement against Vicksburg, and rendered efficient service in the des-
truction of supplies intended for the
rebel army. In April, 1864, by a suc-
cession of rapid attacks, it delayed the
rebel General Forrest in his march in
force to Fort Pillow, but could not, by
reason of its small number, prevent that
shameless massacre. On July 4, it
moved to Vicksburg, and thence to
Little Rock, against the rebel General
Sterling Price, and participated in en-
gagements at Marion, Greensboro, Pilot
Knob, Osage, and the Big Blue River.
A sabre charge of the 19th had much
to do with the latter viClory. After
lively campaigning on the flank of the
rebel General Hood it made a number
of noted charges. One was memorable
for the enthusiasm infused among the
brave sabreurs by the music of " Rally
Round the Flag, Boys" played by all
the bands of the division, as it started
in its successful onslaught upon the
enemy. At Franklin, the driven enemy
again made a determined stand behind
a stone wall, but were flanked and
again forced to retreat. In this fight
three stands of colors and three hun-
dred and fifty prisoners were captured,
and among the wounded was Captain Frank Reeder. The rebel pursuit continued until
they were finally defeated at Sugar Creek, in which fight the 19th dismounted, co-opera-
ted with other forces.
While in camp at Gravelly Springs, Alabama, a battalion of six companies was formed
of the regiment decimated by heavy losses in battle and through disease, and on February
8, 1865, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Frank Reeder, it embarked at Eastport
for New Orleans, and arrived there on March 9, and moved to Baton Rouge where it was
Frank Reeder,
Col. igtli Pa. Cavalry. Br. Brig. Gene
284
THE HISTORY OF
engaged in scouting and picket duty. Here on June 13 it was consolidated into four
companies, and on July 25 defeated a detachment of the rebel Wirt Adams' command at
Clinton. Until March it was employed in service against guerillas at different points,
defeating them with heavy loss in January, 1866, and after performance of provost duty
in New Orleans was on May 14, 1866, mustered out of service. Its loss in killed and
wounded and disabled men in its varied campaigning was heavy.
FORTY-SEVENTH PENNA. VOLUNTEERS.
In the midst of a snow storm on December 20, 1864, this regiment, in whose ranks
were two Companies, A and E, of Easton volunteers, marched through Winchester, Va.,
and went into winter quarters at Camp Fairview, near Charlestown. It had taken part
in the grand movement of "Cavalry Sheridan," which turned defeat into vicftory and
sent the rebel General Early "whirling up the valley" in Ocftober, 1864, and was compli-
mented on the field by General Thomas for its gallant stand at Cedar Creek. Besides the
volunteers recruited in Easton by Captains Richard A. Grseffe and Charles H. Yard, it
had taken with it into service on its muster rolls in September, 1861, all of the members
of Pomp's Cornet Band, an organization that had been from 1850 the life of the street
parades of the borough, and was widely known for its high grade of music and artistic
execution. Its director, Thomas Coates, to whom this reputation was due, besides being
a performer of skill was a composer of celebrity, and many airs listened to in great cities
by applauding crowds, were heard for the first time, and with favor, upon the streets of
Easton. We give the rolls of the band and of the two Easton companies, as they appear
in Bates' History P. V.
MUSTER ROLL OF REGIMENTAL BAND, 47TH P. V.
Principal Musicians. — Wm. A. Heckman, Daniel D. Dachrodt.
Leader of Band. — Thomas Coates.
Musicians.— ]o'ini\ Alele, Gilbert M. Bissell, VVm. Q. Brotzman, Charles Eichman, Peter Garrecht, Henry Heusner,
Frederick L.Jacobs, Henry H, M'Neal, William H. Nagle, Wm. H. Pomp, Sr., Wm. H. Pomp, Jr., Aaron Peterson,
John Rupp, Mitch. J. Solomons, Peter Schwentzer, Edward F. Seigfried, James Tarrant, J. Eugene Walter.
MUSTER ROLL OF CO. A AND E, 47TH P. V.
COMPANY A.
Captains — Richard A. Graeffe,
" Adolphus Dennig.
First Lieutenant — James F. Myers,
" " John H. Stein.
Second Lieutenant — William W. Belles,
First Sergeant — Nicholas Reiser.
Sergeants— ¥Ta.n. Mittenberger,
Peter Batt,
" Amos Jumper,
William Hall,
Frederick Hubel,
" Bernard Brahler,
William Ferer,
Corporals — Charles Glasser,
" Ma.x Slimmer,
Corporals — Samuel Yonkins,
" Levi Fraunfelder,
" Reuben Raider,
" Jacob Kohler,
" James Haney,
" Frederick Kagely,
" Amandus Sandt,
" George Rice,
" William Sweitzer,
John Savitz,
" Jacob Beck,
" Adam Lawrence,
Musicians— ]Acoh Daub,
" Wm. Williamson.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
PRIVATES.
285
Robert Adams,
John Alder,
Michael Andrews,
Jacob M. Bower,
James Barnett,
Samuel Bauman,
Joseph B. Bower,
Anthony B. Bush,
Daniel Battaghlia,
William Borman,
David R. Bills,
Martin Baker,
Andrew Bellis,
George Bohn,
Thomas J. Bower,
Samuel E. Bridinger,
George Bolian,
Jeremiah Billheimer,
Tobias Bower,
Amandus Bellis,
Lewis Bower,
John Brensinger,
John Bush,
Elias Berlin,
John Cohler,
Jacob Gassier,
Charles Coleman,
Daniel S. Crawford,
William Daub,
Thomas Duffert,
Michael Delaney,
Samuel Danner,
Charles Detweiler,
John Deverin,
Emanuel Eichman,
John H. Everett,
Henry Engle.
Martin Eppler,
Jacob Eckert,
John Eppler,
William Pagan,
R. Fraunfelder,
John W. Furman,
Peter Fahey,
Isaac Fleishhower,
Abraham Fleisher,
Adolphus Finster,
Allen Faber,
Daniel Friedewald,
Clements Goodyear,
Christian Gresser,
Edwin T. Greening,
Lewis Gebhart,
Solomon Guildner,
Hugo Goltz,
Lawrence Gatence,
Joseph Goodyear,
George Hare,
Lewis Hohn,
George W. Hall,
Jacob Herbert,
Reuben Hartzell,
George Hyde,
Joseph Harle.
Christian Haldeman,
John Hawk,
Willoughby Haflfner,
Reinhold Hohn,
Sidney Hahn,
Nicholas Hoffman,
Henry Hartman,
John Q. Hay,
Peter A. Henkle,
John J. Jones,
Richard Koenig,
Stephen Knecht,
Matthias Krotz,
Missouri Kretzler,
Peter Kern,
John Krouenbetter,
Myer Kohn,
Henry Kline,
Joseph Kline,
Tilghman Keim,
Frederick Keiser,
James M. Keifer,
Ambrose Koch,
William S. Keen,
Edwin Kidd,
Owen C. Laub,
Wm. Laughran,
Peter Lewis,
Moritz Lazius,
Mahlon Raub,
Henry Lingaman,
Charles Lear,
Augustus Loeffelman,
Albert Like,
Joseph Miller,
John Muhl,
Samuel Meyers,
Daniel Moyer,
George Muller,
Joseph W. Myers,
Joseph E. Messinger,
Frederick E. Meyer,
Stephen Moyer,
Edward M'Glynn,
Daniel M'Calla,
Anton Muck,
James R. Meldrum,
Charles Miller,
Francis Marsh,
Christian Newhaus,
Abraham Osterstock,
Thos.H. O'Donald,
John J. Paxson,
Thos. C. Patterson,
William Pucker,
John Price,
Jacob Paulus,
John Paulus,
John Phleger,
Frederick Roesler,
John Rupp,
Thomas Rewark,
Samuel Remaley,
Powel Rarick,
Charles Rufe,
John Ross,
Ferdinand Reel,
W. H. Richardson,
David Strauss,
Peter C. Sleath,
Edwin Schweitzer,
Edwin C. Sandt,
John Stem,
Jefferson Stem,
John Schlamb.
Sidney Sandt,
Llewellyn Sandt,
Ira Schofield,
Fred Sheniger,
Nathan Seigfried,
Stephen Schmidt,
Peter Sandt,
Wm. Schlechter,
Charles Schnable,
Matthias Stortz,
John Schweitzer,
Charles Stump,
Lewis Schmohl,
Lewis Sponheimer,
Josiah Stocker,
Josiah Sleeper,
Theodore Sigman,
Benneville Seibert
John Sailor,
John Tagg,
Andrew Thoman,
Jacob Trabold,
Charles Unangst,
John Unangst,
Enos Unangst,
John White,
David Warrick,
E. Werkheiser,
F. Williamson,
J. J. Werkheiser,
Charles Weidknecht,
Stephen Walter,
Lewis Werkheiser,
J. Williamson,
Henry E. Wagner.
286
THE HISTORY OF
Ca/>/ain— Charles H. Yard.
William A. Bachman.
First Lieutenant — Lawrence Bonstein.
" George A. Diehl.
Second Lieutenant — William H. Wyker
Edw. W. Menner.
First Sergeant — George R. Nicholas.
" " George Hahn.
Adam Ward.
William Rockafellow.
" " Benjamin Derr.
COMPANY E
First Sergeant— Owen J. Weida.
William R. Cahill.
" " Jacob F. Bonstein.
" Samuel H. Barnes.
Francis A. Parks.
Corporal — George Steinmetz.
" Thomas Callahan.
John F. Walton.
" Owen Moser.
" Mosesjacoby.
Henry Hallman.
William Adams,
Peter F. Allen,
Henry L. Arnold,
Charles Arnold,
Henry Bassett,
H. Bartholomew,
David Broat,
Isaac Burk,
John D. Black,
Joseph Brown,
John Bruch,
Andrew Bucher,
Henry L. Beavers,
Henry A. Bachman,
M. Berksheimer,
George W. Brooks,
Andrew Burk,
Thomas BuUman,
George Benedict,
Samuel Batt,
Henry S. Coburn,
Edward Clark,
John Callahan,
John Cnmmiskey,
Jeremiah Cooper,
George Coult,
John Conigan,
James Creig,
John Cramer,
Jacob Dean,
William Deterline,
Nathan Derr,
Charles Dewey,
John Dingier,
Henry Duffin,
Franklin Edinger,
Joseph Engle,
Edward A. Frey,
George Fritz,
Gideon Fritz,
Peter Flynn,
Charles H. Frey,
George M. Falger,
William H. Fowler,
William A. Force,
L. Frankenfield,
Benjamin Fitzcharles,
George Frederick,
Reuben Golio,
Oliver Graver,
John Goodman,
William Helwick,
The length of the above company rolls
the case of the Easton companies of the 5I!
the omission of any worthy volunteers.
PRIVATES.
Luther Horn,
Daniel W. Hull,
James Hughes,
George Hahn,
Jeremiah Haney,
Daniel Houser,
Henry H. Horn,
Adam P. Heckman,
Samuel T. Hudson,
David W. Huber,
Jacob Haggertv,
Charles H. Hubbard,
Richard Hahn,
William Haggerman,
Daniel F. Harkins,
Jacob Hartzell,
William Ivey,
James Ihrie,
Benjamin F. Jones,
William M. James,
Abraham Jacobus,
W. Scott Johnson,
Peter Kerkendall,
John Kunker,
J. iM. Kerkendall,
Henry Kern,
Matthias Kirkuff,
Philip Keaf,
John F. Krader,
Henry A. Labar,
Andrew J. Lynn,
George Long,
Samuel L. Lantz,
George W. Lantz,
George W. Levers,
John Lind,
Luther Labar,
Daniel Lamb,
John Monday,
Eli Moser,
Henry Moyer,
A. M'Laughlin,
Henry Miller,
Patrick Monday,
Grenville Moore,
Lawrence Moser,
Philip L. Moser,
John B. Mickley,
Samuel Minnich,
John M'Laughlin,
Franklin Moser,
Corpora/— John Woolbach.
Isaac Smith.
George Twaddle.
" Reuben Weiss.
" Thomas Lowery.
" William H. Eichman.
" James Huff.
Peter Lyner.
Frederick J. Scott.
Musician-WWMam Wilhelm.
" James Quinn.
Alvin M. Meeker,
Jacob Ocho,
John Peterson,
William Peterson,
William Pa.\son,
Calvin Reed,
J. Rockafellow,
G. Rockafellow,
Joseph A. Rogers,
Jacob Rinek,
Henry Rinek,
J. J. Richards,
George B. Rose,
Frank Simons,
John Shoeman,
Joseph Slayer,
Martin S. Schoch,
Edward Smith,
Valentine Smith,
John Smith,
Samuel Stem,
Edward E. Snyder,
Andrew Spangler,
Charles Steinmetz,
Fred. Seabold,
Richard Shelling,
George Snyder,
George Smith,
Edward L. Snyder,
Thomas Snyder,
Charles Shaffer,
Aug. Templin,
John Tidabach,
James Todd,
John Taylor,
Joseph A. Tice,
Alfred J. Tidabach,
Theodore Tro.xell,
Samuel Transue,
George L. Tilton,
George Vogel,
Albert Wagner.
Joseph E. Walters,
John Wilhelm,
Charles Wolf,
William H. Wright,
William Ward,
Josiah Weaver,
Henry Worman,
George Young,
Bernard Zearfoss.
s due to the addition of new names during their term of service. .As in
t P. V. it has been thought better to publish the rolls in full than to risk
E ASTON, PENN'A. 287
Their first service was in the vicinity of Washington, but upon the request of General
Brannan in January, 1862, the regiment was ordered to accompany him to Key West,
Florida. Here it was busied in heavy artillery drill and lost many of its men through
the fevers of that section. In October, 1862, while on an expedition against the rebel
General Finnegan, Companies E and K under command of Captain Yard, after a sharp
skirmish, took possession of Jacksonville, Florida, and thence proceeded by steamer two
hundred miles up the river, and captured the rebel steamer Governor Milton. In the
same month the regiment took part in the vicftory at Pocotaligo, and was then ordered to
Key West where it remained until February 25, 1864, when it joined the Red River
Expedition under General Banks, and had a prominent place in the engagement of Sabine
Cross Roads, on the 7th of April, 1864, and later made a successful charge at Pleasant
Hill. On the failure of the movement it was ordered to Washington, and in July was
assigned to duty under General Hunter in the Army of the Shenandoah, and at Opequan
on September 19th the grand charge of General Crook's forces and Averill's cavalry was
made through the line held by the Forty-seventh.
The enemy was driven from Fisher's Hill on the 21st and the pursuit continued
during the entire night until it reached Port Republic. Some further duty in the valley
was performed after the service under Sheridan already mentioned, until Lee's surrender,
when the regiment moved to Washington, and participated in the grand review. After
duty in Charleston it was mustered out on the 9th of January, 1866. In its long term of
service it had marched over 1200 miles and made twelve voyages by sea.
CASUALTIES AMONG THE EASTON VOLUNTEERS.
Company A. — Killed, Thomas J. Bower, Samuel E. Bridinger, Charles Detwiller, Lawrence Catena, Ambrose
Koch, Daniel McCaller, Lewis Werkheiser. Wounded, Samuel Remaly. Captured, Lewis Bower, Joseph
Miller.
Company E. — Wounded, Lieutenant Edward W. Menner. Killed, Sergeant Francis A. Parks. Wounded,
Corporal Reuben Weiss, Wm H. Eichman. Captured, Frederick J. Scott. Privates, killed, Henry A. Bach-
man, M Berkshimer, Richard Hahu, John Lind, Samuel Minnich, George B. Rose. Wounded, William Adams,
Andrew Burk, George Coult, Nathan Derr, John Dingier, William A. Force, Reuben Golis, George Hahn, John
Kunker, J M. Kirkendall, Franklin Moser, Jacob Ochs, John Peterson, Edward Smith. Captured, Henry L.
Beavers, Jacob Haggerty.
TWO HUNDRED AND FOURTEENTH REGIMENT PENNA. VOLUNTEERS.
In one of the regiments organized on March 2, 1865, by the Union League Associa-
tion of Philadelphia for one year's service, was a company composed mainly of men
recruited in Easton. Soon after its organization it was ordered to duty in the Shenandoah
Valley, and subsequently to garrison duty in the City of Washington. Many of its officers
and men had seen a6live field service in the early years of the war.
MUSTER ROLL OF CO. H, 214TH P. V., FROM BATES' HISTORY P. V.
Captain— KAviaxd. Kelly. Corporal— km&n&as Kester.
First Lieutenant — Henry L. Arndt. " Thomas Roth.
Second Lieutenant — Joseph S. Osterstock. " John L. Broom.
First Sergeant— KAo\-p\\ Buckheister. " Stephen Lynn.
Sfr^e'an/— Charles Christian. " Charles Walter.
" Frederick Nauman. " August Baltz.
William Wise. " Henry Leh.
" Frederick Voigt. " Peter Kratzer.
John H. Bruch. " Charles D, Long.
" Edwin A. Levering. Musician— S'^Ae.vM^.m E. Stocker.
THE HISTORY OF
Henry Arndt,
Leonard Andre.
Abraham Arndt,
Jacob Buskirk,
Samuel S. Brewer,
Edwin Biissard,
William H. Brink,
Stephen Brotzman,
Solomon Brvfogel,
Jerome Brewer,
John Conarty,
Thomas Connor,
Nicholas Depuy,
William H. Doney,
Amandes Deibert,
Charles David,
Moses Darby,
Benjamin Dorfer,
George Ensley,
Charles Frederick,
Samuel Frederick,
Elias Fourl,
Alfred C. Fry,
Daniel Fogerty,
Christopher Grimes,
John Gaflfy,
Reuben Getz,
Samuel A. Gross,
Matthew Gouldin,
Henry Herger,
PRIVATES.
Henry Hagenbuch,
Stephen D. Hurst.
Charles Hull,
Isaac Hohenshield,
John C. Houck,
James Hennesse,
John Haldeman,
Cornelius S. Hartzell,
Polhemus Hoaglen.
Lewis Hanky,
Henry Imbt,
Martin Joice,
John Judge,
Levi H. Kelchner,
Freeman Kresge,
John Klotz,
William Lynn,
Ransom Lavar,
Michael Landers,
Alfred Metzgar,
William Mooney,
Peter Mulhatton,
Jesse R. Mills,
Joseph Mackes,
Nicholas Mann,
Reuben Naunian,
Daniel Nicholas,
Jacob W. Otinger,
Peter R. Peifer,
Elias Ruch,
William H. Rice,
William G. Roberts,
Reuben Roth,
Quintus E. Snyder,
George Snyder,
Isaiah Snyder,
Moses Swink,
Edwin Seip,
William H. Strohle,
Daniel Serfass,
Henry F. Slutter,
Abraham H. Seem,
George Shissler,
Jacob Serfass,
James Sterner,
Henry S. Seifert,
Ferdinand B. Teel,
George W. Unangst,
Isaac V'ochts,
George Vogel,
James Warner,
Peter E. Williams,
Freeman Werkheiser.
Elias Werkheiser,
Josiah Werkheiser,
William H. Young,
John W. Yinger,
Solomon Yergty.
ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH REGIMENT PENNA. VOLS., I2TH PENNA. CAVALRY.
In this regiment, which saw much aiflive campaigning in the Shenandoah Valley, in
its long term of service between November 1861 and July 1865, were volunteers recruited
in Easton by Captain David Schortz, an earnest and enthusiastic soldier, whose name we
have already mentioned. They entered his command as Co. D, and their names as far as
they can be gathered from Bates' History P. V. , are given below :
COMPANY D.
ra/>/a»n— David Schortz.
First Lieutenant — Samuel Stewart.
" " Jacob A. Stewart.
" " Erastus W. Kellogg.
" " Augustus Weiss.
First Sergeant — Samuel Pa.xson.
Q. M. ^i'rftfan/— Frederick Gashlaur.
Com. Sergeant — Joseph Rouge.
Sergeants — William Ehler.
John H. Keiper.
" John Daub.
Marcus Schoales.
" Benjamin Walter.
5e'rg-i?an/i— James P. Michler.
" Andrew C. Heckn
/j— Edward F. King.
George Bowes.
Lewis Witters.
Jacob Lerch.
John Wolfram.
George Hubbard.
Henry Ehler.
-Jacob Bauch.
Blacksmith— 'Sdicoh Hummel.
Farrier— \\\\\\s.va H. Walter.
Corpo
Bugle.
John P. Billings,
Lewis Blose,
Jacob M. Bauer,
Jeremiah Kutzler,
Charles Kohler,
Peter Lerch.
Edward Stoddel,
Samuel Shafer,
Charles Smith,
!i-:rt X. si;ii',
•.V H, ,S9TH PA. VOI.l
ni War Phougraph.)
Tilghman Clymer,
George R. Clough,
Henry Duffin,
Samuel Dutt,
James Donnelly,
Joseph Ehrie,
John Full,
John Fetter,
Nathan Ginginger,
J. C. Greinezweigh,
Andrew Gashlaur,
William Gallway,
Howe Gosner,
Amos Gosner,
Jeremiah Hope,
E ASTON, PENN'A.
John Lerch,
Martin Meyer,
Augustus Moser,
John Miller,
Bernard Mermarth,
Charles Miller,
Jacob Meyer,
■Samuel Mabus,
John Meyer,
Charles Miller,
John P. Miller,
Christian Ohler,
Thomas S. Paxson,
Ignatius Richmond,
Jacob Raisner,
289
Charles Saylor,
Christian Somerlot,
John Stiles,
John P. Straub,
Lewis Smith,
Matthias Snyder,
Henry F. Smith,
Henry Steel,
Adam Walter,
Herman Wolfram,
William Wolfram,
Thomas Wagner,
Jeremiah Woodring,
Isaac Younken,
Charles Young.
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTH REGIMENT PENNA. VOLUNTEERS, ELEVENTH PENNA.
CAVALRY.
Captain William H. Seip, promoted to Major, and afterwards to Colonel of the First
Regiment U. S. Colored Cavalry, January 18, 1864, took with him as the result of his re-
cruiting in Easton, a number of volunteers whose names appear upon the roll of Company
H, Eleventh Penna. Cavalry. The regiment was raised in September, 1861, and mustered
out July 17, 1865, and during that period was acflively employed in North Carolina and
Virginia, in the severe field work of the Army of the Potomac, and was one of the regi-
ments privileged to close its a(ftive service at Lee's surrender at Appomattox.
FIFTY-NINTH REGIMENT P. V. 2D PENNA. CAVALRY.
In Company H of this regiment were some volunteers from Easton who had been re-
cruited by its captain, Albert N. Seip. It was mustered in the fall of 1861, and after a brief
stay in Washington, to which place it was ordered in April, 1862, on June 27 it crossed Eong
Bridge and did picket and scouting service until August 5, in Virginia, and later made an
important reconnaissance near Aldie. " Here," says Captain Seip, in his diary referred to
in Bates' History P. V., " five rebels were captured by a stuttering bugler, who proposed
to surrender himself, but took such a long time to stammer out the word 'surrender' that
the rebels mistook his meaning and surrendered themselves instead. The bugler called
loudly for help, and gained great credit for the achievement." Its time passed in like
duty in Virginia until the Gettysburg campaign, during which it rendered material ser-
vice in gathering up stragglers and guarding prisoners. In the fall and winter of 1863 it
was again on picket duty, and in the spring of 1864, with ranks recruited took part in the
Sheridan raid. Its subsequent career was closely identified with the history of the cavalry
of the Army of the Potomac. It was present at the surrender at Appomattox, and was
mustered out of service on July 13, 1865, at Cloud's Mills, Va.
EASTONIANS IN COMPANY H,
TAKEN FROM BATES' HISTORY P. V.
864 ; resigned, Odtober 4,
Captain — Albert N. Seip, promoted from First Lieutenant, September 12
1864, to take the position of Second Lieutenant, Signal Corps, U. S. A.
Captain — Aaron K. Seip, promoted to Second Lieutenant, June 17, 1S64; to First Lieutenant, Odtober 5
1864; to Captain, March 15, 1865.
Sergea>its — Roseberry Seip, Franklin Rinker, Sylvester Mohn, Joseph F. Kram, Benj. F. Beitel.
ago
Corporals — Jacob Rinker, Henry
Buglers — Francis Baumeister, Thom
B/acismi//i— Parmer Santee.
Sadd/ers— John Kessler, Joseph Keir
David S. Afflerbach,
Peter Bender,
William Beer,
Jacob Bauer,
George Boas,
George Dennels,
John Daub,
William Ehler,
Lewis H. Fehr,
Owen Fehr,
Tilghman F. Fehr,
Henry Fehr,
John Fetter,
Charles Garis,
Frederick Gastlauer,
Amos Gosner,
Hall Gosner,
J.C. Greinzweig,
Isaac Houser,
Henry W. Haas,
Andrew Heckinan,
Jeremiah Hope,
T//B HISTORY OF
Yahraus, George W. Heines, John J.
as Mover.
PRIVATES.
Charles Hayts,
Henry Johnson,
Charles Koehler,
Erastus Kellogg,
William Klingaman,
Alpha Keiper,
William Lehr,
Peter Lerch,
Jacob Lerch,
Joseph Mauffley,
John Montz,
Charles Mohn,
Philip Mover,
Simon Mabus,
James P. Michler,
Owen Messinger,
C. A. Newman,
Samuel Pa.xson,
Reuben Rinkr,
John Richter,
Joseph Rodenbach,
Ignatius Ricmond,
Mohn, Abandon S. Mover.
Francis A. Romig,
Joseph Rounge,
Daniel Reese,
E. F. Steinraetz,
Richard Searles,
Peter Seigel,
Augustus Seidel,
Daniel F. Steiner,
Samuel SchaefFer,
Matthias Schnyder,
Christian Somerlot,
Henry Steele,
John J. Smith,
George Schafer,
George H. Weiss,
Thomas Wagner,
Wm. H. Walter,
Adam Walter,
Augustus Weis,
Isaac Younkin,
Aug. Zimmerman.
EASTON COLORED VOLUNTEERS.
Among the incidents of niilitar}- service noted in the Easton newspapers is the enlist-
ment of colored volunteers.
George Hoff, 25th U. S. Colored Volunteers.
Gibson Hoff, 8th
Charles Prime, Sth "
Daniel Prime, Frank Dunkens, Thomas Dunkens, Charles Moss. Benjamin Good, drafted, was killed at
the battle of Olustee.
Other names appear upon the muster rolls of the United States colored troops. We
regret that we have not access to these names and those of the organizations to which they
belonged. Some, we are informed, were among the troops whose clean columns and sol-
dierly tread won the admiration of the army in their march into the crater before Peters-
burg. In strange contrast to this reference to a few among the many thousands in service
toward the close of the war is the following circular order issued to the troops under
General Patterson's command.
"Headquarters Dep't of Penna., Martinsburg, July ii, 1861.
Circular. — Members of the army have permitted negroes to be dressed in the uni-
form of the army. This is prohibited, and any officer is called upon to put an end to
such degradation ; and guards are dire6ted to take from negroes uniforms of the army.
By order of
M.\jOR General Patterson.
F. J. Porter, A. A. General."
E ASTON, PENN'A.
291
SURGEON JACOB R. LUDLOW.
Prominent and honored among the Surgeons of the Army for distinguished service in
field and hospital duty was Jacob R. Ludlow, M. D. His services, as we have seen, com-
menced as surgeon with the First Pennsylvania Volunteers in April, 1861. Upon appoint-
ment as Assistant Surgeon U. S. A., July 14, 1862, he was assigned to duty successively
at Harrison's Landing, Hampton, U. S. General Hospital, near Fort Monroe, Frederick
City after the battle of Antietam, Campbell General Hospital, Washington, D. C, and at
Portsmouth Grove Hospital, Rhode Island.
After a competitive examination at Washington he received a commission as Bri-
gade Surgeon from President Lincoln and served as Chief of Corps, Hospital, and Medical
Inspector in therearofVickslnirgdnring the siege. About Aug. i, 1863, he reported for duty
with the staff of the Thirteenth Army
Corps, General Banks, Department of
the Gulf During this service General
U. S. Grant was under his professional
care for treatment of a contusion of the
hip caused by a fall from his horse.
Subsequently he served at Bayou Teche
and in Texas until January i, 1864,
when he was furloughed through sick-
ness until he took the post of Surgeon-
in-Chief of Second Division, Fourth
Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland.
The charge of U. S. General Hospital
No. 3, Nashville, Tennessee, as Chief
Surgeon, detained him until that hos-
pital was closed after the surrender of
Lee, and he was placed in charge of the
V. S. General Hospital for eruptive
fe\ers, in the same city.
His term of service overran four
\ears, the first three of which were
])assed in active and often hazardous
field and hospital duty, and the last in
supervisory charge of large General
Hospitals of the United States Army.
In the leading positions assigned him
he has left full records of patriotic ser-
vice and professional skill and fidelity. After muster-out, November 10, 1865, in compli-
ment to his long and faithful services as Surgeon, he was commissioned by the President
as Lieutenant Colonel by brevet.
GENERAL THEOPHILUS F. RODENBOUGH.
Among the wounded in Sheridan's rapid and victorious ride up the Shenandoah
Valley in September, 1864, celebrated alike on canvas, and in story and song, was
Surge
292
THE HISTORY OF
Theophilus F. Rodenbough, of the Second Regiment U. S. Cavaln-, son of Charles Ro-
denbough, Esq., of Easton. As Lieutenant of the Easton Grays his name has appeared
before in these pages. March 27, 1861, he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Reg-
ular Army, promoted to Captain, and by successive steps to Colonel and Brevet Brigadier
General, U. S. Volunteers, March 13, 1865. He was appointed Colonel of the 163d Penn-
sylvania Volunteers of the line, and 18th Pennsylvania Cavaln.-, April 29, 1865, and upon
its consolidation with the 22d Pennsylvania Cavalry, June 24, 1865, became Colonel of the
3d Provisional Cavalry, the consolidated command, which after duty in West Virginia was
on Odlober 31, 1865, mustered out of service. He was captured at the battle of Manassas,
Va., in August 1862, exchanged a week later, and while in command of his regiment,
wounded at Trevillian Station, in June 1864, and again in September 1864, at Opequan,
losing his right arm while leading a cavalry charge. His promotions were bestowed in
the field, for gallant and meritorious services under the
eyes of superior officers, by whom they were recom-
mended, and were merited by hazardous raiding ser-
vice and notable courage in a long list of battles. The
prominent positions assigned him upon military boards
and courts attest the high estimation of his ability held
by the authorities at Washington.
General Rodenbough is now upon the retired list
of the army, with full rank of Colonel of Cavalry, on
account of wounds received in the line of duty, and is
widely known as author of the "History of the Second
Dragoons, U. S. A.," one of the best of regimental
records, and of " Uncle Sam's Medal of Honor," the
story of a prize too little known before the publication
of his work, and " Afghanistan, or the Anglo-Russian
Dispute."
Since the war as Assistant Inspedlor General of the
N. Y. State National Guard, originator and secretary
of the Military Service Institution of the United States,
editor of the Army and Navy Journal^ and of the Public Service Revie'a\ he has won high
honors, and justified the warm praise awarded him in the field by Generals Grant, Sheridan,
Meade, and others of his superior ofl[icers.
Fin
Colone
Brevet
Brevet
rHKOPHILVS F. ROUKNBOUGH.
Lieutenant Second Cavalrv, U. S. A.
el of Cavalry, Retired List, U. S. A.
t Brigadier General U. S. Vols.
Brigadier General U. S. \.
LIEUTENANT WILLIAM H. WVCKOFF.
To the list of Eastou's representatives among the honored dead on the field of Gettys-
burg must be added the name of Lieutenant William H. Wyckoff, who fell while fighting
with the First Minnesota Volunteers. He was a son of Dr. Isaac C. Wyckoff. His brother
Major Charles A. Wyckoff, of the Regular Army, already mentioned, .served with distinction
throughout the war.
KILPATRICK'S bugler, sergeant CHARLES R. WERKHEISER,
enlisted at sixteen, in the Second New York Cavalry. His four years of service saw
livch- scouting and fighting in the famous Dahlgren raid and in over sixty engagements
E ASTON, PENN'A.
293
under dashing leaders of dragoons, chief among whom was General Kilpatrick. As head-
quarter's bugler he so won upon the daring dragoon that his regard for the boy bugler
ceased only with his death, and led his family to give him honorable place at his funeral.
Another boy bugler of Easton, enlisted at fifteen,
while Sergeant E. N. R. Ohl was assisting in recruit-
ing for Battery C, Fifth U. S. Artillery, was A. Reeder
Muller, who rose by merit to the complimentary rank
of Sergeant.
EASTON IN THE REGULAR ARMY.
In the Regular Army of the United States, besides
the names mentioned, Easton was represented b}- Gen-
eral Lorenzo Sitgreaves, General Nathaniel H. Michler,
both distinguished officers of engineers, of long and
honorable service, and now both dead. Captain A.
Parker Porter died during the Rebellion of disease
contradled in the service. As chief of the Commissary
Department of the Army of the Potomac he rendered
kindly and efficient service to Easton volunteers in the ^ ^^ „ „
•' Ephraim N. R. Ohl.
Fredericksburg campaign. Sergeant Battery C, Fifth U. S. Artillery.
EASTON IN THE NAVY.
Not to the land service alone were Easton volunteers credited during the Rebellion.
Many, upon the expiration of their terms of service in infantry and cavalry regiments,
enlisted in the navy. Unfortunately their names are scattered throughout the lists of the
many vessels then in service of the navy of the United States and are not to be had. We
know that they were upon blockade duty, forced the passage of the Mississippi with Far-
ragut, ran the Vicksburg bomb-proof with Porter, and went down with the Cumberland.
At camp-fires the yarns of these jolly tars are heard in turn with the " chin music" of
the veteran volunteers.
In the navy Easton is well represented. Rear Admiral David B. Harmony, now
A(5ling Secretary of the Navy, his brother Joseph Harmony (who died during the war),
both of long, and varied and distinguished records, and sons of Major W. J. Harmony,
whose title dates back to an early period in the martial history of the borough ; Surgeon
Michael C. Drennan, honored by years of skillful and faithful service, and others who
might be named did space permit.
CONCLUDING REMARKS.
Besides the organizations we have referred to, Easton was largely represented by vol-
unteers who had enlisted singly in other regiments of this and other states. It is to be
regretted that full lists of these names, equally worthy with those given, cannot be had,
and that the records of our own State are so incomplete that many names are omitted, and
many casualties not noted. So far as possible we have endeavored to supply these omis-
sions in the records of our own volunteers, but not with complete success. Here and
there in individual memory is treasured sacredly some name upon the unknown roll, as
294
THE HISTORY OF
the nation in the soldiers' cemeteries rears mounds and marks tablets to the unknown
dead.
In the history of the organizations our pages allow of the merest summary. The
utmost we can give is but an index to the full historical records of the country. No
important battle field can be named in which Easton has not been represented ; no promi-
nent general under whom some of her volunteers have not fought. We have seen them
in the first of the regiments mustered in, and in the last of the regiments mustered out,
quelling draft riots in New York, campaigning in the fever-stricken swamps of Louisiana
and Florida, and fighting over every inch of ground on the great battle fields of Pennsyl-
vania, Maryland and Virginia.
The prompt patriotism of her people in furnishing soldiers and in supplying their
wants must live as proof of their love of liberty and law, and determination to uphold both at
every hazard, and as an example to those who may come after them, that in like peril,
which God avert, they may so adl that this sacrifice may not have been made in vain.
Great armies have always been sources of great danger. It was noted as a marvel that
the iron-clad soldiers of Cromwell, their warfare over, fell quietly into their old places
among the people. How much more room for wonder that our millions of citizen sol-
diery, their mission done, showed by their quiet disbandment and return to civil pursuits
that in learning the duty of the soldier they had not unlearned that of the citizen.
THE EASTON GRAYS.
The war of the Rebellion, in which Easton did its full duty, was so severe in its actual
service that it gave but little encouragement for the home play of the soldier. As, how-
ever, the best way to avert war is to be ready for it, a National Guard has been organized
in Pennsylvania, and through thorough drill and strict discipline under ofl^cers schooled in
the field, is now the best of the State Guards.
Among these troops, and noted for the high character and soldierly qualities of its
members, was Company F, of the Fourth Regiment. It took its name from a company
already referred to in these pages, and was reorganized in July, 1873, under command of
Captain Frank Reeder, who subsequently became General of a Brigade of the National
Guard.
Its soldierly appearance attracted great attention in many prominent parades, — nota-
bly those upon the Centennial Grounds in 1876, where its correct alignment, the precision
of its marching step, and clean columns clad in cadet-grey, were warmly complimented by
the thousands of speculators, many of whom were themselves soldiers of distinguished
service.
At home, crowds watched with delight for the glistening barrels of their Springfield
breech-loading rifles as their ranks descended from their armory in the second story of
Abie's Opera House, for street parades, and for years they were the pride of the borough.
In June, 1877, they were suddenly ordered from pleasant camp-life, near the Delaware
Water Gap, to active .service in guard duty at Mauch Chunk during the execution of the
murderers known as " Molly Maguires." They were prompt to obey, but the law had its
penalty without mob interference.
In July of the .same year they .saw more attive work at Reading in preserving order
E ASTON, PENN'A. 295
during the great railroad strike. The order for this dangerous and in some measure disa-
greeable duty found them again in camp-life near Stroudsbnrg. They left without delay
to join their regiment, stopping en route at their armory to procure ammunition.
From an article in the Daily Free Press of Easton, of July 24, 1877, headed " The
Strikers' War," we extract the following:
" The Fourth Regiment, N. G., Colonel T. H. Good in command, consisting of seven
companies, one of which, Co. F, was the Easton Grays, arrived at Reading from Allentown
about 7 p. M. , yesterday. After conference with the railroad authorities, it marched down the
railroad, and upon getting into the cut between Walnut and Penn streets, was assailed
with cobble-stones and brick-bats thrown by persons standing upon the banks on either
side. The commanding officer. General Frank Reeder, cautioned his men not to fire, but
to march steadily forward. A number of the soldiers were struck with stones, and with-
out orders, fired indiscriminately down Seventh street, and up and down Penn street,
driving the crowd before them finally, after firing two volleys. The loss of life would
have been fearful but for the high aim. As it was seven of the assailants were known to
have been killed and twenty-six wounded. Others slightly wounded escaped through the
crowd."
" Twenty soldiers of the Easton Grays were wounded more or less severely. Among
them were Private O. C. Bunting, slight wound in right shoulder ; Private John Vail,
severe wound in scalp ; Musician Frederick Snyder, slight wound in right side ; Musician
Charles Leidy, severe wound in scalp."
General Reeder in his official report states : " When the command emerged from the
cut, we were confronted by a very large and excited mob who assailed us with stones and
pistol shots. They were dispersed by two volleys from Co. F, and a sharp skirmish fire
from the other leading companies. During the passage of the cut occurred all the adlual
fighting of our campaign. The loss infli(fted upon the rioters was comparatively severe,
viz : Eleven killed anri fifty-four wounded, although it was generally believed that other
heavy losses were concealed through fear of punishment at the hands of the civil authori-
ties. Of my command, very few, probably not more than fifty out of an aggregate strength
of two hundred and fifty-three, commissioned ofl5cers and enlisted men, escaped wholly
unhurt. I was personally struck three times, and my sword struck from its scabbard by
the falling stones ; and every member of my staff received bruises of a more or less serious
character. The proportion of those seriously injured was extremely small, there being but
three commissioned officers and twenty-eight enlisted men unfit for duty the following
day, and of this number only two enlisted men failed to report for duty before the cam-
paign was concluded."
His report adds that the troops " behaved with the cool steadiness and courage of vet-
erans," and closes with praise and thanks for courage and fidelity to the members of his
staff, of whom from Easton were Major W. S. Hulick, A. A. G. Major C. M. Anstett,
Inspector, and Walter S. WyckofF, Volunteer Aid.
Corporal R. E. James of the Grays was detailed to accompany the wounded to their
homes.
The Grays with their regiment passed the night under arms, and after marching to
various threatened points on the following day, returned home in the early morning of
J96
THE HISTORY OF
July 25, 1877. Their cotiducl in this trying service was favorably contrasted with that
of most of the other commands, whose sympathy with the strikers led them to forget their
duty as soldiers. The disbandment of this company has, for the first time in its history
since Lewis Gordon rallied his Rifles to its defense against the Indians, left Easton with-
out a military organization ; and the annals of its soldiery close with —
THE MUSTER ROLL OF THE EASTON GRAYS.
Captain— V. A
. Stitzer.
First Corporal— Vi
•. S. Hulick.
First Lieutenant-
-N.
P. Cornell.
Second ' '
— R
E James.
Second
_
-J.
H. Brensinger.
Third "
-E-
H. Hammann.
. First Sergeant-
—William H. King.
Fourth "
-J-
C. Perdoe.
Second "
— H
. C,
, Lawall.
Fifth
-J-
Whit Wood.
Third
-J-
E.
Bixler.
Sixth "
— 0.
C. Bunting.
Fourth "
-J-
L Brodie.
PRIVATES.
C. M. Anstett,
C. F. Chidsey,
John Hughes,
J. M. Reese,
Ed. Alsfelt,
A. D. Chidsey,
E. E. Hutchinson,
E. R. Reich,
Clarence Andrews
Wm. Campbell,
Lewis Heller,
Jacob Ricker,
Chas.J. Able,
J.J. Cope,
H. P. Hess,
Edward Rinker,
George Able,
John C. Cavode,
John F. Hess,
J. W. Roberts,
Frank Ashton,
Geo. Davenport,
Chas. B. Hetrich,
M. W. Rohn,
George Alpaugh,
J. W. Dean,
Wm. St. George Kent
Olin Rohn,
Harry W. Barron,
John Drake,
James P. Kinsey,
J. S. Rodenbough,
Hugh Beers,
A. Elliott, Jr.,
Stephen L. Keim,
Frank Reeder,
Ferd. W. Bell,
Jas. A. Edelman,
Frank Kneedler,
Lewis J. Rader,
Clarence Bellis,
Q. F. Ehler,
Wm. Kolb,
C. E. Schleicher,
J. Howard Bellis,
Wm. Fackenthall,
Wm. Kuebler,
Harry Seitz,
Joseph H. Bellis,
Uriah T. Fackenthall,
Chas. Loudenberger,
Jacob Skinner,
John M. Braund,
Chas. Fell,
Chas. B. Low,
Jas. E. Smith,
Harry D. Butler,
J. W. Flad,
Owen Laubach.
John J. Smith,
David H. Butz,
Luther M. Fine,
S. S. Lesher,
Winfield Snvder,
Frank VV. Burke,
A. T. Groman,
John Mack,
C. J. Speakman,
Wm. M. Burke,
Ed. S. Glanz,
H.J. Messinger,
J. K. Stauff-er,
Wm. Beidelman,
Harry Haines,
C.J. Mei.xell,
Fred. Seitz, Jr.,
C. W. Bixler,
Walter Hammann,
Howard Mutchler,
Jos. E. Starck,
Ed. L. Bi.xler,
J. Smith Hart,
Robt. F. McDonald,
Edmund Teel,
Lewis Bixler,
Geo. W. Hayden,
Chas. A. Morrison,
John Vail,
Thos. Ballentyne,
W. P. S. Henry,
C. T. Nightingale,
Henry Voight,
Robt. M. Burrell,
Wm. H. Harrison,
N. D. Parks,
Chas. Walters,
W. H. Carhart,
Al. Hulsizer,
James A. Pauli,
Edward Warne,
Charles Crozet,
H. B. Howland,
S. B. Patterson,
W. H. Woodring,
H. S. Cavanaugh,
Wm. J. Hackett,
James Parker,
Jas. W. Wilson,
John Connelly,
W. H. Hulick,
Wm. R. Parks,
U. J. Wenner,
Ed. Carter,
E. H. Hulick,
Paul Rader,
S. S. Yohe,
John C. Codding.
S. S. Hartranfl,
T. J. Rader,
Samuel Young,
Wm. Cawley,
Robt. T. Horn,
Howard Reed,
W. W. Young.
Musicians-\V\\\
iam
Truuibore, Gilbert Fulmer, Fred
Snyder, John Collins,
Charl
es Leidy, Charles Lamb,
Joseph Snyder.
(The above roll is
furnished from memory bv a member of the company — the officers as
they stood in 1S77, and the
privates as enrolled from time
to time during its term of serv
ice.)
EASTON POSTS OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
These Posts have been among the largest and most influential in Pennsylvania.
Bell Post, named in honor of Captain Ferdinand W. Bell, who was killed at the bat-
tle of Fredericksburg, was established June 9, 1868, and numbered 129 on the G. A. R.
roll, Department of Pennsylvania.
Its first Conunander was Hon. Howard J. Reeder, now one of the Judges of our
County Court, and until its dissolution, January 30, 1S77, the subsequent Commanders
GEORC.E \V. HAYDI-X,
AS DRUMMUK llOV, COMPANY 11, I53CI PA. VOLUNTEERS.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
297
were H. G. H. Tarr, General Frank Reeder, George W. Thatcher, Major A. B. Howell,
Sanmel S. Lesher, Joseph H. Brensinger and William M. Shultz.
Its roll numbered 571 members, and its society room, situated in the iron-front build-
ing eredled by Drake & Hulick on South Third street, was completely and elegantly fur-
nished. Many prominent military men attended its camp-fires, and its liberal charities
and entertaining festivals made its dissolution a matter of general regret.
In the interval, until its successor, Lafayette Post, No. 217, was organized, August
12, 1871, the ties of old comradeship were not forgotten, but the lack of united and syste-
matic effort was strongly felt.
The first Commander of the new Post was the last Commander of Post Bell, William
M. Shultz. Following him were Frank Stitzer, William N. Scott, Jacob Gangwere, R.
F. McDonald, Martin L. Horn, and the present Commander, J. W. H. Knerr.
Its large and well-appointed rtiom is in the old Masonic Hall building on South Third
street, the Faueuil Hall of Easton in its record of the public work of the borough in aid of the
Republic. The membership is strong and growing and its camp-fires and celebrations are
noted throughout the country. One of these, on the anniversary of the battle of Antietam,
September 17, 1886, will long be referred to, for its thousands in attendance, great num-
ber and splendid equipment of Posts and other societies in its marching columns, and dis-
tinguished men at its camp-fire.
In quiet open-handed charity however, is its best work, as many a comrade with no
possession but a record of patriotism, can testify. In this it is greatly aided by an Auxil-
iary Corps, composed of the wives, daughters and lady friends of comrades of the Post.
These number several hundred and have a large and neatly-furnished room in the same
building, and have done much good work through contributions, entertainments and per-
sonal service, for comrades and their families in need of relief
The Post does not close its labors for the volunteers with the funeral rites at the
grave. In conjunction with citizens an organization has been effedled to erecfb a monument
to the memory of the soldiers and sailors of Easton and vicinity who fell in the war of the
Rebellion. From the encouragement given a monument will without doubt be eredled
worthy of the place and of the persons whose services it will commemorate.
One of the youngest comrades of the Post in service was George W. Hayden, whose
picture, engraved from a photograph taken at Brook's Station, Virginia, in March, 1863,
appears upon the opposite page. At the age of thirteen years he enlisted as a musician
in Company B, 153d Penna. Vols., and throughout its term of service was distinguished
for prompt and soldierly discharge of duty.
The companies of the 153d Penna. Vols, had reported in Easton at the time of volun-
teering with but one drummer apiece. The additional one for each company was furnished
from Easton boys who volunteered. Another of these — now the Rev. Curtis V. Strickland
of the Christian Church — carries a bullet in his hip received during the charge of Stone-
wall Jackson at Chancellorsville, and was for a while in Libby Prison.
EDUCATIONAL.
1|HE Common Schools of Easton were first established in 1755. Rev. Henry
Melchoir Muhlenberg, a Lutheran minister, came to this country in 1742 ;
Rev. Michael Schlatter, a German Reformed minister, in 1746. These
gentlemen, the fathers of the German Churches in Peuns\lvania, were
greatly impressed by the want of educational privileges, and made adlive
and unceasing efforts to establish schools among the Germans of the
province.
About the year 1750, Rev. Mr. Schlatter went to Holland, and so pre-
sented to the churches the destitute condition of the people here that a
plan was formed for their instruAion. In 1751 the States of Holland and
West Friesland granted the sum of 2000 guilders per annum, for the term
of five years, to be applied to the instrucftion of Germans and their children. Additional
funds were raised in Amsterdam ; and the Rev. Mr. Thompson was commissioned by the
Synod of Holland, and the Classis of Amsterdam to solicit aid from the churches of Eng-
land and Scotland. When he arrived in Great Britain he received the warm encourage-
ment of persons of the highest rank in church and state. He then went to Scotland and
represented his cause to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, then in ses-
sion at Edinburg, so successfully that a colledlion of j£i200 sterling was made. Upon his
return to London from Scotland Mr. Thompson was called back by his pastoral duties to
Holland. He therefore urged the formation of a society to continue the work. Among
the members were the Right Hon. Earl of Shaftesbury, Earl of Morton, Earl of Finlater,
and Lord Willoughby of Warham ; Sir Luke Schaub, Sir Joshua Van Neck, Baronets ;
Commissioner Vernon and others ; Aldermen of London ; together with a number of
ministers of different churches. After making a liberal subscription among themselves
they presented their cause before the King, George HI., who granted the sum of _;^iooo.
The Princess Dowager, of Wales, gave ;^ioo. Rev. Mr. Schlatter was appointed as a
visitor and supervisor, a general plan of operations formed and "Trustees General"
named.
The first school in Easton was established under this scheme in 1755. The school-
house was a large, one-story, log building with a cellar under it, containing one large
room used as a church and school-room, and two smaller rooms. Its site was east of the
present Reformed Church, at or near the corner of Church and Sitgreaves streets. Mr.
William Parsons, to whom reference has been frequently made in this history, was very
a6live in this movement.
This school house has already been referred to on pages 17 and 18 of this history.
For many years it answered all requirements, for the population of the town was small.
Of the teachers the name of Robert Traill alone is now known. He came to this country
in 1763, taught in this school house, studied law, and was admitted to practice in 1777.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
299
There was pressing need of a better school. After 3'ears of deliberation the Union
Academy on Academy Hill, within the present school grounds on Second street, was built
in the year 1794, mainly through the instrumentality of the English inhabitants. The
building was used for religious services in the English language. On July 21, 1798, per-
mission was given by the trustees " to the present English teacher in the academy to hold
meetings for worship in said house, at any time which shall not interfere with the schools."
The " Easton Religious Society" was formed August 12, 1798, and a constitution framed
which is still to be found in the archives of the First Presbyterian Church of Easton.
Mr. Andrew Mein was the " English teacher in the Academy," and from this society
then organized, resulted some twelve years later the First Presbyterian Church of Easton.
The application of the inhabitants to
the Presbytery of New Brunswick, in
April, 1811, was made for a "teacher
for their children and a preacher of the
Word of God, in the English language."
This school must have been so well
conducted that it acquired a reputation
abroad, for as we have already narrated
in the sketch of the life of Timothy
Pickering, he moved his family to Eas-
ton in the year 1800, that his children
might attend the school. Of these chil-
dren, one son, John Pickering, became
the author of a Greek and English Lex-
icon, which was, for many years, in
general use in the United States.
During the year 181 1, Mr. Stephen
Boyer was chosen as a preacher of the
Gospel, in the English language, and
was ordained. He taught a sele<5t class
during the week in a room in the upper
story of the Academy building. By his
resignation and removal in 1814, this
school was broken up. It was again
opened in 1816 as a classical school by
Rev. David Bishop, who had been called
to succeed Mr. Boyer. Mr. Bishop
preached at Easton, Mount Bethel and
Durham, in addition to teaching during the week. These labors were too great for long
continuance. Aid was sought and found in the person of the late Rev. John Vanderveer,
D. D., who became one of the greatest teachers of his generation.
Dr. Vanderveer was born in Hunterdon Count}', New Jersey in the year 1800. He pursued his preparatory
studies at Amwell Academy, N. J., entered Princeton College and graduated at the age of seventeen. After
studying theology in the Seminary at New Brunswick, he came to Easton to assist Mr. Bishop in the
Academy, of which he was the principal. He remained with Mr. Bishop about two years, and then, eight years
Rev. John V.^ndei
300 THE HISTORY OF
thereafter, organized a private school in the house now occupied as a parsonage by the American Reformed
Church, on the northeast corner of Fourth and Spring Garden streets. The school was small at first, not con-
sisting of more than a dozen pupils. There was an opening for a good school, and Mr. Vanderveer soon in-
spired confidence in his ability and adaptation to his chosen profession ; the number rapidly increased until
more than a hundred names were enrolled. His rooms were filled, and needing larger accommodations, he
built the large house on the northeast corner of Second and Bushkill streets, which served as a family residence
and for school purposes. Here he continued his work as a teacher until he retired from aclive life. Mr. Van-
derveer was a good teacher. In conversation with his pupils, many of whom live in Easton, we learned some
of his peculiarities, and concerning his memory they speak with profound respect. He had a thorough
knowledge of every science which he undertook to teach, and aimed to impress its principles upon the minds
of his pupils. Work could not be done in a superficial waj-. If a new pupil came into his school, who told of
the number of times he had been through the arithmetic, he would soon feel somewhat humiliated by being
compelled to go back to original principles, and plod through addition again. It was not so much the amount
of work accomplished, as it was the manner in which it was done. The power of close application, rigid inves-
tigation, and clear apprehension were points which Dr. Vanderveer aimed to impress on the minds of his pupils.
And the success which attended his efforts made his school the most remarkable centre of educational influence
in Northeastern Pennsylvania. He was always master of the situation. He was quite severe with the birch ;
and, an old pupil remarks, " he could do this well." As years advanced, he modified his principle of discipline,
and acknowledged at last he had made a mistake in his severity. He had the habit of making brief addresses
to his school, which are still remembered by his pupils. He was acquainted with Plato's method of teaching,
and introduced daily lectures, which were remarkable for clearness of thought, and for philosophical, religious
and praftical instruAion. He would take a proverb, or an incident in the school-room, and impress some
wholesome lesson on the minds of his pupils. While the school was busy, a loud rap upon the desk would be
heard, followed by the order "Face to the North," and instantly books were laid aside, and all wheeled into
position to listen to words quite as wise as those of the old Grecian teacher. One of his old pupils remarks,
" That another cause of his success was his absolute independence. He could say to his pupils, ' If you don't
like the arrangements here, there is the door ; you are under no obligations to attend this school. I care not to
whom related, or b^- whom begot, if you don't want to learn, and if jou are unwilling to obe\- m\' directions,
leave at once.' There was no trimming in that school to tickle the vanity of any patron ; no mincing of words
to curry favor with any directors. The line of duty was to him an open highway, and those who chose to ac-
company him felt that they were in royal company ; laggards soon fell to the rear and were lost to sight.
Another peculiarity of Dr. Vanderveer was his kindness to those pupils who were ambitious to learn. When he
found a boy who was in earnest to learn, he gave him loose reins. He seemed to take delight in seeing his boys
strive to do more and better work every succeeding day. Dr. Vanderveer was himself the 'soul of honor,' and
he endeavored to impress the principles of honor on the minds of his pupils. Whether at play in the streets, or
at work in the school-room, another watchword would ring in the ears of his boys — ' Honor bright.' He was
thus always watchful and careful to enforce the principles of honorable conduct in the daily intercourse of his
pupils. He was conscious of the fact that he was engaged in the sublime work of properly developing man-
hood, and preparing the young men under his care to battle with the great problems of life. His school was very
noisy, but it was the noise of study ; there was no time for idleness nor play — the hours of study were hours of
hard work." Edward F. Stewart, President of the First National Bank, was the first pupil registered. While
others were visited with the " rod " well laid on, this first pupil was fortunate enough to escape unharmed.
Dr. Vanderveer retired from teaching in 1S57. He was several years in the Board of Control, and thus
aided Ijy his experience the cause to which he had devoted his life. He lived twenty -one years in his retire-
ment, and died April 28, 1S78. His long experience in teaching, and his inculcation of the sublime prin-
ciples of virtuous manhood, were in striking harmony with his own life, which seemed based upon the old Latin
proverb : "Justitia fiat, mat coelum." And this feature of his character led one of his old pupils, at the lime of
his death, to say of him :
" Noblest Roman of them all —
When shall we look upon his Hke again."
The funeral services were condu<5ted by Dr. Edgar, at the residence of the family. Sixty-eight of his former
pupils attended the services in a body, and followed the remains of their former teacher to their resting place in
the cemetery.
^ppro^eK fo hAhi^^fe, G^oll^^^— 1^^7.
LAFAYETTE COLLEGE,
The author would acknowledge in this general way the very frequent use of Professor Owen's "Historical
Sketches of Lafayette," Coffin's "Men of Lafayette," Mitchell's historical and descriptive article in Scribner's
Magazine, for December, 1876. Other helps will be noticed in the progress of the work.
The following is a copy of the original petition presented to the Legislature of Penn-
sylvania for the charter of a College in Easton.
"To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met. The petition of the subscribers, inhabi-
tants of the said Commonwealth, respecflfully represents.
"That a memorial has been presented to your honorable bodies on behalf of the
Trustees of ' Lafayette College,' located in Easton, praying for an aS. of incorporation.
Your petitioners, believing that the plan of education proposed to be adopted in that insti-
tution, in which military science and tactics will be combined with the usual course of
academical studies, and a due attention paid to the modern languages, especially the Ger-
man, will be productive of much good to the students and the public in general ; and that
such an institution is much needed in this section of the State, pray your honorable bodies
that a charter of incorporation may be granted to the said Trustees, and such Legislative
aid be extended to the funds of the institution as you in your wisdom may deem proper."
The above petition had its origin at a meeting of the citizens of Easton at White's
Hotel, in the northeast corner of the Public Square, December 27, 1824. There was a
feeling in the minds of thinking men that Easton was to occupy a commanding position
in this part of the State ; hence we find that such men as Sitgreaves, Porter, Wolf, and
Joel Jones, leaders of public opinion — eminent at the bar, and successful in moulding
public taste — earnest friends of education — were ready to do all in their power to aid in
promoting the cause which had taken a strong hold in the public mind. At the meeting
at White's Hotel, Colonel Thomas McKeen was appointed President, and after the matter
had been thoroughly discussed, it was resolved, " That it is expedient to establish at this
place an institution of learning in which the languages, and the various branches of edu-
cation and science usually taught in colleges, together with the French and German lan-
guages, civil and military engineering and military tadlics shall be taught." It was not
ten years since the battle of New Orleans had thrilled the hearts of the American people
and closed the war of 1812. And the military feeling was such that the men of Easton
felt an institution of learning must have military science prominent among the studies
pursued in order to meet the demands of a young man's education. The president of the
meeting, without doubt, inspired the citizens with his own patriotic emotions. Born of
Scotch blood, in the Emerald Isle, he inherited that ardent love of education and freedom
which is so evident wherever this remarkable people make their home. And at this dis-
tance in time, we can imagine him urging the military feature of the college charter by
exclaiming "a freeman's arm can best defend a freeman's home," and that "a well
instructed citizen .should not only know his rights, but should also know how to defend
them." Joel Jones was the secretary of this meeting.
Thomas McKeen was born June 27, 1763, and came to this country in his twentieth year. When he pre-
sided at the meeting at White's Hotel, he was sixty-one years of age. It is evident he was working for the
E ASTON, PENN'A.
303
future. No doubt his mind dwelt upon the scenes of the future when the fruit should ripen, the germs of which
plans he was then planting. When he came to America he settled in the vicinity of Easton and engaged in teach-
ing, and afterwards in mercantile pursuits. In 1815 he accepted the position of Cashier of the Easton Bank, and at
the death of Samuel Sitgreaves, in 1S26, he became its President, and retained the position till 1S51, a period of
twenty-five years. Mr. McKeen was eminent in busiuess circles and prominent in many enterprises that give
evidence of a generous heart, and a liberal-minded citizen. He was an adlive member of the Presbyterian
Church, for many years Treasurer of Lafayette College, and one of the most generous of its early friends. He
died in 185S, in the ninety-si.Kth year of life.
Having resolved to found a College, the ne.vt question that came before the people
was the name by which the institution should be known. General Lafayette had landed
in New York the previous summer, August i6 ; his name was on the lips of every child
who could speak, as on those of the old man trembling on the verge of the grave ; it was
told by maid and matron in every home in the land, by the farmer at the plough and the
mechanic at his toil. A continued ovation marked his progress from city to city in the
republic for which he had fought and whose soil had been stained with his blood. No
event had occurred since the surrender at Yorktown that had so stirred the patriotic emo-
tions as the arrival of this intimate companion in arms of Washington. He had been
wounded at Brandywine, nursed in Bethlehem ; he should be honored at Easton ; and so
it was unanimously resolved to name the institution, Lafayette. These men were in ear-
nest, which is evident from the last resolution which was passed by the meeting. " That
James M. Porter, Joel Jones, and Jacob Wagener, be a committee to draft a memorial to
the Legislature for a charter of incorporation, and for legislative aid." The Legislature
granted the charter, March 9, 1826. This charter vested thirty-five persons therein
named with the usual powers of a College, and to fill vacancies in their board by elecftion.
The names of the Trustees are as follows : General Robert Patterson, John Hare Powel,
Peter A. Browne, General Andrew M. Prevost, Benjamin Tilghman, Silas E. Wier, John
M. Scott, Samuel Sitgreaves, Thomas McKeen, Peter Miller, Philip Mixsell, Jacob Wey-
gandt, Jr., John Bowes, James M. Porter, Christian J. Hutter, Jacob Wagener, George M.
Barnet, John Carey, William Shouse, Peter Ihrie, Jr., J. Worman, Joel Jones, J. R. Latti-
more, Thomas L Rogers, Joseph K. Swift, M. D., George G. Howell, Peter S. Michler,
Jesse M. Howell, Philip H. Mattes, George Hess, Jr., Jacob Kern, George Weber, Anthony
McCoy, Walter C. Livingston, and William Long. The board met for organization. May
15, 1826. Hon. James M. Porter was elefted President, which position he held for twenty-
five years ; Hon. Joel Jones, Secretary, and Col. Thomas McKeen, Treasurer. Tiie organi-
zation was now complete, but the Legislature had not made an appropriation. The pros-
pedl was dark, but those noble men went forward not daunted by difficulties. They must
selecfl a president who could aid them in infusing life into the new organization. In
February, 1828, Professor List was eledled, but he could not serve. Dr. Jaeger was then
offered the position, but with the same result. In January, 1832, Dr. John Gray named
to the committee Rev. George Junkin, A. M., as a gentleman eminently qualified to take
charge of the institution. Mr. Junkin at that time had charge of the "Manual Labor
Academy of Pennsylvania," situated at Germantown. The trustees invited him to come
to Easton and examine the charter and location and prospe(?ts. He came, had an inter-
view with the committee, and on the 6th of February, 1832, the board appointed Mr.
Junkin President of the College, which position he agreed to accept if the military feature
of the charter could be dispensed with. This was done by a supplement passed by the
304 THE HISTORY OF
Legislature, April 7, 1832. Another important step had been taken. It had been nearly
six years since the organization of the Board of Trustees. During these long years these
patient, persevering men, were looking for a man to take the helm and guide the vessel
through the storms which might rise before them.
"Of my family I know but little," said Dr. Junkin. "Heraldry has not blazoned its name. Edmon'sbook
contains it not." But if not written in earthh- books of heraldry-, the names of many of his ancestors are re-
corded in a more ancient and enduring volume — the Lamb's Book of Life. His liueage was of that stalwart,
godly, and heroic race, the Puritans of Scotland — the men and women who braved persecution for Christ's
crown and covenant ; and, despite the curses of the Charles' and the claymores of Claverhouse, witnessed so
long and so steadfastly for God and His truth. When George the Second was on the British throne ; when
Pennsylvania was a proNdnce only fifty-six years old ; when the Susquehanna flowed through an almost unbro-
ken wilderness, there crossed that river, at Harris' Ferry, now Harrisburg, two youthful Scotch-Irish immigrants
— Joseph Junkin and Elizabeth, his wife. A previous immigration of Junkins had halted and acquired lauds
upon a part of which the town of Oxford now stands. This Joseph Junkin came from Antrim county, Ireland.
His father and mother had immigrated to that country from Scotland during the persecution under the Stu-
arts. They were Covenanters of the straightest type, and left their countrj- for their conscience sake. This im-
migration occurred some time before the revolution of 1688. The Junkin family had resided near Inverness, but
the name is probabl}- of Danish origin ; they were, most likely, of the number of those adventurers from Den-
mark which, at an early period, took possession of parts of the coast of North Britain. The paternal grand-
mother of Dr. Junkin was Elizabeth Wallace, also of Scotch parentage, her mother having come from Scotland
previous to the siege of Londonderry ; for she was in that city, and, with her family, endured the horrors of
that siege, successful resistance to which gave William of Orange that vantage which established him upon the
British throne,— the champion of the Protestant religion and the liberties of the world. She heard the booming
of many a cannon of the allies of the Stuarts ; and she saw from the walls of glorious old Derry the smoke of
the most important guu ever fired, — the lee gun of the Mountjoy, whose rebound righted the ship, broke the
boom, relieved the starv-ing city and garrison, forced the allies to raise the siege and fall back upon the Boyne
where the arms of William and liberty triumphed, and couipleted the glorious revolution of 1688. From such
an ancestry George Junkin was descended, which may serve to explain the source of his unflinching courage,
untiring zeal, and his aggressive force, which carried him through the exciting scenes of his life, and impressed
his name upon an institution which will stand as his monument, more enduring than one of brass or marble.
George Junkin was born in a stone building near Kingston, in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November i,
1790. The force of charafter inherited from his ancestors was developed under the influence of parents whose
religious charadler was as remarkable as their patriotism. His parents were governed by the principle announced
by Solomon : " Bring up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Their
religious emotions were awakened into life amid the throes of revolution, and intensified by bitter persecution.
In no class of men in the history of the modern church did the flame of pure religion bum more brightly than
in the lives of those men who fought for religious freedom at Londonderry, and on the banks of the Boyne. In
the midst of such influences, in the seclusion of primeval forests, George Junkin spent the days of his early life.
Reared amid such surroundings, hard toil and self-denial became a pleasure in the service of the Master. Ad-
herence to duty was the pole star of his life, and he followed its light with the spirit of a martyr. In May, 1S09,
he entered the grammar school of Jefi"erson College. Ross' Latin Grammar was put into his hands and no other
duty assigned him. He was required to commit certain parts to memory and recite by rote. His teacher never
took a book into his hands, having the whole committed to memory. No explanations were made until the
grammar had been twice recited through. The third time the examples under syntax rules were parsed and
most of the notes committed. And Dr. Junkin remarks : " After all my experience I think it best to study lan-
guage first and afterwards the philosophy of language." In College he soon developed a taste and talent for
writing and discussion, which made him somewhat distinguished among his fellows. He was noticed in col-
lege as a grave and rather reserved youth, intent upon study, and full and accurate iu his recitation. His
powers of generalization and analysis and his logical acumen were early developed which made him of mark as a
rea.soner ; and he was conceded to be the best debater in college. In September, 1S13, he passed his final ex-
aminations, and was admitted to the first degree in the arts. He shortly afterwards went to New York to study
theology with the great Dr. Mason. It is suggestive of the great change in tlie mode of travel to read the ex-
perience of young Junkin in traveling from Philadelphia to New York. "We left Philadelphia at daylight,
crossed the Delaware at New Hope and lodged the first night at Somerville ; the next day's journey brought us
E ASTON, PENN'A.
305
to Paulus Hook, on the shores of the Hudson, opposite New York City." Early in June, 1816, he received in-
formation that Dr. Mason was about to make a voyage to Europe. He did not wish to spend his time at the
Seminary in the absence of his favorite teacher, and so he concluded to be licensed and go to work and finish
his studies after Dr. Mason's return. On September i6th he was licensed to preach by the Presbvterv of Mo-
nongahela. He spent his first Sabbath at Butler, Pa., where he preached twice in the court-house; the next
Sabbath was spent at White Oak Spring, six miles from Butler. Here a rostrum was erefted in the wild woods
but a flourishing congregation was established on the spot afterwards. In the same autumn he was at Carlisle
and preached for Rev. Mr. DufSeld. While sitting in the study of Mr. Duffield he was informed of the fall of
the Rev. Mr. , a most brilliant and talented minister, from the effeifls of alcohol. The sad event made
a deep impression on the mind of Mr. Junkin, and before he rose from his seat he settled the question, that by
the help of God, he would never drink intoxicating drinks except under the most urgent medical advice. It
was a universal habit to give liquor to visitors as a token of hospitality, but it may safely be believed that Mr.
Junkin kept his word. On Oiflober 17, 1819, Mr. Junkin was installed pastor of the church at Milton, Pa., but
before his formal installation, he had entered upon the duties of his pastorate with a zeal and energy which was
never relaxed until the hand of death was laid upon him nearly half a century afterwards. At the time of his
entrance upon his duties there was no house of worship belonging to his people. He preached in a schoolhouse
in the winter season, and in the summer in a log house. Whisky drinking was almost universal. At funerals
the whiskey bottle and tumbler were passed as a matter of course, and many a time men might be seen goino-
from the house of death, sadly under the influence of liquor. It soon became evident that there must be a
change, either in the people or the pastor. It needed a moral earthquake to make his people see the state of
things in a proper light. The earthquake was near at hand. He was called upon to attend a funeral service
where the whiskey bottle and tumblers made their appearance. While gazing upon the incongruity of the
scene, and looking upon the alcohol standing so near the cold remains of the dead, deeming it an insult to God
and a curse to man, he refused to engage in the services and left the house. There was another clergyman
present who could condu(ft the service, but Mr. Junkin had gained his point. The people were startled, and
awoke as from a dream. Intense excitement was caused by the bold, determined action of the pastor of the
Presbyterian Church. People began to inquire into the reason which aiftuated the pastor. The Northumber-
land Presbytery, after a stormy debate, passed resolutions of temperance reform. This is thought by some to
be the first temperance movement by ecclesiastical a(5lion in the country. But the Quakers, disgusted at the
sight of drunkenness at funerals, had taken adlion in a milder form many years before in Eastern Pennsylvania.
Mr. Junkin had to endure the pelting of a serious storm of persecution, but he bore it with meekness and chris-
tian patience. He was a born leader, who was safe to follow, though he sometimes led through stormy and un-
trodden paths. He was conscientiously and intensely religious. He carefully studied the path of duty and
walked in it with an unfaltering step. His salary was inadequate for his support ; he bought a farm, and while
building a barn was taken sick with a serious attack of bilious fever. He had employed a Mr, William Thomas,
a pious Baptist, who attended his church, to build his barn. Mr. Junkin requested that Mr. Thomas should lead
the family devotion in the apartment at the foot of the stairs so that he might hear and enjoy the service. One
morning Mr. Thomas asked his apprentice, Matthew Laird, to condudl the service. Mr. Junkin remarked to
his wife — "That young man's prayer went to my heart, it was fervent and tender, and if God spares my life,
that j'oung man shall enter the ministry." The vow was fulfilled. That prayer of Matthew Laird's was, in a
certain sense, the starting point of Lafayette College, as it was the first link in the chain of Divine Providence
that led him into the department of education. He took Matthew Laird and Daniel Gaston under his care to
study for the ministry. He prepared an apartment in his new barn which might serve as a carpenter shop,
where the young men could work, and by exercise keep up the tone of their system by healthy labor, and
pay the expenses of their course. In following up this idea, his mind was attraded to the Manual Labor Acad-
emy of Pennsylvania, located at Germantown. The idea of combining with study the health-preserving labor
of the hands, and so contribute to the expenses of education, got possession of his mind, and residted in the
founding of Lafayette College.
The trtistees then leased, for two years, the farm on the south bank of the Lehigh,
owned by Christopher Medler, and placed it at the disposal of Mr. Jnnkin, that he might
conducfl the operations of the College upon the principle of manual labor. In March
President Junkin came to Easton, brought a number of young men from Germantown
with him and went to work in earnest on the college premises ; so successful were
they in their work that the regular exercises of the College began May 9, 1832. The
3o6 THE HISTORY OF
session opened with forty-three students, most of whom came from Germantown with
him. The number soon increased to fift^'-six, and there were also during the year eleven
day scholars, so that Lafayette had an attendance of sixty-seven pupils in the first year
of her history.
We learn from the first annual report and accompanying catalogue that "on Monday,
0<5lober 8, 1832, the examination of the students took place at the College, commencing
at 9 o'clock A. M., and continuing to a late hour in the afternoon." In the evening the
first annual exhibition took place in the Presbyterian Church in Easton. And it is a
matter of interest that the first oration delivered in the history of the College was "On
the Qualifications of a Christian Missionary," by Charles F. Worrell, of New Jersey.
The following was the order of exercises : An oration by Andrew Barr, of Pennsyl-
vania, " Benefits of the American Tariff System." An oration by Oliver W. Stevens, of
Georgia, "In Opposition to the Tariff, and Advantages of Tree Trade." An oration by
William D. Howard, of Philadelphia, " Evils of the Civil War in the United States." A
strange arrangement of topics in the light of the then near future. An oration by John
J. Carrell, of Bucks county, Penna., "Importance of the Missionary Enterprise." This
shows the beating of the nation's pulse fifty-si.x years ago.
From this first annual report we have an account of the work done in the labor depart-
ment. An inventory of the principal material wrought up by the students within the
year, namely : 117,639 feet of lumber cost$i545.43; 640 trunk locks, handles, etc., $240.00;
145 pounds of nails, $87.00; Petna and Madrass goat skins, $587.00; two hundred and
twenty-five morocco skins, $191.00; manufactured articles (dry goods boxes) 610; book
bo.xes, 151; quill boxes (cotton fadlory) 80; hat boxes, 132; trunk boxes, 970; candle
boxes, 84. Total, 2027. There were 640 trunks finished, 740 lights of sash, 10
cultivators, 2 wheelbarrows, i cutting box, i horse rake, 10 bedsteads, 5 long dining
tables, 25 study and kitchen tables, 2 wash stands, i kneading trough, i large writ-
ing table, 15 benches. Then follows a report of farm and garden work : 100 loads of
manure spread, 2400 bushels of lime spread, 25 tons of hay cut, 320 bushels of potatoes
raised, 8 acres of corn cut, 6 acres of oats, 25 acres of wheat and rye. This shows an ear-
nest effort on the part of the president to solve the problem of a manual labor college.
It will be interesting to the students of to-day to examine the studies of those early
days and compare them with the present. The curriculum is as follows :
Freslimcn. First Term: hSiim — Odes of Horace. Greek — Minora. Neilson's Exer-
cises, Roman Antiquities, Mythology, Ancient Geography. IMathematics — Euclid, First
Book.
Second Term: Latin — Satires and Epistles of Horace, Cicero's Orations, Roman
Antiquities. Greek — Majora, viz : Xeuophou, Herodotus, Thucydides. Neilson's Exer-
cises— Antiquities. Mathematics — Euclid Second and Third Books, .\lgebra to Simple
Equations.
Sophomore Class. First Term: Latin — Horace's Art of Poetry, Tacitus' History.
Greek — Majora, viz : First Volume completed, Greek Antiquities. Mathematics — Euclid,
Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Books.
Second Term: Latin — Tacitus' History. Greek — Majora, Second \'olume. Plane
Trigonometry, Algebra througli p;quatious. Evidences of Ciiristianity.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 307
Junior Class. First Term: Latin — Cicero de Officiis. Greek — Majora, Second
Volume. Surveying, Mensuration, Conic Se6lions, Mental Philosophy, Logic, Evidences
of Christianity.
Second Term: Greek — Longinus deSublimitate. Spherical Trigonometry, Analytic
Geometry, Differential and Integral Calculus, Moral Philosophy, Rhetoric, Natural The-
ology.
Senior Class. First Term: Latin — Cicero de Oratore. Greek — Majora, Medea.
Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Mental Philosophy, Rhetoric.
Second Term: Natural Philosophy, Mineralogy, Botany, Political Economy, History
Reviewed, Mental and Moral Philosophy, Evidences of Christianity.
A preparatory course and a teachers' course were also arranged and the teachers were
to receive a normal training for their work. It was impossible to fill the position of pro-
fessor in German literature the first and second year, and hence it is not mentioned in the
curriculum.
The Faculty of the College consisted of Rev. George Junkin, D. D., President, and
Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy, Logic, Rhetoric, and Evidences 'of Chris-
tianity.
Mr. Charles F. M'Cay, A. B., Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy.
Mr. James Coon, (later Kuhn,) A. B., Professor of the Latin and Greek languages.
Samuel D. Gross, M. D.* Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy and Botany.
Mr. Daniel Gaston, Business Agent, f
The third semi-annual examination occurred on October, 7, 1833, in the College
building, south of the Lehigh. In the evening of the same day there was a public exhi-
bition in the Presbyterian Church of Easton, which was the second annual commencement
of the young College.
This exhibition closed the third term of the college in its temporary quarters, on
the south side of the Lehigh. In looking for a permanent place whereon to erecft
the College buildings. Mount Lafayette was wisely chosen, and nine acres of land
were purchased for $1400, and the work of building soon began. People may look in
vain for a place more beautiful by nature than this lovely spot. Literally encircled by
mountains, beautiful in their wild irregularity, and charming variety, ever changing in
their outline, as the observer changes position. Mount Lafayette presents attra6lions unsur-
passed in the wealth of her natural scenery. And then, winding on either side are the
sparkling waters of the Delaware, Lehigh and Bushkill, overshadowed by lofty mountain
crags, or adorned by villages, farm houses and furnaces, along their banks, the lofty col-
umns of steam from the passing engines, moving like the cloudy pillar in the wilderness,
and the columns of dark smoke rising from busy furnaces on the Lehigh, present scenes
at which the eyes may daily gaze, but never weary while they look. Those men knew
how this locality might be made yet more attractive by art. Their imagination could
easily pidlure these beautiful maple groves, blooming shrubbery, winding foot-paths and
carriage ways, green lawns, and stately buildings ; and if Dr. Junkin allowed his imagi-
* Dr. Gross became an eminent physician and surgeon in Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia. He
died recently, having ordered his body to be cremated, which was done in the crematory of Washington, Pa.
t Mr. Gaston died in 1865, in Philadelphia, having been remarkably successful as pastor of the Presbyterian
Church, in Cohocksink.
THE HISTORY OF
ready for occupancy in May, 1834.
nation to dwell upon the additional beauties which art might bring, there is no wonder
that he should so frequently speak of "lovely Lafayette."
Preparations were soon made to ereft suitable buildings on this advantageous spot.
In June, 1833, Dr. Junkin broke ground for the new building. It was nearly nine years
since the first meeting at White's Hotel. The progress seemed slow, but every step
was wisely taken, and that which had been gained had been tenaciously held. On
the morning of June 27, Judge Porter laid the first stone. On July 4, the corner stone
was laid with appropriate ceremonies. A procession was formed, made up of the College
authorities, students, citizens, civil and military organizations of the vicinity. The pro-
cession was formed at the court house, then standing in Centre Square. The procession
moved at half-past nine a. m. to the College grounds, the corner stone was laid, addresses
were delivered by Dr. Junkin and Rev. B. C. Wolf. The procession then returned to the
German Reformed Church, and at half-past eleven o'clock Hon. Joseph R. Ingersoll, of
Philadelphia, delivered an oration. The building was urged on with such zeal as to be
Professor Owen, in his Historical Sketches of Lafay-
ette College, expresses the opinion that without the
aid of Judge Porter the college could not have been
built. "The structure (now the central part of South
College) was 112 by 44 feet, with a recess of 17 by
49 feet. The basement, first and second stories, of
limestone, rough laid, Und the third and fourth sto-
ries of brick, the whole rough cast. There were si.\
recitation rooms, a chapel, refectory hall, stewards'
rooms, apartments for the president and other offi-
cers of the college, and about fifty rooms for students.
This building was the pride of the town. At its
completion it was brilliantly illuminated by the
students, who made the day one of great festivity and rejoicing."* After the build-
ing was completed, the inauguration of the faculty took place, the membership being
the same as already mentioned. The manual labor system was continued. Dr. Junkin
was a warm advocate of this system, and was determined to give the problem a satis-
factory solution. It had met with a partial failure at Germantown, but that was
attributed to disadvantages of location, and not to any defect in the system ; he was
determined to try it under more favorable surroundings. The trustees were in full
sympathy with the president. They spoke in the warmest terms of the good results on
the health and economy of the students, in promoting mental and bodily activit)', and
"developing a manly independence of character." The arguments by which the system
was sustained, could not be successfully assailed, nothing but the severe school of experi-
ment could satisfactorily test its weak points ; where logic failed, experience succeeded in
discovering the fallacy ; and after a trial of five more years on Mount Lafayette, the pres-
ident was obliged to admit its failure as a part of college life. The system of manual
labor led him to Easton, and Providence seems to have used it as mathematicians do the
the symbol of the unknown quantity in algebraic manipulations, till the equation is
.solved, and it was then dismissed. In 1839, on his recommendation the system was
* Owen's Sketches.
Lafayette College— 1850.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 309
abandoned by the trustees. But the college had been established, and though minor
measures might change, its vitality could not be injured. There were many dark days
for it to pass through, but the trustees were determined to succeed. Dr. Junkin resio-ned
in 1841 to accept the presidency of the Miami University, Ohio. He was recalled in
1844, and remained at the head of the college till 1848, when he again resigned, and
accepted the position of president of Washington College, Virginia. But wherever he
was his heart turned toward Easton, as he often wrote of "lovely Lafayette." His con-
nexion with the college had been one constant scene of anxiety, there had been serious
obstrudlions, severe discouragements, but this noble man toiled on, praying daily for suc-
cess. He spent $10,000 of his private funds, and continued until prudence bade him
stop. In a Baccalaureate sermon, he compares the progress of the college to a " traveller
who spends his long and toilsome day in passing from mountain crag to mountain crag,
without appearing to have gained in elevation or distance;" and he adds in a tone of
sadness, "shelving crag and rolling rock, and mountain torrent, and chilling iceberg, and
deep, dark ravine we have encountered."
In 1837 the prospedls were so dark that he offered in a meeting of his friends in
Philadelphia, to relinquish the enterprise, if they thought best, but they urged him to
continue, and not to sacrifice what had been done to accomplish an objecfl of such
immense importance. Among those who thus advised were Rev. Drs. Archibald Alex-
ander and John Breckinridge. Both very strongly opposed the idea of abandoning the
enterprise.
Dr. John W. Yeomans succeeded Dr. Junkin, and was inaugurated August 18, 1841.
He resigned in 1844, and Dr. Junkin was unanimously re-elected president. Rev. Charles
W. Nassau, D. D. , vice president of the faculty, was elected president on March 13, 1849,
but was not inaugurated, and resigned in September, 1850. ' The patronage of the collecre
was now quite small. In 1848, the four classes numbered 82 ; in 1850, the number had fallen
to 24. At this rate the end seemed inevitable. At this time the subject of Parochial
Schools, Presbyterial Academies and Synodical Colleges, was very earnestly advocated by
many leading minds in the Presbyterian Church. The presidents of the college had been
Presbyterians, the professors and patrons were numerously of this denomination, and there
seemed nothing to hinder making Lafayette a Presbyterian institution, and placing it under
the care of the Synod of Philadelphia. The legislature made the desired change in the
charter, and in 1850, Lafayette was received under the care and patronage of this ecclesias-
tical body. This must be looked upon as one of the most important steps in the history of
the institution, one that was full of hope. Under the new order of things. Rev. D. V. Mc-
Lean, D. D., was ele<5led president, and inaugurated in 1851. He at once undertook to
raise $100,000 as a permanent endowment fund by the sale of scholarships. The payment
of $100 entitled the holder to the privilege of educating his own sons, or the sons of any
person to whom he might transfer the certificate without further tuition fees. This matter
was urged with such zeal that the whole sum was pledged by January i, 1854, and Monday,
January 2, was a day of rejoicing. In the evening the buildings were illuminated, and the
faculty and students assembled in Brainerd Hall, where they were addressed by Mr. Edsall
Ferrier, a member of the Senior class, and in response, by the president. In the evening
there was a torchlight procession. This movement brought the college conspicuously before
the public again, and in 1856 the number of students reached 106, the highest number
3IO
THE HISTORY OF
yet attained. But the pecuniary advantage was only temporan'. It was borrowing money
to be paid by the tuition fees of pupils for many years to come ; so that, while the students
increased in number, expenses also increased, the income from tuition was almost entirely
cut off. When Dr. McLean resigned in 1857, the college was without funds. Students
came with scholarships, the income from which had been applied to the payment of debts,
leaving but a small productive fund ; the plan had been of questionable advantage, and the
darkness returned.
In 1857 the duties of the presidency were assigned to the Rev. George Wilson
^^^
James H. Coffin, LL. D.
Professor 1S46-1873.
McPhail, D. D., LL. D., who three years earlier had become first pastor of the Brainerd
Church. He was formally inaugurated in 1858, and discharged the duties of his office
until the summer of 1863.
It was during his presidenc\- that the civil war broke out. The echo of Confederate
guns in Charleston Harbor had roused the North and West. In every town and city
could be heard the drum beat calling men to arms. The farmer literally left the plow in
the furrow, the mechanic laid down his tools, clerks closed their ledgers, bade adieu to
E ASTON, PENN'A.
31]
dear ones at home, and Imrried to the front to endure the toils of the camp and tlie liazard
of battle. Academies and colleges gave np their students, the best blood of the nation
to rescue the Republic from the grasp of treason and save it in the hour of peril. No
college in the land, in proportion, sent so many of her sons to the field as did Lafayette ;
and the stately monument in front of South College tells the story of their devotion. In
1863, there was no commencement, the boys were at the front. This absence of students
was not from the want of interest in Lafayette, but from a greater interest in the salvation
of the Republic. Lafayette
might have had no mis-
sion, if the government
were lost. They would
first save the Republic,
then come back and save
Lafayette ; and so the stu-
dents who should have
graduated in '63, returned
and took their degrees the
following year. But other
circumstances combined
with the war to make this
the darkest period of the
history of Lafayette. She
had stood at the portals be-
fore, she now seemed to
have entered the dark val-
ley. The condition of the
college was so alarming,
friends so disheartened,
that the question of clos-
ing the doors was freely
discussed. For this pur-
pose a meeting of the trus-
tees was called in Phila-
delphia, at which a com-
mittee was appointed to
confer with Dodlors Coffin,
March and Coleman, with
reference to keeping the
college in operation an-
other year. The question
to settle was, can we pay their salaries? The life of " Lovely Lafayette " was placed in
the hands of this trio of noblemen, who resolved to proceed regardless of the amount they
might receive, and keep the college doors open at all hazards. Lafayette "still lives."
These three names are familiar in both hemispheres— Coleman, Coffin, March. Two of
them have gone to their final reward, the third, the leading Anglo-Saxon scholar of the
^is K. March, LL. D., L. H,
iiparative Philology and Engli
312 THE HISTORY OF
world, still stands at his post. Tempted by offers of higher positions, and b\- others again,
of larger salary, he remains in the position he has honored so long, and which has done so
much to give Lafayette her eminent and foremost position in the Philological world.
In looking for a president a kind Providence fixed the attention of the trustees upon
Rev. William C. Cattell, pastor of Pine Street Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg. The
trustees had gone through dense darkness many times ; their faith had been so tested
as to remind them of the Hebrew Patriarch, but light was beginning to beam on the near
future. Dr. Cattell was inaugurated August 26, 1864. He knew the needs, the sore
trials through which the college had gone for he had previously been a member of her
faculty for five years ; he knew and loved the noble men who had sacrificed so much.
He knew the trials before him. He brought with him a warm heart, a strong faith, a
determined zeal, the sympathy of a large circle of friends, and a willingness to toil hard
for success. The star of hope seemed to have arisen. Gov. Pollock, president of the
board of trustees, was the prophet of the occasion, and did much to lift the veil which
covered the future, when he said : "The hour of darkness and gloom has passed; and
to-day, within her walls all is harmony and peace ; and at this hour, and in analogy with
nature now robed in sunshine and smiling after the storm, the light of a genial sun now
pouring down upon us through the riven and scattered clouds, Lafayette College stands
revealed in the light of returning prosperity, and all without betokens favor, success and
triumph !"
The new era seemed to have received the seal of Divine approbation in a most gra-
cious revival, which "was perhaps the most remarkable of the revivals that have charac-
terized the recent history of the college." This warm religious life has been a source of
joy to many a household, when the news came of the conversion of their sons ; and many
Christian mothers have uttered earnest prayers for the prosperity of the college. With
this religious prosperity came temporal advancement. The number of students in 1863
was 39, in 1875 it was 318. The prosperity of Lafayette was seen quite as clearly in the
increase of her buildings, as in the growing numbers of her students. An incident should
be here mentioned, as it was the beginning of a movement which has dotted the hill with
beautiful and costly buildings. Let President Cattell tell his own story. At a banquet
given to him in Philadelphia, in 1869, on the eve of his departure for an extended tour
in Europe, President Cattell said: "In the Fall of 1864, I became acquainted with Mr.
Ario Pardee. It was at a period when the clouds of our civil war hung low and dark in
the horizon, shrouding the whole country in gloom. It was a dark period for Lafayette
College, too. I had labored for nearly a year with all the energy God had given me; and
so insignificant were the results that it seemed scarcely possible the college could exist
much longer. You can therefore judge of my personal, as well as my official gratitude,
to Mr. Pardee when I tell you that at this first interview, this noble man placed in my
hands his obligation for $20,000. I read the paper over and over, and the more I read it
the less I could comprehend the situation. I was, sir, as one that dreamed. And, indeed,
how I got home that day I can scarcely remember. I do remember, however, that when
I reached home and showed the letter to the one whose gentle sympathies had cheered
me in so many hours of discouragement, and was the first to know and share my new joy —
I well remember that we two knelt down together, and from my full heart there went up
the prayer that God would reward and bless the generous donor, and that prayer I have
E ASTON, PENN'A.
313
not ceased since that time to offer daily." This was merely the beginning of that re-
markable generosity which has made the name of Ario Pardee so dear to the friends of
this college.
James H. Coffin, LL. D., was born September 6, 1806, at Williamsburg, Mass. He was the son of Matthew Coffin
and Betsey Allen. He attended common schools in his childhood when his health would permit, for he was a feeble
boy. When he was nine years old he manifested the religious turn of mind for which he was so remarkable in mature
life. At this early age he began to read the Bible systematically, and read it through six or seven times. To those
who remember his earnest religious life, it will be no surprise to read of his constant habit of prayer in solitude in his
boyhood. During his fourteenth year he was engaged in working on the farm, when his father died. His mechanical
tastes inclined him to learn a trade, but this was relinquished, and he went to live with his uncle. Rev. Moses Hal-
lock of Plainfield, Mass. Here he began the life of a student. He entered Amherst College in 1823, and graduated
August 27, 1828. He was then twenty-two years of age. He had little or no means of his own when he entered col-
lege. Friends promised to aid him, but the promises were not all fulfilled, and he supplied the deficiency by teaching.
He taught the academy at Ogdensburg, New York, and here began those meteorological investigations which he pur-
sued the remainder of his life. Wliile at Ogdensburg he showed his mechanical skill by inventing and erecting a self-
registering vane, which showed the number of hours and minutes that the wind blew from each of the thirty-two points
of the compass during the twenty-four hours of each day. This enabled him to investigate the connection between the
direction of the wind and other phenomena of the region. The observations on the evaporation at this place furnished
the data on which the committee of the New York Senate relied in preparing their report on the water supply for the
Genesee Valley canal in the winter session of 1839-40. From 1839 to 1843 he was connected with Williams College,
and it is surprising to observe the amount of work accomplished in that brief period. The articles he there published
are as follows : An article on the winds of the State of New York, which was published in the Regents Reports for 1840 ;
a series of articles published in the Piltsfield Sun, entitled " Meteorological Observations and Researches in Williams
College ; an elaborate article on the " Climate of the State of New York" ; a map showing the central tracks of the
solar eclipses over the United States during the present century ; " Astronomical Tables," 1842 ; an unpublished trea-
tise, entitled "The Moon" ; an abridgement of the above, entitled " Solar and Lunar Eclipses" ; a treatise on "Conic
Sections." Greylock Peak, of Saddleback mountain, which rises not far from the college, is about thirty-three hun-
dred feet high, and to ascertain the course and velocity and humidity of the winds during the winter on this summit,
he had erefted a lofty observatory, and on its top fixed numerous self-registering instruments, mainly of his own devi-
sing. These were arranged in autumn, and, on account of deep snow were not visited till spring, when he found the
apparatus had worked during the entire winter as satisfactorily as when first put in place. He taught in Norwalk,
Connecticut, from 1843 to 1846, when he became Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in Lafayette Col-
lege. He had prepared the way to enlarge the field of his study so as to include the winds of the entire globe. He
was forty years of age when he began his labors in Lafayette, and he spent twenty-seven years of attive toil, taking
charge of his classes and extending his researches in meteorology. Through all these years he pursued his investi-
gations with an energy which never flagged, and succeeded in gathering a large mass of information of great value to
the scientific world. Correspondence was carried on with all parts of the world. There was no part of the earth,
scarcely an island of the sea, where observations had not been made, and the results laid before Professor Coffin. At
the College, instruments of the most delicate and accurate construction, measured the force and direcSlion of the cur-
rents of air. The investigations of such a mind as his, carried on with such earnestness and constancy, throughout
forty years, resulted in laying before the world an immense amount of new information. The consequence was that
more light has been shed on the subject of the winds than ever before in the progress of science. His object was to
establish the fact that the diflferent winds are regulated by laws as uniform as those which control the currents of the
ocean. The New Y'ork Times of February 8, 1873, said : " He was a man of such extreme modesty that he was never
estimated by the public at his true worth. It is to him, in a great measure, that we owe the important position which
the science of meteorology has of late years attained. His work on ' The Winds of the Northern Hemisphere' was one
of the earliest efforts to ascertain and fornmlate the laws of the winds, and is still an authority on the topic of which it
treats. As a mathematician he was surpassed by no man in the accuracy of his investigations, and his text-book upon
' Analytical Geometry' is a model of clearness and brevity of style. The simplicity of his character made him wholly
indiflferent to fame, but among men of science he was known as a student whose acquirements were inferior to no living
mathematician, and as a demonstrator who never made an error." Thus the duties he owed to his classes, a study
sweeping over the surface of the globe, and extended astronomical and mathematical investigations were carried on
with entire success. This remarkable man quietly and unostentatiously pursued his work until his name became so
well known in the scientific world. " The Results of Meteorological Observations, 1854-59," '542 pages quarto, was
published by order of the United States Senate. The late Rev. N. S. McFetrldge very beautifully illustrated this by
an allusion to the classics : " jEolus is said to have given Ulysses all the winds excepting Zephyrus ; but on his way to
Ithaca, Ulysses fell asleep in his boat, whereupon his covetous comrades, thinking it was gold in his ox-hide bag,
opened the bag and allowed the winds to escape. It was reserved for James H. Coffin to gather up these wild, wan-
dering winds, and trace their courses, and present them to us clothed with regular and beautiful laws." But however
314 THE HISTORY OF
exalted the character of Professor Coffin became in the fields of science, it shone still more clearly as a moralist and a
Christian. This feature of his character was brought to the attention of the world, after his death, which took place on
February 6, 1873, when he was 66 years old. He was a member of several learned societies in America and Europe,
and one of the first elected to membership in the National Academy of Sciences. On his tombstone in the Easton Cem-
etery is placed a monogram illustrative of his chief discovery of " The Law of the Winds," and also an inscription taken
from the eulogy of U. S. Senator Trumbull, of Illinois, when the latter moved adoption of a resolution of condolence in
the meeting of the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. Any notice of Dr. Coffin would be incomplete without a
mention of his private character. At an early age he became connected with the church, and to the close of his life he
remained a sincere and devout Christian. He was a ruling Elder in the Brainerd Church. The New York Tribune
said : " As a private man his characteristics were kindness, integrity, and honor." Another well said : " The College
has lost a staunch friend— one whose name has given her renown. Dear, precious, old man, whose gray hairs were a
crown of glory, has gone from the toils of earth to the rest of heaven." Dr. T. H. Hawkes, an intimate friend
says : " It seems to me that a more faultless chara(fter it has not been my privilege to meet. I am glad that in him have
been illustrated the largest scientific attainments in connection with the simplest and most beautiful faith in Jesus."
He left two children. Professor Selden J. Coffin, and a daughter, the wife of Rev. John C. Clyde, D. D., of Blooms-
bury, N.J.
Francis A. March, LL. D., was born in Millbury, Mass., October 25, 1825, and studied in the public schools of
Worcester, Mass. Through Hon. Alfred D. Foster, one of the examiners of these schools, he was sent to Amherst
College, graduating in 1S45 with the highest honors ; he then taught two years in Leicester Academy, Mass., and two
years as tutor in Amherst College ; then studied law in New York City, where he was admitted to the bar in October,
1850, and began practice. In December, 1851, being attacked with hemorrhage, he spent the winter in Cuba, then
went to Florida; taught three years in Fredericksburg, Virginia. In 1855 he became tutor in Lafayette; in 1856 was
appointed Adjunct Professor of English Literature, and in 1858 to the Professorship of the English Language and
Comparative Philology, which is claimed to be the first instance in this country in which the English Classics, in the
light of Modern Philology was co-ordinated with that of the Greek and Latin. His earliest publication was " The
Relation of the Study of Jurisprudence to the Origin and Progress of the Baconian Philosophy." — New Eng lander,
October, 1S4S. He published and advocated a plan of pacification for the country, in the New York Times and The
World, in 1S60-1. He has contributed numerous articles in Philosophy and Philology to the American Review. His
published works are a "Method of Philological Study of the English Language," 1865 ; "A Parser and Analyzer for
Beginners," 1869; "Comparative Grammar of the Anglo-Sa.\on Language," London, 1870; and an "Anglo-Saxon
Reader," New York, 1870. He edited the Douglass Series of Christian Classics, embracing Latin Hymns, Eusebius,
Athenagoras and TertuUian, 1871-6. Professor March has been connected with Lafayette College over a third of a
century ; and during that time he has roamed through the Elysian fields of literature with youthful enthusiasm and
untiring industry. And now at sixty-two years of age, he is recognized as the leading linguist of America. He
received the degree of LL. D. from the College of New Jersey in 1870. A writer in the New York Times quite
recently made an earnest effort to ascertain who is the most eminent philologist in the United States. His object was
to obtain the critical opinion of such a man on the merits of the new universal language, Volapiik. The consensus of
opinion favored Professor March. Professor W. D. Whitney was also a popular choice for the first place. As the
writer was giving the result of his own investigations, and not his personal opinion, he thought it but fair to give the
exact words of the answers to his inquiries which were uttered as follows : " Professor March is one of the foremost
philologists of the world, and probably the finest Anglo-Saxon scholar of his day." The writer makes the inquiry,
"Who is Professor March?" Not one in a thousand in the United States can tell. A brief reference is made to him
in most of the American cyclopiedias and biographical collections. The English Blue Book of talent, " Men of the
Time," gives him a few words of description. The writer would have been content with this meagre data had he not
accidentally procured an advance slip from the next edition of the " Dizionario Biographico Degli Scrittori Contan-
poranei," prepared by the Italian scholar, de Gubernalis. The strangest feature of it all is that Professor March
should be so widely quoted, and regarded as the highest authority in Europe, and yet so little known fifty miles from
his own home. Dr. March is a zealous advocate of phonetic reform, has been president of the Spelling Reform Asso-
ciation, and is at present chairman of the Commission of the State of Pennsylvania on Amended Orthography, mem-
ber of the American Philosophical Society, and the American Antiquarium Society. There are in this country only
two honorary members of the Philological Society of London — the subject of this sketch and Professor Whitney, of
Yale. Professor March is also vice-president of the " New Shakspere Society" of London. The American Philological
Society was organized in i86g. Professor Whitney was its first president. Professor March was president in 1873-4.
The term of office is one year, and no president has yet filled the position for more than one term. Not the least diffi-
cult and important of Dr. March's life work was the organization and superintendence of the large corps of American
readers for the new English Dictionary now in process of publication by the University of Oxford. More than \ioo
readers have been employed upon this work during the past thirty years. Over half of these were at work in England
and the British Colonies, but about 300 Americans were thus employed under the direction of Professor March. The
quotations amassed number in all about 3,,'ioo,iKK>, collected from 5000 authors of all periods. The dictionary will
contain nearly 2.si),o<>o words— those ordinarily given as transitive and intransitive, adjectives used as substantives
E ASTON, PENN'A.
315
and adverbs, and nouns used also as adjectives being counted only once each. The design of the work is to furnish
a complete account of the meaning and history of English words now in use, or known to have been in use at any
time in the past 700 years. Part I (A to Ant) contains 8365 words. The work will be complete in four volumes of
about 1400 pages each, or 5600 pages in all. The work has been edited by James A. H. Murray, LL. D., president
of the British Philological Society, and more than thirty assistant editors. Very few people have known that the very
quiet and modest professor was thus employed with the philologists of England, in the production of the grandest and
most important work in English literature. He attends to his daily duties in college, is seen regularly in the reading
room perusing the public journals, and we wonder how he finds time to establish a corps of 300,
arrange and transmit the results to
Oxford. He is a warm, devoted and
enthusiastic friend of Lafayette, and
has done much to give the college its
eminence in the literary world. " Per-
sonally, Professor March is a simple-
mannered, kind-hearted, lovable man.
Although past sixty, his heart is as
young as that of a Freshman, and it
is said that no student has ever seen
a frown upon his countenance. He is
very tall, and very slim. His habits
throughout life have been of the plain-
est. He is very fond of children and
may be seen playing with them on
the walks of the college grounds.
Should a foot-ball from the campus
come his way he invariably stops to
give it a friendly and vigorous kick,
and is always rewarded by a cheer
from the students." In the science of
Philology the professor keeps ahead
of the times.
Rev. Lyman Coleman, D. D.,
Was born in Middlefield, Mass., June
14, 1796. His father and grandfather
were both physicians. His father was
unwilling that he should study for
the ministry on account of his extreme
bashfulness, as he thought he would
be unable to face a congregation from
the pulpit. He was so decided in his
opposition that he refused to aid him.
Mr. Coleman went to Yale literally
without means, but, by teaching and
the aid of friends he graduated in
1817, and for three years was principal
of the Latin Grammar School at Hart-
ford, Conn., and subsequently a tutor
at Yale for four years, where he studied
theology. By teaching he paid the
money he had borrowed of friends
while in college. In 1828 he became
pastor of the Congregational Church
at Belchertown, Mass., and held the
charge for seven years. He was afterwards principal of the Burr Seminary, Vermont, five years ; then principal of
the English Department of Phillips Academy at Andover, Mass., five years. He then went to Europe and spent two
years in Germany in study under Neander, and in travel, and on his return was appointed Professor of German in the
College of New Jersey, from which he received the degree of S. T. D. The next fourteenyearsof his life were spent in
connexion with difterent literary institutions in Amherst, Mass., and Philadelphia. He revisited Europe in 1S56, and
extended his travels to the Holy Land, the Desert and Egypt, and in 1861 he became Professor of Ancient Languages
in Lafayette. His principal published works are " The Antiquities of the Christian Church," " The Apostolical and
Rev. Lyman Coleman, D. D.,
Late Professor of Ancient Languages iu Lafayette College.
3i6 THE HISTORY OF
Primitive Church," " An Historical Geography of the Bible," " Ancient Christianity Exemplified," " Historical Text-
book and Atlas of Biblical Geography." These have been published in England. He also compiled the genealogy of
the Lyman family, and contributed a number of articles to the American Quarterlies. He ended his life at Lafayette.
The writer well remembers his tall, massive form, slowly wending its way to his pew in the house of God. He was
just then closing the toils of a long life, and quietly, yet heroically, walking into the shadows of life's evening. While
thus stepping into the twilight he wrote the following beautiful sentiment to a friend : " The wave of the ocean rises
and rolls in a restless tide for a time, alternately gilded by sunshine and darkened by storm, then sinks and is mixed with
its original element. Such is our life." Few instruftors had more sympathy for their pupils. He had been schooled
in adversity. He used to say that " The highest idea of education is to overcome difficulties." He had met many and
bravely conquered. He died March i6, 1S82, in the 86th year of his life. Dr. Coleman was no ordinary man. He has
been properly styled one of " Nature's Noblemen." He was scrupulously observant of the courtesies of life. His
constant feeling was that religion should make a man a gentleman. He was a man of strong convictions, and with the
courage of his opinions, never afraid to give expression of them, but was very careful not to wound the feelings of the
very humblest. He was a pure man. Pure in thought, pure in word, he leaves an unblemished life behind him. Dr.
Coleman manifested his interest in Lafayette by establishing the Coleman prizes. This endowment yields an annual
income of sixty dollars, frotn which prizes are given to those students who lead the respective divisions of their class
in Biblical studies.
In 1869 Mr. Pardee's gifts had amounted to ^200,000, and upon this basis was first
established a new curriculum of scientific studies. For the development of this plan a
new and special building was needed. For this purpose a year or two after, Mr. Pardee
made a further gift of $250,000 ; to which he afterward added the gift of $50,000 more
for its scientific equipment. At this princely munificence the trustees must also have
doubted whether they were in real life, and not in the land of dreams. An immense
building was to be ere<?ted ; there was no desirable site for it and no place to put it, unless
some of the professors' houses should be moved. This was soon done, and in eighteen
months the largest and most complete scientific college building in the United States
stood upon the grand plateau, the pride and crown of Easton, to be a perpetual memorial
of the liberality and far-reaching wisdom of him whose name it bears. The building is
five stories high, fifty-three feet front, and eighty-three feet deep, with two lateral wings,
one on each side of the centre building, measuring si.xty-one feet in length, and thirty-
one in width ; four stories high, including a Mansard roof, the whole terminating in two
cross wings forty-two feet front, eighty-four feet deep and four stories high. The entire
length of the front, in a straight line, is two hundred and fifty-six feet. The material is
the Trenton brown-stone, with trimming of light Ohio sand-stone.
The great building was completed in 1873, ^"^ upon the 21st of October of that
year was formally handed over to the trustees by the munificent donor. This building
was destroyed by fire on the evening of June 4th, 1879. It was rebuilt on the same site,
of the same dimensions and external appearance, and was mainly paid for by the money
realized from the policies of insurance. The ladies of Easton aided in furnishing the
interior of the hall. In rebuilding, the interior was greatly improved, as experience of
the first structure had suggested.
The reopening was celebrated with appropriate ceremonies by a great concourse of
the friends of education from far and near, on the 30th of November, 1880. An assembly
so distinguished has rarely gathered in honor of any educational foundation in this countr\'.
His Excellency, Rutherford B. Hayes, President of the United States, with mcinbcrs of
his Cabinet, the General of the Army, and the Commissioner of Education, His Excel-
lency, Henry M. Hoyt, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State
Superintendent of Education, the Moderator of the General As.sembly of the Presbyterian
Clinrch, and the Moderator of the Synod of Pliiladelphia, were present and participated
E ASTON, PENN'A. 317
in the festivities of the occasion. The Board of Trustees determined that the whole
Scientific Department shall be impressed with the Christian character of the college. In
addition to the systematic and thorough study of the word of God in all the classes,
special attention is given to the harmony of science with revealed religion.
A description of the interior of the hall will be given in the words of Professor
March : "If we explore the east wings of Pardee Hall, we shall find them full of the
apparatus of manipulation. Work-rooms for the department of mechanics and physical
laboratories are the main features of the first and second floors. The third and fourth
floors are occupied by the department of civil engineering. They are stored with instru-
ments for work in the field, and fitted up for industrial drawing and office work. In
auother part of the building there are rooms for other kinds of drawing, and labora-
tories for work in botany and natural history. A separate building is devoted to the
laboratories of Chemistry, and another to the Astronomical Observatory. Let us pass
over to the western wings of the hall. Here we find the apparatus of the classificatory
_ sciences — Mineralogy,
" _ Botany, Natural History,
_^ \,^ Geology. In room beyond
room are marshalled cabi-
nets and colledlions of min-
erals, plants and animals.
Here the student is to learn
the uses of all natural ob-
jects, and those relations
of each to all others which
tell us where to find them.
He learus where to look
forgold, where for pyrites,
and where for coal and
] \Ki 1 I iiviL iron ; what plants grow
in what places, and what
animals with them, what interdependencies are to be found among all creatures. Here
he may learn to frame schemes of produ(5lion or traffic which include the world. We will
pass on to the centre of the building. Here, as of right, are the library, colledlions of
art and antiquities, ledlure rooms for history, social science and language, the society
halls, and the great auditorium. And with these should be counted in other buildings,
other lecfture rooms for languages, the Greek room, and all the rest ; and the reading
room, dear to all the students of Lafayette. These may be called apparatus for the study
of man and training for the mastery of men. Here are the laboratories of mind. Here
are the cabinets of thought." Professor March closes his address by putting on record
the following adlion of the Faculty, taken in 1874 :
"Whereas, It has been held seemly to honor intelligent munificence, and for Chris-
tian scholars to tenderly preserve the memory of promoters of science and learning, and
for learned foundations to have set times to honor their founder and cherish his grateful
remembrance ; and
Whereas, The celebration of such deeds of munificence is a powerful means of
THE HISTORY OF
inciting youth to imitate them, and of training them up to all those liberal acts and
thoughts which are the fruits of the highest culture ; therefore be it
Resolved, That to-morrow, the 21st day of October, being the first anniversary of
the formal opening and dedication of Pardee Hall, the usual lectures and recitations be
suspended, and the day marked by appropriate exercises ; and that hereafter the Wednes-
day following the 21st day of October in each year be recognized as the anniversary of
the founding and gift of Pardee Hall, and that it be set apart forever by Lafayette
College, its Faculty and
students, under the name of
Founder's Day, as a day of
commemoration of the founder,
Ario Pardee."
The Pardee Scientific
Department (well supplied with
the best of apparatus, by which
the facts and laws of Natural
Science are illustrated) was
early placed under the over-
sight of Dr. Traill Green, as
Dean.
Traill Green, M. D., LL. D.,
Was born in Easton, Pa., May 25, 1S13.
He is the son of Benjamin Green.
Dr. Traill Green's father was a son
of Richard, whose father's name
was Richard, who was a son of Wil-
liam Green, who came from Eng-
land in the opening of the eighteenth
century. William married to a Miss
Joanna Reeder, a daughter of John
Reeder, who had just come from
England, and with whom Mr. Green
became acquainted on Long Island.
He built the first brick house in
Ewing, which is still standing, and
bears the date 17 17 on the west end
of the house. The fifth generation
of Greens still occupy the house.
Elizabeth, the mother of Dr. Green,
was a daughter of Robert Traill, who
was a son of Rev. Thomas Traill and
Sabilla Grant, who was a daughter of
Rev. Alexander Grant of South Ron-
aldsay of the Island of Sande.one of the
Orkneys. Thus we see our venerable
townsman is of good blood and strong .stock. The Celtic stock of the Highlands is visible both in his phy-
siognomy and in the vigor of his moral and religious character He graduated at the JIiner\-a Seminary, the
famous school under the care of Dr. Vanderveer. In this school he made such proficiency in the classics that
his teacher offere<l to procure for him a professorship in college. But not wishing to be diverted from his orig-
inal intention to study medicine, he went directly to the Pennsylvania I'niversity, graduated, and immediately
entered upon the duties of his profession in I^a.ston. In 1.S37 he became Professor of Chemistry in Lafayette.
Professor of Chen
Grei:n. M. D., LL. D.,
, Dean of Pardee Scientific Dcp;
E ASTON, PENN'A.
319
In 1S41 he received the degree of A. M. from Rutgers College, aud the same year he was called to the chair of
Natural Sciences in Marshall College, at Mercersburg, where he remained till he returned to Easton in 1847,
and the following year resumed the Professorship of Chemistry, which he still holds. In 1866 he received the
degree of LL. D , from Washington and Jefferson College. When Dr. Cattell became President of the College,
at his own expense Dr. Green erected the Astronomical Observatory, north of Jenks Hall. It is built of blue
lime-stone, and cost $15,000. It consists of a tower aud two transit rooms, with lecture room attached. It is
fitted up with a revolving dome aud telescope, a transit instrument, and other apparatus for the observation of
astronomical phenomena and for the thorough study of astronomy. The transit of Venus in 1882 was success-
fully observed in it by Prof. Coffin, Dr. Traill Green and his son Dr. Edgar M. Green ; for Dr. Green is a thorough
scientist, and has always kept abreast the advancing lines. He has been for forty years a member and Fellow of
the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Upon the completion of Pardee Hall, Dr. Green
organized the Pardee Scientific Department, and is its Dean. He was the first President of the American Acad-
emy of Medicine, and a member of other scientific bodies. In 1881 he pronounced the annual address before
the alumni of the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. He wears his honors easily, and
seems unconscious of his worth. The Doctor is now seventy-five years of age, and yet his heart is as buoyant as
if the sun were shining at noon, instead of descending toward the western hills. The fires of intellect still burn
brightly as was evident in his masterly defence of the former physicians of Easton, from the aspersions of Dr.
Gross. It is well for the reputation of Easton physicians that Dr. Green wielded so trenchant a pen. The de-
fense was the cause of many thanks from near and distant friends of the dead physicians. For more than fifty
years he has followed his profession, and is still active in his work. He always carries a sunbeam into the sick-
room, and his pleasant and hopeful countenance, and cheerful words are often as potent as the medicine admin-
istered. In his case we see the highest attainments in science beautifully blended with the humblest faith in
the Gospel. In this age it is encouraging to see such a man walking so confidently on the bright mountains of
science, and so humbly in the valley of Christian contentment. He has been for many years a ruling elder in
the First Presbyterian Church of Easton, and a director in many local societies of trust.
Throughout Pardee Hall the greatest care has been taken to provide for the needs
of students in the pursuit of scientific investigation. A short distance southwest of
tliis building stands Jenks' Chemical Hall. It is built of lime-stone, two-stories, with a
Mansard roof, sixty-four feet front and seventy-five feet in depth, at a cost of $22,000.
North of these beautiful buildings lies the main part of the campus. Here much
interest is concentrated in the season of out-door sports, in the assemblage of crowds of
speculators, who are gathered to witness the various athletic games, foot-ball, base-ball,
lawn-tennis, and the like, for all of which there is abundant accommodation, with room
enough and to spare.
Beyond this rises a row of neat brick buildings — the homes of the students — desig-
nated from the names of liberal donors to the college funds. In order, from West to East,
their names are Blair Hall, Newkirk Hall, McKeen Hall, Martien Hall, Powel Hall,
and East Hall. The halls are all plain buildings, except McKeen Hall, which has brown-
stone quoins and window trimmings, with porch, ornamental cornice, and a balustrade
around the entire roof There are also buildings for the residences of professors, many
of which have been built since the eredlion of Pardee Hall. The events in the history
of twelve years of the life of Lafayette College are unparalleled in the history of any
educational institution in America. In 1863, after the struggles of nearly forty years, the
end seemed to have come. The question was freely and painfully discussed as to whether
the doors of the college should be closed; but in 1875 she stood in the front rank among the
colleges of America. Her students in 1863 were thirty-nine in number ; in 1875 the num-
ber was three hundred and nineteen, and the college plateau was dotted with most beauti-
ful and costly buildings, and Pardee Hall had risen on the scene as if by magic. Beautiful
carriage ways and winding foot-paths, and artistic terracing, tasteful shrubbery, ornamental
320
THE HISTORY OF
trees, and beds of brilliant flowers, make the grounds around the college buildings a scene
of beauty rarely excelled.
The following graphic description is taken from Scrihner'' s Monthly for December,
1876: "Going north from fountain-green, down (Third street) we cross Bushkill Creek,
and at the northern end of the bridge we are confronted by a hill which is almost a cliff
that rises swift and steep to the plateau where is seated Lafayette College. Formerly the
only method of reaching the summit, save by a long detour, was by clambering up a steep
flight of plank steps springing on stilts of rude carpentry, from ledge to ledge, and
trembling with the weight of the adventurous climber. The dizzy scaffolding of stairs
which, in that day, led on and up to the college reminded the traveler of those crazy and
slippery timber ladders of the Leuken Bad, in Switzerland, which lead up to the moun-
tain town of Albinen. The foot passenger can now, however, reach the heiglits of the
Lafayette plateau by stone steps, massive and broad, supported by masonry and zigzag-
ging along the pra(5licable ledges of the pi6luresque hill-side. Wending up, under shade
of cedars, of nettle trees, of wild roses, and festoons of the Virginia creeper, the visitor
will reach, two hundred feet above the river, a little bastion, supported by rusticated
stone-work, on which stands a monumental granite soldier, commemorative of ' the dead
in the war.' Thirty feet higher, by two more flights of stone steps, which were erecfled
by the gift of the class of 18S0, the general level of tlie Lafayette plateau is reached, and
from here an embowered straight walk leads direcflly to tlie cential entrance of tlie orig-
E ASTON, PENN'A.
321
inal college building. Before passing up the walk to the college the Eastonian will of a
surety call your attention to the view southward, over the town, from the crown of the
hill. You stand there, at the head of the last flight of steps, in the axis of the main street
of Easton. Immediately before you, and below you, the granite sentinel is holding his
steady guard. Thence, the hill you have climbed plunges down under its wilderness of
leaves to the Third street bridge over the Bushkill. From the banks of the Bushkill the
broad street far below you sweeps straight southward, hemmed by houses, and trees, and
spires, it swings round the leafy circlet of the fountain green, and stretches away amid
other and lower houses along a gentle descent till it terminates at the Lehigh ; be3'ond
this rise the tall hills of South Easton. To the right, westerly, the town creeps up a
THE CAMPUS ON CLASS-DAY
gentle ascent, upon which break bolder and bolder heights — some peopled, some tilled,
some unkempt and wild. To the left are other and more closely packed roofs, trending
down to the Delaware, of which you see a broad, shining light and have a view of its
bridges crossing to the shores of New Jersey, where smoke the furnaces of Phillipsburg.
Altogether, it is a scene of busy ac?tivity, of quiet, far-away hill sides, of near tangled
wildness, of river spaces, of deep valley-clefts, of trailing barges, of railways over rail-
ways, and never-ending scurry of trains that can hardly be matched. It is no wonder
the towns people are proud of the views; it is no wonder that younglings of either sex
come hither in pairs in the summer twilight to linger and look off" on a scene of such
varied beauty."
322
THE HISTORY OF
Lafayette still retains the old classical course of study, believing in the virtue of Greek,
Latin, and Hebrew too, requiring the usual four years' training, with little change or omission
of the old standard authors, beyond the modifications that have everywhere been necessi-
tated by the claims of literature and the natural sciences for a share of the time that was
devoted in former generations solely to the trivium of Languages, Mathematics and
Philosophy. But while Harvard and Princeton are warmly debating the question of
introducing a scientific course, teaching the modern, in place of the dead languages, in-
volving a knowledge of Civil Engineering, Mining, a thorough knowledge of Chemistry,
Mineralogy, adapted to the different aims and tastes of young men, Lafa\ette has,
since 1866, been affording students the privilege of pursuing a course of study as above
READING ROOM.
indicated. So that Lafayette now occupies the position of a university' in which the
varied courses may be pursued with advantages not excelled by any colleges in the
country. In addition to this, Lafayette was not only among the first, but the very first,
to introduce the thorough philological study of our mother tongue. This was done under
the personal direclion of Prof F. A. March, LL. D., the well known author of a "Com-
parative Grammar of the English Language." Originally intended for students familiar
with Latin, Greek and French, it compared the Anglo-Saxon with Greek, Latin, Gothic,
Old Saxon, and Old High German. General principles of phonology are first laid down ;
and then parallel paradigms of the inflexion forms in these languages are given, and the
Anglo-vSaxou cxiilaiucd under their guidance. The author in this way introduces the
E ASTON, PENN'A.
323
student to the methods of the modern science of language in connexion with the study
of Anglo-Saxon, so that our mother tongue may share the powers of this new science.
Thus in method and substance, as thorough and scientific study is given to a portion of
the Anglo-Saxon as can be given to the Greek or Latin, with the ordinary college text-
books. This is American in its origin, and the honor of introducing it into college
studies belongs to Lafayette.
In mining and engineering, Lafayette offers exceptional advantages. For instance :
Does the professor talk of bridge constru6lion, his illustrations (as perfecft as are to be
found in America) are before his eyes. Does he talk of grades and curves, every fashion
and expedient are within an afternoon's walk. Does he talk of shafts and lodes, the near
valley offers every variety of example. Is it a question of ores, and puddling and slag,
the furnace fires are blazing on the horizon every night. Or does the ambitious student
desire inspiration in the business world, standing on Mount Lafayette, he can witness the
passing of a hundred trains daily on the six railroads centering on the banks of the Dela-
ware and across those beautiful iron bridges that look like spiders' webs in the distance.
Or, does he wish to hold communion with nature in her lovely forms, taking his stand on
Mount Olympus, as far as the eye can reach, mountains and valleys, hills and dales, rivers
and plains of two States present a scene upon which the imagination can gaze with
wonder and delight.
324
THE HISTORY OF
The administration of President Cattell extended from 1864 to 1884, a period of
twenty years. When he came to the presidency, the building now occupied by the
treasurer and Dr. March, and the central portion of South College, with three professors'
residences, were the only buildings on the campus. The President "labored with all the
energy God had given him " for the good of the institution over whose prosperity he was
to watch. Led and sustained by the hand of God, he was enabled to lift the institution
out of the shadows into the clear light of life and usefulness. The six buildings on the
north of the campus for students' homes, Jenks' Hall on the south, the Astronomical
Observatory, the two wings of South College, and Pardee Hall in the centre, are the
result of the busy toil of this administration. For some time toward the close of Dr.
JENKS HALL.
Cattell's labors, efforts had been made to build a gymnasium. The money had been
raised by him and the building was in process of eredlion when Dr. Cattell retired. The
building is 45 by 80 feet, is of brick, and is in the style of the gymnasium of the Van-
derbilt University at Nashville. The side walls are twenty-one feet high, leaving a dis-
tance of about thirty-four feet between the floor and the roof. There are galleries at each
end of the interior of the building for the convenience of those who wish to witness the
exercises, and many avail themselves of the privilege. The alumni dinners and most of
the banquets are now held in this building. The students are under the careful training of
Prof Charles Mclntire, M. D., who takes a deep interest in the work. The basement is
fitted up with bath-rooms, closets, lavatories, with every con\'eniencc which the principles
E ASTON, PENN'A.
325
sJS-i-****'
of hygiene could suggest. Towers set diagonally at each corner of the building make it
as attracftive outside as it is useful inside. The building is beautifully situated on slightly
elevated ground, just north of and between South College and Treasurer's building. The
cost of the strudlure is about fifteen thousand dollars.
Professor Selden Jennings Coffin, Ph. D., was born at Ogdensburg, N. Y., August 3, 1838, and is the
son of Professor James H. Coffin, LL. D., late professor in Lafayette College. He graduated with honor at
Lafayette, in 1S58, having been the English salutatorian. He taught for two years, and then pursued a full theo-
logical course at Princeton, where he grad-
uated in 1864. He was licensed to preach I " : ]
the gospel April 20, 1864, and ordained by
the Presbytery of Lehigh, January 6, 1874.
From 1864 he was successively tutor, ad-
junct; professor and Hollenback professor
of mathematics and astronomy, until 1886,
when by reason of a severe throat ail-
ment he felt called upon to resign ; since
which time he has served the college efiB-
ciently in the office of Registrar. Being
quite familiar with the life-work of his
father, he drew the charts and completed
his posthumous work on the " Winds of
the Globe." It was well for the scientific
world that he had become so familiar with
meteorological investigations that hecould
take up the work where it was left, and
prepare the report as he did and with such
entire satisfa(5lion . On its publication, in
1876, he received the degree of Ph. D. from
Hanover College. He became Fellow of
the American .Association for the Advance-
ment of Science. He is a member of the
Pennsylvania HLslorical Society, and of
the Moravian Historical Society ; presi-
dent of his theological class, secretary of
his college class, and has been for thirty
years secretary of the Alumni Association
in Lafayette College. In iSyg he pub-
lished the "Men of Lafayette," pp. 358,
8 vo. In three campaigns of the war he
was aftively engaged in the service of the
U. S. Christian Commission, laboring in
the field in the relief of the sick and
wounded soldiers ; in 1864, being specially
appointed to establish " diet kitchens" in
the command of General B. F. Butler. In
1S76 he was one of the commissioners appointed by the State to organize the educational exhibit of
vania for the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, in which his specific work was to arrange the exhibit
from the colleges of Pennsylvania, and which he received complimentary mention.
Selde:
Professor and Regi:
I J. Coffin,
trar, Lafayette College.
THE FUNDS OF THE COLLEGE.
At the beginning of Dr. Cattell's adrainistraton the capital stock of Lafayette was
$66,671.41. At the close, a period of twenty years, it was $861,062.94. A large part of
this invested capital is non-produdlive : as the buildings and grounds, $446,435 ; apparatus.
326 THE HISTORY OF
$87,754; libraries and scientific colledlions, $40,266. The productive investments, dor-
mitories and students homes, $67,726; houses for professors, $69,049. Amount of other
investments at par value, $121,979. Total, $257,978. From these producTiive funds there
is an annual income of about $13,000. "It should be known, however, by the friends of
the college, that this sum, added to the fees of the students, is very far from being suffi-
cient to meet the current expenses of the institution. While the special and elective
courses of study have greatly increased the number of students they have also increased
the number of teachers required, and this number cannot be reduced without greatly
impairing the efficiency of the instruction. There is an annual deficit of about $15,000
to be supplied by private subscription, or taken from the invested funds. Since 1879 this
deficit has been met by subscription at the close of the year ; and has been made up largely
by the trustees. At this point the pressing needs of Lafayette appear. A further invest-
ment of $250,000 would place the college on the high plane of self-reliance, and drive
anxious care from the hearts of many of her warm friends. During the history of the
wonderful progress of Lafayette there are a few names that cannot be passed by : William
Adamson, of Philadelphia ; Thomas Beaver, of Danville ; George B. Markle, of Phila-
delphia ; John Welles Hollenback, of Wilkes-Barre, have endowed professorships in the
sum of $30,000. Mr. Benjamin Douglass, of New York City, endowed for a term of
years the chairs for teaching the Latin and Greek in the elective course of Christian
authors. In 1872 the citizens of Easton contributed $22,624 ^^ complete the east wing of
the South College, and in the same year $4,700 toward the new chapel; to which also
Mrs. W. C. Ferriday and Mrs. Ellen J. Welles (Wyalusing, Pa.) contributed $5,000 each.
The treasurer's books show the following contributions: John A. Brown, $20,000; John
I. Blair, $17,000. He has since given $40,000 to endow the president's chair, and $15,000
to pay for the home of Dr. Cattell for future presidents, making $72,000. William E.
Dodge and Joseph H. Scranton, each $15,000 ; Barton H. Jenks, Thomas L. McKeen and
Mrs. William C. Cattell, each $10,000; Selden T. Scranton, $7,500; Alfred Martien and
Benjamin G. Clarke, each $6,000 ; Morris Patterson, Rev. Matthew Newkirk, John Taylor
Johnson, Alexander Whilldin, Thomas Dickson, G. Dawson Coleman and Matthew Baird,
each $5,000. This gives us an inside view of the era of Lafayette's great prosperity.
The student who is looking for a college in which to prepare for the struggle of life turns
his mind toward Lafayette.
I. THE CLASSICAL COURSE.
The graduates in this course receive the usual degree of Bachelor of Arts. This
course embodies the standard means of liberal training, and is therefore the course to
which the others conform, so far as is consistent with their specific aim, in their general
spirit and design. It is fully equal in organization and thoroughness to the under-grad-
uate course of our best colleges, and affords the amplest facilities for the study of the
Ancient Languages.
n. THE GENERAL SCIENTIFIC COURSE.
This and the three courses which follow are endowed by Mr. Pardee, and constitute
the Pardee Scientific Department of Lafayette College. This course is parallel with the
Classical Course of the college, except that the Philological study of the Englisli and
E ASTON, PENN'A. 327
other Modern lyanguages takes the place of Ancient Languages. It is designed, therefore,
for those who wish to study the Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Modern Languages and
Literature, History, Mental and Moral Philosophy, Rhetoric and Logic, as a substantial
basis of knowledge and scholarly culture, and who would be glad to enjoy the cultivation
and learned habits and associations of college life, but who will not study Greek and Latin.
Graduates receive the degree of Bachelor of Science ; or, for those taking the eledlive
course in Latin, Bachelor of Philosophy.
III. THE COURSE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING.
Graduates receive the degree of Civil Engineer. This course is designed to give
professional preparation for the location, constru6lion and superintendence of railways,
canals and other public works ; the trigonometrical and topographical surveys of states,
counties, etc. ; the survey of lakes and harbors ; and the direction of their improvement ;
the design, construction and use of steam engines and other motors, and of mechanics in
general ; and the construcftion of geometrical, topographical and machine drawings.
IV. THE COURSE IN MINING AND METALLURGY.
Graduates receive the degree of Mining Engineer. This course offers the means of
special preparation for exploring undeveloped mineral resources, and for taking charge of
mining and metallurgical works. It includes instru6lion in engineering as connedled
with the survey and construftion of mines, with the construdlion and adjustment of
machines, and with machine drawings ; also, instru(?tion in Chemistry and Assaying, as
applied to the manipulation of ores and other minerals.
V. THE COURSE IN CHEMISTRY.
Graduates receive the degree of Bachelor of Science. This course includes text-
book study, lecflures and laboratory practice, every facility for which is found in the exten-
sive laboratories of Pardee Hall. Particular attention is given to the Chemistry of Agri-
culture, Medicine, Metallurgy and the Manufacfturing Processes.
VI. POST-GRADUATE COURSES.
Designed for graduates of colleges or scientific schools, and others having suitable
preparation. Such persons may pursue advanced studies in any department, under the
diredlion and instrudlion of the professor in that department, and may have use of the
laboratories, apparatus, collec?lions and libraries of the college while prosecuting their
researches. Those who complete a three years' course in these post-graduate studies
receive the degree of Do<5lor of Philosophy.
Rev. Dr. Paxton, in a large gathering at Princeton, said, "While other colleges were
surrendering 'to Darwin and the Devil, Princeton pursued the even tenor of her way."
If that be true of Princeton it is eminently so of Lafayette. She was founded in the
spirit of prayer, and has been the obje6l of humble prayer for more than fifty years, and
is so still. The beautiful hill-top has been the scene of many precious revivals which
have sent her missionaries to the ends of the earth. The religious speculative skepticism
of the day finds no sympathy at Lafayette. That phase of pious speculation which tends
to dethrone Moses and the Prophets jars very harshly amid the sacred memories of Brain-
erd ; and to all such teachings we can only say, '''' Proail, O, procid, este profani.'''' Is
328 THE HISTORY OF
was a happy thought of Benjamin Douglass, Esq., that if young Christian gentlemen wish
to become acquainted with the noble languages of antiquity they should learn them in
Christian, instead of Pagan authors. The sensual stories of the old poets are to be set
aside, and the Latin and Greek of the early Christian heroes to take their places. And
for this Dr. March pleads most eloquently. "If these standards are well set, if truth is
more beautiful than beauty, if power is more graceful than grace, if those books are the
highest educational powers which contain the noblest delineations of character, there
would seem to be one class of authors who have not been used to the full, I mean the
early Christian writers in Greek and Latin. It is the great fadl of history that the sen-
sualism of Rome and Greece, the best side of which Horace has so well sung, gave place
to self-abnegation, to heroism, to a virtue which rejoiced in pain and suffering for the love
of truth. To read the expression of this new charadler, when that expression was a6lion,
and a man put his life and death on each word, is high reading. The Latin hymns, too,
have the right ring. There was no original poetry in the heathen Latin verses. The repe-
tition of these Greek prettinesses never roused the Roman. His chara<5ler was stern, hard
and fierce. His mind was bent on empire. Death did not daunt him. To suffer and die
with rejoicing for truth suited men of the blood of Regulus and Curtius, and roused their
faculties at last to the height of song. The love of Christ melted them. They burst the
shackles of the Greek meters, shook off the stiffness of the Latin syntax, and sang the
early Christian hymns. It is strange that our children should spend years on the faint
Homeric echoes of Virgil, and commit to memory the graceful epicureanism of Horace,
and never see the Dies irae. There is no ode of Horace, or any ode of a heathen Roman,
that on the ground of its power, its harmony, its influence, its fame, has a hundredth part
of the claim to the careful study of our scholars." God hasten the day when Christian
classics shall take the place of the classics of Greece and Rome which must be expur-
gated to make them fit for young people to read. All honor to Lafayette for this step in
the right dire6lion.
WILLIAM CASSADY CATTELL.
[From "Prominent Pennsylvanians."]
William Cassady Cattell, D. D., LL. D., a distinguished educator and preacher, was born at Salem, New
Jersey, August 30, 1827. As a boy he attended the private schools of Salem, and in 1S4S graduated at Princeton Col-
lege. Having the ministry in view, he entered the Princeton Theological Seminary and graduated there in 1852.
He began his work as an educator in 1S53, as Associate Principal of the Edge Hill School at Princeton. In 1855
he was ele(5ted Professor of Ancient Languages at Lafayette College, where his fine scholarship and his remarkable
ability as a teacher made him very popular among the students. In 1859 he was elected a member of the Board of
Trustees, and at once displayed the executive ability that was afterwards so conspicuous when he was placed, four
years later, at the head of the college.
He resigned his chair at Lafayette to become the first pastor of the Pine Street Presbyterian Church at Harris-
burg, where he was installed by the Presbytery of Carlisle in the spring of i860. His pastoral work there began just
before the breaking out of the civil war, and it continued during the time that city was as one great camp, down to the
closing days of 1863 ; and the writer of the letter adds : " In the urgent demands made upon the citizens of Harris-
burg, when the bloody battles fought in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania filled the hospitals of the city with
thousands of wounded soldiers, no one was more a<5Uve to relieve the sick or more tenderly ministered to the dying,
than the pastor of the Pine Street Church."
The pulpit utterances of such a man could not fail to attraifl public attention, and the Harrisburg Telegraph, in
referring to one of his sermons repeated by request, says : " The crowd on the occasion was greater than any which
ever assembled to hear the delivery of any sermon in the city. The church was thronged long before the appointed
hour for the delivery of the sermon, while the sidewalks in the vicinity of the church were covered with a patient mass
of men and women anxious to get within hearing distance."
WILLIAM CASSADV CATTELL, D. D., LL. D.
Ex-President Lafayette College.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 329
It was in Odober, 1863, that he was called from the work he so successfully conducfled at Harrisburg to a new and
wider sphere of usefulness— the crowning work of his life — to the Presidency of Lafayette College.
The general depression which followed the outbreak of the war was felt very seriously at Lafayette. In
August of 1863, President McPhail resigned, and a special meeting of the Board of Trustees was called in Philadel-
phia "to take into consideration the propriety of suspending operations under increasing embarrassments," and it
seemed as if the doors of the institution would be permanently closed.
President Cattell entered upon his duties in Oftober, 1863, and was inaugurated in the old college chapel at the
ensuing Commencement, July, 1864. Governor Pollock, President of the Board of Trustees, in his introductory
address, after referring to the recent discouragements and gloom of the friends of the college, says ; " At this hour,
and in analogy with nature, now robed in sunshine and smiling after the storm, the light of a genial sun now pouring
down upon us through the riven and scattered clouds, Lafayette College stands revealed in the light of returning
prosperity, and all without betokens favor, success and triumph ! We have met to-day to witness the inauguration of
one well known and appreciated by you all, and who has been honored by a most happy, cordial and unanimous
selection by the Synod and Board of Trustees. We present him to you as the scholar and the man — the highest style
of man — the Christian gentleman, and one who combines in a remarkable degree the quiet dignity of the Christian
minister, the accomplishments of the scholar, and the no less important qualifications of an administrative officer."
And Professor March, in the "College Book" (published by Houghton, Osgood & Co., Boston, 1878), says: " He
had been everywhere greatly successful. ' The new President,' says Ik. Marvel, who knows him, 'has wondrous win-
ning ways.' Things began at once to brighten. The alumni showed new interest in the college; students began to
come in ; donations of money were obtained which relieved immediate wants ; but the first great ' winning' was the
good will of Mr. A. Pardee, of Hazleton, and the demonstration of it (his first gift of $20,000 to the college) was
described by Dr. Cattell, at a banquet given to him by the citizens of Philadelphia, in 1869, upon the eve of his depar-
ture for Europe.
Every well-informed friend of education is familiar with the rapid and steady growth of Lafayette College under
the administration of President Cattell. It has been described by the graceful pen of Mr. Donald G. Mitchell (Ik.
Marvel) in Scribner's Magazine (December, 1876), and more fully by Professor Owen, in his " Historical Sketches of
Lafayette College," prepared during the centennial year at the request of the United States Commissioner of Education.
In 1863 the curriculum at Lafayette was the traditional college course, based mainly on the study of Latin and
Greek, but the second year of President Cattell's administration was signalized by a large advance in the direction of
scientific studies. The classical course was still continued. In fatt, the catalogue stated that the policy at Lafayette
would be to give it greater efficiency year by year, " not only as the regular introduction to the special professional
study of theology, medicine, law and teaching, but also as a thoroughly tried means of securing the culture and eleva-
tion of mind, and of imparting the useful and liberal learning which becomes a Christian scholar." But new courses
of scientific, technical and post-graduate studies were successively added until "under this administration Lafayette
has risen to her present commanding position, embracing departments of instruction widely different in specific scope
and aim, yet brought into stimulating contact, and so into the unity of a harmonious progress" (Prof. Owen's Sketches).
Of course this rapid and splendid development, the history of which, says the New York Chrislian Weekly, " reads
like a romance," required the expenditure of large sums of money for the new buildings with their scientific equip-
ment, and for the support of the increased number of professors. And from all sides, in response to the appeals of
the enthusiastic and ever-hopeful president, came the donations, so that the capital stock of the college, which in 1863
was scarcely $50,000, rose in a few years to nearly a million. The hard times commencing in 1873, and which pro-
duced for many years such financial distress throughout the country, seriously crippled President Cattell in his plans
for the continued increase of the college endowments. But the printed tables accompanying his annual report to the
trustees show that in 1879, after four years of heroic struggle, the current expenses of the college were fully met and
the " capital stock" again increased. These tables report the same gratifying results each year till the close of his
administration, notwithstanding the added strain and toil to the president that followed the destruftion of Pardee
Hall by fire in 1879.
President Cattell always aimed to continue in the college the Christian work begun by his pious predecessors.
The subjett of his inaugural address was "The Bible as a College Te.xt-Book." The year following his inauguration
a religious revival took place, which Professor Owen describes as " perhaps the most remarkable of the great revivals
that have charatlerized the recent history."
As a further testimony to his great work, from those who have watched it most closely and with the deepest per-
sonal interest, the following letter from Professor March has a peculiar and significant value. It is taken from a report
in the College Journal, April, 1882, of a banquet given to President Cattell by the Alumni Association of Philadelphia
on his return from a visit to Europe :
Easton, Pa., April, 1882.
The Faculty of Lafayette College desire me to thank the Philadelphia Alumni Association for their kind invitation
to be present at the reception to be given to President Cattell on the evening of Thursday, April 13th. If there is any
reason for which the Faculty might be e.\cused for going off in a body it is that we might join the Alumni in honoring
330 THE HISTORY OF
the President who has cheerfully met so many trials and borne so much toil for the college, who has led its friends to
so many triumphs over such great obstacles, and who hold such a place in the affection and esteem of all his asso-
ciates. We send our heartiest congratulations. F. A. March.
But these " many trials" and " much toil" of an administration that led the college to " so many triumphs over
such great obstacles" could scarcely fail, after twenty years to tell upon the President's health. In his report to the
Board of Trustees at the beginning of the year 1SS3, printed in the College Journal oi March, he says: "With such
pleasant recollections of the year just closed (the most delightful to me since my connection with the college), and
with such a brightening outlook, I enter upon the twentieth year of my Presidency with only one misgiving ; and that
is, whether, in the present state of my health, I have the strength fully to discharge the arduous and responsible duties
which are inseparable from my position. I am deeply grateful for the generous and unfailing support of my col-
leagues in the Board and in the Faculty, and of the Alumni, but even with this help the continuous an.xiety and strain
of my ordinary work, and the necessity at times of unusually severe and prolonged exertion, seem to me to demand
more than my present strength. But I am firmly persuaded that the great work here will continue with increasing
power and usefulness, whoever may be the men honored of God to carry it on."
And this foreshadowing of his retirement from the arduous duties of the Presidency, taking definite shape as the
year passed on, called forth from the public press, religious and secular, universal expressions of regret and of high
appreciation of the great work he had accomplished for the college.
Dr. Cattell received the honorary degree of D. D. from Princeton, and also from Hanover College, Indiana, and
that ol LL. D. from the University of Wooster, Ohio. He was Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presby-
terian Church in 1863, and again in 1876, when he was Chairman of the Assembly's Committee on Education. In 1872
he was Moderator of the Synod of Philadelphia.
He has made several visits to Europe and the East, and his travels and observations thereon have formed the sub-
jedt of numerous ledures and public addresses. His preface to the report of the Hon. C. C. Andrews (Minister to
Sweden; upon the educational systems of Sweden and Norway, made to the United States Bureau of Education,
shows his interest in all educational matters and his habits of careful observation at home and abroad. He was sent
by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States as a Commissioner to the Presbyterian
Church in Scotland and to the Reformed Church in Bohemia in 1S69, and again in 1S81. One of the pastors in Bohe-
mia, Rev. L. B. Kaspar, of Hradiste, in a letter to the New York Evangelist, December 29, 1881, thus speaks of Dr.
Cattail's visits to that country : " This is not the first time that Dr. Cattell has come to Bohemia. He was here in 1869
and 1870. That welcome visit is still remembered by many. It was more than an occasional tourist's trip. At that
time Sunday School work was almost unknown in our church. Dr. Cattell noticed this lack, and set himself at once
on calling attention to it. In public addresses and in private conversation he pressed the subject on our pastors and
people. Since that time his name has been closely associated with the Sunday School work in our church. I trust
that on the present visit he has had the satisfaction of seeing that his efforts have not been spent in vain. We have a
respectable number of Sunday Schools now, and the work is growing still. And very well may I speak again of Dr.
Cattell's efforts. He was not satisfied by coming to the capital and looking at matters, as it were, through a telescope,
but he spent much time in actually going about the country from place to place— which is not alwaj-s very comfortable,
I can assure you. Even this small, out-of-the-way place in the mountainous part of Bohemia (where this letter is
written) has had the honor of his presence on a stormy Sunday three weeks ago."
And another pastor in Bohemia, the Rev. J. E. Szalatnay, of Velim, in a letter to the New York Independent, re-
ferring to Dr. Cattell's agency in establishing Sunday Schools in his country, says : " We speak of him as the father of
our Sunday-schools."
In the midst of his arduous college duties, President Cattell found time to deliver frequent addresses at Educa-
tional Conventions and Teachers' Institutes in various parts of the country which have been widely noticed, especially
his address before the Pennsylvania State Teachers' Convention in the Academy of Music, Philadelphia, upon the
place of the "Christian Latin and Greek in Classical Education," and the address before the same body at West
Chester, on " Technical Education." In i860 he delivered the commencement oration before the literary societies of
his Alma Mater at Princeton. His speech at the great ceremony of the inauguration of the statue of General Lafayette
in Union Square, New York, was reprinted in France. Among the many articles from his busy pen that show his
thorough work upon the subjects taken in hand may be mentioned his monograph upon what are called the German
Peace Churches of Pennsylvania, contributed to the " Schaff-Hertzog Encyclopedia," under the title " Tunkers."
President Cattell's interest in all educational matters has made him many friends among the teachers in our public
schools, with whom he has always been in hearty sympathy. Hence, when he was tendered the appointment by Gov-
ernor Hoyt of the position of State Superintendent of Instruttion, the friends of the common school system looked
hopefully for his acceptance. But the interests of Lafayette College were too dear to him, and though the work was
congenial, he declined the appointment. A rumor of his appointment to this office having gained currency a year or
two before, called forth the following protest against his leaving Lafayette by the editor of The Presbyterian, of Phila-
delphia : "We know that the men who cannot be spared from the places they are filling are just the men who are
sought after for other places ; but clearly, Lafayette College has the first mortgage on Dr. Cattell. He has linked his
name so thoroughly with its growth and its splendid success that he ought not to be separated from it, and therefore.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
331
while we recognize tlie wise forecast of those who have named him for the important post of Superintendent of Public
Education in the Commonwealth, we make earnest protest in advance against any movement which will remove Dr.
Cattell from the post which he fills so worthily and so usefully."
The Lafayette College Journal, published by the students, quotes the above and adds : " We thank our friends of
The Presbyterian for this graceful and well-deserved compliment paid to our worthy President, and we assure them
the Doctor will never leave Lafayette and " his boys." We cannot think of Lafayette without thinking of her genial
President, nor do we see how the two could be disconnetted. The true prosperity of the college dates from his inaugu-
ration as President. Since then he has toiled unceasingly for her advancement ; and all who have watched the progress
of the institution for the last ten years can tell with what success his labors have been crowned. He has infused new
life and energy into every department ; he has enlisted the sympathy of friends on all sides and has attrafted munifi-
cent endowments from wealthy benefadors. More than this, he takes great interest in the personal welfare of the stu-
dents. His sympathies also enter into our sports and pastimes, and he enjoys keenly to witness the healthy, vigorous
games on the college campus. He is proud to see " his boys" win applause by their muscular feats, and encourages
them in that as well as in their more intellectual efforts. The students think of our President not as does the world,
simply as a most successful financier and as an able e.xecutive, but as a warm personal friend. Contrary to the usual
relations existing between college officers and students, there is, on the part of our boys, a strong attachment to our
worthy President. In fait, we love the kind-hearted man who has ever encouraged us with his smiles, his words, his
counsel, his purse and his prayers."
This loving, hearty testimony of the students fairly illustrates the cordial relations existing between the President
of Lafayette and the young men he is accustomed to speak of as his "boys." They knew that in him they had not
only a wise mentor and a careful, conscientious instruftor, but a warm and sympathizing friend. They found in him a
man who, in the midst of the serious work of his life, still retained the quick sympathies, the kindly heart and the
" wondrous winning ways" of his youth. He has always used his power of personal magnetism to lift his students,
whom he so much loves, into sympathy with all that is good and pure and just and righteous ; and he has been truly
fortunate in inspiring affeftton such as is seldom seen between men outside the family relation. There are hundreds
of young men, scattered all over the land, and many of them occupying high positions, who never speak of him but
with grateful love. Professor Owen, who was one of his students, says in the " Historical Sketches ;" " His best work
after all will not be recorded in the history of great buildings, of swelling endowments and new courses of study, but
in the hearts and lives of the hundreds of young men whose charadlers were moulded under his personal influence.
These will never forget the kind-hearted president, endeared to them alike as a faithful friend, a wise counsellor, and
an eminent example of a life devoted with Christian fidelity to a great and good work."
President Cattell makes no secret of his joy and pride in being thus held in loving remembrance by " his boys ; "
and even in this brief sketch of his life and character we must make room for a few sentences from his address at a
banquet tendered to him by the Seniors on his return from Europe in 1882, as they so well illustrate the peculiarly
happy relations always existing between him and the students. The address is published, with a report of the other
exercises upon this pleasant occasion, in the College Jourtial of March, 1882 :
" I am glad and grateful to be home again ; and very pleasant to me has been the cordial welcome I have received
from my friends in Easton, where I have spent more than twenty-flve years of my life, and from my colleagues in the
faculty, with whom I have been so long and pleasantly associated. But I am touched even more deeply by the hearty
welcome from the students of the college, which has met me at every turn in private, and which culminates this
evening in the public and official greeting you have extended to me as a class. * * * And let me assure you, my
dear young friends, that, after all, it is just this intimate and cordial relation between the students and myself^of
which this evening is such a happy illustration— that has chiefly sustained and nerved me in the exhausting work and
heavy responsibility which my position, as president of the college, necessarily involves. I know the many and great
opportunities for usefulness this position gives, and no man should lightly regard the call of Providence to such a
work. I know also that to be at the head of a great college, like Lafayette, is generally regarded as an honorable dis-
tinction, and few men would acknowledge themselves indifferent to this ; yet, let me again assure you, that the sus-
taining force which has kept me at work for Lafayette during all these years of toil and care has not been so much
these things as the happy life I have led here among " my boys." '■••■ * ■•' And I hold that no other college president
has a greater right to be proud of the character and conduct of his boys than I have to be proud of mine, or who has
reason to love them more — let me rather say, to love them as much." (Great applause.)
On Sunday, June 24, 1883, President Cattell preached in the college chapel his last baccalaureate sermon, and on
Wednesday presided for the last time at the public exercises of Commencement Day, and conferred the degrees.
The Lafayette College fournal, edited and published by the students, devotes a large part of its issue for July to
the subject of President Cattell's resignation, which, the editors say, " was not wholly unexpected, but it causes none
the less sorrow." And this " sorrow " was expressed in many of the addresses reported in this number of the fournal
made by the alumni who had gathered at the annual festival, under the shadow of this great loss to the college. A
missionary from China, Rev. Charles R. Mills, D. D., of the class of 1853, said at the alumni meeting on Tuesday,
"the four sad days of his life were those on which he heard of the assassination of Lincoln, the burning of Pardee
332 THE HISTORY OF
Hall, the murder of Garfield, and the resignation of President Cattell." The Alumni Association, by " a rising vote,"
adopted a minute expressing "their hearty appreciation of his distinguished services," and they put upon record
"their fervent wish that some arrangement may be effected by the trustees and the faculty by which a season of pro-
longed rest may be secured to the president without severing his official connection with the college, and they
earnestly hope that he will consent to any reasonable measures to this end." In the Journal's report of the alumni
dinner the next day these tributes to the retiring president are renewed. The venerable and beloved Dean of the
college. Dr. Traill Green, who presided, " eloquently alluded to President Cattell's great worth ; he had served with
six college presidents (at Lafayette and other colleges), and he knew none such as Dr. Cattell." The Hon. R. P.
Allen, of the class of '55, in responding for the trustees, " spoke of the regret and grief with which they had accepted
the resignation of President Cattell — their only comfort being that he had left the college in such a prosperous condi-
tion ; " and the Hon. \Vm. A. Porter, of the class of '39, formerly of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, " eulogized
President Cattel, saying he had advised him twenty years ago not to accept the presidency, believing the condition of
the college to be utterly hopeless ! He rejoiced that he haJbeen mistaken ; but he believed that no other man living
could have done what President Cattell has done."
The following is the minute adopted by the trustees of the college :
" The Board of Trustees has received the resignation of President Cattell with emotions of profound sorrow. The
Board has most earnestly used its utmost endeavors to persuade Dr. Cattell to withdraw his resignation and accept an
indefinite leave of absence, with entire relief from all care and responsibility of the college, but considerations of his
health, manifestly broken, have obliged him to decline their most urgent overtures.
The Board therefore most reluctantly accepts his resignation, to take effect on the twenty-fourth day of October
next, on which day he will complete the twentieth year of his presidency. In this action the Board yields to a most
painful necessity, and against its strongest wishes that an administration so fruitful only of good to the college should
be continued as long as its distinguished, honored and beloved President lives. It yields its own wishes in the fond
hope that relief from care may speedily bring back health and strength to its cherished friend, and to this only. The
Board rejoices that though Dr. Cattell feels obliged to retire from the Presidency of the Faculty, it will still retain him
as one of its members, and thus have the great benefit of his wise counsels and earnest devotion in the administration
of the affairs of the college.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to report at a future meeting a suitable minute expressive of the Board's
appreciation of the great work for the college performed by Dr. Cattell, and their deep grief at this sad transaction :
and that this report and minute, with Dr. Cattell's letter, be published in the next college catalogue."
Dr. Cattell presided at the public exercises in Pardee Hall on Founder's Day, October 24, 1S83. This was his last
official act as President of the college. The following week, with his family, he sailed for Europe. His departure was
the occasion for many heartfelt tributes in the public journals, one of them, in The Presbylerian, November 12, by a
graduate of the college. Rev. Dr. McFetridge (then a pastor in Philadelphia, afterwards Professor in Macalester Col-
lege), from which we quote a few sentences. Describing the scene upon the deck of the steamer, were " members of
the Board of Trustees of the college and of the Lafayette Alumni Association of New York, and other friends of Dr.
Cattell from Easton and elsewhere," had gathered to bid the ex-President good-bye. Dr. McFetridge says : " Twenty
years ago, as a member of the Senior Class of Lafayette, we welcomed Dr. Cattell to Easton as our new President.
Since then what changes have taken place with that institution— great and grand changes, that have been wrought as
by magic under the hand of him who now takes his departure. Could we keep out the thoughts that crowded upon us
to prevent the unbidden tear? Other eyes were moist as well as ours, and other tongues faltered as they bade our be-
loved friend and President 'good-bye.' Truly it was a ' God-be-with-thee' in the fullest, heartiest sense. Who can
estimate the worth of such a man! — a man in the truest, noblest sense. Can the Presbyterian Church ever estimate
or prize as she ought the work that this man has done? She may sing his praises ever so loudly ; she may cherish his
name and memory ever so sacredly ; she might load him with riches and honors, and then she would not have recom-
pensed him. And can the friends of Christian education ever set high enough value on his services? He has shed a
lustre on education, and made the position of instructor doubly honorable. And now as he bids adieu to his native
land, and to the position in which he cheerfully sacrificed health and thousands of dollars of his private means, and in
which he won the hearts of so many noble men, and of so many young men who came under his personal influence, he
can be assured that he will be remembered as the great benefactor of Lafayette College so long as the college endures,"
Dr. Cattell spent the winter among the snow-clad mountains of Switzerland, at the noted health resort of Davos-
Plaiz. With returning health in the early summer he visited his numerous friends in different parts of Europe,
especially in Bohemia, and then went to Belfast to attend the sessions of the Presbyterian Alliance, to which he had
been appointed a Delegate by the Presbyterian Church in America. The remainder of the year was spent in the fur-
ther pursuit of health in the quiet and restful region of the " Lake country" in the north of England and in traveling
leisurely through Scotland. But at the age of fifty-seven Dr. Cattell's work was not yet done. The following anounce-
ment in the journals of the Presbyterian Church at the close of the year shows that during his absence in Europe he
" was elected with cordial unanimity" as the executive of a Board to which the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church has committed a most important and sacred trust :
" The Board of Ministerial Relief hereby announces officially to the churches that the Rev. William C. Cattell,
E ASTON, PENN'A.
333
D. D., LL. D., was elected with cordial unanimity as Corresponding Secretary at the annual meeting in June, 1884. This
election took place during Dr. Cattell's absence in Europe. In October he returned to this country, and after making
some preliminary acquaintance with the duties of his new office, he entered upon their discharge December i. The
favorable record of his past services, especially as President for many years of Lafayette College, is so well known to
our churches that the Board is well assured of favorable response in now commending him to their confidence, as in-
trusted with this new and sacred responsibility." j
Into this tender, delicate and arduous work of caring for his ministerial brethren worn out in the service of the
church, Dr. Cattell has thrown himself with the same enthusiasm and with the same marked results that characterized
his administration at Lafayette.
Referring to Dr. Cattell's recent visit to California in the interests of his present work, Professor Burrowes, who
was Dr. Cattell's predecessor in the Chair of Ancient Languages at Lafayette, says: "The presence of Dr. Cattell in
our Synod and churches is a great refreshment and blessing, not only to his personal friends of earlier years, but to all
hearts who have felt the touching power of his words and admired the example shown in his laborious devotion to the
noble cause engaging the closing years of a useful and devoted life. He presented this cause in Los Angeles on Sab-
bath, Oiitober 2, reached San Francisco on the following Tuesday, and closed the busy engagements of that week with
an able and telling address in behalf of his grand cause on Saturday night before the Synod of the Pacific in
Oakland.
On Sabbath morning he presented the same subjetl in a very able discourse to a large congregation in Calvary
Church, in this city. On the evening of that day he opened up the same great cause in the First Church, Dr. Macken-
zie's, crowded to the utmost capacity. The next morning he took the steamer for Portland, to attend the Synod of
Oregon. It will thus be seen that his work is engrossing and laborious. It receives his whole attention, without any
time needlessly lost even in intercourse with old friends."
At the close of Dr. Cattell's administration we may very properly look at the work
accomplished. At the present writing (1888) over three thousand four hundred persons
have been enrolled as students of the college. Three hundred and twenty-six have
become physicians ; nearly five hundred ministers of the gospel, and more than this num-
ber lawyers. Over two hundred have held public office, among whom there have been
eleven members of Congress, two Governors, twenty- nine Judges, fifty members of the
Legislature in eight States. Messrs. Cresswell, Francis and Griggs having been speakers
of the State Senate. The remainder have held the offices of Mayor, Ele(5lors of Presi-
dents, Sheriff, Consul and minor posts of Government.
Over two hundred have become distinguished as educators, eight having been presi-
dents of colleges, seven professors in theological seminaries, eight professors in medical
colleges, and eighty members of college faculties in Lafayette and other institutions.
More than one hundred have served as home missionaries, and twenty eight as Foreign
missionaries, of whom five have translated the Bible into other tongues.
In the literary world are the names of Drs. Green, Elliott and E. D. Yeomans, as con-
tributors to the American edition of Lunge's Commentary. Other writers in the depart-
ment of theology are Revs. Drs. Ramsey, Lowrie, Porter, Janvier, Mills, Menaul and R.
H. Nassau, and Messrs. Loewenthal, Noble, Long and Bransby. In the military world
Lafayette has a proud record. The roll of honor shows the names of two hundred and
twenty-six graduates, non-graduates and under-graduates, who served in the military and
naval service during the war. Of those in the army, six were general officers, seven
colonels, five lieutenant colonels, nine majors, twenty assistant surgeons, fifteen chap-
lains, twenty-three captains, twenty-three lieutenants, twenty-five non-commissioned
officers, seventy-seven privates. In the navy, one lieutenant commander, one professor
of mathematics, one paymaster, two assistant surgeons. This is quite sufficient to show
that Lafayette has been successful in making men, and of this noble record her friends
have reason to be proud.
334
THE HISTORY OF
As Dr. CattelTs resignation was to take effedl Odlober the 24tli, the trustees were
adlively canvassing the question of a successor. There was among the members of the
trustees one who was thoroughly acquainted with the life of the college. He had been a
pastor in Easton, and had exhibited a good degree of efficiency in his work. He had
been a member of the Board, was a man of large acquaintance, and broad experience.
He was a man of extended learning and thorough training — -whose religious sympathies
were in perfect harmony with
those of the college. This
man was Rev. J. H. Mason
Knox, D. D., pastor of the
Presbyterian Church in Bris-
tol, Pa. And after due con-
sideration by the Board he
was unanimously elected
President of the Faculty of
Lafayette College.
J. H. Mason Knox, D. D., LL. D.
J. H. Mason Knox is a native of the
city of New York, and was born June
lo, 1824. His father was Dr. Jolin
Knox, for more than forty years pas
tor of the Collegiate Reformed Dutch
Church of that city. His mother was
a daughter of John M. Mason, D. !>.,
an eminent Presbyterian divine, whom
Dr. Bethune called the greatest
preacher the American's had pro-
duced. At an early age Dr. Knox en-
tered Columbia College, where he
showed excellent aptitude for study,
and graduated at the age of seven-
teen. He entered the seminary of the
Reformed Dutch Church, at New
Brunswick, N. J. He received and
accepted a call from the church in
German Valley, New Jersey. After
remaining here for five years he moved
to Easton in response to a call from
the Dutch Reformed Church on North
Fifth street. His pastorate was of
only two years duration, but was very
successful. He left Easton to accept
a call from the First Presbyterian
Church of Germantown, Pa., where
he spent sixteen years of great use-
fulness. His next pastorate extended
over a period of ten years at Bristol,
Pa. His labors at this place were interrupted by his eleftion to the Presidency of Lafayette College, Odober 5, 1883.
He had served Lafayette as a trustee for a period of eighteen years. In each position in which Providence placed
him, Dr. Knox has shown marked fitness for the trust reposed in him. His Alma Mater long ago recognized these
accomplishments, when in 1861, it conferred upon him the degree of DoiSor of Divinity, and in iS8,s, that of Doctor of
Laws. As a speaker the Dottor is impressive and forcible. He has a fine physique, cominanding presence, and manly
bearing. Socially, he is affable and courteous. No one can converse with him long without marking his firm convic-
tions, and his sincerity in expressing them. He is one of the most conscientious of men, with a stern adherence to
H. Mason Knox, D. D., LL. D.,
President of Lafayette College.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
335
the principles of rettitude and truth. When Doftor Knox came to Lafayette he found himself surrounded by pecu-
liar circumstances. Here was a college rich in everything but money, struggling against the tide of pecuniary adver-
sity. To guide the destines of such an institution demanded a mind fruitful in resources. Dr. Knox keenly ap-
preciated all of this, but went to work with a strong faith and a sturdy will, and is hopeful amid his toils. His
relations with the students have been kindly paternal. The doctor is one of those men who must be intimately
known to be fully appreciated. His best qualities lie not on the surface, but deep in his soul. His full rounded,
manly. Christian charafter, and real worth are not appreciated by casual acquaintance. But the esteem is deeper from
an intimate association. After the resignation of Dr. Cattell, and all efforts to induce him to reconsider his action, had
failed, the Board of Trustees convened October 5, 1883, and unanimously elected the Rev. James H. Mason Knox
President of the Faculty. After due consideration the call was accepted. Dr. Knox was inaugurated June 24, 1884,
and the work of the college goes bravely on. Among the many emotions that animate the hearts of the friends of Lafa-
yette, hope shines clear and bright. The inauguration was a matter of deep interest to the friends of education in gen-
eral, and to the friends of Lafayette it was of special interest. The venerable President of the Board of Trustees, Mr.
Ario Pardee, in a few fitting words, conveyed the action of the Board, in unanimously electing Dr. Knox to the office
so filled with grave responsibilities. Expressing the confidence of the Board in his wisdom and integrity, and taking
him by the hand, greeted him as President of Lafayette College. He pledged the earnest sympathy, friendly counsel,
hearty support of the ^oard. The President responded with an address in which many touching allusions were made
to the heroic struggles of the past and looking through them all to the hopeful glories of the future. The following sen-
tence will not be forgotten by those who heard it : " The banner inscribed to the glory of God flung to the breeze in the
early days of its existence, to this moment has never been furled nor has its lustre been permitted to become less."
In this age of religious speculation, this is Lafayette's crown of glory, and many prayers were uttered that the lustre
of this crown might never grow dim. Rev. Dr. Ballard, on behalfof the Faculty, spoke kindly wordsof welcome. The
author feels impelled to quote one sentence from this felicitous address: "One distinquished educator inquires earn-
estly how the English can be elevated in our colleges to a larger share of instruction and study. But had our eminent
New England inquirer only condescended to come a little further South before asking his questions, our own Anglo-
Saxon Columbus would have been most happy to show him how, some twenty odd years ago, he himself stood that
unsteady philological egg on the broad table of his already historic class-room." And near the close of Dr. Ballard's
address, he made the pleasant announcement that Hon. John L Blair had presented the College fifteen thousand dol-
lars with which to purchase Dr. Cattell's residence for the future home of the President. Hon. R. E, James presented
the greeting of the alumni. " It remains for me, as the representative of Lafayette alumni, to tender to you the heart
of our college, the strong affections, earnest hopes, and unwavering loyalty of her sons — summon them to your assist-
ance, they will gladly respond. And now, on behalfof these sons of Lafayette, I bid you welcome and God-speed in
your labors." Thus closed one of the most pleasant events in the history of Lafayette.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE FACULTY.
Rev. Addison Ballard, D. D., was born in Framingham, Mass., 0(5t. 18, 1822. He prepared for college at the
Framingham Academy, and at the school of his uncle. Rev. James Ballard, Bennington, Vermont, and graduated at
Williams College in 1842. He taught the Hopkins Academy at Hadley, Mass., one year after graduation. He was
tutor in Williams College from September, 1843, to June, 1844, but left before the expiration of the year on account of
ill health. From 1845 to 1846, he was principal of an Academy at Grand Rapids, Michigan. The following year he
was engaged as a home missionary in Hand River Valley in the same State. He was then called to the Professorship
of Latin and Mathematics in the Ohio University, at Athens. He remained in this position for seven years. The next
year he was Professor of Rhetoric in Williams College. From 1855 to 1857 he was Professor of Natural Philosophy and
Astronomy in Marietta College, Ohio. From 1857 to 1866 he resided at Williamstown, engaged most of the time as
pastor of the Congregational Church. June i, 1866, he was installed pastor of the Congregational Church in Detroit,
whence he was called to the Professorship of Christian Greek and Latin in Lafayette College in 1874. He has published
a number of sermons and addresses, and is the author of the " Introduction to the Ecclesiastical History of Eusebius."
Dr. Ballard is a ripe scholar, a good writer, with large experience as a professor in various departments in our best colleges.
Joseph G. Fox, A. M., C. E., was born at Adams. Jefferson County, N. J., September 7, 1833. He was a student
at the State Normal School, at Albany, and at the Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute, graduating with honor at each.
While pursuing his course at the latter institution he afted as Instrutfor in Mathematics, and on graduating in 1861,
he was immediately made Adjunft Professor of Geology and Topographical Drawing. During the year 1861-2 he also
held the office of Assistant Engineer on the Troy and Albany Railroad. For the next ten years he was a resident of
New York City, and engaged in teaching, chiefly as Principal of the Collegiate and Engineering Institute, but also
holding the position of Professor of Mathematics in the Cooper Institute in 1863-4, and for seven years following Diredlor
and Professor of Mechanics in the same. He was engineer of the Sixth Brigade, Second Division of the National Guard
of New York, with the rank of Major, on General Hamilton's staff, and served with the brigade during the great draft
riot in New York, in July, 1862, and also in garrison duty in the forts about New York harbor in 1864. In 1864 he re-
ceived the degree of A. M. from Columbia College. From 1866 to 1871 he filled the chair Geodesy and Mechanical
Drawing in the University of the City of New York, and was engaged in the constru(5tion of various engineering works.
In 1872 he became Professor of Civil and Topographical Engineering in Lafayette.
336 THE HISTORY OF
Rev. T. C. Porter, D. D., LL. D. — Professor Thomas Conrad Porter was born at Alexandria, Huntingdon county,
Penna., January 22, 1S22. His father was John Porter, of Scotch Irish stock, son of Thomas Porter, who came to this
country in 1793, and died early in the present century. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church for more than
fifty years. His mother was of German descent. Her paternal grandfather, John Conrad Bucher, of a prominent
old Swiss family, came to America in 1755 ; labored as a minister of the Reformed Church in eastern Pennsylvania,
and died as pastor of the congregation at Lebanon in 1780. The subject of this sketch entered Lafayette College in
1836, and graduated in September, 1840, in the same class with Dr. W. H. Green, of Princeton, and was licensed to
preach by the Presbytery of Huntingdon, May 7, 1S44. He preached for one year in Georgia ; in 1S4S, he became
pastor of the Second Reformed Church at Reading, Pa., which he resigned in May, 1849, to become Professor of the
Natural Sciences in Marshall College at Mercersburg, Pa., then under the presidency of the Rev. J. W. Nevin, D. D.
On the removal of the college to Lancaster and its consolidation with Franklin College in 1S53, he was elected to the
same chair, and became a member and secretary of the Board of Trustees of Franklin and Marshall College, and
chairman of the building committee. These positions he resigned in July, 1866, to accept from his Alma Mater, just
starting out on her career of wonderful development, the Professorship of Botany, Zoology and Geology. This posi-
tion he still retains. Besides the fulfillment of his duties as professor, during thirty-nine years, Dr. Porter has devoted
much time to the preaching of the gospel and has delivered many letlures and addresses on public occasions. Among
his printed works are " The Life and Times of Ulric Zwingle, the great Swiss Reformer," from the German of Hottin-
ger; "The Life and Labors of St. Augustine," from the German of Dr. Philip Schaff, and a prose version of Gcethe's
'* Herman and Dorothea." The Mercersburg Rei'iew is indebted to him for a number of valuable articles. Dr.
Porter was an active member of a committee, which included the Rev. Drs. Nevin, Schaff, Gerhart, Harbaugh,
Zacharias and Bomberger, to frame the order of worship now in the Reformed Church of the United States. In the
convention which celebrated the three hundredth anniversary of the formation and adoption of the Heidelberg Cate-
chism held at Philadelphia in January, 1863, he read an original biographical memoir of Ursinus and Olevianus, the
authors of the Catechism, and a translation of Dr. Hundeshagen's essay on the University of Heidelberg, both of
which are published in the Tercentenary Monument. To Dr. Schaff's "Christ in Song," he has contributed several
hymns and lyric poems from the German and the Latin. In 1865 the degree of Dotlor of Divinity was conferred upon
him by Rutgers College. In 18S0 the degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by Franklin and Marshall College.
He was pastor of the Third Street Reformed Church, Easton, Pa., from September i, 1877, to Augnst i, 1884. Dr.
Porter is known in the scientific world chiefly as a botanist. One of the founders and first president of the Linnaean
Society of Lancaster county. Pa., he explored its territory for thirteen years, deposited his collection in the museum
of the society, and published a catalogue of the flora in Dr. Mombert's History. His extensive herbarium, now in the
possession of Lafayette College, is the result of the untiring labors of more than forty years, and contains specimens
from many foreign countries, but is especially rich in the plants of the United States, both east and west of the Mis-
sissippi. It contains a collection from Pennsylvania, which is by far the best and fullest in existence. The collettions
made by Dr. F. V. Hayden in the Rocky Mountains, from the year 1870 to 1874, passed through the professor's hands,
and his reports upon them are to be found in the publications of the Survey by the Government. Of these, the most
important, "A Synopsis of the Flora of Colorado," prepared conjointly with Professor J. M. Coulter of Wabash
College in a separate volume. To "Gray's Topographical Atlas of Pennsylvania" Dr. Porter furnished a summary of
the flora of the State, and in a similar atlas from the same publisher, a sketch of the Botany of the United States,
both illustrated by colored maps. He is a corresponding member of the American Philosophical Society, and of the
Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and of other learned bodies of like kind elsewhere. He is also a fellow
of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a member of the Torrey Botanical Club, New York.
In May, 188S, the docffor went to Europe, expecting to spend the summer in a pleasant ramble in the old countries,
and attend to the duties of a delegate to the Pan-Presbyterian Council in England.
Rev. Robert Barber Youngman, A. M., Easton, Pa.— Born at Danville, November 18, 1836; valedictorian;
tutor, '60-3 ; adjunct professor of Latin and Greek, '63-S ; professor of the Greek Language and Literature since '68,
and clerk of the faculty since '60; he studied theology privately with the late Rev. John Gray, D.D., of Easton, and
was licensed by the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, April 20, '64 ; ordained by the Presbytery of Lehigh,
January 6, '74.
William Baxter Owen, A. M., was born at Wysox, Bradford County, Pa. He entered the Sophomore class and
graduated in 1871. He received the Fowler prize and was valedictorian of his class. He became tutor in 1S71-4, and
was then appointed Adjunct Professor of Greek. He contributed notes to editions of Eusebius and Athenagoras in the
series of Douglass Christian Classics. He is the author of "Historical Sketches of Lafayette College," prepared at
the request of the U. S. Bureau of Education. He is now Professor of the Latin language and Literature.
James W. Moore, A. M., M. D., was born in Easton. He was a student in Lafayette, and graduate n 1864. He
was the Latin Salutatorian. He taught in Easton from 1S64 to 1S65, and was Tutor in 1866-8. He graduated at the
Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1869. He was Adjun(ft Professor during 1868-72, and from
that time he has been Professor in the Department of Mechanics and Experimental Philosophy. He is a member of
the Northampton County Medical Society, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Medicine, and of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
337
Charles McIntire, Jr., A. M., M. U., resided in Easton wliile in college at Lafayette. He was born in Phila-
delphia. He graduated with Honorary Oration in the class of 1868. He entered the Medical Department of the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1873. He was Assistant and Adjuntt Professor of Chemistry from 1868 to
1S70. He is a member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers and Fellow of the American Academy of Medi-
cine. He showed himself an e.xpert in Chemical Analysis in the analysis of the contents of the stomachs of the mur-
dered Laros family. He is a specialist in diseases of the eye, to which he gives constant attention. He serves the
College in the capacity of leSurer on hygiene, and takes charge of the students in gymnasium in which he takes great
interest.
Joseph Johnston Hardy, A. M., was born in England in 1844. He received collegiate training in Lafayette.
He was a member of the class of 1870. He received the Junior Mathematical prize, and was valedictorian of his
class. He became Tutor in Lafayette in 1S70-74, since which time he has been Adjuna Professor and Professor of
Mathematics.
Edward Hart, Ph. D., was born at Doylestown, Pa., November 18, 1854. He pursued his studies in his native
place until he became a special student of chemistry, first under Professor Drown in Philadelphia, and afterward as the
incumbent of a Fellowship in the Johns Hopkins University. In 1874 he came to Lafayette as an assistant in the labor-
atories. He was at Johns Hopkins University in 1876-78, where in the latter year he issued a Hand-Book of Volu-
metric Analysis, 326 pp. 12 mo. In September, 1878, he returned to Lafayette as Adjuntt Professor of General
Chemistry, and since 1883, Professor.
William S. Hall, C. E., M. S., tutor in Engineering and Graphics, was born in Chester, Pa., June 27, 1861. He
pursued his preparatory course at the Chester Academy, 1876. He entered Lafayette College in 1881, and graduated
in 1884. Immediately after graduating he was appointed Instrudlor in Civil Engineering and Graphics in Lafayette.
Justus Mitchel Silliman, was born at New Canaan, Fairfield county. Conn., January 25, 1842. His pre-
paratory education was obtained at the New Canaan Academy. During the late war he served three years in the
army of the Potomac and of the South. From i865-'70 he taught in the Troy Academy, Troy, New York. In 1867 he
entered the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and graduated in 1870, when he became professor of Mining Engineering
and Graphics in Lafayette. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a mem-
ber of the American Institute of Mining Engineers. In the proceedings of the former were published the results of
his examination of the Bessemer Flame with colored glasses, and with the Spectroscope.
Rev. Augustus Alexis Bloombergh, Ph. D., was born in Uffenheim, Bavaria, February 13, 1835. He pursued
a full course of study in the Gymnasium of Ansbach, and in 1S52 became a student of law in the University of Wurz-
burg, where he remained three years. After some years spent in teaching he entered Princeton Theological Semi-
nary in 1864, and completed his course in 1867. While there he was tutor of Latin in the college of New Jersey, 1865
and '67. In 1867 he entered upon his duties as professor of Modern Languages in Lafayette. On January 6, 1874, he
was ordained to the gospel ministry by the Presbytery of Lehigh. He has written numerous articles for the Quarterlies.
Francis Andrew March, Jr., adjunct professor of Modern Languages, was born in the house of Prof. F. A.
March, on the college grounds, March 2, 1863. His mother, Mildred Stone Conway, belongs to a family, eminent in
literature and the professions, descended on the female side from Governor Stone, Cromwell's governor of Maryland,
through Thomas Stone, the signer of the Declaration of Independence, and on the other side from the Daniels, of
Virginia, who are of the nearest Washington blood. They count in the later generations a judge of the Supreme
Court of the United States, a surgeon general of the United States, attorney general and judges of Virginia, and in
literature Moncure D. Conway, John M. Daniel of the Richmond Examiner, Senator Daniel of Virginia, and others.
Prof. March graduated at the Easton High School in 1877 with the highest rank, completing the four years course
in three years, and entered college the same year. He took the mathematical prize in the Junior year, and was editor
in chief of the Melange. In the Senior year he was president of the Franklin Literary Society, and graduated as an
honor man, delivering the valediftory addresses on commencement day.
After graduating he was invited to be assistant in the department of chemistry in the college; but declined, and
was enrolled in the post-graduate courses in philology. He taught in Trach's Academy in Easton the first year. The
second year he was appointed tutor in the college. In 1883 he was appointed assistant in English at Cornell University,
and heard the classes of Prof. Corson there during his absence in the winter term.
He was elected adjunct professor of Modern Languages at Lafayette in 1884, and has served ever since in that
department, paying special attention to English and French. He has also been employed since 1886 on the etymolo-
gical department of the Century's Dictionary. He is a member of the American Philological Association, and in 18S4
he visited the old world and made the acquaintance of many of the most eminent philologists.
Professor March was fond of athletics in college, a member of the college base ball nine, and a winner of prizes
in various events. His interest is still unabated.
Samuel L. Fisler, A. M., Easton, Pa., born in Gloucester county. New Jersey; prepared for college at the
Edgehill School in New Jersey, and at Academia, in each of which he was an assistant teacher ; graduated with honorary
338 THE HISTORY OF
oration; laught at Towanda, '61-5 ; on account of failing health he was compelled to abandon preparation for
professional life, and became superintendent of lumber manufacturing at Bear Creek, '65-9 ; was the first president of
the Young Men's Christian Association of Easton ; since '69 has superintended the improvement of the college grounds
and the construction of the new buildings, and since '73 has been treasurer of the college. He also superintended the
rebuilding of Pardee Hall.
It is a gratification to the author that, at his request, he has been furnished with the
following correction and addition to the notice already given of Dr. Addison Ballard.
In 1S42 he was graduated at Williams College with the first honor of his class ; Dr. Hopkins since having remarked
to the friend who supplies this information, that " his Valedictory Oration and Address was the first which had not
received a stroke of his pen in the way of
From his Professorship in Williams, on
account of illness in his family, he resigned in
1S55, accepting a call to the Professorship of
.Astronomy, Mathematics and Natural Philoso-
phy in Marietta College, against the earnest
wish of President Hopkins and the entire
body of students under his charge, as ex-
pressed in the following petition and memo-
rial, which the Doctor still retains, and among
the signatures of which paper is found the
autograph of James A. Garfield :
"The undersigned, students of Williams
College, having learned with deep regret that
Professor Ballard contemplates dissolving his
connection with this Institution, beg leave to
present to him this memorial and petition :
"That his connection here as Instructor
has been to us both pleasant and profitable,
and we have always found in him the faithful
and able Teacher, and if he must leave he will
carry with him our profound respect and sin-
cere affection. But we earnestly and respect-
fully petition, that, if it be at all consistent with
his own interest and pleasure, he will consent
to remain, that we may still enjoy the benefit
of his thorough instructions and refined gentle-
manly influence."
From Marietta, where he had expected to
make his life work (and where as an induce-
ment to remain. President Andrews tendered
to him the Chair of Moral Philosoyphy) he
responded to an urgent and repeated call from
both Faculty and People to the Pastorate of
the First Congregational Church in Williams-
town, Mass., where he labored for seven years;
whence he went, in acceptance of a unanimous
call to the Pastorate of the First Congrega-
tional Church of Detroit, Mich., remaining
until 1872. While in Detroit, Dr. Ballard
e Chair of Moral Philosophy in Marietta College. Notwithstanding the
r. Andrews and for the Institution over which he so wisely presided, as
r to which he had been unanimously appointed, Dr. Ballard felt con-
d the special kindness
-Addison Ballard,
Professor of Moral Philosoph}
id Rheto
was cordially invited by the Trustees to th
warm attachment which he had formed for D
well as for the congenial duties of the chai
strained to decline the appointment on account of the attractiveness of his new field of labor
of his Detroit parishioners in having just at that time made a large and wholly unexpected increase of his salary.
In 1874 he was appointed Professor of the newly established chair of The Douglass Professorship of Christian Greek
and Latin in Lafayette College.
After about two and one-half years, owing to the unexpected failure of the funds, this Professorship being aband-
oned, Dr. Ballard was transferred by the Trustees to the chair of Moral Philosophy, to which at the request of the
E ASTON, PENN'A. 339
President, was added that of Rhetoric. Dr. Ballard has also given instruction, during these years, in Political
Economy and the Constitution of the United States, and is Dean of the Senior Class.
Some ten years since, Dr. Ballard began earnest efforts to assist in raising endowment funds for the College. In
this he was from the first kindly encouraged by the Hon. John I. Blair, first by a verbal promise of $5,000, and later,
October 1st, 18S0, by a conditional subscription of $10,000, which, January 26th, 1881, Mr. Blair increased uncondi-
tionally to the sum of $40,000, delivering the same to Dr. Ballard on the ist of March following.
On the accession of Dr. Knox to the Presidency, at Dr. Ballard's request, Mr. Blair generously supplemented this
by the additional gift of $16,000, for the purchase of the President's house. Toward the endowment of Dr. March's
chair, in 1S81, and later. Dr. Ballard has succeeded in raising $5,960— making in all $61,960.
During the present year. Dr. Ballard has received an Honorary Degree as Member of the London Society of
Science, Letters and Art.
EX-PRESIDENTS OF LAFAYETTE COLLEGE.
John William Yeomans, D. D. In the spring of 1841 he accepted the Presidency of Lafayette College, remain-
ing until the early part of the year 1845, when he became pastor of the Mahoning Church, at Danville, Pa.
Daniel V. McLean, D. D. He was called to the Presidency of Lafayette College in 1850, and remained till 1857,
when he again resumed the duties of pastor, ministering to a congregation in Plainfield, N. J., and later in Red Bank, N. J.
Rev. George Wilson McPhail, D. D. In 1854 he was called to Easton as the first pastor of the Brainerd Church.
In 06lober, 1857, he was elected President of Lafayette College, which place he occupied till 1863, when he resigned,
and became connefted with Professor Saunder's Seminary, Philadelphia.
Names of former members of the Faculty who were not Alumni of Lafayette College
Rev. Solon Albee, A. M., Tutor '52-'54 Rev. A. Linn, D. D., Tutor and Adjuna Prof.'54- '57
Rev. E. Thompson Baird,D. D.,Prof.ofChem. '45-'46 Rev. John Lloyd, Tutor '42
Joseph Alden,* D. D., LL. D., Prof, of Moral C. F. McCay,* LL. D., Prof, of Mathematics
Philosophy '53-'57 and Astronomy '32-'33
ArthurLathamBaker,«C. E.,Prof. ofC.T. E. Rev. Arthur Mitchell, D. D., Tutor '53-'54
Francis C. Blake, Tutor and Adjunft Prof.of JamesC. Moffat,DD.,Prof.ofGreekand Latin '41
Analytical Chemistry '77-'79 Ed.S. Motfart, A.M., M.E., Adj. Prof, of Mining '70
E. H. Barlow, A. M., Prof, of Rhetoric and Samuel McCulloh, Adjuna Prof of Latin and
Elocution '7o-'79 Greek '39-'4o
P. A. Brown, LL. D., Prof, of Geology . . . '37-'47 Robert W. Mahon, C. E., Ph. D., Adjuna
Rev. George Burrowes,»D. D., Prof, of Latin Prof, of Chemistry and Metallurgy . . '82-'84
and Greek '50-'55 Rev. C.W. Nassaw, D. D., Prof Prest.,'49-'5o. '4i-'50
A. H. Canghey, A.M. Adjuna Prof, of Latin '75 William Newbrough,* E. M., Tutor . . . . '84-'86
A. B. Clemence, B. S. Asst. in Chemistry . . '8i-'82 Rev. Isaac G. Ogden, Tutor '52
Rev. William Cunningham, Prof, of Ancient Rev. H. S. Osbern,LL. D., Prof.of Metallurgy. '66-'7o
Languages '37-'39 Frederick Prime, Jr., A. M. Prof, of Mining . '7o-'8i
Thomas M. Drown, M. D., Prof, of Analytical Rev. Fred. A. Ranch.s Ph. D., Prof, of German. '31
Chemistry '75 R. W. Raymond, Ph. D., Leaureron Geology '70
Wm. F. Durand, Ph. D., Asst. Prof of C. E.'83-'85 Rev. J. W. Richards, D. D., Prof, of German. '47-'5i
Rev. J. R. Eckard, D. D., Prof of Rhetoric Rev. Alfred Ryors, D. D., Tutor, Adj. Prof. . '36-'37
and History '58-'7i Rev. Alexander Scott, A. M., Tutor '56-'57
Robert Frazer,- A. M., Adjuna Prof. C. E . '72-'73 Rev. O. S. St. John, A. M., Prof, of Languages '46
Samuel Galloway, A.M., Prof.of Mathematics. '34-'3S Frederick Schmidt,* Prof, of German. . . . '35-'4o
Rev. J. P. Hecht, Prof of Latin '4o-'45 Theo. F. TilIinghast,«C. E., Prof.of Civil Eng. '7o-'72
C. H.Hitchcock,* Ph. D., Prof, of Mineralogy '70 Joseph Torrey,* Jr., A. B., Tutor in Chemistry. 'S4-'85
M. Hale Jones,* Prof, of Jurisprudence . . . '75-'77 H. F. Walling, C. E., Prof, of Civil Eng . . .'6-j-'jo
Rev. D. X. Junkin,* D.D.,Prof. Belles Lettres. '37-'42 W. F. Worthington,* U. S. Navy, Asst. Prof.
James I. Kuhn,* Prof, of Latin and Greek . . '32-'37 Applied Mechanics '79-'8i
Rev. John Leaman,* A. M., M. D., Prof, of David P. Yeomans, M. D., Prof, of Chemistry'4i-'45
Natural History '58-'65 * Indicates deceased.
Names of former members of the Faculty who were Alumni of Lafayette College :
Rev. Wm. Henry Green, D. D., LL. D., Tutor David B. King, A. M., Tutor, Adjuna Prof.
and Adjunct Prof, of Mathematics .... '4i-'44 and Prof, of Latin '7i-'86
David Moore, A. M., Adjuna Prof, of Latin John G. Diefenderfer, C. E., Tutor and
and Greek '37-'39 Adjuna Prof, of Modern Languages . . . '73-'83
Hon. Wm. S. Kirkpatrick, A. M., Dean of the Joseph Stevens, D. D '42-42
Law Department '75-'77 Ninian Bannatyne, A. M '43'-43
Joseph Junkin, A. M '44-'46 Robert Newton, M. D '43-'44
340
THE HISTORY OF
Joseph E. Nassau, D. D '46-'48 John Meigs, Ph. D '72-'75
James T. Doran, A. M '48-'48 Jefferson Snyder '72-'73
Isidore Loewenthal, A. M '48-'48 Francis W. Edgar, A. M '73-'74
VV. W. Cottingham, A. M '48-'49 Charles E. Burns, A. M '73-'74
\Vm. F. P. Noble, A. M '49-'5o Nathaniel Taylor '73-'74
W. W. Cottingham, A. M 'S'-'S^ VVm. S. Sweeney, A. M '74-'76
Samuel R. Gayley, AM '55-'55 W. H. Schuyler, Ph. D •74-'77
Edsall Ferrier, D. D '57-58 J. R. Shimer.M. E '75-'77
Charles Corss, A. M '58-'6o E. S. Barrick, A. M '75-'77
Henry T. Lee, A. M '6o-'6i Allen P. Berlin, C. E 'So
M. N. Appleget, A. M '63-64 John \V. Nute, C. E •82-'84
Wm. Grove Meigs, A. M '65-'66 J. D. Updegrove, A. M '84
George T. Keller, A. M '66-'69 Elwood A. Schultz, B. S '85--88
Benj. C. Youngman, A. M '6S-'69 Robins Fleming, C. E 'Ss-'SS
John Boyd Grier, A. M 'b<)-'72 Henry F. Marx, A. B 'S6-'87
Walter Q. Scott, D. D '69-'73 George D. Gable, A. B '87
David J. Waller, Jr., Ph. D '70-'7i Wallace McCamant, Ph. B '88
Arid Pardee, philanthopist, friend of education, was born in Chatham, New York, November 19, iSio. Dr.
Calvin Pardee, who was a surgeon in the Continental army during the Revolution, was his paternal grandfather.
Israel Piatt, a captain in the same army, was his maternal grandfather. Mr. Pardee's ancestors on his father's side
were French Huguenots, who came to this country in the early part of the seventeenth century. Mr. Pardee's engi-
neering work began in 1S30, on the Delaware and Raritan Canal when he was twenty years old. He received a common
school education, and having been diligent in study, prepared himself for teaching. He was for some time engaged
in teaching, and, in 1S34, was placed at the head of a surveying corps. In 184S he settled in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
Being located in the region of the great anthracite field he opened coal mines which proved very valuable. In 1S4S
he built a gravity railroad to Penn Haven, a distance of fourteen miles, as an outlet for the product of the mines.
But in 1854 the Lehigh Valley Railroad was opened, which, with its improved facilities, caused the abandonment of
the old road in i860. Subsequently he became interested in iron manufacture, and in 1888 was the owner of blast
furnaces in various localities in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Virginia and Tennessee. At the beginning of
the civil war in 1S61 he fitted out a military company for the national service at his own e.xpense, with which his oldest
son, Ario Pardee, Jr., served and attained the brevet rank of brigadier-general on January 12, 1865. Mr. Pardee
became interested in Lafayette College in 1864, and through the influence of Dr. Cattell, then president of the college,
he gave $20,000 for the endowment of a professorship. At that time this amount was the largest sum ever given by one
person to any educational institution in Pennsylvania. He soon increased his gift, until in 1S69, it amounted to §200,-
000, and upon this basis was first established a new curriculum of scientific and technical studies. A new building
being needed, Mr. Pardee for this purpose, made a further gift of $250,000, to which he afterward added $50,000 for its
scientific equipment, thus making his donations the princely amount of $500,000. The building shown on another page
was erected and called Pardee Hall in his honor. It was regarded when finished as the largest and most complete
scientific college building in the United States. This building was formally dedicated in October, 1S73. It was burned
in 1879, but was rebuilt with the same external appearance, and of the same size. Mr. Pardee is a direiilor of several
railroads, including the Lehigh Valley road. He is also an attive ofl^icer in various charitable organizations. He is
president of the State Board that has the oversight and control of the second geological survey of Pennsylvania. He
was a presidential elector in 1S76, and since 1SS2 has been president of the trustees of Lafayette College. Mr. Pardee
is always seen at the annual commencement of Lafayette, and e.\cites the deepest interest by his presence. He is a
man of deeds and not of words. He is a man of indefatigable toil, but makes no speeches. His name will ever
shine among the benefaiSors of mankind.
Hon. John I. Blair, was born near the banks of the Delaware river, on a farm near Belvidere, Warren county,
New Jersey, August 22, 1802. He entered a store as clerk in the village of Hope (a Moravian town) at the age of
eleven, and at eighteen years of age started in business as merchant at Gravel Hill, which place afterwards was
named Blairstown, after Mr. Blair, and which has for the past seventy years been his home.
While Mr. Blair has been engaged from time to time in various avocations, such as merchant, miller, cotton nianu-
fafturer, banker, and connected with iron and coal companies, it is more particularly as an organizer and builder of
railroads that Mr. Blair is noted. He entered the railway service October, 1S46, on the construction and financiering
of the Owego & Ithaca Railroad, opened for business, December iS, 1849. During 1850-1851 he aided mainly to finan-
cier and to build Leggett's (lap Railroad from Scranton to Great Bend, opened for business October, 1847. He raised
the means to construct the Warren Railroad, and lias been president from its organization, March, 1853, to the present
time. He mainly aided and superintended the construction of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, and
a director from its commencement to the present time. This road opened for business May 16, 1856. He built with
ARIO PARDEE.
EASTON, PENN'A. 341
his own capital the Blairstovvn Railroad, a road eleven miles in length, conne<5ling his home with the Delaware, Lacka-
wanna & Western Railroad system at Delaware, between July 4, 1876 and July 4, 1877. He is direftor in the following
railroad companies : Delaware, Lackawanna & Western ; New York, Lackawanna & Western ; Lackawanna &
Bloomsburg; Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern ; Union Pacific; Sioux City & Yanfton ; Sioux Falls & Dakota ;
Chicago & Northwestern ; Chicago & Pacific ; Chicago, Iowa & Dakota ; New York, Susquehanna & Western ; St.
Louis & Hannibal; Bangor & Portland; Kansas City & Southern; Cayuga & Susquehanna; Cedar Rapids & Mis-
souri River ; Green Bay, Winona & St. Paul ; Green Bay & Stevens Point ; Warren ; Sioux & Pacific ; Iowa Falls &
Sioux City ; Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska ; Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley ; Maple River ; Sussex ; Mount Hope ;
and of the Iowa Railroad Land Company ; Missouri Valley Land & Town Lot Company ; Blair Bridge Company ;
Sioux City & Iowa Falls Town Lot & Land Company ; and Fremont & Elkhorn Land & Town Lot Company.
Mr. Blair is the only surviving corporate director of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, as he is also
of many of the other railroads. He was one of the organizers of the Union Pacific Railroad, saving the road by con-
structing the balance of the Cedar Rapids & Missouri River Railroad across the State of Iowa, thus securing a direil
conneftion with Chicago ; without which connection the road would have proved a failure. He aided, with others, in
persuading President Lincoln to locate the Union Pacific Railroad at Omaha. The success of the Union Pacific is
greatly due to the labors and enterprise of Hon. Oakes Ames. With Mr. Blair Mr. Ames risked his fame and fortune
to carry out this great enterprise, and the memorial erected to him on the highest point where the road crosses the
Rocky Mountains will remain an enduring monument to his memory to the end of time. Mr. Blair delights to say
that a more truly honest man than Oakes Ames never lived.
Mr. Blair raised the means and constructed the Iowa Falls & Sioux City Railroad across Iowa to Sioux City ; also
the Sioux City & Pacific Railroad ; also the Cedar Rapids & Missouri River Railroad ; the first road across the State
of Iowa, often building fifty miles without seeing a house, and building 141 miles once in eight months, and raising a
million dollars worth of rails for the Union Pacific when the road had little credit. He located and laid out on the vari-
ous roads and in various states some eighty towns, many of which have since become cities; the deeds of which con-
tained the clause, by which the land was forfeited if spirituous liquors were sold on the premises, except for medicinal
purposes.
In 1886, when Mr. Blair was 84 years old, he, in company with gentlemen from New York, went to Oregon, and
searched diligently along the coast of that State for a good harbor, from which to extend a railroad to the interior of
the State, and thus connect large mining interests with the sea-board. And from the coast he traveled more than a
hundred miles into the interior to trace out a bed for the road. It is rare indeed that a man of his age can perform
deeds of this kind. He told the author that he had no time to ride in the daytime. He would take the train at Belvi-
dere at nine in the evening, and be in Buffalo in the morning. He would do what business he had in that city, and
take the train at two o'clock p. M., and be in Chicago in the morning. He was a member of the National Republican
Convention at Chicago, in 1888. He had just completed a railroad from Kansas City to his farm of 300 acres in Mis-
souri, a distance of over sixty miles, paying every dollar of its cost from his own means. He had procured the
coaches with which to equip the road, and had them transported to Missouri and from there he went to the meeting of
the Convention ; at the close of the proceedings, again returned to his new railroad at Kansas City, finished up his
business, crossed the country to Buffalo, and thence to Belvidere, where the writer saw him enter a car, and engage at
once into business with the President of the Bangor Railroad, whom he met on the train by arrangement. It is not
necessary to say that Mr. Blair is a thoroughly temperate man, and now at eighty-six, he reaps the benefits of plain,
temperate manner of living. He early chose that plain, temperate way of life in which there is the least friftion to the
human organism, and found in it, in a practical sense, the germs of wisdom in whose right hand was length of days, and
in her left hand riches and honor. He has made donations to Lafayette amounting to near seventy-five thousand
dollars.
THE WASHINGTON AND FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETIES.
The Philomathean Literary Society was founded early (about 1830) in the history of
the Pennsylvania Manual Labor Academy at Germantowu. In 1831 some dissension arose
among the members, the precise nature of which does not appear, and a few of them held
a preliminary meeting, November 26th, 1831, the final result of which was the founding
of the Franklin Literary Society. Afterwards (1832), the name of the former was changed
from Philomathean to Washington Literary Society.
These " Halls" have continued in friendly and stimulating emulation to the present
time. The exercises of the weekly meetings are mainly the same as at first, viz., the
reading of original essays and critiques, declamations, debates and original orations. They
have occupied since 1834 the two halls on the third floor of South College, which they
342 THE HISTORY OF
have elegantly furnished for their purpose, Washington the west and Franklin the east ;
and their respective libraries the adjoining rooms. These halls, originally ample in size,
have, in the recent growth of the College, become far too small for the comfortable accom-
modation of the societies, and in 1880 they were transferred to the large and beautiful
quarters in Pardee Hall, already described.
THE BRAINERD MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
The Brainerd Missionary Society was founded February, 1833, and named in honor
of Rev. David Brainerd, the illustrious missionary who made the vicinity of Easton one
of his stations. The societ}' was organized with a view to promote a missionary spirit
among the students, and its influence is seen in the moral and religious tone of the College
as well as in the number of devoted men among the Alumni who have consecrated them-
selves to the work of foreign missions. Until the formation of the Christian Brotherhood,
the daily prayer-meeting in Brainerd Hall was held under the auspices of this society,
and also the system of Sabbath schools carried on by the students as superintendents and
teachers, and now embracing not less than nine schools within a radius of four miles from
the College.
THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.
This Society, founded September, 1845, is composed of graduates of the College, and
such of their classmates (who left College before graduation, and in good standing) as may
have been ele(5led. The objedls of the association are to continue the relations of friendly
and cordial intimacy which e.xist among students of the same institution, and to keep
alive their interest in Alma Mater. Local sections are formed from time to time at remote
points where a number of alumni are gathered. The annual meeting is held on Tuesday
preceding commencement, when an oration is delivered, and the business of the society is
transacted.
THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERHOOD.
In late years, and particularly at the time of the great revivals in 1871 and 1873, large
additions have been made to the number of professing Christians in the College, and there
has been a felt need in this growing Christian community for a religious organization
which should in some measure supply the place of a church as well as a Young Men's
Christian Association. The Christian Brotherhood was organized in September, 1874,
with this object in view. The following are the articles adopted at its organization :
I • The Christian Brotherhood of Lafayette College hereby established under the authority of the Board of
Trustees, is composed of members of the College who are iu good and regular standing in any Evangelical
church, and who signify their willingness to join the organization b}- subscribing to the covenant
2. The Brotherhood has no authority to administer the sacraments, or to exercise discipline over its mem-
bers. Its design is, firs/, to promote the higher Christian life among its members by a mutual watch and care,
by praying with and for each other, and by li\-ing together iu Christian love ; and seroinily, to advance the
kingdom of Christ in the hearts of others in every way that may be indicated by God's Providence.
3. The details of the management are left to the President of the Faculty, and to a Board of Counselors,
consisting of three students from each class, who shall be ele<fled by the several classes the first Thursday even-
ing of each session after Divine service.
The daily prayer-meeting in Brainerd Hall, together with the various Sunday-schools
and religious meetings in the vicinity, which were formerly carried on by the Missionary
Societ)-, now come more directly under the auspices of the Brotherhood.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 343
THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
The Natural History Society of Lafayette College was organized by Professor Porter,
April 6, 1868. Its general aim is to encourage and advance the study of nature in the
College ; its particular aim, to explore the vicinity (a distri6l comprised in a circle with a
radius of twenty miles, having Pardee Hall as its centre), to collect specimens for a mu-
seum which shall present as full an exhibit as possible of the natural history of the district,
to make maps for illustration, and to gather Indian relics. Acquisitions from abroad are
also received.
The meetings are held on alternate Friday evenings during term time, at which papers
are read, topics discussed, ledlures delivered, and donations for the library or colle6lions
received. Briefreportsof these proceedings are published in The Lafayette. Its library al-
ready contains a number of valuable scientific works, and its large and rapidly increasing
colledlions are most valuable as a further means of instru6lion.
The Society is constituted of active members eledled by ballot from the professors,
students and residents in the neighborhood who have at any former time been connedled
with the College ; and correspondents, consisting of old members who have removed to a
distance, and others chosen by an honorary vote. The Professor of Botany and Zoology
is President of the Society ex-officio.
THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY.
The Lafayette Chemical Society was organized by Professor T. M. Drown in Feb-
ruary, 1875. Its membership comprises the instrudlors in the chemical department, and
the students of the College interested in the study of chemistry. Its objedl is to supple-
ment the regular work of College instru6lion and study in this department, by encouraging
and aiding students in independent original research. The professor in charge of the
laboratories aids the advanced students in condudling their investigations, and regular
weekly meetings are held, at which the results are presented to the Society in the form of
papers, and the subjedls connefted with them discussed by the members. Reports of these
meetings are published in The Lafayette. The funds of the Society are expended solely
for the purchase of books and periodicals. A valuable library of books of reference is thus
rapidly accumulating.
THE SOCIETY OF PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING.
This Society has recently been organized by Profs. Moore and Fox. Its obje6l is the
discussion of subje(?ts relating to these departments, but which cannot be fully discussed in
the regular ledlures and recitations of the classes. As soon as the enlargement of Jenks'
Hall is completed, the Society will have a suitable hall for its meeting and extensive lab-
oratories for original investigations in Physics, Applied Mechanics, etc.
In addition to these Societies, there exists, among the students, a number of organi-
zations ; some for physical exercise, as the athletic, base and foot-ball clubs, others for the
cultivation of music, as the glee and quartette clubs, the College orchestra, and others of
a mingled social and literary charadler, comprising the ten chapters of the Greek Letter
Societies with affiliated branches in other colleges.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
N NO department of the municipal government of Easton was there more
interest taken than in the Fire Department. All classes of citizens stood
read\ to make any needed sacrifice for the hour of trial and of danger.
^' There are many of the older citizens who still look back with pride to
those heroic days. The following history has been collated from old files
of papers which have been kindly lent the author. A history might be
written suflSciently extensive to fill a considerable volume, but only a com-
prehensive abstract can be given. But it is pleasing to notice the gradual
growth from the simplicity of early times to the elaborate completeness of
the present day. And the same spirit of heroic enterprise and personal
devotion to the public safety is visible now as when the "Rowmen"
hastened to the burning building and arranged the lines to convey the water from the river
to the scene of conflagration.
THE HUMANE FIRE COMPANY NO. I.
The Humane Fire Company was organized in Easton in 1797. The town at that
time owned a hand engine, but had no company. The new organization applied to
the Burgesses of the Borough, John Herster, Peter Ihrie and John Ross for the use of
the engine. The house of Samuel Moore, near the Delaware bridge, had been burned,
and the people thought it time to adl. It is pleasant to read the history of this com-
pany and compare it with the present time. The first fire after the organization of the
company was the dwelling of Mr. Batt on North Fourth street. After this conflagration
thev bought eighty feet of hose. This hose was carried in a square basket between
the arms of the engine until it was consumed in the great fire of 1830-1. A most remark-
able fact is that the company has not missed attending a single fire occurring in the
Borough since its organization. The first officers of the company were : President, Abra-
ham Horn, Sr. ; Secretary, Christian J. Hutter ; Treasurer, Jacob Weygaudt. John Hers-
ter was the Rowmau, whose duty it was to form two rows of men from the river to the
scene of the fire ; one row passed buckets filled with water to the engine, and the other
passed the empty buckets to the river again, and when there were not men enough, women
would take their place in the empty bucket line and do their part valiantly. On one occa-
sion Miss Simmons, a daughter of John Simmons, stood in the Lehigh river and dipped
water wliile the fire was raging and ice was frozen in the river at the time. Mrs. Sit-
greaves, and Misses Erb, Cooper, Spering, Moore, Hays, Barnet, Young, and other ladies
entered the line and aided in passing the buckets to and from the engine at a fire, Decem-
ber 13, 1819. Another officer was a Guardman, whose duty it was to guard the goods
taken from a burning building. In 1830-31 the company was remodeled under a new
constitution, and the motto, "We Conquer to Save" adopted. The first engine house
tlie oompany occupied stood between the Siegert residence and the Third Street Reformed
E ASTON, PENN'A.
John Sciple. Geo. Mettler. Richard Knauss. Geo. Finlcy.
OFFICERS OF THE HUMANE FIRE COMPANY IN 187O.
Church ; and the next was on Church street, near the church. The company took
possession of the house they last occupied in Centre Square, July 4, 1851, on which
occasion an oration was delivered by Hon. A. E. Brown. Their apparatus consisted of a
hydraulic engine, which had been used by the Northampton Fire Company, who pur-
chased it in New York in 1832, a service hose carriage, built in Philadelphia, in 1846,
and a parade carriage, which cost $2800, in 1849. The Humane received their first
steam engine July 10, 1867, built at Philadelphia. This did not suit them and was
discarded, and another was obtained from Clapp & Jones, Hudson, New York, March 13,
1870; this being too heavy for hand use, was exchanged by the firm for a much lighter
and handsomer one, which the company retained until disbandment of the volunteer sys-
tem, when it was sold to the city of Morristown, N. J. The officers of the company at
the close of their service were : President, George Finley, who held this position for
thirty-five consecutive years ; Vice President, John R. Beers ; Recording Secretary, J. J.
Smith ; Financial Secretary, H. D. Osterstock ; Treasurer, William E. Hamman ; Trus-
tees, E. H. Hamman, J. J. Smith and John J. Bishop. They did not disband when the
Paid Fire Department came into being in 1879. They meet regularly once a year to
revive the sweet memories of "Auld Lang Syne." The company will never disband,
except at the .stern call of death.
346 THE HISTORY OF
The following are the names of the officers and members of the Humane Fire Com-
pany, No. I, at the time of the change from the Volunteer system to the Paid Department:
President — George Finley.
I'ice President— ]ohn R. Beers.
Recording Secretary — J. J. Smith.
Financial Secretary— H . D. Osterstix
Treasurer— W'm. E. Hamman.
Trustees— 'E. H. Hamman.
J. J. Smith.
Trustees — J. J. Bishop.
Foreman — J. J. Smith.
Assistant Foreman — George H. Freyberger.
Engineer — John J. Bishop.
Assistant Engineer — John R. Beers.
First Stoker — J, D. Reaser.
>ker
GEORGE FINLEY
Was born in Easton, March 12th,
1816. His father's name was Sam-
uel Rush Finley, who was born in
New Jersey. Prominent amongthe
early settlers of Central New Jer-
sey were the Finleys, who were
of Irish descent. Among the prom-
inent men who bore the name
were Dr. Samuel Finley, Presi-
dent of Princeton College, and Dr.
Robert Finley, President of the
University of Georgia. The for-
mer came from Ireland in 1734,
the latter was born in Princeton,
New Jersey, in 1772. Mr. George
Finley, of Easton, traces his an-
cestry back to these early fami-
lies. He learned the shoemaker's
trade in his youth, but did not
make it a profession. He was en-
gaged as a barber for thirty years.
For the last twenty years he has
been engaged in supplying the
public with the daily papers of
New York and Philadelphia, and
also the leading magazines of the
day. He was elected President of
the Humane Fire Company, Oclo-
ber 24, 1842, and served till April
II, 1853. He was re-elected, Jan-
uary 9, 1854, and still retains the
office. He has thus been presi-
dent of this company forty-five
years, and served as Chief of the
Volunteer Fire Department, being
the last to have that honor. Mr.
Finley was married in 1840, during
the unparalleled e.xcitement of the
Harrison campaign. His wife is
still living. He has had two chil-
dren, both of whom are dead. Two
grand-children survive.
E. M. Alcott,
C. A. Albright,
J. R. AUabach,
William Arndt,
C. A. Bachman,
J. W. Bush,
E. A. Burke,
J. T. Carnev,
H. r. Diehl,
J. W. Garren,
Valentine Gabert,
J. C. Hamman,
P. H. Heck,
T. W. Hildebrand,
.■\. J. Knauss,
I. S. Moser,
Thomas Merter,
E. S. Nnngesser.
Theodore Oliver.
William J. Pohl,
Robert Peacock,
H. E. Purdv,
G. W. Reichard,
Charles Reaser.
E. P.Shuler,
W.J. Semple,
G. W. Snvder,
Thomas Stoneback,
E. A. Rinker.
William H. Thomas,
William H.Warner,
Wm. H. Werkheiser,
M. L. Werkheiser,
Henry Weidknecht,
S. C. Weidknecht.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
347
THE PHOENIX FIRE COMPANY NO. 2.
The Phoenix Fire Company was organized January 17, 1824, being the second fire
company formed in our Borough. The old minutes of the company were swept away by
a disastrous flood in 1841. The account from which we write was prepared from the recol-
lections of the older members. The first ofl[icers of the company were : President, Alex-
ander E. Brown ; Secretary, T. Ouiutus Hutter ; Foreman, Andrew H. Reeder. There
were twenty-eight members of the company, exclusive of the oflScers.
The first engine used by
the company was built by
Pat. Lyons, of Philadelphia,
and George Luckenbach, of
Easton, built the company's
first hose carriage. On March
31, 1828, a committee, com-
posed of A. E. Brown, T. R.
Sitgreaves, A. H. Reeder,
Chas. W. Mixsell and Sam-
uel Shick, was appointed to
draft a new constitution for
the company. The same
year a new engine was pur-
chased, built by Joel Bates,
of Philadelphia. In 1835,
the company was reorgan-
ized with Christian Butz,
President, William Mellick,
Foreman, John J. Otto, As-
sistant Foreman. At this
time the company consisted
of forty members. March i,
1847, the list of oflScers was :
President, John B. Odenwel-
der ; Secretary, Sam' 1 Shouse ;
Treasurer, C. F. Siegert, and
phcenix Engine House. the company numbered over
seventy members. The fire-
men of that day tell with a good deal of interest the story of a fire that occurred
on the evening of July 25, 1850. When the fire was first seen it appeared to be at
Germantown, on Northampton street, and the firemen began to arrange their hose for that
locality, and one of the companies a6lually " attached their hose to a plug half-way down
the hill," and ran to the further end of Northampton, and found the fire as far away as
when they first started. They then thought the fire was on the Bushkill in the direcftion
of Thompson's distillery. The noble fellows pressed on to the next supposed scene of
disaster. But there was no fire there. They began to think it might be a huge ignis
fatuns. But it still blazed in the darkness ahead. After a short consultation they con-
348 THE HISTORY OF
eluded it must be at Seip's, and away all started again ; arriving at Seip's, there 'was no
fire, except in the dim distance. The neighbors now told them it was only brush burn-
ing on the blue mountains. All except the Phoenix returned. Amid all discouragements
the boys pressed on to Nazareth and found the fire two miles beyond ; with redoubled zeal
they pressed on, and arrived so as to render valuable assistance, which farmer Cramer hand-
somely acknowledged. The fire occurred in a large barn filled with the results of har-
vesting which had just closed. The distance was nine miles, and was run over, dragging
their machine, in one hour and forty minutes. "A feat uuparalleled in the history of any
company within the bounds of any city or borough." They returned home in the morn-
ing, tired, and somewhat wiser than when they started. They made up their minds to
use horse power the next time a fire occurred in the country. They fixed a tongue to
their engine and gave notice to people in the country, "that when they needed assistance at
fires, to send a span of horses, ready harnessed, and they would be on hand.'''' The com-
pany occupied, for a number of years, a house which stood in the rear of the old County
House. This became unfit for use, and a new brick building was erecfted in 1858, on
Ferry street, below Sitgreaves. It was built at the expense of the borough, and was
handsomely frescoed and painted at the expense of the company. The dedication of this
new house was the cause of a grand ball in Masonic Hall, Odlober 26, 1859, which was
attended by all the notable people of the borough. In November, 1858, shortly after the
completion of the house, the company purchased an alarm bell, it being the first one in
Easton. The Phoenix Company was the first Easton company to purchase a steam fire
engine, and after years of labor they succeeded in raising sufficient funds for that pur-
pose. They seledled a powerful engine of the Amoskeag make, and it arrived here in
1865, which was an occasion of grand rejoicing. A few years later they purchased a
hose carriage, also of the Amoskeag pattern. Both machines were drawn by horses,
and depended entirely upon them to draw their apparatus to fires. In order to pay
the expenses of keeping the teams and driver they commenced the business of carting
merchandise and sprinkling the streets, which paid all the expenses and left a balance
in the treasury. They purchased the property at the corner of Sitgreaves street, adjoin-
ing their engine hotise, and eredled in 1870, in the rear, a brick dwelling for the use
of the driver. In 1876 they tore down the old frame which stood immediately in
front of this dwelling, and eredled a handsome three-story brick building, making it a
large and commodious residence. The Phoenix was an organization of which the citizens
might well feel proud. Its members were faithful, acftive and vigilant, and where duty
called most loudly, there they were always found, never shrinking in the hour of danger,
nor faultering in the moment of trust. As citizens, none were more respected ; as fi're-
men, none were more honored. As the time approached for the incoming of the Paid
Fire Department, the property of the company was sold (the city buying their engine),
all bills were paid, and the balance remaining in the treasury, was distributed among
the members in good standing, each receiving over ^400. And the Phreuix became a
thing of the past.
The names of the presidents, secretaries, and treasurers of the company from its
organization to the present time were : Presidents, Alexander E. Brown, Christian Butz,
William B. Mellick, John B. Odenwelder, Charles Otto, P. M. Mellick, Charles H. Yard,
George L. Fried, Benjamin M. Youells, and A. F. Heller. Secretaries, T. O. Hutter,
E AS TON, PENN'A.
349
Abraham Bixler, Stewart Miller, A. C. Kessler, P. M. MelHck, and G. W. Wilhelm.
Treasurers, T. R. Sitgreaves, William A. Bush, C. F. Siegert, C. W. Kiusej', John
Reichard and C. B. Zulick.
The officers and members at time of disbandment were as follows :
President— K. F. Heller.
Vice President — Joseph S. Osterstock.
Secretary— ]ohn Cummings.
Treasurer— Z. B. Zulick.
Trustees— V). VV. Snyder.
Robert Ballantine.
" Benjamin Beatty.
Foreman— khxsxn Bacliman,
Assistant Foreman— Joseph Zink.
Eng'ineer-] ohn H. Reichard.
Assistant E>i£-ineer— Robert Arnold.
Fireman — Charles Arnold.
Driver — Benjamin Beatty.
Members— 'Ben']Am\rL M. Youells, Solan Mover.
THE WASHINGTON FIRE COMPANY, NO. 3.
The next regularly organized company was the Washington Fire Company, No. 3,
which was instituted January 25, 1840, and located in a building on Walnut, above Sixth
street. From there they moved to a frame building on South Sixth street, between Ferry
and Pine streets. The first officers were : President, W. L. Sebring ; Secretary, C. R.
Lane ; Treasurer, John Await. Their first apparatus was the hand engine and hose which
the Columbia, No. 2, | , abandoned at its dis-
solution. The Wash- >!^^^^ ington members did
service with this ap- ' d^^^^^^^^ paratus until Sept.
a cost of $4250, and 1 ( | ^^^S^^^H U (t^^^^^^fl-^''""^^''''''^ which wasconsidered
alarm bell from the , =^^==i2fe^^===^^^^^^^^Si:^- FairmountFireCom-
pany,ofPhiladelphia. "^ ^ They took possession
of their brick house on Sixth street in 1862, which they occupied until their disbandment.
Gift balls were very common during volunteer days, and the company had been very
fortunate in an enterprise of this kind. They offered a number of prizes, the principal
one of which was a house and lot. No. 1050 Washington street, and this was drawn by
the company. This venture gave them a bank account of $7000. They took great
pride in everything connedled with their house, and particularly with their reception
room, which was fitted up regardless of expense. The furniture was elegant in design
and finish, very costly, and was made by David Garis, of Easton. A life-size portrait
of General Washington graced the walls. The members of the company still look with
pleasure, mingled with sadness, at the happy hours spent in that pleasant and quiet retreat.
They recall with pleasant emotions a banquet held in 1876. All the older members
were present, and among them was a Mr. Dennis, who was eighty years old. He made
the fleeting hours pass pleasantly along by telling incidents of his early experience amid
the dangers and excitements of fierce battles with the fiery storm, narrow escapes from
falling timbers and bursting flames. Another very pleasant meeting is remembered when
they received a delegation from the Fairmount Company of Philadelphia, who presented
the company with the uniform and service horn of David N. Lyle, President of the Fair-
350 THE HISTORY OF
mount, and the father of the Fire Department of Philadelphia. Various other articles
were presented, among which was a neat frame enclosing the following lines :
" When fire is cried and danger nigh,
God and the firemen is the people's cry ;
When the fire is out and all things righted,
God is forgot and the firemen slighted."
These relics are still in the possession of members of the company. The Washington
had always been one of the best and most adlive fire companies in Easton, and from the
central and elevated position of their house, were enabled to be among the first at almost
every fire, no matter in what direction or at what distance it might be. But the time for
the change had come. The Volunteer Department, with its sweet memories and patriotic
associations, was soon to be a thing to be remembered. The property of the company
was sold. The city bought their engine, carriage and alarm bell, all of which the new
department use, the bell being used at the Central Station. The debts were all paid, and
the money remaining in the treasury was divided equally among the members in good
and regular standing. Nelson Bishop was treasurer, who, at the final meeting, paid over
to each member $160.89. Each of the members made presents to his fellow member.
The business of the organization was done. The members rising, formed a circle, took
each other by the hand, with the president standing in the centre ; the motion to adjourn
sine die was sadly passed, and the brave Washington Fire Company was no more. ///
memoria duke. The following composed the company at time of disbandment :
President— John Dachrodt. Trustee— George Kutz.
rice President— Fred. Troxell. Poreman—]ames Long.
Secretary — Henry A. Seibel. Assistant Foreman— Richard Templin.
Treasurer— Ne\son Bishop. Engineer — Nelson Bishop.
Trustees— John Denninger. Assistant— Cha.r\es Warner.
" Fred. Tro.xell. Pireman— Henry A. Seibel.
Members— T>. Theo. Lercli, Charles Schleicher. Conrad Boas, Peter Boas, Jacob Boas, Charles Fo.t, William
Templin.
THE .SOUTHW.\RK HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY NO. I.
The Southwark Hook and Ladder Compan\- No. i was instituted (as Southwark Hose
Company No. 4) August 5, 1S56. They were an independent company ; they rented the
ground where Jacob Walter's feed store now stands on South Third street and erected
their house among themselves — many of
the members being carpenters by trade.
They purchased the old carriage from the
Southwark Company of Philadelphia and
adopted their name. The first ofllicers
were : President, Thomas Dawes ; Secre-
tary, William ( )smun; Treasurer, William Barnet. Ou Sept. 12, 1869, they made application
to Council to be changed to a truck company, which was granted, and Council purchased
for them a hook and ladder truck, and built a new brick house on Lehigh street. The
company had a very large membership of acflive men, mostly railroaders, and thev did
duty until April, 1876, when they disbanded, owing to the difiiculty of seletling a chief
engineer. The company reorganized again on June 13, 1876. It was always verv atlive
and elTicieiit, and had the rc])ntation of being one the best organizations in the department.
E ASTON. PENN'A.
351
At the time of the change, from the old to the new department, the city government took
possession of the trnck, the company sold their effecfts, settled their bills, and divided the
balance in the treasury to the members in good standing, each of whom received $22.72.
The officers and members at the close of their service were :
President — Elisha Johnson.
Vice President— Ca\\'m Horn.
Treasurer — William H. Troxell.
Recording Secretary — Albert H. Gosner.
Financial Secretary— Howard Naylor.
-Howard Barnes.
Pirst Assistant Poreman—Samue] Vannor
Second " " John Bachman.
Librarian— Char\es P. Diehl.
Trustees— A. J. BuUman.
" Herman Santee.
" Charles Genther.
Albert Green,
George Grube,
E. Johnson,
William Kelly,
Fred. Koch,
Herman Santee,
Honorary Member — John Mettler.
MEMBERS.
Arthur Troxell,
Samuel Vannorman,
John Leidy,
William Laros,
Edward Miller,
J. H. Mebus,
Thomas McCormick,
Savillian Otto,
George Rice,
Thomas Rice,
William H. Troxell.
THE KEYSTONE FIRE COMPANY NO. 5.
The Keystone Library and Literary Association was organized June 2, 1856, and on
June 2, 1857, they applied to Council to be recognized as a fire company, to take the house
of the Union Hose Company, corner of Third and Bushkill streets, which had disbanded
after a service of five years. The apparatus consisted of a carriage made by Charles Dud-
ley, of this city, in 1852, and a hand engine. As soon as they were accepted by Council
they had the old hand engine repaired and neatly painted, ^
and gave a parade in honor of the event. The first offi-
cers of the Keystone were : President, John A. Meeker ;
Vice President, W. C. Ackerman ; Secretary, D. W. Phil-
lippe; Treasurer, D. F. Davis; Librarian, John Bixler;
Janitor, B. F. Seip ; Trustees, W. C. Ackerman, Henry
C. Miller and A. J. Knauss ; Foreman of Hose, C. J. Able;
Assistant, John Crawford ; Engineer, H. C. Miller ; As-
sistant, Chas. W. Meeker. They were among the most
adlive of our firemen, and the first to adopt the uniform of the New York firemen, of
red shirts and regulation hats.
The war of the rebellion casting its dark shadows over the land, and calling for vol-
unteers everywhere, the company, in April 1861, closed the building, and hung these
words over the doors, "All Gone to War." For nearly two years their history is found in
the war records of the Rebellion. July 29, 1861, the hose house was draped in mourning
in memory of William H. Wilking, the first member of the company, and one of the first
soldiers of the war. August 11, 1861, the engine house was again draped in mourning
for A. W. Hays, secretary of the company. August 13, 1862, the members of the com-
pany volunteered the second time, except three, and hurried to the front. When the
boys returned, September 7, 1863, they petitioned Council to have their house repaired,
which was granted. They refurnished it, and the Keystone felt at home again. In 1864
the company held a fair and festival to help raise funds for the Sanitary Commission, and
352 THE HISTORY OF
sent more mone\- for tliat purpose than any two companies in the states of Pennsylvania,
New Jersey or Delaware, these three states being the ones that contributed to the Phila-
delphia Fair. March 29, 1865, their house was again draped in mourning for thirty days
in honor of William H. Weaver, who early enlisted in the service of the war. In the same
year the company petitioned Council for a new house, their petition was granted, and
a house was built on Bushkill street. In March, 1867, they held a concert in Masonic Hall,
the receipts of which enabled them to furnish their reception room very handsomely. In
1869 the companv decided to raise funds for the purchase of a steam fire engine, and were
successful in their efforts, purchasing an engine the following year from Cole Brothers'
Works, at Pawtucket, R. I. The whole number of members had been 150. The num-
ber of active members on the roll in 1869, in good standing, was 57. The company was
at the burning of Pardee Hall, and did good service, eighteen members being present.
This fire was the last one of importance attended by the company. There
were alarms, and a few unimportant fires occurred, but the hard work of
the Volunteer Department was virtually ended when the fire was extinguished
on College Hill. The company kept up its discipline, and was always ready
for action when the alarm should call them to duty. In the fall of 1879
preparations were made to close up the affairs of the organization and dis-
band, as the new order of things was to take their place. The property of the company
was sold. Their engine, which had cost $4500, was sold to the borough of Washing-
ton, N. J., for the low sum of $1600, and a company was formed there which was called
the Keystone, after the Easton boys. Their bills were paid, and the balance of the
money on hand was divided equally among the members in good standing, and the adlive
and gallant Keystone passed into history. The following is a list of the officers and
members when the company disbanded :
President— Thomas F. Siegfried. Assistant Fireman— VJ\\\\a.m Butz.
Vice President — William Trumbore. Foreman — ^John J. Stoneback.
Secretary— ]ohn M. Odenwelder. Assistant Foreman— Henry F. Arnold.
Treasurer— ]o\\n]. Bell. Trustees— George ?>. Porter.
Engineer — Thomas F. Siegfried. " Thomas Curran.
Assistant Engineer— Henry S. Coburn. " Henry S. Coburn.
Fireman— UdimeX Butz. Librarian— ^'\e\\ Hayden.
MEMBERS.
C. F. Bealer, T. H. Michler, George Smith,
John J. Butz, G. M. Oberly, George H. Lesher,
John Bowers, Charles Oberly, John L. Wilking,
James K. Dawes, Charles M. Porter, Charles Seip,
H. Griffith, George Steckel, Isaac Pixley.
H. A. Hayden,
THE LAFAYETTE FIRE COMPANV NO. 6.
On January 11, 1872, a fire company was organized in the Third Ward, known as the
Jackson Hose, but on April 11, 1872, the title was changed to Lafayette. The members
were the best citizens of College Hill, and as a company they did valiant service, and
responded promptly to every call. In April, 1879, they purchased a steam engine of the
Silsby pattern. At the burning of Pardee Hall, in June 1879, with their engine they per-
formed good work, and it was the onlv fire at which they rendered service as an engine
E ASTON, PENN'A.
353
company.
Their engine was purchased by the city when they disbanded, and it is known
The following were the last officers and members of the
as No. 3 in the new department
company :
President — Enos Werklieiser.
Vice President — William Briiiker.
Secretary — Theodore Scliiig.
Treasurer— C\i-Ar\^s A. Laros.
Foreman — Joseph H, Laros.
Assistant Foreman — Charles King.
Engineer—Wan Selan Walter.
Assistant Engineer — Erwin Walter
Jeremiah Dietrich,
Daniel Brinker,
Charles H. Uhler,
Henry Steinmetz,
Amandus Schug,
William Slaven,
William H. Fraunfelder,
Edwin Sandt,
Fireman — ^James P. Fraunfelder.
Assistant Fireman— \x\\\\ F. Frey.
Librarian— Q.\m\on Thomas.
Janitor— v. Henry Schug.
Trustees — Uriah Thomas.
" Van Selan Walter.
" Amandus Steinmetz.
MEMBERS.
William C. Cattell,
John Gradwohl,
C. G. Beitel,
James P. Fraunfelc
Joel Bauer,
John Delp,
Quintus F. Messin:
John C. Michie,
John Schaible,
Charles Lerch,
William Adams,
Jeremiah Keller,
Lewis Fraunfelder,
John Fraunfelder.
THE LIBERTY FIRE COMPANY NO. 7.
In Ocftober, 1878, the citizens of the Seventh Ward held a public meeting at the resi-
dence of William Gerspach, and organized the Liberty Fire Company, No. 7, which
Council recognized, and admitted into the department December 27, 1878 ; built for them
a brick building, corner of Twelfth and Spruce streets, and had the old carriage of the
Humane repaired for their use. The company was making arrangements for the purchase
of a steamer when the Volunteer Fire Department gave place to the Paid Department.
During their existence they had no occasion to answer an alarm of fire. The officers and
members were as follows :
President— k. J. Snyder.
P'ice President — Thomas B. Unangst.
Recording Secretary — McIIhaney.
Financial Secretary — Depue M. Ellet.
Treasurer— WMxam F. Keller.
Joseph Berkey,
Christ. Gephardt,
John Gephardt,
Foreman 0/ Hose — George W. He
Librarian — William H. Sigman.
Trustees— CUa.x\es Schwep.
" Marion A. Pentz.
Robert E. Kuhn.
MEMBERS.
Charles Harman,
John Hartman,
William H. Kuhn,
James McCauley,
William H. Nagle,
E. O. Smith,
John Seiss,
Forest Snyder,
A. Weisenbacli.
In 1869 the management of the Fire Department was so far changed as to ele<5l a
Chief Engineer, who should control the working of the entire force. Captain Charles
H. Yard was the first Chief Engineer. Owing to the difference of opinion between him
and the appointing power he resigned at the end of nine months, when Col. Charles Glanz
was appointed to the position of Chief Engineer. James Ward was appointed the suc-
cessor of Col. Charles Glanz in 1870. James Mutchler succeeded James Ward in 1871, and
George Finley followed James Mutchler in 1872, and was the last Chief Engineer of the
Volunteer Fire Department.
354 THE HISTORY OF
We have thus given a brief account of our Volunteer Fire Department of the last
eighty years, and we regret that time and space does not permit us to go more into detail.
In closing this sketch we cannot forbear mentioning and bearing our humble testimony as
to their efficiencv. They were faithful, reliable men, going where duty called without a
murmuring word.
" Farewell, brave lads 1 Thus pass away
.\11 landmarks of au earlier day.
Phaniix may rise from ashes cold,
But not his namesakes worn and old,
Nor Humane hearts shall beat again,
When midnight bells, through snow and rain
Send forth their frantic peals for aid
While homes are fast in ashes laid.
The old department swiftly falls.
No Keystone now can prop its walls.
High on the hill, like lifeless stones
Are sleeping now the ll'ashingtons ;
Bold Soul/iwark's works are empty now.
And silent there the mosses grow.
Young Lafayette may home return.
And idly sit while houses bum ;
And, weeping 'round him, sadly see
The youthful Sons of Liberty ;
But still with sad emotions swell
Our hearts while bidding them ' Farewell.' "
THE EASTON PAID FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Volunteer Fire Department having ceased to exist at 12 o'clock at night, October
30, 1879, the Paid Fire Department began its existence November i, 1879. The wisdom
of this has long since became apparent. Shakespeare says that a "little fire is quickly
trodden out, which, being suffered, rivers cannot quench." The borotigh fathers learned
this from experience rather than Shakespeare ; but at any rate they learned it, and profited
by their knowledge.
There was a fear among many of our citizens of the inability of the small force of
a Paid Department to cope with serious fires, which was, however, soon overcome when
opportunity was given for the men to show the advantage of training and discipline.
The companies from 1879 to 1882 were located as follows: Engine Company No. i, at
old Phoenix engine hou.se at Ferry and Sitgreaves streets ; Engine Company No. 2, at the
old Washington engine house on South Sixth street ; and Hook and Ladder Company
No. I, at the old truck house on Lehigh street. In 1882 those properties were sold by
acl of Council and the commodious fire station on North Sixth street built, which is now
occupied by tlic companies above named. Engine Company No. 3 occupies an excellent
building on New street, College Hill, and the old Liberty hose house at Twelfth and
.Spruce streets is occupied by the department as a reserve station.
The department now consists of 38 men, 7 horses, 3 engines, 3 hose carriages, a patrol
wagon and a Hayes truck. The department has 5000 feet of hose and 71 fire plugs to
which tliey may be attached. There are also three cisterns in the city from which water
may be drawn for fire purposes.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
VIEW OF CENTRAL FIRE STATION AND THE HAYES TRUCK.
The fire alarm signal boxes number 24, and there are 6 localities reached by telephone,
making in all 30 points from which alarms of fire can be sent to the Central Fire Station,
on Sixth street, and No. 3 Engine House on College Hill. The alarm boxes and the
different fire stations are connedled by fourteen miles of wire.
Of the 38 men in the fire department, 7 are in service at the Central Fire Station 21
hours each day, the other 3 hours being allowed them to take their meals. The two
linemen of the City Electric Light Department are members of the Fire Department, one
of whom is required to sleep at the Central Fire Station every night.
The College Hill Company consists of twelve call men, one engine, a hose carriage,
and 1600 feet of hose. Alarms on College Hill are answered also by two companies from
the Central Fire Station.
The department, which is divided into four companies — three engine companies and
one hook and ladder company — is composed of the following persons :
Chief Engineer, J. J. Smith ; Asst. Chief Engineer, Thos. P. Ricker ; Foremen,
Elmer Stonebach, D. T. Eerch and Joseph Laros ; Engineers, John J. Bishop, Nelson
356
THE HISTORY OF
Bishop and Van S. Walter; Firemen, John Otto, William Snyder and John Steinmetz ;
Drivers, Thomas Jones, Chauncey Freeman, John Barnet and Thomas Long; Hosemen,
Howard Naylor, John Yauch, Stewart Purdy, John Mayer, George Seibert, Edward Troxell,
James Caflin, Fred. Troxell, George Freyberger, Erwin Frey, Clinton Thomas, Noah
Dietrich, Clarence Miller, John Frannfelter, Joel Dreisbach, Charles Kutzler, Jeremiah
Keller, Charles Ricker and Missouri Kutzler; Laddermen, William Troxell, James Callahan
and George S. Porter ; Tillerman, Edward Arnold.
The accompanying cut represents John J. Smith, Chief of the Department. "Jack," as he is familiarly
known, was boni in the Second Ward of the city of Philadelphia,
February 22, 1848, and is now forty years old. He has been a fireman
a(5lively ever since his boyhood. He resided in Philadelphia until
he was in his twenty-third year, and ser\-ed for three years previous
to the disbandment of the volunteer force in that city with the
Marion Hose Co. During the same years he served as a private in
Company D, Pennsylvania Regiment. In 1871 he came to Ea.ston
under contradl with the late George M. Reeder, and Councilman \V.
H. Hulick and others, to manage and captain the Easton Base Ball
Club, which he did successfully until 1874, when the club disbanded.
In 1873 lie became a local reporter for the Express, in which capacity
he served until 1SS4. Soon after making Easton his home he became
identified with the Fire Department. He was Secretary of the De-
partment under Chief Mutchler and Chief Finley, keeping the depart-
ment records and arranging the annual reports. He joined the Humane
Fire Company as a private, and served as trustee, secretary and foreman,
holding the latter position when the volunteer force disbanded in 1S79.
He was also one of the original members of the Easton Grays and
served in the ranks for seven years. He was also prominently iden-
tified with the old Orpheus Glee Club, the Home Dramatic Associa-
tion, and other local societies. In 1879, by an act of Council, the fire
.system in Easton was changed from a volunteer force of seven com-
panies to a paid system of three engines and one hook and ladder
company. Mr. Smith was choseu by Council as Chief Engineer with
the force for six years, and the work of organization was placed in
his hands. He gave the matter his closest attention, and for the first year or two we know it was hard, labo-
rious work on his part.
These 38 men take the place of the 298 men in the old Volunteer Fire Department.
Those not permanently employed at tlie Central Fire Station, 31 in number, are known
as call men, and are at work about town and the neighborhood during the day. When an
alarm of fire is given they leave their employment or homes and hurry to the fire, being
guided by the striking of the alarm bells. The residences of most of them are in clo.se
proximity to the company stations. In case of an alarm, the Western Union Telegraph
office sends notice, free of charge, to the Lehigh Valley shops and Pascoe's shop, at
South Easton, where a few call men are employed.
To facilitate matters, gongs attached to the fire alarm circuit have been placed in the
houses of Nelson Bishop, Tenth and Lehigh streets; William Troxell, West street, near
Washington street ; at Police Headquarters ; the residence of Chief Smith ; the mill of
Zearfo.ss & Steinmetz, and in the office of the Western Union Telegraph Company.
When an alarm of fire is given all these gongs strike simultaneously with that at the
Central Station.
John J. Smitj
Chief oflhe Fire Dep:
E AS TON, PENN'A.
357
About 300 keys to the various fire alarui signal boxes are distributed among the
people of the town. Each key is numbered, and this number and the name of the holder
of the key is registered in a book kept by Chief Smith. After an alarm has been sounded
the key is fastened by a trap-lock in the box, and can only
be released by the master-key, of which there are two,
one being held by the chief and the other by his assistant.
This precaution is intended to prevent false alarms.
Once, however, the department was imposed upon. It
was during the Presidential campaign of 1884. A Dem-
ocratic parade was passing through the streets of Easton,
when suddenly an alarm of fire was sounded from Col-
lege Hill. The firemen, as they came dashing down the
street, almost ran into the procession, and even as it was,
the people deserted the parade and followed the firemen.
But there was no fire ; it was all a big joke. Some one,
evidently not a friend to Cleveland, had slipped a key
out of a cigar store on College Hill and given the alarm.
The perpetrator of the joke was never discovered. ' The
fine for a false alarm, maliciously sent, is $100.
The life of the seven men continually at the Central
Fire Station is not as monotonous as one might suppo.se.
There is considerable work in connedlion with the depart-
ment that has to be done. The horses must be fed and cared for; the house and apparatus must
be kept clean ; the batteries, wires and alarm boxes need careful attention ; and, in addi-
tion to this, the sprinkling of the streets is part of the work of the department. The
firemen, however, lead pleasant lives. The work is divided among them, and each does
his share. They get up in the morning at 6 o'clock, when the horses are fed ; after
breakfast the horses, harness and apparatus is cleaned.
In the winter season, after all the chores are done, they
amuse themselves in various ways. On the second floor
there is a large room devoted to pastimes ; in it is a
billiard table, several tables for games, a library, and
easy chairs. At 10 o'clock in the evening all retire, each
in a cosy cot, arranged side by side, giving the room the
appearance of a hospital. Before going to bed, each fire-
man sets his rubber boots on the floor in front of his bed, '
and pushes his pantaloons down over the boot-tops, so
that he can jump out of his bed into his boots and dress
very readily. When an alarm of fire is given, it is sounded
on a large gong, and the gas is turned up at once. Then
follows a scampering scene. The men slide down to the
first floor on the rails running along the stairway. To ^^^ AUrm has Sounded
do this neatly requires considerable pradlice. An amateur
would be apt to come down head first. By the time the men have come downstairs, the horses
are at their places, ready to be hitched up, the stable doors opened at the same instant the
358
THE HISTORY OF
gong strikes ; the combustibles in the fire-box of the engine are set on fire at the same
time by means of a gas jet always kept burning on the floor under the engine. It is a
remarkable fadl that the men may all be asleep, and in less than a minute after the gong
is sounded they may be seen going out of the engine house with the horses on a dead run
and a roaring fire in the engine.
At the Central Fire Station each day is divided into four watches of six hours each
between the carriage drivers, tillerman and engineer. Some one is always on duty, just
as a picket in the army. The watch has complete charge
of the house. He counts the alarm as it strikes, when
the chief is not present, and tells the men where to
go ; he answers all telephone calls, receives all visitors,
maintains all the rules and regulations of the house,
sends out the patrol wagon when there is a call for it,
notes down all supplies received or any work done by
the department.
A patrol wagon, used for ambulance and police ser-
vice, is part of the equipment of the Central Fire Sta-
tion. Its service is often called for, in removing people
to their homes who have become ill or injured on the
^^ ,„.„ . ,„,vo streets, or at any of the works about the city. The
response to the telephone calls for the patrol wagon is
made with as much alacrity as a fire call, and the hurrying of the wagon through the streets
answering a call is a familiar sight. The wagon is equipped with a swinging stretcher,
a box containing plasters, bandages, scissors, vascaline, liniment, hartshorn, camphor, etc.
The horses used in the service are large, strong, fleet-footed, intelligent animals. It
is considerable trouble to train a horse to leave his stall and run to his position under the
swinging harness upon receipt of an alarm. Kindness and treating him to sugar and
apples often aids in breaking a new horse to the busi-
ness. At first a new horse is led quietly from his stall
to the place he is expeAed to run to when broken.
The harness is adjusted on him and he is allowed
to stand and become acquainted with the surroundings.
This is repeated many times. Then he is led on the
trot to his place under the harness, and the gong tapped
as in an alarm. If he is an apt horse he will, as the 5^
firemen say "tumble to the racket" before many trials,
and will not have to be led down to his place, but will
go down on the run. Some horses have been trained
in an hour. The big gray carriage horse, "Frank," of Engine No. i, was taught in
about three or four trials. He has been in two different houses in the department, and his
run changed to different stalls, but after a couple of trials he adapts himself to the new
order of things. The attentiveness and alacrity of the drivers and the fleetness of the
horses has done much towards the good record won by the department in quenching fires
in their incipiency. If the drivers are not at their posts the department will be late in
arriving at a fire.
less than Six Seconds.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 359
The fire service of Easton has been gradually improved since the organization of the
present system in 1879, and at a cost felt but little by the taxpayers.
The fire telegraph was introduced in 1880, with only six signal stations. There are
now twenty-four signal stations. The quick hitching swinging harness was purchased in
,, 1881 ; the Central Fire Station was built in 1882 ; the
^^^\.i. eledlric tower bell striker was introduced in 1882 ; the
permanent tillerman was elefted in 1883 ; the permanent
chief in 1885 ; the steamer engineer in 1887 ; the rebuild-
ing of No. I engine was done in 1887 ; the patrol wagon
and extra horse were introduced in 1887 ; the portable
handfire extinguishers in 1887, and the Hayes truck in
1888. More improvements are promised by the station-
ing of an apparatus at the house at Twelfth and Spruce
streets, in the Seventh Ward, the coming year.
'^ -- ' ' One of the interesting features at the Central Fire
The Get-there Run. r^. . • • ,, i -i i -n ., . ,i ■ i
Station IS the daily anil at 7.30 in the evening, when
the gong is sounded and the men and horses rush to their places. The drill is witnessed
every evening by visitors, at times large enough to be called a crowd. It is a custom
among many to take friends visiting them to see this drill. No one ever goes away with-
out speaking words of praise for the efficiency of the service.
THE GREAT PARADE— SEPTEMBER 14, 1887.
The people of Easton and the thousands of visitors who lined the streets witnessed
the most imposing pageant ever seen in our city. At an early hour in the morning decora-
tions were completed and everything was in readiness for the reception of visiting firemen
and other guests. From every diredlion, in cars, carriages, wagons and on foot, people
flocked into town, and by 10 o'clock the streets were literall)' packed with humanity, all
waiting patiently for the start of the parade. The fire companies from a distance arrived
on time, some of them marching to the Sixth street engine house, while others took their
position in line at once after partaking of refreshments. The city never presented a more
beautiful appearance, and the handsome decorations were a surprise to all, especially the
visitors.
Shortly after 10 o'clock the fire wardens of Morristown, the old Volunteer Fire Depart-
ment of Easton, and the Easton city officials and Councilmen formed on Northampton
street, right resting on Second.
The first division formed on Main street, Phillipsburg, right resting on Union Square.
The second division on North Front street, the right resting on Northampton street. The
third division on South Front and Ferry streets, the right resting at Front and Northampton
streets. Some delay was caused by the non-arrival of one of the bands and a hook and
ladder truck, and it was after 11 o'clock when the procession had fairly started. The
following then was
THE ORDER OF PARADE.
Chief Marshall^oseph S. Osterstock. Assistants — Adam Shiffer, J. Whit Wood,
John Wendling and W. R. Francisco.
36o THE HISTORY OF
Fire W'ardens of IMorristown, 48 men. Cornet Band of the Marion Hose Company
of Mauch Chunk. Old Humane Fire Company of Easton, 30 men. Old hand engine.
Citv Officials, Seledl and Common Councils of Easton in carriages.
FIRST DIVISION.
Division Marshall — George \V. Wilhelm. Assistants — Edward Kline and Thomas
Carroll.
Centennial Fire Company of Phillipsburg, 39 men, with Allentown Cornet Band of
14 pieces. This company had their engine and hose carriage. Jersey Hose Company of
Phillipsburg, 26 men and carriage, and Sacred Hearts Cadet Flute and Drum Corps of 39
pieces under the leadership of Captain John Reilly. Reliance Fire Company of Phillips-
burg, 30 men and carriage, and Easton Drum Corps of 8 pieces.
SECOND DIVISION.
Marshals — Isaac Smith and George H. Derr. Fire Police of Somerville, six men,
under Chief Maxwell.
Washington Engine Company No. 3 of Elizabeth, N. J., 53 men, with engine and
Nichols' Band, numbering 25 pieces, and Fire Commissioners Drake and Terrell and
Alderman Hamman. Washington Engine Company No. i of New Brunswick, N. J., 44
men, with engine, New Brunswick band of 20 pieces, and 25 guests of their city, includ-
ing Aldermen Price, Atkinson, Kenny and Vandusen ; Postmaster Price, Recorder Housell,
City Clerk Cook, and Freeholder Voorhees. Hook and Ladder Company of Bayonne, N.
J., 45 men, with truck ; Van Housten Drum and Fife Corps, 20 pieces, and e.x-Council-
man Sleaman. Engine Company No. i, of Somerville, N. J., 40 men, with engine, 20
citizens and the Seventh N. Y. Drum Corps. Central Hook and Ladder Company of
Somerville, N. J., 36 men, with truck. Lincoln Post Drum and Fife Corps, 20 men.
Relief Hose Company, No. 2, of Raritan, N. J., 48 men, hose carriage, and Crescent Band
of .same place, numbering 16 pieces and finely uniformed. Engine Company No. i and
Hook and Ladder Company No. i, of Flemington, N. J., 60 men ; Board of Fire Commis-
sioners of 8 men, and the Flemington Band of 22 pieces. Good Will Foundry Boys of
Wilson's foundry, 18 men, with drum and old hand engine. Delegation Lambertville
Fire Department.
THIRD DIVISION.
Marshall — Edward West. Aids — ^John H. Rowley, Edward Schnrz. Burgess and
Council of South Easton.
Franklin Fire Company No. i, of South Easton, 48 men, hose carriage, steamer, and
the old hand engine Pocohontas ; Bath Cornet Band, 20 men. A delegation of the Veteran
Firemen's As.sociation of New York City, 20 men. J. P. Teal, aged sevent>--five years, the
oldest man in the association, served 56 years as a fireman. Hudson Fire .\ssociation No.
I, of Bayonne, 70 men, steamer, and Quakertown band, 20 pieces. Reliance Fire Company
of Bethlehem, 33 men, and hose carriage. Diligence Hose Company No. 2, of Bethlehem,
22 men and drum corps. Fairview Fire Company, Bethlehem, 24 men ; hose carriage
decorated with ribbons made at the Bethlehem Silk Mill; Coopersburg Band, 21 pieces.
Nisky Hill Hook and Ladder Company, 24 men and truck. Protetlion Ho.se Com pan v
of South Bethlehem, S3 men ; Bethlehem Cornet Baud, 25 men ; ho.se carriage beautifuliv
E ASTON, PENN'A. 361
decorated, upon which a boy and girl were seated, ringing bells. Phoenix Hose Company,
Catasauqua, 53 men and hose carriage ; five carriages of citizens, with Pioneer Cornet
Band, of Catasauqua, 24 pieces. Rescue Hose Company of Bangor, 28 men, one hose
carriage, with Bangor Band, 12 pieces. Phoenix Fire Company No. 2, of Stroudsburg,
30 men, 25 citizens, consisting of Councilmen and other officers of Stroudsburg, with
East Stroudsburg Cornet Band, 15 pieces. Goodwill Fire Company, No. i, of Belvidere,
22 men. Hose carriage. Weir Cornet Band, of Belvidere, 25 pieces. Carriage contain-
ing Mayor and Councilmen of Belvidere. Delegation of four from Allentown Fire
Department, consisting of chief and three assistants. City Cornet Band of Easton, 20
pieces. Easton Fire Department — 38 men, 3 hose carriages, 2 steamers, i hook and ladder
truck, I patrol wagon. Warwick Truck of Warwick, N. J.
The procession moved over the following route : Up Northampton to Centre Square,
thence to South Third street, down Third to Lehigh, thence to Fourth street, up Fourth
to Northampton, thence to Centre Square, thence to North Third street, up Third to
Bushkill, thence to Fourth street, thence to Northampton, and out Northampton to
Fourteenth and countermarch to Sixth street, where the apparatus of the visiting compa-
nies were taken charge of by the committees and placed at the Central Fire Station.
After depositing their apparatus at the Sixth street engine house, the parade came to
a halt at 1.30 p. m. at the rink, where dinner was served the firemen and the citizens they
brought with them. Twenty-five tables with a seating capacity for about 1,700 were put
up and filled with meat, fruits, celery, bread, butter and other eatables. Between every
two tables there was a keg of beer. As fast as the tables were filled the men began to
eat, and by the time the last tables were occupied those who came in first had finished
their meal and went out the back way to make room for the rest who kept pouring in the
front entrance in a steady stream for over an hour. It is impossible at this time to estimate
accurately the number who took dinner, but will probably not fall short of 3,000. As the
guests passed out at the rear door they were served with cigars. All seemed to enjoy their
dinner heartily. The animated scene, flecked with so many different colored uniforms,
was delightful to one standing on the gallery, which was occupied mostly by ladies.
Several bands took turns and drowned the clink and clank of knives and forks by music.
At the close of the dinner order was restored and Mayor Chidsey delivered an address
of welcome, speaking as follows :
Visiting Firemen : We bid you welcome. The heart of Easton is yours to day. With each pulsation it
beats a warm welcome. For we know that in such organizations as yours exist the noblest qualities to be found
in man. Your purpose means self-sacrifice for others. Your motive, most praiseworthy as it is, impels to
deeds that rival the bravest acfts of history. Show me a true fireman and I will show you a true hero. Amid
flame and smoke, and often unrecognized by human eye, the fireman has many a time made himself a hero of
the most exalted type. His aim is to destroy the destroyer, and to save both life and property from his ruthless
grasp. To accomplish this he is alert, quick, daring, persistent. To accomplish it he turns away from business
or pleasure, and whenever or wherever summoned, yields prompt and cheerful obedience. We honor him !
We thank him ! To him our people are ever ready to extend the hand of friendship, and to say, " We bid you
welcome." i886 — the last year of Easton as a borough — was made memorable to our citizens by Grand Army
Day. The first year of Easton as a city is now made memorable by Firemen's Day. The one fittingly celebrated
the past — for war is more than twenty years gone by. The other fittingly celebrates the present— for the foe
you fight may attack at any moment. The fire fiend cannot be relegated to the past. He revels in surprises.
He lies in ambush— wakeful, ready, fierce — through all time. As we appreciated the presence of the veteran
soldiers on last year's gala-day, so we appreciate your kindly participation in this year's celebration. Both
362
THE HISTORY OF
Firemen's Arch. Erected at
ANK Streets
September events will long be remembered by Eastonians, making two interesting epochs in their local history.
It may sometimes be said, and truthfully, of the Mayor of even such a modest little city of ours, that —
" He can and he can't,
He will and he won't.
He is damned if he does,
And he is damned if he don't."
But in the joyous festivities of to-day, let me assure you, we have no discordant elements.
To my official acft of extending to you a formal welcome — a pleasant duty gladly undertaken — our people,
without exception, will respond with one hearty and harmonious — Amen !
We are glad to see you. We thank you for coming ; and from the depths of the soul, we bid you welcome !
The visiting civil authorities were entertained at lunch by the Easton civil authorities,
in Able Hall, in the afternoon.
THE DECORATIONS.
The decorations were elaborate, exhibiting the best specimens of art and exquisite taste.
Neither labor nor expense was spared to have Easton appear in her most beautiful attire.
From the most humble dwelling, to the most stately mansions, all were gaily dressed.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 363
From the Delaware bridge, on Northampton to Fourteenth street, stores, offices, and
private dwellings and hotels were so beautifully trimmed as to elicit the admiration of all.
All other streets of the city were so adorned as to give the expression of joyous welcome
to our visiting firemen. Where all did so well, it would be unjust to speak of individuals ;
and our space would not permit us to mention all who spared neither time, labor nor
expense to arrange the decoration fitting the occasion. There is one special feature of the
decoration art which will be noticed.
THE firemen's arch.
The greatest success of the day in the way of decoration was the grand arch across
Northampton street at Bank, the contribution to the occasion by the business men —
including the three daily newspapers — between the Square and Fourth street. The almost
entire unanimity with which the business men met their request for aid — all with but a
few exceptions contributed — cheered the committee who had the matter in charge and
the result was most gratifying. We have attended many celebrations, civil and military,
in various cities, but never have we seen an arch more appropriate in design nor more
faultless in erecftion. All our citizens owe a vote of thanks to the committee for their
efforts to make the arch an honor to Easton.
The arch spans the entire street from curb to curb. Two square piers, gray stone,
ten feet square and eighteen feet high, on either side support a hook and ladder truck
fifty feet long, the wheels resting on the piers, and the truck spanning the street. On
each side of each pier in a niche for the purpose is a fire plug with a sedlion of hose
attached. The piers are appropriately decorated with banners, shields, etc. On the body
of the truck, on both sides, is the legend in large letters, "Welcome — 1797 — Firemen,"
the date, 1797, being that of the organization of the first fire company in this place.
The truck has four ladders, and underneath hang fire buckets marked " E. F. D.," axes,
etc., the truck being fully and completely rigged. Over the centre of the truck is a
United States shield, with a group of United States flags. The truck is supported with
two eledlric gongs, one a vibrator and the other a tapper, which was sounded all day long.
On the truck, on the seats of the driver and tillerman sat two firemen in the full uniform
of the old Volunteer Fire Department. We might add though, as it is a firemen's parade,
that the truck is painted the true fireman's color — red. The whole efiedrt, with its per-
fedl elaboration of details was most satisfactory and gratifying and won on all sides strong
expressions of praise. The arch was built by Simon P. Bachman, under the dire<?tion of
Heller, the signist ; the ele<?tric bells being furnished by Knight, the eledlrician. So per-
fecfl was the effect that the builder of the arch was negotiated with by a committee from
Allentown with a view to its transfer to that city for its firemen's celebration the next week.
INCIDENTS CONNECTED WITH THE PARADE.
Chief Engineer Smith was presented with a purse by the business men of Easton,
as a testimony of their appreciation of his valuable and faithful labors.
The old Humane Company gave a ball at Masonic Hall, which was largely attended
by the Easton people and visiting firemen. Barnet's orchestra furnished the music.
In the afternoon the Fairview Hose Company of Bethlehem gave an exhibition
drill at the Fair Grounds, and were awarded by the Directors of the Fair a silver trumpet.
364 THE HISTORY OF
valued at $70. The drill consisted of military' movements and was highly creditable to
the company. When the firemen called at Abie's carpet store last evening to get the
trumpet, where it was exhibited in a window, the Coopersburg Band, which accompanied
them, gave Mr. Able a serenade.
Among the visiting fire companies whose appearance occasioned special comment was
the New Brunswick Company, who came here in excellent trim and brand new uniforms.
During the dinner at the rink. Chief Engineer Willig, of the Hoboken Fire Depart-
ment, presented to the Easton Fire Department a sloop rigged yacht about three feet
long, which he made himself. The yacht is an unique piece of mechanism and was on
exhibition in Freeman's window.
Two fire companies, with their bands, the Washington of Elizabeth and the Passaic
of Paterson, remained over night as guests of the Easton Fire Department. At 9 o'clock
the next morning Chief Smith and a delegation of his men escorted the visitors to the college
grounds. President Knox, of Lafayette, met them at the entrance of Pardee Hall, where
he made an address of welcome and complimented the Easton firemen for the efficient
services they had twice rendered Pardee Hall. After a happy response by Alderman Pol-
litt, of Paterson, Dr. Knox escorted the visitors through the buildings and grounds. The
party, headed by their music, then returned to the Sixth street engine house, where
refreshments were served. Later in the forenoon, in the presence of the visitors and
numerous other strangers. Chief Smith gave an exhibition drill with his men and horses.
The two companies attended the fair in the afternoon and left for home at 6 o'clock.
The Hoboken company made an elegant turnout with their eighty-nine men and the
Sixty-ninth Regiment Band of New York City.
No feature of the parade was more interesting than the delegation of twenty men
from the Veteran Firemen's Association of New York City, all of whom have grown old
in the service.
Central Hook and Ladder Company of Somerville, N. J., presented a fine appearance,
and their marching was complimented all along the route. They were accompanied by
Lincoln Post Fife and Drum Corps of Newark, N. J., one of best organizations in the State.
There were in line eight drum corps, twenty-two bands, and not far from 2,300 men,
as shown by the reports of the companies. Three companies and two delegations had
no music.
C. P. Diehl, the barber on South Third street, presented a silver-plated helmet to the
Phoenix Fire Company of Stroudsburg, which was a merited compliment, as the men did
fine marching, and with their brand new suits and black helmet hats covered with yellow
chains and trappings, made an appearance second to none in the parade. The boys were
accompanied by a number of prominent citizens, among them Judge Brodhead and
ex-Sheriff" March, Joseph Bowers and Robert Gruver.
The Easton firemen were surprised by a visit from a part)- who came to present them
on behalf of a number of unknown Easton ladies with a handsome silk banner. The
presentation speech was made by Councilman Brunner.
WELCOME TO THE NEW TRUCK.
The new Hayes extension ladder truck, built for the Easton Fire Department by the
La France Fire Engine Company of Elmira, New York, arrived here Thursday, July 19,
E ASTON, PENN'A. 365
1888. The firemen showed their appreciation of so valuable an addition to their appa-
ratus by turning out and giving the truck a royal welcome.
At 7 o'clock in the evening the firemen, headed by the City Cornet Band of Easton,
and the Junior Drum Corps of Phillipsburg, and followed by all the apparatus of the
department, started from the Central Fire Station on their way to fetch the Hayes truck
home. The procession moved down Northampton street to the Square, and thence down
Third street to Washington street, where the truck was in waiting, it having been pre-
viously unloaded at the lychigh Valley depot and brought across the bridge. The truck
was drawn by four gray horses and was decorated with bouquets of flowers. The engines
and hose carriages were also adorned with flowers.
After the parade had countermarched at Third and Washington streets, the truck was
given the place of honor, and the line returned up the street to the Square. The side-
walks were full of people who were all delighted with the fine display. In the Square a
halt was made, when the firemen and apparatus, notably the truck, were inspedled by the
Fire Committee of Councils. A great, surging mass of people, had by this time gathered
in the Square.
At the instance of the Fire Committee Mayor Chidsey made a congratulatory speech
to the firemen and the citizens. Among other good things, he told the firemen he was
glad that they succeeded in getting their truck here without being annoyed by an injunc-
tion. The audience appreciated the witty reference to the unpleasantness between the
Third street people and the Lafayette Tra<5lion Company, and applauded vociferously.
From the Square the parade returned to the Central Fire Station, followed by many
people, who lingered long examining the truck. Later in the evening a cold collation
was served by the department to the mayor, city officials, councilmen, the band and drum
corps, and invited guests, among whom were many firemen from South Easton and Phil-
lipsburg. The feast was spread in the shed and yard in the rear of the engine house, all
being pleasantly illuminated with Chinese lanterns. This was one of the happy events
of the evening. The committee who got up the lunch comprised Firemen Elmer Stone-
bach, John Yauch, James Caflin, Oliver Fraunfelter, Joel Laros, Irwin Frey, James Calla-
han and George Porter.
THE HAYES TRUCK.
The truck is quite a ponderous and attra<5live apparatus. The timber of which the
ladders and frames are built comes from the Pacific coast and is known as "Oregon pine."
The timber is light and strong, elastic as whalebone and contains no pitch. The iron
work is heavy, and much of it is nickel plated. The wheels, which are very heavy, are
painted in maroon, ornamented with gold. The body of the truck is painted in China
white with gold striping and scroll work. The ladders are in natural wood, oiled and
striped. The truck is supplied with an extension ladder, which when raised is at the
highest point 65 feet from the ground. The first raise of the ladder, known as the serial
ladder, is 40 feet high ; it will sustain the weight of several men at the top when raised
to a perpendicular. Among the other appliances belonging to the truck are eight other
ladders, respe<5lively 28, 26, 24, 20, 18, 16, 14 and 12 feet in length, pike poles, crotch
poles, axes, crowbars, picks, patent door openers. New York hose hoist, fire extinguishers,
leather buckets, lanterns, signal lamps, pitch forks, shovels, brooms, tool boxes and the
like. The cost of the truck is $2,775. Its weight is 6000 pounds.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.
ASTON was originally a part of Forks township. On September 23, 1789,
an Act of Assembly was passed erecting the Borough. The first sedlion
relates to its advantageous situation at the conflux of the Delaware and
Lehigh rivers ; of the great improvements and increase in the number of
buildings and inhabitants, and that the courts of the county are held in
the town, as reasons for incorporation.
Sedlion second enacfls that the said town shall be eredled into a Bor-
ough, to be called "The Borough of Easton" forever, with the following
boundaries : Beginning at the black oak on the west bank of the river
Delaware, being a corner of land of Andrew Kroup, running thence west
five hundred and sixty-three perches to a post in the line of George Mes-
singer's land ; thence by the line of land late of Barnet Walter and others, south four
hundred and fifty-three perches to a birch on the northwest bank of the Lehigh river ;
and thence down the same river by the several courses thereof ; and thence up the river
Delaware by the several courses thereof, crossing the mouth of the Bushkill creek to the
place of beginning.
Se<5lion third named the officers of the incorporation : Peter Kachlein, Henry Barnet,
Jacob Weygand, William Raup, and John Protsman, to be Burgesses ; Peter Kachlein,
to be Chief Burgess ; Frederick Barthold, High Constable, and Samuel Sitgreaves, Town
Clerk, to continue in office until the first Monday of May, 1790, and until others shall be
eledled in their place.
Se<flion fourth enacted that the said Burgesses, freeholders, and inhabitants within
the Borough aforesaid, and their successors forever thereafter, shall be one body corporate
and politic, by the name of "The Burgesses and inhabitants of the Borough of Easton,
in the County of Northampton," and by this name shall have a perpetual succession ; to
buy and sell, sue and be sued, defend and be defended, in any of the courts of the
Commonwealth.
Sedlion fifth prescribed the right of suffrage and manner of holding eledlions for officers.
Se(5lion sixth defined the duties of the officers.
Secflion eighth provided for a market at the "Great Square," on Wednesday and Sat-
urday of every week in the year forever. Two fairs were also established, one on the
fourth Tuesday in April, and the other on the fourth Tuesday in Ocflober of each year to
continue two days. There was a clerk of the market who had "the assize of the bread,
wine, beer, wood and hay, and all other provisions brought for the use of the inhabi-
tants." These fairs were features of the social life of fatherland, and the great events of
the year at the "Forks."
The above extra(fts give the principle features of the a<5l of incorporation by which
Easton became a borough. There were important amendments to the original aA, some
of which we will notice.
An amending acT; was passed March 19, 1828. The original a&. provided for five
E ASTON, PENN'A. 367
Burgesses to be elected by the people, the one having the largest number of votes to be
the Chief, and if neither had the majority it was to be decided by lot. In the a6l of 1828
the five Burgesses gave place to a Tovk^n Council of nine persons eledled by the people,
and the Council elecfled a citizen for Chief Burgess for one year. In 1850 an &.&. was
passed authorizing the Borough to borrow money, limiting the amount to $30,000. The
adl of March 8, 1854, ordained that "All that part of Easton west of the middle of Juliana
street and south of the Bushkill creek, be eredled into a separate ward, which shall be
called Westward." It wasdire6led March 8, 1856, that each ward should elecft three mem-
bers of Town Council, dividing themselves by lot into three classes, who should serve one,
two and three years, respe(5lively, and who should elecft a citizen for Chief Burgess for one
year at a salary of one hundred dollars.
Sedlion third provided that each ward should elecft three School Direcftors, who
should divide themselves by lot into three classes in each ward, to serve one, two, and
three years, respedlively, and one should be eledled annually thereafter ; the said Bor-
ough to compose one School Distridl, with liberty to appoint a Borough Superintendent
of schools at a salary of five hundred dollars per annum, who shall report to the County
Superintendent annually. This is the beginning of the School Board of Easton, which
has since framed a school system of unsurpassed excellence. A supplementary a<5t passed
May 14, 1 861, empowered the Town Council and School Directors in joint session to
appoint a Borough Treasurer and Colle(?tor. An adt passed March 22, 1866, declared,
that Easton shall continue to form one Common School Distri(?t for all purposes of educa-
tion, this distri(5t to be known as the "School District of the Borough of Easton ;" and
that the School Directors should constitute a Board of Control, as a body corporate and
politic, with all the authority conferred on the School Directors of the First School Dis-
trict, in the city of Philadelphia, as far as the same can be applied to the School Distridt
of the Borough of Easton. Section third provided that hereafter the School Distri(5t
should not be subject to the authority of the County Superintendent.
Sedtion sixth authorized the Board of Control to maintain a Central High School for
the full education of such pupils as possess the requisite qualifications, on the same gen-
eral principles as govern the First Distridt of the city of Philadelphia.
Sedtion seventh placed the library under the care of the Board of Control.
The adt of April 2, 1869, authorized the Borough to borrow money for projedted
improvements, the amount not to exceed $50,000, and another adt passed April 6, 1870,
repealed the adt of 1869, and authorized the Borough to borrow $100,000 for specified pur-
poses. The act of February 23, 1871, authorized the Board of Control to borrow $100,000
for the purchase of ground and school buildings. An adt was passed March 27, 1873,
dividing the Borough into seven wards as follows :
First Ward. — All that portion of said Borough lying south of the middle of North-
amption street, between the Delaware river and Fourth street, and east of the middle of
Fourth street from Northampton street to the Lehigh river.
Second Ward. — All that portion of said Borough lying north of the middle of North-
ampton street, between the Delaware river and Third street, east of the middle of Third
street, and south of the Bushkill creek.
Third Ward. — All that portion of the said Borough lying northeast of the Bushkill creek.
368 THE HISTORY OF
This ward has since been somewhat enlarged by adding a portion of Forks township.
Fourth Ward. — All that portion lying north of Northampton street from Third street
to Sixth street, west of the middle of Third street, east of the middle of Sixth street, and
south of the Bushkill creek.
Fifth Ward. — All that portion lying south of the middle of Northampton street,
between Fourth street and Sixth street, west of the middle of Fourth street, and east of
the middle of Sixth street.
Sixth Ward. — All that portion lying west of the middle of Sixth street, and east of
the middle of Ninth street, and extending from the Bushkill creek to the Lehigh river.
Seventh Ward. — All that portion lying west of the middle of Ninth street, and
extending from Ninth street to the western limits of the Borough, and from the Bushkill
creek to the Lehigh river.
Section second of this acT; empowers the several wards to eledl three members of
Town Council and three members of the School Board each, thus giving twenty-one
members to each body.
An atl was passed March 6th, 1873, authorizing the Borough to borrow $25,000 in addi-
tion to the amount the Borough had been authorized to borrow. The aCl of April 10, 1873,
authorized the Borough to borrow two thousand dollars in addition to the sums already
borrowed.
The a(?t of April 20, 1874, passed to regulate the manner of increasing the indebted-
ness of municipalities, provided that whenever the debt of any county, city or borough,
etc., shall be equal to seven per centum upon the assessed value of the taxable property,
as fixed by the last preceding assessed valuation therein, all such increase shall be void
and of no binding force.
After the Borough had existed nearly one hundred years a change into a city govern-
ment was desired.
At a meeting of Town Council, August 27, 1886, a resolution, offered by Messrs.
Odenwelder and Magee, submitting the question of a City Charter to the vote of the
people, was carried unanimously.
At the general eledlion, held November 2, 1886, the majority of the votes cast, on
the question submitted for decision, was in favor of a City Charter ; and in accordance
with this vote the City of Easton was incorporated January 12, 1887, by letters patent
issued by Robert E. Pattison, the Governor of Pennsylvania. On February 15, 1887, the
first election under the new charter was held ; the officers then chosen entered upon the
discharge of their duties, and the machinery of the city government began to move.
The city began her career with a population of about 13,000, within corporate limits,
and as many more just outside, separated merely by forms of government. According to
annual statement we had on January i, 1887, 4,115 taxable inhabitants; a valuation of
taxable property amounting to $8,138,719; borough property worth $74,806; cash in
treasury and delinquent taxes $11,366.47, making our total assets $86,172.47 ; and a total
funded debt of $173,000. Our credit is good, and our bonds bearing four per cent,
interest command a handsome premium in the open market.
The Common Councilmen, of the City of Easton, having assembled in the new
Council Chamber, an organization was effected by the elecflion of a temporary president
and clerk.
EASTON, PENN'A.
369
COMMON COUNCIL.
April 4, 1887. On motion of Messrs. Magee and Osterstock, Owen Hagenbuch was
elecfled temporary president, and Herbert T. Buckley temporary clerk. Having taken
their seats, Mr. Wood moved that the Rev. H. M. Kieffer be requested to open the proceed-
ings with prayer.
Rev. Kieffer read the 144th Psalm and offered a prayer in which he invoked the
blessings of God on the new municipal government, on the members of Council and on
the chief executive of the city.
CHARLES FRANCIS CHIDSEY,
Charles Francis Chidsey, who on April
4, 1887, took the oath of office as the first
Mayor of the City of Easton, has lived there
the greater portion of his life-time, having
been born on South Second street, Easton, on
Christmas day, 1843. He is the third son of
Russell Smith Chidsey, of Conneaicut, and
Eliza Woodin, of New York. During his
early boyhood days he attended the private
schools of Easton. In 1855 he entered the
Easton High School, which was then still in
its infancy, and graduated in 1859. Imme-
diately after his graduation he entered Lafa-
yette College, where he remained until the
end of the Junior year, when he went to the
war, enlisting as a private, August, 1862, in
Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-
ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers,
to serve for nine months. The regiment
was at once incorporated in the Army of the
Potomac, and participated in the battles of
Second Bull Run, Antietam, Kearneysville,
Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. Hav-
ing served his term of enlistment he was
honorably mustered out of service with his
regiment at Harrisburg in 1863. In the same
year, during the excitement caused by the
invasion of the State by the Confederate
Army, he re-enlisted for three months in de-
fense of Pennsylvania, and was elefted First
Lieutenant of Company C, Thirty-eighth
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, remain-
ing in service until the regiment was dis-
charged. Upon his return from the second
enlistment he again entered Lafayette Col-
lege, from which he graduated in 1864, re-
ceiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts ; and
at the permanent organization of the class
he was eletted president. After leaving Lafayette he took a complete course at Lowell's Commercial College,
Binghamton, New York, and then entered the Financial Office of the Chicago and North Western Railway Company,
in New York City. In 1867 he began a short course of law study in the office of John B. Linn, Esq., at Lew-
isburg, Pennsylvania ; and in this year Lafayette College conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts.
In January, 1869, he entered the office of the Warren Foundry and Machine Company of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, as
assistant secretary, in which position he remained three years and nine months. He has served seven years as auditor
of the same company. On the 7th day of July, 1869, he was married to Miss Kate A. Williams, of Little Falls, Herki-
mer County, New York, and he has now two daughters and three sons. In 1871 he was elected a direflor of the War-
ren Foundry and Machine Company. In 1874 Mr. Chidsey engaged in the plumbing, steam and gas-fitting business
Charles F. Chidsicv,
Mayor of the City of Easton.
37°
THE HISTORY OF
in connection with Mr. Jacob V'annorman. and in this year the firm was elected borough gas fitters by the Town Council
of Easton. In 1S74 he was eleccted a member of the Easton Board of Control of Public Schools from the Second Ward.
He served for three years and at the e.xpiration of his term was re-elected in 1S77. In March, 1876, Mr. Chidsey was
elected by a unanimous vote President of the Board of Control, and in 1877, by a like unanimity he was re-elected to
the same position. In 18S1 he was appointed by the Court an Inspector of the Northampton County Prison, and was
five times reappointed, retiring in 18S7. He was Secretary of the Board during his whole service as Inspector. In
1883 he was elected to Town Council from the Second Ward, to serve for three years, and in 1886 he was re-elefted.
In 1884 he received by acclamation the Republican
nomination for Congress from the Tenth Pennsyl-
vania District, which was Democratic by about eight
thousand majority. Mr. Chidsey conduaed a very
spirited campaign against his opponent, the Hon.
William H. Sowden, and, although unsuccessful,
made the handsome gain of 2000 votes in the District.
In 1S86 he was the Senatorial Delegate from this County
to the Republican State Convention. While there he
placed in nomination for Congress at large, his friend,
the present Attorney General of Pennsylvania, Hon.
Wm. S. Kirkpatrick. His nominating speech was
pronounced by the Philadelphia Press "one of the
brightest and best," and by the Philadelphia Times
" the gem of that Convention." He received the Re-
publican nomination for Mayor without opposition, and
although Easton at the time was Democratic, he was
elected its first Mayor, February 15, 1S87, by a majority
of 233 votes. In politics Mr. Chidsey has always been
a Republican of liberal tendencies. In religion he is a
Presbyterian, being a member and also a Trustee of
the First Church of Easton. He has always been active
in religious affairs. While a member of the American
Reformed Church— now the Second Presbyterian— sit-
uated on Spring Garden street, he was one of the dea-
cons, and one of the building committee which erected
their present beautiful edifice. In 1878 he was Presi-
dent of the Young Men's Christian Association. The
same year he was chosen President of the Lehigh and
Eastern Railroad— a projected line to run from Port
Jervis, N. Y., to Tomhickon, Pa. Mr. C. never joined
any of the numerous secret societies of Easton except
ing the Grand Army of the Republic. In this betakes
a lively interest. In 1873 he purchased a part of the
garden belonging to Judge H. D. Maxwell, on the cor-
ner of Green and Bushkill streets, and on it erected the
large and comfortable house in which he now resides.
The roll was then called showing that the following members were present, namely :
First ;F(2/-r/— Joseph S. Osterstock, John Brunner, H. W. Cooley, Horace Magee.
Second IVard—^. E. Buckman, J. Whit. Wood, D. W. Nevin, M. J. Riegel.
Third Ward—WWWam Brinker, Edward Dietrich, William H. Ward.
Fourth /r<7;v/— John N. Linden, Christian Franklin, W. R. Francisco, Samuel Moses.
Fiftli U'ard — Owen Hagenbuch, Reuben Hellick, Benjamin W. Kline, John Manning.
Sixth U'ard — Marion A. Pentz, Leopold Steckel, George B. Strickland, Cieo. H. Derr.
Seventh Ward—]o\\\\ Wendling, Abraham Unangst, A. E. Thornton, Wm. Lear.
Council then proceeded to the election of a permanent president.
Mr. Wood nominated D. W. Nevin, of the Second Ward.
Mr. Derr nominated W. R. FrancLsco, of the Fourth Ward.
Messrs. Brunner, Buckman, Cooley, Franci.sco, Hagenbuch, Hellick, Kline, Lear,
E ASTON, PENN'A.
11^
Magee, Osterstock, Pentz, Riegel, Strickland, Unangst, Wendling, Wood(i6) voted for D.
W. Nevin. Messrs. Brinker, Derr, Dietrich, Franklin, Linden, Manning, Moses, Steckel,
Thornton, Ward and Nevin (ii) voted for W. R. Francisco.
D. W. Nevin was declared elected President of Common Council.
On motion of Mr. Brunner, a committee was appointed to conduct the president to the
chair.
The President /ra tern, appointed Messrs. Brunner, Francisco and Riegel, who at once
escorted D. W. Nevin to the chair, where the oath of office was administered by President
pro tern. Hagenbuch. The newly eledled president then assumed control of Council, and
made a few remarks in which he alluded to the facft that he was the second youngest member
of Council and that under the circumstan-
ces he felt the responsibilities of the office
to which he had been called, but he cher-
ished the hope that the responsibility
would be made lighter by the aid and co-
operation of the members of Council. He
said the first official adl he was called
upon to perform was the administration
of the oath of office to the members of
Council. The members then subscribed
their names to the oath and Council was
declared duly organized and prepared to
proceed to business. Mr. Wood offered
a set of rules for the regulation and gov-
ernment of the proceedings of Common
Council. They were substantially those
used in the Borough Council with such
changes as the law governing cities made
necessary.
SELECT COUNCIL.
Selecft Council met the same morning,
April 4th, 1887, in the third story of the
municipal building in Centre Square.
On motion of Mr. John P. Ricker, I. A.
Smith was chosen temporary chairman ;
Mr. Smith took the chair.
Mayor-ele(?t Charles F. Chidsey then
came into the chamber with the Rev. Kieffer, of the Third street Reformed Church, whom
he introduced to the members. Mr. Kieffer read the 144th Psalm and invoked the Divine
blessing.
Chairman Smith then stated that the nomination for Secretary /;-<? tcm. was next in
order.
On motion, George Shiffer was eledled.
The credentials of the members were then presented.
George J. Heck,
First President of Select Council
372 THE HISTORY OF
A call of the roll showed that the following were present :
First J! ard— George]. Heck.
Second IVard—T). A. Tinsman.
Third IVard— "Thomas Burley.
Fourth Ward— ]o\\n P. Richer.
Fifth lVard—KA?im Shiffer.
Sixth J Fard— Isaac A. Smith.
Seventh //(?;-«'— William Hauck.
The Chairman stated that he was ready to receive nominations for permanent president.
Mr. Richer nominated Mr. Smith.
Air. Tinsman nominated Mr. Heck.
The vote being taken, showed the following :
For Mr. Heck — Messrs. Hauck, Shiffer and Tinsman (3).
For Mr. Smith — Messrs. Burley, Richer and Smith (3).
Mr. Heck voted for Mr. Tinsman (i).
There being no choice. Council proceeded to a second ballot, which resulted as follows :
For Mr. Heck — Messrs. Heck, Hauck, Shiffer and Tinsman (4).
For Mr. Smith — Messrs. Burley and Richer (2).
Mr. Smith voted for Mr. Tinsman.
Mr. Heck having received a majority vote was defied president for the ensuing year.
Mr. Smith then administered the oath of office to Mr. Heck, who in turn administered
it to the other members.
JOINT MEETING OF SELECT AND COMMON COUNCILS.
The joint Convention was organized by the eledlion of D. W. Nevin as Chairman /;7)
tciu., and Herbert T. Buckley, Secretary.
Councilman Wood then offered a set of rules for the government of joint conventions
of Councils which were adopted as read. In accordance therewith George Heck, Presi-
dent of SeleA Council, assumed the Chairmanship of the joint Convention. The hour
having arrived for the inauguration of city officers, on motion of Councilman Wood the
Convention adjourned to meet after the inauguration exercises.
Mayor-ele<5l Chidsey then took a position before the assembled members of Selecft and
Common Council and said :
"Gentlemen: Standing on the threshold of my administration, I think it proper
that the first step be taken with prayer to Almighty God." He then called on the Rev.
Dr. Ed.sall Ferrier to lead in prayer. After prayer the oath of office was administered by
Justice Reuben Kolb. Mayor Chidsey then delivered his inaugural address.
The transition to a city government was made without friction. It was feared that
expenses would be increased, but by very skilful management the reverse has resulted.
Early in his administration the Mayor recommended mercantile city licenses, graded in
kind and in amount of business done. The income from this source brings about $4500
into the treasury annually. Nearly an entirely new set of ordinances was required by the
change in the government. The police force has been remodeled. There are now eleven
policemen — a chief, lieutenant, sergeant and patrolmen, distributed by districts instead of
E AS TON. PENN'A.
373
wards, with a regular system of night and day patrol. There is far less crime and rowdy-
ism ; centres of questionable resort are watched ; tramps are halted and sent out of the
city or to jail ; the choice is soon made, and the order of march begins. During the
new administration there has not been one complaint against the force for intemperance.
The efficiency of the police, fire, and eledlric light departments is very much enhanced by
the Mayor's non-partisan appointments.
For the first time in the history of the mu-
nicipal government fitness for the position
and not politics governs appointment to
office.
During Mayor Chidsey's administra-
tion an incident occurred wliich may or
may not be an annoyance to the city in
the future. A lot of ground eighty feet
in length and breadth, in the centre of
the Public Square, had been given in the
year 1764 to Northampton County for a
court house by the sons of William Penn.
After the ere<5lion of the present court
house, and the abandonment of the old
site for more than twenty-five years, it was
claimed by the heirs of the donor. On
July 28, 1888, C. B. Taylor, Esq., of Phil-
adelphia, attorney for the Penn heirs, came
to Easton, entered the circle and took for-
mal possession of the land. The Mayor
very politely placing his hand on the
attorney's shoulder, ejecfted him therefrom.
An a(ftion has been brought in the United
States Distri6l Court to recover the pro-
perty.
This first administration has been em-
inently successful, and the new form of government has already become very popular.
easton's first officers under a city charter.
Aaron Goldsmith,
First Solicitor for the City of Easton.
Eledled by the people February 15th,
year :
1887, and inaugurated April 4th of the same
Mayor — Charles Francis Chidsey.
Controller — Henry Adams Rothrock.
Treasurer — James McCauley.
EleAed by City Councils :
Solicitor — Aaron Goldsmith.
City C7,?r/&— Herbert T. Buckley.
City Engineer and Commissioner of Highivays — J. Marshall Young.
Assistant Commissioner of Highivays — Noah Dietrich.
374
THE HISTORY OF
Appointed by Maj'or Chidsey :
Sttperintendefit of Electric Light Dcpartincnt — Howard Rinek.
Chief of Police— Hmry C. Tilton.
Lientenaut and City Detective — ^James Simons.
Sergeant — Edward Kelly.
Patrolmen — First Distri(ft, Thomas Stoneback ; Second Distridl, James Tomer ;
Third Distri(5l, Samuel Paul ; Fourth Districfl, Andrew Bitzer ; Fifth Distridl, Jeremiah
Weaver ; Sixth Distridl, Robert M. Price — who resigned during his term and was suc-
ceeded by William Denninger; Seventh Distri6l, Isaac Leauber. Reserve — Charles S. Reed.
Doorman at Central Police Station — ^James Spruell (colored).
The term of service for the Mayor and all of the officers mentioned above is two years.
The Mayor also appointed the following Board of Health, whose terms vary from
one to five years, viz : Dr. Charles I. Roseberry, President ; Dr. Joseph S. Hunt, Charles
L. Hemingway, Dr. John J. Serfass and John W. H. Knerr. The Chief of Police was
chosen Health Officer and the City Clerk the Secretary of the Board.
During a few months of the city's life Robert H. Lerch served as Superintendent of the
Elecftric Light Department ; and the old Board of Health served till September ist, 1S87.
Besides the policemen mentioned, who constituted the regular uniformed force, the
Mayor appointed John Beam policeman and lamplighter for Dock street, and twenty
special policemen. The number of the latter was fixed by ordinance, and the men received
the bulk of their pay from private persons who employed them as watchmen.
REDIVISION OF THE BOROUGH INTO WARDS.
By a decree of the Court of Quarter Sessions, June 25, 1S81, the Borough of Easton
was redivided into seven wards, as follows :
First. All that portion of said borough lying south of the middle of Northampton
street, between the Delaware river and Fourth street, and east of the middle of Fourth
street, from Northampton street to the Lehigh river, shall constitute the First ward.
Second. All that portion of said borough lying north of the middle of Northampton
street, between the Delaware and Fourth street, east of the middle of Fourth and south of
the Bushkill creek, shall constitute the Second ward.
Third. All that portion of said borough lying north of the Bushkill creek.
Fourth. All that portion of said borough lying north of the middle of Northampton
street, between Fourth and Sixth streets, and lying north of the middle of Walnut and
Pine streets, between Sixth street and Tenth street, east of the middle of Tenth street and
south of the Bushkill creek, shall constitute the Fourth ward.
Fifth. All that portion of said borough lying south of the middle of Northampton
street, between Fourth street and Sixth street, west of the middle of Fourth street and
east of the middle of Sixth street, shall constitute the Fifth ward.
Sixth. All that portion of said borough lying south of the middle of Walnut and Pine
streets, between Sixth street and Tenth street, west of the middle of Sixth street and east
of the middle of Tenth street, shall constitute the Sixth ward.
Seventh. All that portion of said borough lying west of the middle of Tenth street
and extending from said Tenth street to the western limits of said borough, and from the
Bushkill creek to the Lehigh river, shall constitute the Seventh ward.
THE BANKS OF EASTON.
'HE NAME BANK comes from banco, signifying bench, which was eredled
in the market place for the convenience of changing money. The first
bank established was in 808, by the Lombard Jews, of whom some settled
in Lombard street, London, where many bankers still reside. The first
bank of England was established in 1694, and the first United States Bank
was established in 1791, under the influence and by the keen foresight of
Alexander Hamilton, who was styled the Moses of American Finance,
who, by the stroke of his rod, brought the stream of prosperity from the
rock of public credit for the infant republic. This bank had a capital of
$10,000,000, and could not supply a circulating medium for the financial
necessities of individual states. And to supply this growing need the
Pennsylvania Bank was established in 1793 by A61 of the Legislature of the Common-
wealth (Dallas Laws, Vol. 3, page 323). The capital stock of this bank was limited to
$3,000,000. It is stated in the preamble of the a<Si that the bank was established so as to
afford adequate security for an upright and prudent administration of its affairs, and to pro-
mote the regular, permanent and successful operation of the finances of the state.
Section fifteenth of this a6l authorized this bank to establish branches at Lancaster,
York or Reading, or wherever they should think proper in the State, for the purpose of
discount and deposit only. But no branch should be established in any community with-
out the consent of such town or borough. As early as about 1800 a branch of this bank
was established in Easton. It was located in the building on the southeast corner of the
Square and Third street (now Adams Express Office), in a building built by Jacob Arndt
in 1790. The building was stone, and is still standing, among the oldest houses in Easton.
The brick part of the house was eredled at a later period, but the bank was always located
in the old stone strncfture. The first cashier of this bank was Mordica Churchman, a
Quaker from Philadelphia. This bank had a regular board of trustees, but no president.
It was one of four branches, and was the most profitable of the four. It did the business
of a very large area, and was very successful in its financial operations. In 1827, Philip
Mattes was appointed cashier, Joseph Horn was teller and John Heckman was book-keeper.
This was the first financial institution in Easton. It continued in operation till 1845,
when the business was closed up, and the books removed to Philadelphia. The facts
concerning this bank were received from Mr. Henry Mattes, a son of one the officers of
the institution.
The war of 18 12 had seriously taxed the energies and crippled the prosperity of the
country. And in no State was this more seriously felt than in the widely scattered popu-
lation of Pennsylvania. The bank already in Easton was only one of discount and
deposit, and could not issue its own paper, and so did not supply the public demand. In
the pamphlet laws of 1813 and 1814, page 154, we find an A(fl passed by the Legislature,
E AS TON, PENN'A.
ill
dividing the State into twenty-seven distridls, in each of which there might be one or
three banks as necessity might demand. Northampton county and a part of Wayne con-
stituted one distridl, in which one bank was to be established in Easton and called the
"Easton Bank." There was also to be an office of discount and deposit in Milford under
the control of the Easton Bank. The a(5l was vetoed by Governor Snyder, but imme-
diately passed over the veto by both houses on the twenty-first of March, 1814. The
Commissioners appointed by this a6l to carry out its provisions were Christian Bixler, W.
Latimore, Conrad Krider, James Holingshead, Matthias Gress, James Clyde, John Davi-
son, Abraham Levan, Abraham Horn, George Beidleman, of Easton, and George Butz, of
the County of Northampton ; John Coolbaugh, John Brodhead, Daniel Dimick, of the
County of Wayne. The duty of the Commissioners was to organize the bank. They
were to open the books, receive the subscription, the shares being fifty dollars each. The
Easton Bank was to have eight thousand shares, a capital
of $400,000 ; the Milford branch was to have six hundred
shares. The stockholders were to eledl thirteen direc-
tors, one of whom should be chosen for president. The
Commissioners called a meeting of the stockholders
■- according to the acfl. The Hon. Samuel Sitgreaves hav-
ing been elecfled one of the diredlors was chosen the first
president of the Easton Bank in 1814. Mr. Sitgreaves
had been in public life for many years, a leading mem-
ber of Congress during a part of Washington's and
Adams' administrations, a member of a Commission sit-
tmg in Philadelphia to adjust disputed points in Jay's
Treaty, and a special Minister to the Court of St. James
to complete the unfinished business of the Philadelphia
Commission. His name was a tower of strength to the
bank, which took a high stand in public esteem, and has
ever been looked upon as one of the most successful finan-
cial institutions in the State. Mr. Sitgreaves died April
4, 1827, and was succeeded by Col. Thomas McKeen, who was one of the most prominent
citizens of Easton. He was of Scotch blood, born in the north of Ireland, June 27, 1763,
and came to this country when a youth. In 1814, when the Easton Bank was organ-
ized, he became cashier, and occupied the position till the death of Mr. Sitgeaves, in 1827,
when he was elecfted president of the institution, and remained in the position till 1851.
At 88 years of age he declined a re-ele(5lion. He was succeeded by Hon. David D. Wage-
ner as president, on May 4, 1852, who retained the position till his death, OcSlober i, i860.
Mr. John Davis succeeded Mr. Wagener and performed the duties of his position accepta-
ble to all concerned and died in 1873. He was succeeded by Mr. William Hackett, who
still remains at his post. He was born in 1812 ; is the son of James Hackett. He was
cashier twenty-two years before he was eledled to the office of president. His son Wil-
liam is now cashier, and his grandson, William H. is one of the clerks. The personnel
of the bank are — ^Jacob H. Holt, teller ; Daniel L. Bixler and Frank A. Sletor, book-
keepers ; Charles M. Butz and Harry Bixler, discount clerks ; William H. Hackett and
Henry G. Siegfried, clerks ; George Bebler, janitor.
EASTON NATIONAL BANK.
378
THE HISTORY OF
Directors — Michael Butz, Jeremiah Angleineyer, Daniel Black, Jacob Fraley, Wil-
liam Hackett, James W. Long, Henry B. Semple, William A. Seitz, Joseph S. Roden-
bough, John Knecht, Edward I. Hunt, Cyrus Lawall, James V. Bull.
The Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank was organized August 12, 1851, at the American
Hotel, bv the election of the following Board of Directors : P. S. Michler, Richard Brod-
head, John Drake, John Green, D. S. Miller, William Beitel, E. B. Mixsell, Russel Chid-
sey, David Connor, A. W. Radley, Peter Gross, Abraham Miller, C. C. Field, Frederick
Seitz, S. R. Hoagland, S. R. Rodenbough, John Knecht, H. S. Troxell. The bank began
operations in the rooms in the residence of F. C. Mattes. At an adjourned meeting of
the Board of Directors, August 16, P. S. Michler was elected president. The board
adjourned to August 18, when, having met, McEvers Forman was eleCled cashier. P.
S. Michler served in the capacity of president till 1861, and on ]\Iay 22 offered his resigna-
tion to take effedl on the following July i. It was accepted, and John Stewart was elected
his successor. At a meeting of the board, held August 19, 1865, it was resolved to
apply to the Comptroller of the Currency for the conversion of the Bank into a National
Banking Association, to be known as "The First National Bank of Easton." The appli-
cation was granted, and the name of the bank was changed according to the request.
Of this bank Mr. John Stewart remained president till December 29, 1875, when he
resigned. He was leader in many enterprises, particularly in building the rolling and
wire mill in South Easton. He died, April 13, 1885. Mr. McEvers Forman was elecfted
to fill the position left vacant by the resignation of John Stewart. At the same time
John F. Gwinner was elediled cashier to fill the vacancy occasioned by the eleClion of
McEvers Forman to the presidency. President McEvers Forman died January 11, 1885,
and on Tuesday, January 13, at the annual meeting of the diredlors, Edward F. Stewart
was eledled a director, and at a meeting of the board, January 21, 1885, Mr. Stewart
was eleAed president of the First National Bank. The personnel of the bank is as
follows: President, Edward F. Stewart; Cashier, John F. Gwinner; Teller, A. A. Ham-
E AS TON, PENN'A.
379
man ; Book-keepers, Chester Snyder, E. B. Arndt, H. S. Kennedy ; Discount Clerk,
Thomas M. Riegel ; Clerks, John D. Transue, Loyd R. Wilson.
Directors— E. F. Stewart, B. F. Riegel, Henry Fulmer, Jacob Walter, A. R. Dunn,
Edward Hilliard, Samuel Drake, John T. Knight, Eli M. Fox, William G. Stewart, Wil-
liam H. HuHck, Daniel W. Snyder, William Keller.
Under an a6l of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, approved April 8, 1851,
the Northampton County National Bank was established in 1869 as a savings bank.
Col. William H. Hntter was instrumental in originating the mstitution. Judge Joseph
Laubach was its first president, and Col. Hutter became cashier. Judge Laubach, Hon.
Henry Green, Philip F. Stier, Enos Werkheiser, B. E. Lehman, Joseph Sigman and
John A. Innes, were the first dire6lors. When Jay Cooke failed in 1873 ^^ financial
affairs of the country became very much disturbed, and all the banks of this class began
to lose public confidence. The pressure of the depositors became so great that all these
banks in Northampton and Lehigh counties were compelled to close up their affairs,
except this one. In 1878 they were authorized to organize under the national banking
system, and became ' ' The Northampton County National Bank. ' ' Judge Laubach resigned
the presidency and Cyrus Lawall was elected to the position. In the fall of 1885, both Mr.
Lawall and Col. Hutter resigned their positions, and were succeeded by Thomas T. Miller
and Elijah J. Richards, as president and cashier. The Savings Bank began to do business
in what is now a part of T. T. Miller's hardware store. In 1873 they eredled the building
they now occupy. The bank is in a highly prosperous condition, and the last named offi-
cers still retain their places. The following is the personnel of the Northampton County
National Bank : President, Thomas T. Miller ; Cashier, E. J. Richards ; Teller, A. W.
Herman ; Clerks, John Neumeyer, W. Fred. Keller.
Directors— John Richards, J. H. Wilhelm, H. C. Barnet, John J. Unangst, Wil-
liam Laubach, Enos Werkheiser, Philip F. Fulmer, Philip F. Stier, Xavier Veile, Thos.
T. Miller, H. J. Boyer, Jonathan Moore, George Hohl.
The condition of the Easton Banks, 0<5lober 4, 1888 (quarterly statement).
RESOURCES.
First Easton Northampton Co.
National Bank. National Bank. National Bank.
Loans and discounts $1,072,867.65 $1,217,678.92 $328,070.27
U. S. bonds to secure circulation loo.ooo.oo 50,000.00 84,000.00
Due to other banks 74,361.44 107,201.07 51,538.46
Real estate, furniture and fixtures 27,591.23 32,990.33 17,000.00
Cash 73,192.62 109,365.06 46,169.76
Current expenses and ta.\es paid 5,458.12 6,873-57 1,506.90
Premiums paid 3,000.00 11,000.00
Redemption fund with U. S. Treasurer 4,500.00 2,250.00 3,780.00
Overdrafts 2,211.61 1,541.43 2,624.18
Totals $1,363,182.67 $1,527,900.38 $545,589-57
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock paid in $ 400,000.00 $ 500,000.00 $134,000.00
Surplus fund 80,000.00 100,000.00 15,000 00
Undivided profits ... 61,108.66 116,838.14 9,787.43
National bank notes outstanding 89,100.00 45,000.00 75,600.00
Dividends unpaid 2,321.60 2,486.75 402.30
Individual deposits subjefl to check 749,143-75 7i9,5t4-9o 306,508.39
Due to other national banks 14,854.50 95,333-51 4,392-45
Due to state banks and bankers 81.83 4,627.08
Totals $1,396,610.34 $1,583,800.38 $545,690-57
COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM.
JhE next important educational movement, succeeding the organization
of Lafayette College, was the establishment, in 1834, of a system of educa-
cation by common school.
The attitude of the State, in the matter of popular education, was
assumed mainly through the influence of Governor George Wolf, the warm
friend and potent advocate of universal education. Governor Wolf was a
native of Northampton county, and a resident of Easton at the time of his
elevation to the office of chief magistrate of the Commonwealth.
In the "Memoirs of the Governors of Pennsylvania," by W^. C. Armor,
it is said, "the most substantial and enduring merit of Governor Wolf
was evinced in his advocacy of a system of popular education. James
Buchanan, in a speech delivered previous to the elecfhiou of the Governor, had said : ' If
ever the passion of env)' could be excused, a man ambitious for true glory, he might
almost be justified in envying the fame of that favored individual, whoever he may be,
whom Providence intends to make the instrument in establishing common schools through-
out this Commonwealth. His task will be arduous. He will have many difficulties to
encounter, and many prejudices to overcome ; but his fame will exceed even that of the
great Clinton, in the same proportion that mind is superior to matter. Whilst the one
has eredled a frail memorial, which, like everything human, must decay and perish, the
other will raise a monument which shall flourish in immortal youth, and endure whilst
the human soul shall continue to exist. Ages unborn, and nations yet behind, shall bless
his memory.' To George Wolf, that honor was accorded, and to him in all time to come,"
can the citizens of Easton point with special pride, "when the inquirer shall seek to
know b\' whose voice and sturdy will that great boon was championed and finallv won."
The citizens of Easton participated largely in the agitation induced by the adoption
of the common school law, and were not slow in accepting and enforcing its provisions.
The first board of school diredlors elecfted under the statute organized September 25,
1834, and consisted of the following persons: Rev. John P. Hecht, president; Samuel
Kinsey, secretary ; Rev. B. C. Wolff", Enock Clark, Michael Odenwelder, George Hess, Esq.
The number of children in the borough of proper school age, at the time, was esti-
mated at nine hundred, for whose instruction, it was proposed to employ twenty teachers,
and to procure as many school-rooms for their accommodation.
As the school funds, raised directly under the general provisions of the a<5l of Assem-
bly, was inadequate to the demands of the distri(5l, and as an additional sum was author-
ized to be raised, when a majority of the people of any district consented to a special tax-
levy for the purpose, the citizens of the borough met, agreeably to the requirements of
the law, November 15, 1834, and resolved, that an additional tax of $1500 for school
E AS TON, PENN'A. 381
expenditures, be assessed and colledled within the borough of Easton, for the current
year, besides the sum to be colledled with the county rates and levies.
The necessary funds having been provided, the board advertised in the newspapers
of the town for proposals from teachers of approved qualifications, to take charge of the
schools, stating the number of pupils they would be willing to receive, and the terms on
which they would teach each child per month. The following were the rates of tuition
agreed upon :
"Teachers of reading, writing, and arithmetic, beyond reducftion, were to receive
sixty cents per month for each pupil."
"Teachers of reading, writing, and arithmetic, up to the rule of three, were to receive
forty-seven and a half cents per month for each pupil."
"Teachers of alphabet, spelling, reading, and writing, or any one of these branches,
were to be paid thirty-seven and a half cents per month for each pupil."
In consequence of the board's inability to secure sufficient school-room accommoda-
tions, arrangements were made for the admission of public school children into several of
the private schools of the town, their tuition having been paid from the funds of the dis-
trict, and in accordance with the rates established by the board.
On the ist day of January, 1835, the public schools of Easton were first opened, and
were placed under the care of the following teachers : Joseph P. Deringer, Henry Hem-
sing, Paul Higgins, Jacob Slemmer, P. G. Sherman, Gertrude Kemper, Rosanna Bidle-
man, Julianna Moebus, Mary Freeman, Mary B. Harrison, M. McGaugey, Louisa Tin-
dall, Harriet Sill, M. A. Rogers, Louisa Hecht, Sophia Hecht, Eliza Failing, Leonora
Bnrnsides, B. Burnsides, A. L. Osterstock, Elizabeth Murray.
The following teachers of private schools received pupils from the distri(5l schools on
special terms : Rev. John Vanderveer, Josiah Davis, Misses Lorrain, Mrs. Prior, Mrs. M.
A. Ralston.
The inauguration of the system of common schools in Easton was attended with
much opposition. This was more actively displayed, when the question as to the addi-
tional school funds to be raised was submitted and voted upon in the annual town meet-
ing. At the annual meeting, in 1835, the excitement became so intense, and the pro-
ceedings so turbulent, as to render the definite disposal of any proposed measure impossi-
ble. At the suggestion of the chairman, James M. Porter, Esq., the decision of the
question as to the tax-levy was deferred for one week, when the same should be decided
by ballot. By a determined effort, the friends of the public schools succeeded in obtain-
ing a majority of votes in favor of an additional tax of $3000. This vigorous demonstra-
tion, in behalf of popular education, had the eflTecil to disarm, if it did not entirely subdue
the antagonism arrayed against the common schools.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS FROM 1834 TO 1854.
The period covering the first twenty years of common school history, so far as the
same relates to the borough of Easton, is not marked by anything special in the way of
scholastic results. The condition of the schools, during this period, may be noted as
follows :
First, as to School Accommodations. — During this period, no portion of the public
school fund was expended in the erecftion of school-houses. The only building originally
382 THE HISTORY OF
designed for general school nse, and that was available for the purposes of the board, was
the old Union Academy.
The charter of the trustees of the academy having become vitiated, by reason of their
negletl in maintaining an organization, the real estate in their possession was vested, by
an acl of Assembly, passed April 14, 1835, in the corporation of the borough of Easton,
and, by a subsequent acl of Assembly, passed April 10, 1848, the same was vested in the
school direcflors of the borough of Easton.
The other school-rooms in use, during the first five years, were such only as could be
obtained in private residences. These were ill-adapted to school purposes in size, ventila-
tion, and surroundings. The latter were superseded, in time, by rooms secured in the
basements of the several churches of the town. In 1848-49, the two frame buildings,
erected on the academy grounds, by the "Easton Fencibles" and "National Guards," for
purposes of military drill, were purchased by the Board of Direftors, and converted into
school-rooms.
The school furniture was in accord with the rooms in which it was located ; was of
ancient pattern, and exceedingly uncomfortable, if not positively injurious. As to appa-
ratus, there was none worth mentioning.
Second, as to the Teachers. — The number of different teachers employed by the School
Board, during the period under consideration, was about one hundred and sixty, and of
this number fifty were males. Of these there were but few, comparatively, who had
entered upon the work of teaching with the view of making it a permanent business.
The successive corps of teachers consisted chiefly of such as sought employment in the
schools, merely to eke out a livelihood, until an opportunity was afforded for a more
genial and lucrative engagement. There were some, however, whose continuous service
in the distri(fl gave proof of the board's confidence, and the appreciation of the public.
The examination of teachers was condu<fted by the Board of Dire(flors, or some one deputed
for the purpose ; was exceedingly formal, and superficial, that but few, if any, of the
applicants were ever convi6led of incompetency. The teachers were employed generally
on the grounds of favoritism, or on the principle of alms-giving, rather than that of
qualification.
Third, as to the School Term. — The average annual school term, for the period named,
did not probably exceed six months. During the first few years, the time of opening the
schools each year, as well as their continuance, was a matter of contingency, dependent
on the amount of school funds at the command of the board. As soon as the revenue of
the distridl could be determined with some degree of certainty, the beginning and dura-
tion of the annual term was definitely fixed, the term having been gradually extended, as
the resources of the board increased.
Fourth, as to the School Work. — Nothing beyond instrudlion in the simple rudiments
of the ordinary English branches was attempted, prior to the year 1850. The advanced
educational work of the town was done by private schools, which were largely patronized.
In 1849, fifteen years after the public schools were instituted, there were but seven hun-
dred and seventy-five pupils enrolled in the distriti schools, and these consisted princi-
pally of very young children, and those of more advanced age, whose parents were unable
to bear the expense of private tuition. A majority of those elected to the office of school
director, gave their patronage, and, as a consequence, their sympathy to private schools.
E AS TON, PENN'A. 383
Their legislation, therefore, in behalf of the public schools, though stridlly conforming
to the requirements of the law, had not the incentives, which dire6l personal interest
would be likely to beget for elevating the common schools to the highest possible standard
of excellence.
The schools were annually set in motion, and allowed to run at random. There was
no adjustment of machinery, nor harmony in the management or effort, that seemed
to indicate in the least that anything definite, by way of result, was aimed at or de-
sired. There was no coherence in the several schools of the district. Each school was
organized, taught, and governed independently of the others. There was no graduation
of schools, nor adjustment of classes ; no established curriculum, and no uniformity of
text-books.
The methods of instru(?tion were left to the option of the teachers, and evinced great
disparity of aim and process. The course pursued by many of the teachers was the result
of accident, rather than the work of design. In general, the instru6lion of the schools
was conducted on no settled principle, and the methods pursued were destitute of many
of the traits essential to an intelligent and well-devised plan.
This condition of the schools remained undisturbed until the year 1850, when adlive
measures were instituted, with the view of elevating the common schools to a position of
usefulness and respeftability. The schools were partially reorganized and classified, so as
to approximate somewhat a graded system. The course of study was reconstrudled, and
provisions made for instru6lion in the higher branches of learning. In furtherance of the
proposed plan, the organization of a high school was proje<5led, and authority for its estab-
lishment in the distri6l was obtained, through an acft of the Legislature, passed April
2, 1850.
The reform, thus set in motion, was due mainly to the influence of the late Hon.
Washington McCartney. No man in this community has been more closely identified
with the public schools of this borough, and no one has left a more distinct impress of
himself and his work. At the very start of the system, he became its earnest, eloquent,
and efficient advocate ; and, by the suffrages of his fellow-citizens, having been appointed
to the position of school director, he labored assiduously, intelligently, and successfully,
in laying a good and strong foundation, upon which there has been eredled a beautiful and
durable structure.
Scholarly as he was, and impelled, by his tastes and professional duties, to husband
his time for private and individual engagements and aims, he, nevertheless, gave himself
up to unusual exadlions of labor and sacrifice, in behalf of the educational interests of the
town. In this respecft, he was an exception to the majority of educators connedled with
colleges and higher institutions of learning. They are willing to approve, and suggest,
and patronize, but seldom do they co-operate by definite adlion. He subordinated all his
acquisitions, and his love of study, to the purpose of improving the facilities for a more
general education of the whole people.
It is to be hoped that his name will ever remain fragrant in the memory of the
patrons, teachers, and pupils of our schools ; and, that whatever improvement may have
been made by the wisdom and labor of other men, and whatever of future excellence may
still be reached in the future, it may never be forgotten, that Washington McCartney was
384 THE HISTORY OF
the impelling power, whose influence will be seen and felt by all who are acquainted with
the history and growth of our public schools.
The results of the first year's experience in school reform were gratifying to the
friends of popular education. The spirit exhibited in the internal progress of the schools,
was alike visible in the improvement and adornment of buildings and grounds. The
academy building was thoroughly renovated, and the school-rooms supplied with furni-
ture, which, though not the most convenient, was, nevertheless, a decided improvement
on that which had been displaced.
The ladies of the town assumed the responsibility of beautifying the grounds sur-
rounding the academy. In 1851, they held a fair with a view of securing funds for the
undertaking, and succeeded in securing a liberal sum, which they applied to the improv-
ing and ornamenting, with terraces and shade trees, the hill on which the academy is
located. The present beautiful and picturesque surroundings of the old and time-honored
academy, stand as a perpetual memorial of the industry, taste, and zeal of those by whose
voluntary effort the school grounds of the Second Ward are rendered so pleasing and
attra<ftive.
In 1853, the condition of the public schools, though susceptible of radical amend-
ment, was far in advance of anything hitherto attempted or attained in the Easton district.
Notwithstanding their improvement and increased facilities for educational work, they
failed to secure either sympathy or encouragement from very many of the prominent and
influential citizens of the town. This was owing partly to prejudice, and partly to the
fa6l, that private schools furnished a more thorough and elevated course of instruftion,
than the limited provisions of the public schools would admit.
At this time, there was a number of efficient and well sustained private schools in
the place. Of these, the most prominent were the classical schools, designed exclusively
for the education of boys and young men, taught respe6lively by Dr. Vanderveer (who
was succeeded in 1854 by the Rev. Thomas Apple), Messrs. Wood and Mr. Reuteneck,
and the young ladies' school, on the corner of Third and Spring Garden streets, of which
Mr. Cann was principal.
THE FEMALE SEMINARY.
The Female Seminary was established in 1841, under a charter of incorporation, granted
by the Legislature in 1838. The original corporators of this institution were the Rev.
John Gray, D. D., Jacob Wagener, Dr. Joseph K. Swift, John Stewart, Rev. John P.
Hecht, Peter S. Michler, and Rev. B. C. Wolf. In 1839 the Hon. James M. Porter became
a member of the board of trustees, and officiated as secretary of the same during the entire
period of the seminary's existence. He was the most aftive and efficient member of the
board, and gave valuable aid in establishing and furthering the designs of the institution.
The seminary was conducfted in the basement of the Episcopal Church, until the year
1845, when the school was transferred to the building ere6ted by the trustees, on the lot
in the southwest corner of the academy grounds. The lot, on which the building was
located, was granted by an a(5t of the corporation of the borough of Easton, dated August
31, 1841. By this ac!;!, the trustees were authorized to use and occupy the said lot, and to
ere<5l thereon a building to be used as a female seminary ; and, were to continue in the
enjoyment of their right to the same, so long as the said building and grounds should be
engaged in the interest of a female seminary.
E AS TON, PENN'A. 385
The average number of pupils in annual attendance at the seminary did not exceed
sixty-five. The successive principals who had charge of this institution were Robert
Phipps, Theron H. Hawks, David Moore, Amandus Barker, C. F. Thurston, and E.
Dean Dow.
Mr. Dow, having established the Opheleton Seminary, in a building ere(5led for the
purpose, on South Sixth street, transferred thither the pupils of the "Female Seminary,"
and vacated the premises on Second steeet. The building eredled by the trustees, having
fallen into disuse as a female seminary, and, in consequence thereof, the claims of the
trustees to the property having been invalidated, the school direcftors, in 1853, took posses-
sion of the building and lot, and applied the same to the use of the public schools.
PUBUC SCHOOLS FROM 1854 TO 1877.
The school system pursued at present in the borough of Easton, was adopted and
went into operation in September, 1854. The year immediately preceding its adoption
was noted for the clamor and opposition excited in the town against the then existing
school management. The vacillating policy pursued in the general administration of the
schools disclosed the facft that the system was guided by caprice, rather than by settled
principle. The legitimate work of the school-room was frequently set aside, to give place
to preparations for mere entertainment or public display. These and similar expedients
were employed as palliatives of public discontent, and as such were made minister to
official interest, and eclat, rather than to the good of the schools. But the administra-
tion of the schools having been publicly ventilated, the people became cognizant of their
true condition, and applied the proper remedy.
The schools opened in the fall of 1853, under very unfavorable auspices. There was
a want of harmony in the elements composing the school board. Its counsels were fre-
quently distra(fled by discord. The members, being equally and rigidly divided on the
question of school management, failed to agree on any fixed policy, and, as a consequence,
the order and classification of the schools were seriously deranged. In the absence of any
provisions made by the board for their adjustment, the schools were committed to the care
and disposal of the superintendent.
On the 25th of January, 1854, the Superintendent, in his report of the schools, sug-
gested a plan for a High School, and the systematic arrangement of the subordinate
schools, together with a complete and comprehensive course of study adjusted to, and in
fulfillment of, the proposed scheme.
The plan was submitted and unanimously adopted, and the Superintendent was
directed to mature arrangements for its introdudlion at the opening of the next school
term in September. In pursuance of the board's instru6lions, the schools were thor-
oughly examined, and each pupil was furnished with a certificate, indicating his standing
and the grade of school to which he should be admitted at the opening of the next term.
This was the first and only complete examination, to which the schools of the district had
been subjedled, since the organization of the common schools.
The board also authorized the publication of a catalogue, or rather prospedlus, of the
High School, in order that the public might be apprised, not only of the design of this
institution, but of the scope and intent of the proposed new school system. The cata-
logue was issued in June, 1854, and a copy furnished to each family in the distri6l.
386 THE HISTORY OF
The catalogue recited the following particulars, which are here given in brief :
1 . The Board of School Directors. — Benjamin F. Arndt, president ; Hon. Washington
McCartney, secretary ; Aaron Seip, treasurer ; John J. Horn, Henry M. Mutchler, Esq.,
Henry Keller.
2. The Act of Assembly, for the Erection of a High School, in the Borough of Easton,
passed April 2, iS^o. — " Sed;ion 4. That the School Dire(?tors of the districfl, composed
of the borough of Easton, be, and hereby are authorized to establish, under such regula-
tions as they may deem advisable, one High School, in said distridl, for the complete
education of such pupils of the public schools of said distritTi, as may possess the requisite
qualifications, and the moneys expended in the establishment and support of said High
School, shall be paid out of the treasury of the common school fund of said districft. "
3. The Instructors. — William W. Cottingham, superintendent, ex-officio principal ;
William Mutchler, assistant.
4. Terms of Admission. — Candidates were required to be twelve years of age; to
have passed at least six months in one of the public schools of Easton, and to show, on
examination, that they are able to read, write, and spell corre6lly, and that they possess a
competent knowledge of grammar, geography, and arithmetic. No candidate was to be
admitted to the examinations without having previously presented a certificate, signed by
a teacher and one of the direcftors of the public schools, stating the age of the applicant
and the length of time spent in the distri<5l schools.
The examinations were to be condudled by the instrucftors of the High School, and
a committee of the Board of Diredlors, etc., etc. Qualification was the only passport to
be demanded, so that the youth in moderate or indigent circumstances, had guaranteed to
him the same privileges and opportunities that were afforded to those of a better pecu-
niary condition.
5. Course of Instruction. — The curriculum covered a four years' course of study, and
was complete in its provisions for all the requirements of a practical education, as well as
for a thorough preparation for college.
6. The List of Pupils. — There were twenty-six pupils in attendance at the school.
These were not regularly classed as High School students, but were admitted only as
members in course of preparation for High School standing.
7. Examinations. — All the classes were to be thoroughly examined at the close of
each term, in the presence of the instrucftors, the Board of Direclors, and such citizens as may
choose to attend. Public notice of the time and place of the examination was to be given.
As the regular course of the High School was not to commence until the first Mon-
day of September, following, an examination of candidates to form the first, or initial,
class of the High School, was directed to be held June 30, 1854.
8. Terms and Vacations. — The High School year was to be divided into two terms of
five months each — the first term extending from September i to February i, and the second
term from March i to August i — the months intervening between the terms being set
apart as vacations.
9. Public Exercises. — It was designed to have a public exhibition of the class that
completed the four years' course. This was to occur at the close of the second term. On
this occasion, the graduating class was expedled to read essays, or deliver orations, of their
own composition.
E AS TON, PENN'A.
387
10. Govenimenf. — It was intended that the government of this school should be con-
duced on the principle of parental influence, and that pupils should be diligently instructed
to govern themselves. Appeals to the sense of right, of honor, of manly condu(ft, and,
generally, to the motives nearest of kin to those that ought to regulate the maturer life of
the student, were to be the prominent agency of school discipline.
11. Address to the Public— '^x\\X&n by Edward F. Stewart, Esq., a member of the
School Board, and appended to the catalogue.
The design of this school, is, doubtless, familiar to the public. Its anticipated estab-
lishment has led to an interchange of opinion, as to its practicability, and has elicited
EASTON SCENERY — CIRCLE AND KOUN
information in reference to the operation of similar institutions elsewhere. It is not our
purpose to discuss elaborately any of the questions growing out of this enterprise. High
schools have a history to which we refer all doubters as to their utility. We shall, there-
fore, assume that all who have examined, with any minuteness, the field of educational
labor within our borough, admit the propriety of the proje(?t, and shall briefly set forth its
design and the scope of its operations, expelling that such an exposition of its advantages
will secure for it the public favor and patronage that its merits demand.
This school is to be the converging point of all the previous instrucflion in the other
public schools. Without it, the public school system would be incomplete, not affording
388 THE HISTORY OF
all the advantages of a thorough education. It is the purpose of the directors to combine
in this school all the facilities for acquiring a complete education ; such a training as will
qualify the pupils for any of the trades, or ordinary industrial occupations of life, and such
a discipline as will prepare for the prosecution of professional studies. Hitherto, private
schools have been looked to, exclusively, for instruction in the higher branches of an edu-
cation. Our common schools have seldom aspired to teach other than the primary or ele-
mentary branches. Now, however, since the system has been more fully developed, and
its defects obviated, it can be successfully applied to a wider sphere of educational labor.
And we know of no field so inviting as that of our own borough. Here a most admirable
opportunity is afforded for the experiment, additional to trials made elsewhere, of its
enlarged efficiency and usefulness. We have a large number of pupils who are, year by
year, advancing in their attainments, as they pass from one to another of the ascending
series of schools. With the preparatory teaching already given, a sufficiently large ele-
ment is in readiness as a nucleus for a High School.
An examination of the studies, systematized progressively in reference to the advance-
ment of the pupil, will convince any one of its substantial advantages. This school will
afford all the inducements for parents that our most deserving pri\-ate institutions can
offer. Why should it not? There is nothing inherently superficial in the public school
system. That it has not hitherto been adapted to all the educational needs of all classes
of society, was not because of intrinsic inefficiency, but rather because there was no
demand for wider and higher culture. It has been taken for granted, that an education,
designed to extend beyond the rudiments, must be acquired in private establishments.
Hence, our public schools, in some places, have degenerated into infant nurseries, where
amusement, rather than instru(?tion, was to be imparted.
It has been considered one of the necessary results of our social system, that the pos-
session or want of wealth must distribute the children of a community into separate
schools. Thus a healthful moral influence has been checked, and hence our public schools
have been shorn of their legitimate power by this social ban. The educated and influen-
tial portion of the community have felt no personal interest in the welfare of these schools.
Their sympathies attach themselves to private schools, where their children are educated.
But indifference has not been the worst evil. The injury has not only been negative.
Positive hostility has, not unfrequently, been stimulated by the tax-gatherer, and thus the
efficiency of the.se schools, even for the poorer classes, has been crippled. The cry of
oppressive taxation has always measurably deterred our .school directors from making that
liberal provision, which aa ignorant and straitened portion of our population demanded.
But a new era has dawned on this great public interest. Education, however
important as a personal concern, has wider relations. It is the great problem presented
to communities of men. On its solution depends their weal or woe. All the social, civil,
and religious interests of States and nations are included in the question. The people are
now beginning to look at the subjetl in a proper light. One of the most auspicious "signs
of the times," is the awakening attention given to the necessity of a wider diffusion of
thorough education. All classes of society are beginning to feel, that it is their privilege
and duty to enjoy a wider educational horizon. The common mind is becoming inquisi-
tive. The struggles of the age are leading men into an examination of the foundation of
rights and duties. The domains of science, philo.sophy, and polite literature hitherto pro-
E AS TON, PENN'A. 389
hibited territory to the industrial classes, now invite the children of toil to their elevating
pleasures and ample rewards. Labor and science have joined hands. The school-house
has become the college. The children of the day laborer are now stimulated by competi-
tion with the rich man's sons, and may look forward to attainments, the result of patient
study, equal in value and extent to the acquisitions of the most favored sons of wealth.
This is republicanism practicalized. It is equality applied to one of the vital interests of
the State. It is the true philosophy of progress. It is the only process by which the
ignorant and indigent can be brought into the necessary conditions of equalit}-. While it
leavens the masses, it condemns, as chimerical and wicked, those schemes that would
bring down all gentility, intelligence, and social refinement to the dead level of an agrarian
barbarism.
The citizens of our borough have an interest in the establishment of this school. It
is a local enterprise, with legitimate claims. Here are afforded all the advantages of a
complete education. Nothing that has been considered disciplinary by the most compe-
tent instru<?lors, has been omitted in its course of study. The aim, in arranging the course,
has been not so much to impart information, as to develop the mental powers, and to ex-
cite a love of study. These two objedls once gained, the pupil is prepared, after having
completed the entire course of the institution, to give specific diredlon of his mind to a
pursuit for life. It is hoped by the dire6tors, that as the projecft is a public interest, so it
will elicit popular favor. It cannot succeed, unless adlive support is afforded. While
moral contagion is a proper subjedl for parental solicitude yet it is thought, that the dan-
ger from this source has been greatly exaggerated. Under the control of a watchful dis-
cipline, the intermingling of the extreme elements of society, may be made a powerful
agent of social regeneration. Let our citizens lay to heart these considerations, and let
our tax payers now embrace the opportunity of receiving an ample equivalent for their
school tithes.
INAUGURATION OF THE PRESENT SCHOOL SYSTEM.
On the first Monday in September, 1854, the new school system was regularly and suc-
cessfully inaugurated, which marks the beginning of a career that has rendered the schools
of Easton illustrious, and makes them a fair exponent of the possible excellence attainable
by a system of common schools.
The prominent fadls, descriptive of the present system, may be noted as follows :
I. THE DISTRIBUTION AND GRADATION OF SCHOOLS.
The borough of Easton constitutes but one school district, divided into three school
sections. The municipal division of the town into three wards, immediately after the
adoption of the system, stimulated efforts in the direcflion of ward enterprise, which man-
ifested itself in the location and eredlion of school houses, to suit the wants and convenience,
of the respedlive wards. The educational work was thus distributed, and gave rise to the
present division of the districfl into three school se6lions. Each sedlion has its comple-
ment of schools, corresponding in grade, classification, and work. These sections though
independent of each other, sustain a common relation to the high school, as the converg-
ing point of all instrudlion furnished by the subordinate schools. The gradation and clas-
sification of the schools are adjusted, so as to enable the pupil to advance, by a succession
of easy and progressive steps, from the primary to the high school.
390 THE HISTORY OF
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
The present High School originated with the school system, that went into operation
in September, 1854. The question, as to the establishment of an institution of the kind
in this districl, was first agitated in 1850, when the act of Assembly, already referred to,
was passed, authorizing its erection. The Board of Directors, however, took no action in
the matter until April, 1852, when Washington McCartney and Charles Innes were con-
stituted a committee, to report a plan for the organization of a High School. This com-
mittee, however, did not report until February, 1853, when a plan was submitted and
adopted, but, for some reason, the same was not put in operation. In March, 1853, the
school directors took possession of the female seminary building, and resolved to establish
therein a High School. In the following month, the school was organized, but in con-
formity with no specific plan, and consisted of twenty-six pupils, who, having been drafted
indiscriminately from the other schools, were classified according to age or size, rather
than scholastic attainments.
This school, though possessing none of the characteristics of a High School, never-
theless continued its existence as such, nominally, for a period of one year. The pupils
had not the training necessary for their entrance upon an advanced course of study, hence
the entire year was devoted to their preparation for High School standing. At the close of
the year, seventeen of the pupils, having sustained a satisfactory examination, were admitted
to the High School, and formed the first class of the school under its present organization.
The first Freshman Class of the High School, of which Mr. R. L. D. Potter was the
teacher, was composed of the following students : Herman Alsover, Jabez Alsover, Charles
Bishop, Henry H. McNeal, Joseph S. Osterstock, Solon C. Phillippe, Henry H. Oberly,
John F. Reichard, John Patton, Thomas Rinek, Philip Schlough, Joseph G. Semple,
John A. Shawde, William H. Sigman, Albert N. Seip, Albert Senseman, David H. Young.
This institution grew in popularity as its advantages became known. It afforded
facilities for educational training, equal, if not superior, to those furnished by the best
conducted private institutions. The discovery of this fa6l had the effedl to diminish the
patronage of private schools, to such an extent, that many of them were discontinued for
want of support.
The male department of the High School having been firmly established, the neces-
sary steps were taken for the organization of a female department of the same school.
This was accomplished, and the female department went into operation, in February,
1857, with a class consisting of twenty-nine young ladies, under the tutorage of Mr. Seth
I. Tharp. These departments were independent of each other in government and instruc-
tion. Though the same building was used by both departments, the sexes were separated,
and, respectively, occupied distintl apartments, for study and recitation.
Pupils are admitted to this school on a special examination, the supply being fur-
nished by a requisition on tiie first grades of the grammar schools. Pupils, residing with-
out the boundaries of the district, who possess the requisite qualification, have access to
this school, upon tiie payment of a tuition fee.
The present academic year of this school is divided into two terms, of five months
each, with no intermission between the terms. All the classes undergo an examination
at the close of each term. The promotion of pupils is made at the annual examination,
which occurs at the close of the second term.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 391
The annual High School commencement takes place immediately at the close of the
school year. The exercises consist of orations, by the gentlemen, and essays, by the
ladies, of the graduating class. On this occasion, each of the graduates is presented with
a diploma, as a testimonial of approved scholastic merit. In 1857, ^^^ graduating class
consisted of but two members ; now the classes have grown so large, as to necessitate the
restridlion of the number of graduating performers to a mere representation from each
department.
A matter of no little importance, is the friendly and sympathetic attitude of Lafayette
College. This institution has generously joined hands with the Common School. In it
she recognizes a power, for the more perfedl development of which she magnanimously
proffers her influence. Her Board of Trustees, in 1868, unanimously appropriated four
permanent scholarships for the use of the High School, with the design, that the benefit
of each scholarship should be presented, as a reward of merit, to the male graduate who
maintains the highest average grade of scholarship. The arrangements are such as to
secure the presentation of one scholarship each year, thus affording the pupil, as an incen-
tive to application, a full and complete college course of education, free of expense. The
formal presentation of the scholarship certificate is made a part of the commencement
exercises, and adds much to the interest of the occasion.
The High School is the great motive power of our school machinery. Its influence
permeates the entire school system, extending even down to the very lowest grade of the
primary department. In point of efficiency, this school has been elevated to a standard
that places it at the threshold of the college. The system of teaching reveals nothing of
an artificial nature. There is no waste of energy or time in preparation for purposes of
mere display. All the appliances, employed in the development of mind-power, rest on
a natural and philosophic basis, consequently the work done is solid and enduring. This
fa6l is fully endorsed by the intellecftual status of those who have already gone forth from
this institution, to fill positions of honor and responsibility. Moreover, the systematic
and successful training afforded by this school, is recognized by the educated portion of
the community, whose appreciation of its advantages is shown by their liberal and con-
tinued patronage.
SYNOPSIS OF THE HIGH SCHOOL.
Alale Department. — Senior Class, Junior Class, Sophomore Class, Freshman Class.
Female Department. — Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D.
The following list comprises the successive teachers of the present High School :
MALE DEPARTMENT.
Principal Teachers. Assistants.
1854-55 Robert L- D. Potter
•855-56 Benjamin F. Stem R. L- D. Potter.
1856-57 Robert F. Lehman R. L. D. Potter.
1857-58 H. M. Hazeltine Hugh P. Marston.
1858-59 William H. Dean Hugh P. Marston.
1859-63 Benjamin F. Stem Hugh P. Marston.
1863-65 John H. Sykes Hugh P. Marston.
1865-67 Jacob W. Weaver Hugh P. Marston.
1867-70 Jacob W. Weaver Joseph Martin.
1870-72 Robert E. James Joseph Martin.
1872-77 Jacob VV. Weaver Joseph Martin.
'877-79 Jacob W. Weaver Joseph Martin.
1879-82 Henry Snyder Joseph Martin.
392
THE HISTORY OF
FEMALE DEPARTMENT.
Principal Teachers. Assistants.
1857-5S Sethl.Tharp
1858-59 Seth I. Tharp Mrs. E. P. Johnson.
1S59-60 J. R. Dutton Miss M. M. Shattuck.
1860-64 William H. Stultz " M. M. Shattuck.
1864-65 Daniel E. Schoedler " M. M. Shattuck.
1865-66 J. F. Ernst " E. A. Longstreth.
1S66-67 William H. StulU " E. A. Longstreth.
1867-77 William II. Stultz " E. H. Hoagland.
1873-77 Assistant in Both Departments " S.R.Miller.
1877-82 Assistant in Both Departments " S.R.Miller.
1877-81 William H. Stultz " E. H. Hoagland.
1881-82 W. H. Harrison " E. H. Hoagland.
1882-83 Henry Snyder Joseph Martin.
Jacob Mann.
Miss E. H. Hoagland.
" S. R. Miller.
1S83-85 Henry Snyder " M. E. Mansfield.
Joseph Martin.
Miss E. H. Hoagland.
1885-87 Henn,' Snyder " M. E. Mansfield.
Joseph Martin.
Miss E. H. Hoagland.
18S7-88 Benjamin F. Sandt " Susan R. Miller.
THE SUBORDINATE SCHOOLS.
The subordinate schools, in their general arrangement, are grouped into grammar,
secondary, and primary departments. These departments are subdivided into grades, to
promote an equitable and advantageous distribution of pupils, and the several grades of
the respe(?tive departments are specifically classified, that the work of instrudlion may be
definitely applied, and successfully and economically carried on.
The course of study has been judiciously selected, and graduated so as to harmonize
with the gradation and classification of the schools. The te.xt-books used in any parti-
cular school are uniform in all schools, of the same grade, throughout the town.
The order and classification of the subordinate schools, as they are now constituted,
may be synoptically stated as follows :
I. GRAMMAR DEPARTMENT.
This department, in each secftion, comprises two divisions of equal grade, but sepa-
rate in government and instrudlion. The pupils are distributed according to se.x, the
males occupying one division, and the females, the other. The supply of pupils for this
department is drawn from grade No. i, of the secondary department.
Classification of the Grammar Sdiools. — Males — Class No. i. Class No. 2, Class No. 3.
Females — Class No. i. Class No. 2, Class No. 3.
2. SECONDARY DEPARTMENT.
This department is divided into male and female divisions, each of which comprises
three distinct grades, numbered respecftively i, 2 and 3. Pupils, upon examination, are
E AS TON, PENN'A. 393
advanced from No. 3 to No. 2, and thence to No. i, from which they are promoted to the
grammar department.
Classification of the Secondary Schools. — Grade No. i. Males — Class No. i, Class
No. 2. Grade No. i. Females — Class No. i, Class No. 2.
Grade No. 2. Males — Class No. i, Class No. 2. Grade No. 2. Females — Class No.
I, Class No. 2.
Grade No. 3. Males — Class No. i, Class No. 2. Grade No. 3. Females — Class No.
I, Class No. 2.
3. PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.
The primary department embraces two grades, numbered respedlively i and 2.
Pupils of both sexes, on their first admission to school, enter No. 2. Upon the comple-
tion of the studies of this grade, they are transferred to No. i, whence, upon promotion,
they are admitted to grade No. 3, of the secondary department, the girls entering one
division, and the boys the other.
Classification of the Primary Schools. — Grade No. i. Class No. i, Class No. 2.
Grade No. 2. Class No. i. Class No. 2, Class No. 3.
SCHOOL HOUSES.
This distri(fl, at present, has an ample supply of school-houses. The nine buildings,
now devoted to the use of the public schools, were originally built with the design of
being used as school edifices, and all of them, save the old academy and frame seminary
building, on Second street, were ere(?ted by the school directors, and at the expense of
the distri(ft.
SIXTH WARD ACADEMY.
Prior to the year 1854, no portion of the public funds, raised by taxation, had been
expended in the building of school-houses. In 1853, a lot, located at that time, in the
extreme western part of the town., now the Sixth Ward, was purchased of Mrs. Eliza A.
Wilson, for the sum of $2,000 ; and the brick acadeiny, ere<fted thereon, was completed in
1854, at a cost of about $6,000. This academy is sixty feet front by forty feet deep, two
stories in height, and contains eight school-rooms. The original lot, having been subse-
quently divided by the opening of Seventh street, the western half was retained for school
purposes, whilst the eastern half was divided into building lots and sold for the sum of
$1,500. This sum, with the $500 paid by the county on an award of damages, occasioned
by the opening of the street, equals in amount the entire cost of the original lots. The
present valuable school lot, on Seventh street, was, therefore, secured without cost to the
distriifl ; and this result is due to the energy and ta(?t of Mr. Aaron Seip, who, at that
time, was one of the most efficient and progressive members of the School Board.
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING.
The eredtion of a High School building, on the east side of Second street, was com-
menced in 1855, and completed and occupied in 1856. It is built of brick, and rough-
cast ; is forty-eight feet front by seventy-four feet deep ; three stories in height, and con-
tains ten school-rooms, which are heated by hot-air furnaces. This building, with the
improvement of the adjacent grounds, cost $20,190.98. The building, alone, cost about
394
THE HISTORY OF
lUILDING. SITGREAVES BUILDING. M CARTNKV BUILDING.
THE SECOND WARD SCHOOL BUILDINGS, NORTH SECOND STREET.
$17,000. This is one of the most siibstautial and convenient school-houses in the district.
It was built by Mr. Charles Mclntire, architedl and builder, under the direction and super-
vision of a building committee, consisting of Dodlor Samuel Sandt, Edward F. Stewart
and Aaron Seip. It is named McCartney.
SIXTH WARD PRIMARY HALL.
In i860 a Primary hall was built on the north end of the Seventh street school lot.
This is a one-story, brick building, thirty-two feet front by seventy-two feet deep, contains
three school-rooms, and was erected by j\Ir. Levi Bennet, contractor and builder, for the
sum of $1,700.
FIRST WARD BUILDING.
In 1870 proceedings were instituted that had for their obje(5t the erection of a school-
house in the First Ward. A lot 250x88 feet having been procured from the Lutheran
congregation, at a cost of $20,250, the strudture was forthwith commenced. The corner-
stone was laid with imposing ceremonies, June 30, 1871, on which occasion the Hon. J.
P. Wickersham, Superintendent of Common Schools, officiated as master of ceremonies.
The building was completed and occupied in 1S73. This school-house covers an area of
E ASTON. PENN'A.
395
forty-eight hundred square feet, and in appearance presents a magnificence of stru6lure
that ranks it among the finest school edifices in the State. It is built of brown stone, with
trimmings of Ohio white stone ; is three stories in height, and covered with Mansard roof.
The first and second stories each contain four commodious school-rooms, with a comple-
ment of recitation rooms. The third story consists of two general school-rooms and three
recitation rooms. The main rooms are eacli of sufficient size to afford accommodation for
THE TAYLOR BUILDING, SOUTH FOURTH
one hundred and thirty pupils. The several rooms are provided with slate surface for
blackboard purposes, which, in the aggregate, cover an area of two thousand square feet.
This building is heated by steam, has fire escapes, and is furnished with every conve-
nience compatible with modern school improvements. It is beautifully located on South
Fourth street, between Ferry and Spruce, and has elegant lawns north and south of it.
The net cost of this building was $96,139.37. It is named Taylor.
THIRD WARD BUILDING.
In 1872 the Board of Control purchased a lot in the Third Ward as a site for a school
building. The erection of the building, however, was delayed until 1874, when the con-
tradl for the same having been completed, the building was proceeded with, and finished
in 1875. This school-house is a substantial brick edifice forty feet front by fifty-six feet
deep; two stories in height, and modeled after a plan published in the "Pennsylvania
School Architedlure. " It contains one large school-room, with two recitation rooms on
each floor, and is well adapted to the purposes of consolidated schools. The contract price
of this building was $6,935, but, in consequence of sundry neces.sary additional expenses,
its cost reached the sum of $8,650.
396 THE HISTORY OF
SEVENTH WARD BUILDINGS.
The citizens living in the extreme south-western limits of the borough, having
repeatedly importuned the board to furnish their children with suitable and convenient
school accommodations, and the Glendon Iron Company having generously proffered a lot
at a nominal ground rent, as a site for a school-house, the board accepted the offered lot,
and ereded thereon in 1875, a neat frame school-house. This building is twenty-five feet
front by fortA- feet deep, and one story in height. It contains one school room, with con-
venient hat rooms, and is well furnished and properly ventilated. It cost $1,329.
The next school-house ere(?ted in this district was commenced in 1876. This building
is located in the Seventh Ward, at the corner of Twelfth and Ferry streets, on a lot pur-
chased for the sum of $2,000. The building is a brick struc?ture, eighty feet front by fifty
feet deep, and two stories in height. The first story is divided into three school-rooms,
two of which are designed for one teacher each, and the other, being a large room with a
recitation room attached, is intended for two teachers. The second storj' having been
arranged for the accommodation of two consolidated schools, is divided into two capacious
rooms, with an accompanying recitation room for each. This building, in stru6lnre,
finish, and convenience of arrangement is complete, and refledls credit on the builders and
the committee that supervised its ere6lion. This school-house was erected by a contradl
at a cost of $9,573, which, added to the expenses incurred by the improvement of the
grounds, makes the entire cost $12,763.34.
SCHOOL SUPERVISION.
This distri(ft was probably the first in the State to inaugurate a system of school super-
vision. The value and importance of this feature of school administration, were recog-
nized by the school authorities of Easton, long before its incorporation into the general
school system of the State. In Easton, the borough superintendency, as a distindl school
office, was created and clothed with specific duties eleven years in advance of the estab-
lishment of the county superintendency, and ante-dated even the existence of the State
superintendency, as a separate and distindl office.
The Rev. John P. Hecht, having been appointed superintendent of the Easton schools
in February, 1843, was the first to perform the fun<5lions of the newly-created office. Mr.
Hecht was a prominent clergyman of the town, and having undertaken, without compen-
sation, to discharge the duties of school superintendent, devoted as much time to the
interests of the schools as was compatible with his clerical engagements.
In August, 1849, the Rev. Oliver S. St. John was ele6led borough superintendent at
a fixed salary. Mr. St. John being otherwise disengaged, gave his attention exclusively
to the duties of his ofllice. In addition to the labor bestowed on the Easton schools, he
devoted a' limited portion of his time to the supervision of the South Easton schools. His
administration was reformatory in character, and was signalized as a career of incessant
and arduous labor. His success was visible in the hopeful condition of the schools, in the
healthful activity of pupils and teachers, and in the growth of public interest in the Com-
mon Schools. Mr. St. John's official connection with the schools of Easton continued
until August, 1853, when the present incumbent was eledled.
The general results of the present school system, as portrayed elsewhere, by Edward
F. Stewart, Esq., arc herewith gi\'cu in part onlv.
E AS TON, PENN'A. 397
Mr. Stewart, having actively served in the capacity of school diredlor for a period of
twenty years, and having been identified with all enterprises of an improving and elevating
tendency, in our school development, is capable of furnishing full and reliable informa-
tion, touching the past and present history of our schools.
Mr. Stewart says : "We note the following, as some of the fruits of the system :
"/. The Effect on the Public Mind. — Public opinion has been revolutionized. Ani-
mosity has, if not wholly destroyed, been allayed. The citizens feel proud of their educa-
tional advantages. The public school is regarded as a powerful instrument in determining
the future destiny of the borough. It no longer needs the law alone for its support. It
is upheld by the arms of an intelligent community. It has the vigilant guardianship of
an interested people. Hence the patronage is universal. Sele(5l schools scarcely exist.
The crowd of children, representative of every social grade, that throngs the public
schools of this place, is indicative of the confidence manifested in the system.
".?. The Effect Upon the Teachers. — The standard of teaching has been elevated. A
drone can get no employment here. Appointments are made on the basis of qualification,
and not on that of favoritism or poverty. Self-culture has been thus promoted. The
system provides for the promotion of teachers, upon the condition of progress, as exhib-
ited by increased efficiency. The interest thus awakened in the teacher has given life to
the system. The zeal of the teacher has been infused into his pupils. The culture of
the preceptor is shown in the advancement of his scholars.
"j. The Effect Upon the Pupils. — The principle of progression is applied, as well to
the advancement of the pupils, as in the promotion of teachers. The obje(?t is to elicit
personal force. Individuality of charadler is carefully studied. The great aim is to train
each pupil for the particular avocation in life to which he seems adapted."
* *********
" The Public School system has been more fully developed since the establishment of
the borough superintendency. This is to be accounted for, because of the immediate
intercourse between the superintendent and the teacher. The superintendent can visit
the schools each day. He can see defe6ls, and apply the necessary remedy ; can reprove
the unfaithful teacher, and counsel unruly scholars. He can protedl the pupil from any
injustice on the part of the teachers, and can advise parents as to the best methods of
securing the progress of their children. In fine, he can closely watch the workings of the
machinery, no matter how complicated, and keep it in regular motion, and accelerate
that motion."
FROM 1876 TO 1888.
The above history of the Public Schools is from the pen of Superintendent Cotting-
ham. The educational machinery during the last twelve years has moved along with its
wonted smoothness. But there have been a few changes, and other important events,
during these years which are of considerable importance. Prominent among the changes
are those which afFecft the High School, in its management aud relation to the Grammar
Schools. Until quite a recent date the High School course consisted of four years ; this
has been changed to three. There was quite a class of pupils who did not wish to buy
books for the High School course, and yet desired to continue their studies somewhat
further than they could in the Grammar School, and to accommodate this class, the studies
398
THE HISTORY OF
JB^
^
1
k
•.INTH STREETS.
of the first year of the High School have been added to the Grammar Schools. The
studies are the same as before. There were those who felt fearful that the cliauge would
not give satisfaction, but the result has not justified their fears. The High School is an
institution which is held in high esteem by the people of Easton. The teachers occupy
the front rank in the profession, and every department is taught in the highest style of the
art. A change in the teachers is rarely made, and being thus permanent, they become
familiar with the several departments, which is an element of success. The High School
was organized in the early history of the Common Schools, and has been improved under
the fostering care of the Superintendent until it stands unexcelled, if not unrivaled, in the
State. Until recently there were two departments and two principals, but in 1882 the male
and female departments were consolidated. The following is the personnel of the teachers :
Senior and Middle Classes, B. F. Sandt, principal, teaching Greek and Latin.
Senior Class, Miss Mary E. Mansfield, teaching Geometry, Botany, English Litera-
ture, Civil Government, English Composition and Drawing.
Middle and Junior Class, Miss Emma H. Hoagland, teaching Algebra, Natural Philos-
ophy, Physiology, General History, Spelling, Writing, Drawing and English Composition.
Middle and Junior Classes, Miss Susan R. Miller, teaching the same as above.
Middle and Junior Classes, Jacob Mann, teaching the same.
Middleand Junior Classes, Jos. Martin, teaching Algebra, Natural Philosophy and Latin.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 399
SIXTH WARD BUILDING.
In 1884 the Franklin school building was eredled. It is really the most convenient
school house in the city. It is beautifully located at Walnut and Ninth streets, the
grounds are ample, and the view from the building is very fine. In size it is 63 by 69
feet square, with an entrance on each side, and so construdled as not to need fire escapes.
It will accommodate over four hundred pupils. The board has bought suitable land on
Northampton street, near Ninth, on which to eredl another building.
teachers' institute.
The Teachers' Institute has been a very important fa6lor in the development and suc-
cess of the Easton schools. One of the first duties performed by the superintendent was
the organization of the Institute, November 13, 1854. The keen foresight of the super-
intendent perceived the necessity of an association by which teachers could be specially
trained for their work. The work of training was to be mutual, the teachers were to help
each other. The Institute, for many years, met once a week, and no member could be
excused but by a vote of the Board of Control. The most rigorous discipline was enforced
by the superintendent and the board. The weather was not considered, cold or rain must
not be thought of as an impediment. Debates, le<ftures, recitations and essays, were given
by all the members in turn. The educational journals were at hand, and all questions
bearing upon the profession were discussed. Parliamentary law was closely studied and
rigidly enforced by the presiding officer. At other times the Institute would be divided
into classes, study lessons during the week and recite the same as pupils in the schools.
Every phase of educational science would thus be canvassed and thoroughly ventilated!
The superintendent was always present and would speak of faults he had observed in the
visitation of the schools in the manner and methods of instru(?tion and advise in the mat-
ter. The teachers thus became masters of the art of teaching in theory and practice.
The older teachers would stand high as professors in college. This is one instrumentality
which has done much to place the schools of Easton on so high a plane. The superinten-
dent now looks back with pleasure at the early organization of this co-ordinate branch of
education in Easton. It is interesting to think that the mind of Easton of to-day has
passed under the manipulations of these faithful toilors, as the children of the present
day are being moulded for the Easton of the future. And it is painful to realize, that
while the clergyman, who has grown old in the service of his church is cared for in old
age, the old teacher is forgotten, and turned out like an old horse to die. The time will
come when worn-out teachers will be pensioned like worn-out soldiers in the army. The
names of the first members of the Institute are as follows : W. W. Cottingham, president,
Oracle S. Sage, William Thomas, Hugh P. Marston, E. D. Milliard, R. L. D. Potter,
John F. Gwinner, Newton Kirkpatrick, Matilda Evans, Miriam Godown, Anna McNeal,
Jane Wilson, Susan Troxell, Anna F. Davis, Rebecca Lone, Irene Dexter, Jane A. Car-
roll, Elizabeth A. Kale, Mary Hecht, Emma Hecht, Elizabeth Dithmar, Mary A. Naylor,
Rosa Hinkle, Martha Moore, Henrietta Ludwig, Isabella T. Horn, Mary A. Young, Susan
H. Tice and Elizabeth T. Innes.
The city is divided into five se6lions, and the members of the Board of Control have
the oversight of the school property in the se<?tion in which they reside.
400 THE HISTORY OF
WILLIAM WHITE COTTINGHAM.
William White Cottingham, who has completed the third of a century of continuous service as Superintendent
of our Public Schools, was born in Easton on the 6th day of December, 1824. He is the son of Robert and Sophia Cot-
tingham. He first attended the private school of Miss Gertrude Kempfer, where he was initiated into the first rudi-
ments of learning. He next attended the school of Mrs. Pryor, in the frame building nearly opposite the High School
building, on Second street. Mrs. Pryor %vas the wife of an Episcopal clergyman, and kept a school more especially
designed for girls, but admitted a few- boys only, among whom was the subject of this sketch. When still a boy his
parents removed to the city of Philadelphia, and while there he attended the select school of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rapp.
After living there a short time the family again returned to Easton, and he entered the schools of Richard Collier and
Jacob Stemmer, both remembered by our older citizens, at both of which he remained for some time. The latter was
at the time the organist in the German Reformed Church, on Third street, and opened a school in the old building
which adjoined the church. Josiah Davis then opened a select school for girls and boys, on Third street, opposite the
German Reformed Church, which was well attended by girls, but numbered only a few boys, among them the subject
of this sketch.
In 1834 the Public School law went into effect, and the citizens of Easton, taking advantage of it, and a Board hav-
ing been organized, a school was opened and Josiah Davis was elected teacher thereof The first school was opened
in the basement of the old Episcopal Church, on Spring Garden street. Mr. Cottingham was among its first pupils.
Alter continuing there for a while, the Board of Directors transferred the school to the Academy building, on Second
street. Some difficulty arose concerning the transfer of scholars from Mr. Davis' school to another, which Mr. Davis
resisted, as well as parents, and it resulted in the opening of a select school by Mr. Davis, to which a number of the
pupils followed him, young Cottingham among the rest. After this he attended the school of Dr. Vanderveer for a
while, when he entered the dry goods and grocery store of his father, on Third street, where he remained for two or
three years. The mercantile business did not suit his taste, his mind inclined to mental pursuits and wider fields of
thought. He then left the store and entered the Model School in Lafayette College, then under Professor D. P. Yoe-
mans, where he prepared himself for a college course. He was admitted to Lafayette, took a four-years' course, and
graduated in 1848. Immediately after his graduation he was elected by the Board of Trustees as a tutor in the college.
He served in this capacity for one year, when an.xious to prepare himself for still higher labors, if necessary, he entered
Princeton Seminary. He remained at this institution for two years, when he was invited to take charge of the Acad-
emy at Haddonfield, N. J., in which the classics and higher mathematics were taught. He accepted the offer, took
charge of the academy and remained there for a time. While there the trustees of Lafayette recalled him to the tutor-
ship of their college, to which he responded and returned to his former field of labor. The college at that time was
not in a flourishing condition financially, and the salaries paid were meagre, and Mr. Cottingham thinking after a
time that he could do better elsewhere, resigned the tutorship. For several months he was not specially engaged,
when Mr. St. John, then Superintendent of the Public Schools of Easton and South Easton, being in want of a teacher
for the advanced school at South Easton, requested him to take charge until a permanent teacher could be secured.
Mr. Cottingham complied, and no other teacher being elected, he continued until the end of the term. During this
temporary engagement, he became interested in the work of teaching, especially the canal boys who frequented his
school in this term, and he resolved to devote his future time to the service. In August, 1853, he was elected principal
of the High School of Easton and soon after Superintendent. In January, 1S54, he suggested a plan for the manage-
ment of the schools, applied himself to a thorough organization, drew a draft for the grading of all schools, which was
endorsed by the Board, and started the successful machinery by which the schools of Easton are still governed, only
more fully developed. Easton at this time stood alone as an independent district in this State. The reputation of our
schools under the efficient management of Mr. Cottingham, extends all over the country. After the organization of
the schools Mr. Cottingham, in addition to the regular work of superintending the schools, also for many years per-
formed the clerical work now done by the secretary and librarian- These extra services were performed by him until
1873, when he was relieved by the appointment of a secretary.
Mr. Cottingham deserves the credit not only for the present perfect system of school government, but for the origin
and introduction of many other new features in the department. Through his suggestion and influence the scholarship
of Lafayette College was obtained and offered as a prize in the High School.
Mr. Cottingham treats his schools like a family, takes the same interest in their mental, moral and physical cul-
ture. When the scholars leave school he still follows them and watches their career, assisting when he can in securing
them positions, and in encouraging and counseling them in all good things. He is the oldest Superintendent in the
United States, having held the position for thirty-six years.
He is a man of strong physical and mental powers, or he could not endure the arduous labors of so many years as
he has done. He is unassuming in his manners, while he is courteous to all with whom he comes in contact. He per-
forms the various duties of his office with an exemplary impartiality, but a quiet decision, that makes the vast combi-
nation of elements in our school department a power for good to the public as well as the pupils under his control.
---4-.j.-o-^^„^ -f- ^,
mo
E ASTON, PENN'A. 401
LONG AND HONORABLE RECORD— INTERESTING CORRESPONDENCE.
The author while looking over the records of the public schools of the borough, found
that Mr. W. W. Cottingham had held the position of Superintendent for nearly thirty-
two years. The thought occurred to him that this was perhaps the longest continuous
term of office in the history of common schools in the country. To ascertain this fact
inquiry was made of the Commissioner of Education in Washington, D. C, which caused
the following correspondence :
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Education, Washington, D. C, June 9, 1885.
Reverend and Dear Sir : Your note of June 2, received here on the 6th, is before me, and I am pleased to learn
from it of the nearly thirty-two years' continuous service of Superintendent Cottingham, of Easton. It is a remarkable
length of tenure, and I should like to know whether it has been throughout continuous in one place, and in essentially
the same office. The first mention of him in the Pennsylvania School Reports appears to be in 1857, about twenty-
eight years ago, before which time the names of any other than County Superintendents are rarely given. » *
Outside of the United States there has been the remarkable case of the Rev. Dr. Egerton Ryerson, appointed Chief
Superintendent of Education in what is now the Province of Ontario, Upper Canada, in 1844, and retired in 1876, after
thirty-two years of service, a term which your Mr. Cottingham seems likely to equal, if not to e.xceed. Thanking you
for bringing his case to my notice, I am, with congratulations to him on his long service, very truly
Your obedient servant,
John Eaton, Commissioner of Edu
Easton, Pa., June 12, 1885.
Hon. John Eaton, Commissioner of Education— Dk\r Sir : Yours of the 9th of June is at hand, and I am happy
to inform you that William W. Cottingham has been Superintendent of the Common Schools of Easton, Pa., since
August, 1853. He entered upon his duties September i of that year, and will have been in office thirty-two years Sep-
tember I of this year. There has not been a "break," his has been a continuous tenure. The reason his name does
not appear in the reports of the State prior to 1857 is because Borough Superintendents were not required to report to
State authorities prior to that date. Mr. Cottingham is in good health, and in all probability will excel the Canadian
competitor. We think he is good for ten years longer. It is a source of pleasure that I am able to answer your inqui-
ries so satisfactorily.
Your obedient servant,
U. W. Condit.
THE COTTINGHAM CELEBRATION.
The School Board at a special session on February 21, 1887, passed resolutions lauda-
tory of Mr. Cottingham, directed a suitable minute of his services to be entered on the
records of the Board, and appointed a committee to arrange conjointly with the committee
of the teachers for a suitable public celebration.
The joint committee was constituted as follows : James K. Dawes, Chairman; James
Donnelly, Allen Albright, W. Gibson Field and Edward J. Fox, Jr. , of the Board of Con-
trol, and Henry Snyder, Mary E. Mansfield, Jacob Mann, Alice L,. Vreeland, Laura C.
DeHart, Carrie I. Pauli, George Anna Lake and Jacob W. Weaver, Secretary, of the
teachers. The committee designated Thursday, April 28, 1887, as the time for the cele-
bration, and it was accordingly held on that day, and we herewith present our readers
with an extended account thereof.
THE PROCESSION.
The outlines of the program previously published in the daily papers enabled the pub-
lic to form some idea of what was to be done in celebration of the completion, by Mr. Cot-
tingham, of a third of a century as Superintendent of the Easton schools, but we seriously
question whether the public was prepared for the very elaborate display that was made.
402 THE HISTORY OF
The streets were decorated, the town became alive with interest, and crowds thronged
the thoroughfares. It suddenly' dawned upon the people that there was an unusual
"something" afloat, and it aroused the greatest amount of interest.
The management of the affair devolved upon James K. Dawes, Esq., now Secretary
of the Board of Control.
Shortly after one o'clock the first appearance were made of those who were to form
the parade. The school children seemed to pop up all over town with their colored bad-
ges, with the pidlureof Mr. Cottingham and the legend, " Third of a Centur}- Celebration,
Easton, Pa., April 28, 1887." Now and then a teacher appeared, and at intervals im-
portant looking gentlemen — members of the School Board or some other dignitary. These
were noticed in different parts of the cit> — the scholars hastening to their schools, the dig-
nitaries wending their way to the Taylor building. At the schools there was bustle and
excitement. Soon young men with bronze-colored badges, aids, were seen at the school
buildings, and then the long lines of school children began marching through the streets,
bending their steps toward the Taylor building. As the aids arrived with their following
of school children they reported to Marshal Dawes, who assigned the position of each
school according to its grade. First in line came the Primaries, then the Secondaries,
then the Grammar schools, and lastly the High School scholars. To find places for these
— in all about 2,200 children — the line was e.xtended from Fourth and Ferry to North-
ampton, up the south side to Sixth street, and down to Fourth again on the north side,
the rear extending along Ferry street.
When all was formed and ready to move the School Dire(5lors, city officials, represen-
tatives of Lafayette College and other distinguished guests were escorted from the Taylor
building to the head of the procession and assigned a position just behind the band. Behind
them came thirteen little girls carrying baskets of flowers. The procession formed and
marched as follows :
Chief Tilton -svith Platoon of Police.
Junior Cornet Band.
Two vSilk United States Flags.
Marshal^. K. Dawes.
Three Aids.
The Banner of the Public Schools.
Board of Control.
City Officials and Invited Guests.
Dr. Knox, President, and Dr. Green, Dean of Lafaj-ette College.
Superintendent Cottingham,
Attended by Edward J. Fox, Jr., President of the Board of Control, and Rev. T. O. Stem, President of the
Board of Control of last year.
The Souvenir Album — In Charge of Henry Snyder, Principal of the High School.
Three Aids.
Primary Division Banner — (Purple with Canary Bar.)
Thirteen Little Girls of the Primary Schools, each Carrying a Basket of Flowers.
Twenty two Primary Schools, each with Purple Banners— (1071 Pupils.)
Secondary Division Banner — (Canary with Blue Bar.)
Twenty Secondary Schools, each with Canary Banner— (716 Pupils.)
Grammar Division Banner — (Blue with Red Bar.)
Ten Grammar Schools, each with Blue Banner — (304 Pupils.)
High School Banner— (Red with White Bar.)
The High School in Four Divisions, each with a Red Banner— (i 17 Pupils.)
E AS TON. PENN'A.
403
The total number of pupils in the procession was 2,208. The Banner of the Public
Schools was of gold cloth, gold fringe, with a broad bar of black satin, on which was
emblazoned in gold letters, " Public Schools," and on the banner in black letters, " Eas-
ton, Penna." On the Division Banners were inscribed, in gold letters on the bar, the
grade of schools at head of which they were carried. Each school carried a satin banner,
gold fringed, with the name, in gold letters, of the school building and room in which it
was located.
During the passage of the procession through the streets every available point of
observation was densely crowded, and the utmost enthusiasm prevailed. The parade
passed down Northampton street to Front street, thence to Lafayette Hall, in which was
assembled an audience, composed entirely of ladies, completely filling the building, except
the floor and the places reserved for the participants and invited guests. The scene was
unequaled in the history of Easton, and was as brilliant in spectacle as it was complimen-
tary to Mr. Cottingham.
As the scholars marched into the building they passed in review before Mr. Cotting-
ham, who, with the president and ex-president of the board, stood on an elevated plat-
form. As the division banner bearers arrived they left the line and assumed positions in
the rear of the reviewing stand. The Board of Control stood just beyond the stand with
open ranks through which the scholars passed, after which the distinguished guests
passed into the hall.
A half hour was required to mass the scholars, who were under the diredlion of Mr.
Moses Menline, one of the aids to the marshal, who had been assigned to the charge of the
hall, and who, with the assistance of his fellow aids, marched them to the places assigned
them, and so perfe<?tly was this done that, though over 2,200 children, more than one-
half of them under ten years of age, were massed on the floor of the hall, not a hitch or
halt occurred, and all were condudled to their proper places in the most perfect order.
There were two platforms eredled in the building. One was occupied by Mr. Cotting-
ham, President Knox, Dr. Green, Revs. Ferrier and Walter, Marshal Dawes, President
Fox, and ex-President Stem, of the Board of Control, Messrs. S. M. Perkins and J. A.
Greene, of New York, and Mayor Chidsey. On the opposite platform were City Con-
troller Rothrock and City Treasurer McCauley, the Board of Control and other guests.
The exercises in the hall consisted of instrumental and vocal music. Thirteen little
girls, between six and seven years of age, and representing the thirteen Primary, No. 2
schools, each carrying a small basket of flowers, passed before Mr. Cottingham on the
stage, and, as they passed, presented him with their baskets, which afterwards were tastily
grouped on the stage, adding to the scenic effecft.
It had been the desire of the friends of Mr. Cottingham to present him with some
gift which would add to the pleasure of the occasion, and help him to remember the donors
as he might look upon the gift in future years. The gift consisted of a beautiful album,
manufactured especially for the occasion. The size of the book is thirteen by sixteen
inches, and contains 298 pages. It is heavily bound in dark brown Levant morocco ; the
outside covers are severely plain, relieved only by the narrowest of gilt lines near the
edge, this being considered the highest taste in the binding art for very choice or presen-
tation books, the modest plainness of the outside being only a fitting contrast to the ele-
gance and exquisiteness of the interior.
404
THE HISTORY OF
When the covers are opened the first glance brings exclamations of delight ; they are
lined with white moire silk, the leather edges very broad, being elegantly decorated in
gold, with elaborate tool work. The title page is a marvel of the penman's art. It is
not only of great artistic skill as to the design, but the execution is faultless.
The sheets composing the book are of the finest linen paper, manufadlured specially
for this purpose ; the pages set apart for signatures are surrounded with a French gray tint
border, through which appears a branch of laurel tied with a bow ; on the opposite page
is a laurel wreath, also in same colored tint surrounding the words " Cottingham, Third
of a Century," in old style Elizabethan letters. The laurel is especially appropriate as
indicating the victor's wreath, to which Mr. Cottingham is so justly entitled. The plates
from which the tints were printed were specially engraved for this Album, and are excel-
lent products of the engraver's skill.
There are between three and four thousand names in the book, consisting of the
present and former pupils, present and former teachers ; Governor and Cabinet officers of
the State, names of the Judiciary, Legislature, and City Government, host of friends, and
every name is autographic from the child of six years to those venerable for years.
The presentation was made by Mr. Henry Snyder in the presence of the vast audi-
ence by an eloquent address. Upon the reception of the book the Superintendent returned
his grateful acknowledgment with words befitting the occasion. The parting song was
sung and the audience dispersed. And, at this writing, January 26, 1889, Mr. Cotting-
ham is still at his post, hale, and hearty, and happy.
GOVERNOR WOLF AND THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
In reading over the history of education in our city we find a few names that excite
unusual interest. Among those is that of Governor George Wolf His agency in the cause
popular education, the founding of the Common School system for Pennsylvania under
his energetic and aclive influence, and while he was Governor of the Commonwealth, has
embalmed his memory in the hearts of millions. The words of James Buchanan, just
before the ele(ftion of the Governor to his high office, give a proper idea of the brilliant
career upon which Mr. Wolf was to enter. Mr. Buchanan used the following language :
"If ever the passion of envy could be excused a man ambitious of true glory, he might
almost be justified in envying the fame of that favored individual, whoever he may be,
whom Providence intends to make the instrument in establishing Common Schools through-
out this Commonwealth. His task will be arduous. He will have many difficulties to
encounter, and many prejudices to overcome ; but his fame will exceed that of the great
Clinton, in the same proportion that mind is superior to matter. Whilst the one has
erecfted a frail memorial, which, like everything human, must decay and perish, the other
will raise a monument which shall flourish in immortal youth, and shall endure whilst the
human soul continues to exi.st. Ages unborn, and nations yet behind shall bless his
memory." Providence seledled George Wolf for that high post of honor, and to him, in
all time to come, when the inquirer shall seek to know by whose voice and sturdy will
that great boon was championed and finally won, will the paeons of praise and gratitude
be sung. Governor Wolf undertook to establish the Common School system, he made it
the special objett of his ambition, he made it the cherished purpose of his administration.
E AS TON, PENN'A.
405
He was opposed by prejudice, avarice and error. But he determined to succeed. He ascer-
tained by statistical reports that out of 400,000 children, between five and fifteen years of
age, more than 250,000 were not in school during the previous year. To the mind of a
philanthropist, this state of thing was appalling. This fa6l of itself startled the earnest,^
sincere heart of the Governor. "Hercules-like, he put his shoulder to the wheel," and
with his iron will yielded to no temporizing. He talked in private, used all the force of
his intellect in public ; he reasoned in the light of political economy, in the light of justice
to the rising generation, in the light of safety to our institutions, in the light of Christian
patriotism ; his heart was set on the matter, he saw the time had come and was ripe for
the consummation of the sublime objecfl of his ambition. He knew human nature, he
knew the way to the human heart, and went
dire6lly into the centre of human affe6lion and
I motive power. He was the first Governor of the
j State who had his room in the State House, and
1 bade the people welcome. Here he met with the
influential men of all parties, and from all parts
i of the State, and in the most dire6l and candid
! manner laid the important matter before them.
Governor Wolf succeeded, and his name, thus
connecfted with this glorious step in the intellec-
tual progress of Pennsylvania, has become im-
\ mortal. And this very fortunate and highly
favored Governor was a citizen of Easton. George
Wolf, the seventh Governor of Pennsylvania,
was born in Allen township, Northampton county,
August 12, 1777. His father was a native of Ger-
many, who left two sons, Philip and George, who
inherited the vigor, good sense and integrity of
the father. George was educated at a classical
school established in the county by a society,
I which was presided over by Robert Andrews, A.
I M., a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin. Here
he acquired a good knowledge of the Latin and
Greek languages and the science usually pursued in a liberal education. For a time he
had charge of his father's farm, and also acfted as principal of the academy in his native
township. He soon after entered the Prothonotary's ofiice of Northampton county as
a clerk, and at the same time studied law under the diredlion of the Hon. John Ross.
He early espoused the political opinions of Mr. Jefferson, and in 1799 advocated the elec-
tion of Thomas McKeen for Governor. When Mr. Jefferson became president he appointed
Mr. Wolf postmaster at Easton. Afterwards, Governor McKeen appointed him Clerk of
the Orphans' Court of Northampton county, which position he held until 1809. In 1814
he was elecfted a member of the lower house of the Legislature, and in the following year
was a candidate for the Senate, but was defeated on account of a rupture in the party
and the formation of a double ticket. In 1824 he was ele6led a member of the United
States House of Representatives, and was re-elecfled for the two succeeding terms, having
HON. GEORGE WOLF,
Ex-GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA AND FOUN-
DER OF THE Common School System.
4o6 THE HISTORY OF
no opposition in the first two elections, and being retnrned in the latter by a very large
majority. He stood high among the members as a hard worker and a conscientious, up-
rio-ht member. In 1829 he was nominated as a candidate for Governor, and was triumph-
antly elected. The Governor was looked upon as a man of sterling integrity, sound
judgment, and common .sense. His constant intercourse with the world had enabled him
to become well acquainted with human nature.
Easton is justly proud to think that the man who brought into being the Common
School System of Pennsylvania, was one of her citizens. He lived in the house now occu-
pied by Dr. John Detweiler. This great, this sublime consummation of patriotic devo-
tion to the public welfare reaches dire<5lly the children of the toiling millions, lifting them
up in the highest positions in the social, religious and political world. It has brought to
lio-ht the fa6l that the only true aristocracy is that of mind, and is the gift of God. And
the common school more frequently finds these jewels in the cabins of the poor than in
the palace of the rich. The toiling teacher in our common schools has become the most
potent factor in society. The teacher takes children in the plastic and most impressible
state of childhood and developes the living glories of the immortal soul and prepares the
expanding powers of these young minds to occupy the places of influence in and help
guide the destinies of the mightiest nation on the globe. And it does not require the
penetration of a philosopher to see that those who guide the destinies of this mighty
republic come from the cottages of the poor. Those flowers that would have been born
to "blush unseen," now scatter their fragrance over the surface of human society. And
as the light, beaming from the common schools, reaches directly the children, they have
had the privilege of erecting a monument to Governor Wolf.
Governor Wolf was elected in 1829, but the act by which the Common Schools were
established was not passed till 1834. But during these years he was busy gathering sta-
tistics on the condition of education, writing, reasoning with the people, urging the sub-
ject upon the attention of legislators. But when the act finally passed it was with a
unanimity, says the Governor, "rarely equaled, perhaps, never surpassed in the annals of
legislation." The Governor was a candidate for a third term, but by a division in the
partv he was defeated. The following year he was appointed by General Jackson the first
Comptroller of the Treasury of the United States. The duties of this important position
were discharged for two years, when he was appointed by President VanBuren Collector
of the Port of Philadelphia. On March 11, 1840, he died very suddenly, while in the
vigor of manhood, in the si.xty-third year of his age.
In 1859, thirty years ago, a movement was begun by which funds should be col-
lected to erect a monument to Governor Wolf The work was completed vSeptember
28, 1888. A committee was appointed by the Board of Control to make arrangements
for a celebration in honor of the great event, which resulted in a grand ovation, that
took place on the last mentioned date. James K. Dawes, Esq., was the chief marshal,
and was eminently successful in the very elaborate display which reflected the highest
honor upon all concerned. The celebration consisted of a procession which excelled, in
artistic arrangement, the parade in honor of Mr. Cottingham. Nothing escaped the atten-
tion of the chief marshal in the elaborateness of the arrangement, as the entire responsi-
bility of the management rested upon him. The city was dressed in holiday attire. The
buildings along the line of march were ta.stefully decorated. As they pas.sed down the
E ASTON, PENN'A. 407
street it was viewed by thousands of spedlators, and the cheers of greeting were heard on
every side. The procession was so long that the front reached the reviewing stand before
the rear had started.
Governor Beaver, State Superintendent Higbee, ex-State Superintendent Wickersham,
President Knox, Attorney General Kirkpatrick, General Reeder, Superintendent Cotting-
ham. Mayor Chidsey, officials of the City, members of the Councils and School Board,
and others took places on the reviewing stand, and watched the long line of schools as
they passed in review. The line was formed as follows :
Chief Tilton with a Platoon of Police.
City Cornet Band.
Two Silk United States Flags.
Chief Marshal (Gold Badge). Three Marshals as Aids (Bronze Badge).
The Wolf Memorial Banner with Forty-eight Pupils of the Primary Schools as Guards of Honor
under charge of Marshal George M. Bebler.
ContraAors and the Mechanics who aided in ereifting the Arch.
Wolf Memorial Committee (Peacock Blue Badge).
Superintendent Cottingham and H. S. Carey.
Board of Control (Light Blue Badge)
City Officials and Guests (Cream Badge).
President Knox and Faculty of Lafayette College.
Banner of Public Schools (Old Gold).
Marshal (Bronze Badge) with three Aids.
Primary Division (Purple Badge with Canary Bar)— Twenty-four Primary Schools, each with
Purple Satin Banner with Room Inscribed.
Secondary Division Banner (Canary with Blue Bar) — Twenty Secondary Schools,
each with Canary Satin Banner with Building Inscribed.
Grammar Division Banner (Blue with Red Bar) — Nine Grammar Schools, each with Blue Satin Banner.
High School Division Banner (Cardinal with Cream Bar) — High School
in Four Divisions, each with Cardinal Banner.
South Easton Division — Superintendent S. E. Shull and Board of Control.
Four Primary Schools. High School Division.
Glendon Division — Superintendent P. A. Frace and Board of Control.
Two Primary Schools. One Secondary School. One Mixed School.
Grammar Division.
Lafayette Division — Students of Lafayette College.
It was 2.15 when the procession started, and the rear of the line did not pass the
reviewing stand within an hour. There were three thousand seven hundred people in line.
The pupils marched into the school grounds and were arranged on the lawn and terraces
in front of the Penn building, presenting a scene of animated beauty seldom beheld.
Thirty years before, Henry S. Carey had originated the movement, calling upon the
children for penny contributions. He was introduced by the Marshal, and gave a brief
history of the work so successfully completed that day. Dr. Traill Green, LL. D., Dean
of the Pardee Scientific Course of Lafayette College, was then introduced, and made a very
eloquent address, alluding to Governor Wolf in his successful efforts to establish the Com-
mon School system. And then turning to Governor Beaver, who stood by his side, the Do<?tor
said : "And now, honored Governor, I have the pleasure to present this monument, the
gift of the pupils of the Public Schools of Easton to the State of Pennsylvania, through
you as its highest officer, an appropriate memorial to one whose work has been a blessing
THE HISTORY OF
to generations yet to come. It is as stable as was his charadler, and standing open to
receive the pupils of our schools, it symbolizes the door which opened for the admission
of the children of Pennsylvania to the school house."
This memorial gate-way is built of granite of a brownish hue, with copings and cap-
pings of gray sandstone, and forms a complete archway over the entrance to the school
grounds, and is located in the centre. From it paths diverge to the three school buildings.
The keystone of the arch is supported by a square base, which on the other side round into
the turrets. These latter, one on each side, contain marble tablets, and are surmounted
with cone-shaped capping. The tablet on the north contains this inscription: "This
1^^
THE WOLF MEMORIAL GATE-WAY.
Memorial Gate-way was ere6led in honor of Hon. George Wolf, who, on April i, 1S34,
being a resident of Easton, and Governor of Pennsylvania, signed the Adl of Assembly
creating the Public School system of this Commonwealth. The granite constituting the
main body of this stru6lure was taken from the farm owned, in 1834, by Governor Wolf,
and situated within the city limits." The tablet on the south reads as follows : "This
Memorial Gate-way was eredled by means of a fund raised by the voluntary penny-con-
tributions of the pupils of the Public Schools of Easton, and was, on September 28th,
1888, dedicated in the presence of the Governor and a large assemblage of distinguished
guests, officials, teachers and pupils of the public schools and citizens of Easton and vicinity."
On the apex of the Gate-way is poised a polished granite globe, two-and-a-half feet in diam-
eter, on which is cut a map of the world. The globe's polar diameter is not set vertically,
but at the corredl inclination of the earth, viz., 23° 28', adjusted to the magnetic variation
for this locality.
COURT, BENCH AND BAR,
HE Royal Charter, granted to William Penn, March 4, 1680, by King
Charles II., empowered him "to appoint and establish any Judges and
Justices, Magistrates and other officers ;" " to do all and every other thing
and things, which unto the complete establishment of justice, unto courts
and tribunals, forms of judicature and manner of proceedings, do belong."
Courts of Judicature were regularly established by the A61 passed May
22, 1722. This A61 was the foundation of the present Courts of Quarter
Sessions, Common Pleas and Supreme Court ; and was the first which
authorized the admission of attorneys for the pradlice of the law in the
province.
The A(5l of March 11, 1752, creating the county of Northampton,
provided for the appointment of Justices, to hold Courts of Quarter Sessions, and County
Courts for holding of Pleas, " at Easton, on Lehidlon, in the forks of the river Delaware,
until a Court House shall be bu il t. " The same A(fl authorized Thomas Craig, Hugh Wilson,
John Jones, Thomas Armstrong, and James Martin, to purchase land and build a "Court
House and Prison, sufficient to accommodate the public service of the said county, and
the ease and conveniency of the inhabitants." Under this A61, the Court House, which
stood for a century in the Public Square of Easton, was built in 1764.
The Justices of the Supreme Court of the State held Assizes, or Courts of Nisi Prius,
at Easton, between the years 1786 and 1799. See i Yeates' Reports, pp. 92, 162,
570 ; 2 lb., p. 243 ; 3 lb., p. 23 ; 4 lb., p. 69. After 1799 Circuit Courts were substitu-
ted for the Courts of Nisi Prius, and the cases reported are so entitled. These courts,
first by two judges, afterwards by one, were held at Newtown, Easton, Chester, Lancaster,
Chambersburg, Bedford, Uniontown, Harrisburg, and Sunbury, so that the labors of the
judges must have been great. The names of the ablest lawyers of the Philadelphia,
Bucks, and Easton bars appear as counsel in the cases above referred to. Ingersoll, Read,
Smith, Thomas, and John Ross ; Biddle, Tilghmau, Hopkins, and Samuel Sitgreaves.
Messrs. Tilghman and John Ross were afterwards Judges of the Supreme Court of the
State for many years. In those days the judges and lawyers traveled from one county to
another, often on horseback. Cases were tried, with very few references to law books,
and these were mainly published in England. The Pennsylvania statutes, with a few
reports, made up the libraries of lawyers in those days. And yet those who read the
early reports of this State, especially those of Yeates, Dallas, and Binney, cannot fail to
remark the ability and research exhibited by counsel, and the depth, solidity, and wisdom
of the judges, as displayed in their opinions.
As already stated, Northampton county, when organized, extended from Bucks county
to the line of New York State. When, in the course of time, new counties were eredled
from its territory, the records of Northampton were the evidence of title to lands acquired
4IO THE HISTORY OF
within its former boundaries. Hence, it resulted, that the attorneys of the Northampton
bar continued to pradlice in the new counties. Indeed, within the last thirty j-ears, it
was customary for the older attorneys regularly to attend the courts of Lehigh, Carbon,
Monroe, Pike, and Wayne counties.
The bar of Northampton county from the first, has been justly celebrated for the
learning, zeal, and ability, which has characflerized its members. The sketch of the life
of Samuel Sitgreaves, already given in this history, shows the career of one of them. In
later years, others, from this bar, have been chosen as Judges, Governors, Senators, Mem-
bers of Congress, and of the Presidential Cabinet, Ministers to Foreign countries, and
Consuls. Hopewell Hepburn was appointed Judge of Allegheny county ; Joel Jones was
chosen by Governor Wolf as one of the Revisers of the Civil Code of Pennsylvania, and
afterwards became one of the Judges of the Distridl Court of Philadelphia, President of
Girard College, and Mayor of that City. James M. Porter was a member of the Legisla-
ture, twice a President Judge, and Secretary of War in President Tyler's Cabinet. George
Wolf was a member of Congress for three terms, Governor of Pennsylvania for two terms.
First Controller of the United States Treasury, and afterwards Colledlor of the Port of
Philadelphia. Richard Brodhead was a member of Congress for three terms, and a Sen-
ator of the United States for six years. Peter Ihrie was twice ele6led to Congress. Philip
Johnson and William Mutchler had each three terms, and the latter is elecfted for another
term. Washington McCartney was President Judge of this judicial distritl. He was not
only an able judge, but he was a learned professor, a great mathematician and a scholar
of wonderful attainments in other sciences, as well as in general history. The sketch of
the life of Andrew H. Reeder, given in this history, will show his public career. Henry
D. Maxwell was Consul to Trieste, and afterwards President Judge of this judicial dis-
tricft. Henry Green is now one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania,
and William S. Kirkpatrick, the Attorney General. James M. Porter, Alexander E.
Brown, Philip Johnson, Lewis H. Stout, and Pennel C. Evans, (living) served as members
of the State Legislature, each two terms. Samuel Sitgreaves was eledled a member of
the State Constitutional Convention of 1790 ; James M. Porter of the Convention of 1838,
and Henry Green and Charles Brodhead of the last Convention of 1872-3. Other officers
of trust and responsibility have been worthih- filled by members of the bar of this county.
Two of them, W. W. Schuyler and Howard J. Reeder, are now the Judges of our Courts.
Very few, if any, bars, outside of the large cities, can show a record of such distinguished
service, in so many departments. Easton has been represented in twenty-two Congresses,
since the inauguration of Washington, and will again be, in the next Congress. All of
the Representatives, save two, have been members of this bar. The following summary
of service is here given :
Richard Brodhead, United States Senator, from 1S51 to 1857.
Samuel Sitgreaves, House of Representatives 4th and 5th Congresses.
Thomas Rogers, " " 15th, 16th, 17th and iSth
Peter Ihrie, " " 21st and 22d
David D. Wagener, " " 23d, 24th, 25th and 26th
Richard Brodhead, " " 2Sth, 29th and 30th
Philip Johnson, " " 37th, 3Sth and 39th
William Mutchler, " " 44th, 46th and 47th
and niemher ele<fl to the 51st Congress.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 411
Easton has thus been represented at Washington for six years in the Senate of the
United States, and forty-four years in the House of Representatives since the inaugura-
tion of President Washington, and will have a further representation in the next Con-
gress. Such a record is, in itself, a noble encomium, testifying of the ability, charadler
and learning of Easton's sons by birth and adoption, in the past and present, more clearly
than could pages of eulogy.
The Justices under the Proprietary and Colonial Government from 1752 to 1776 were
Thomas Craig, Hugh Wilson, Timothy Horsefield, James Martin, Louis Klotz, Thomas
Armstrong, Conrad Hass, Charles Swayne, William Craig, Daniel Brodhead, Aaron Depui,
and John Van Etten, appointed in 1752. Peter Trexler, John Everett, and John Atkins,
were appointed, probably to fill vacancies, in 1753. The following gentlemen, were for
the same purpose, selected in the years named : Allen Depui in 1755 ; William Parsons
in 1756 ; William Plumstead in 1758 ; Jacob Arndt, Henry Geiger, and Robert Lyle in
1 761 ; John Moore in 1762 ; James Allen in 1764 ; Christopher Wagener and John Jen-
nings in 1765 ; George Taylor, Henry Kochen, James Gaston, and Charles Stewart in
1766 ; John Van Campen and Garret Broadhead in 1770 ; Robert Levers in 1773 ; Peter
Kachlein, Lewis Nichola, Jacob Lerch, John Wetzel, James Morry, Felix Lynn, and Isaac
Lerch in 1774, and John Okely and Nicholas Depui. The court docket was changed from
King George KL, to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in June, 1776, about one month
before the Declaration of Independence. As stated on page 124 of this history, the North-
ampton County Committee of Safety had been previously organized December 21, 1774.
The record of the proceedings of that committee show the exercise, by the committee, of
civil and criminal jurisdicftion during the years 1776 and 1777. In the latter year was
held in June, the first court under the Commonwealth, before the following Justices :
John Arndt, Thomas Silliman, Thomas Hartman, Benjamin Depui, Samuel Rea, William
McNair, Louis Stecker, Frederick Leinbach, Peter Moyer, Matthias Probst, Jacob Hor-
ner, Jacob Morey, James Van Aken, and Peter Moyer. In 1778, Nicholas Depui was
appointed ; in 1779, Peter Moyer, Abraham Berlin, James Byles, and Peter Kohler ; in
1780, Benjamin Horner; in 1784, Peter Rhoads and John Byles; in 1786, Enos Beer,
George Breining, Jacob Rosecrans, Peter Conrad, Benjamin Van Campen ; in 1787, Peter
Kachlein ; in 1788, Christopher Wagener and William Henry ; in 1789, Jacob Able and
Ludwig Stehler ; in 1790, William Jackson, John Shaw, William Wills, and Ezekiel
Schoonover.
These appointments were made under the Constitution of 1776. It was found defec-
tive and inadequate ; therefore a convention was called, of which Samuel Sitgreaves was
a member, and a new Constitution formed in 1790. Under this Constitution Jacob Rush
was appointed President Judge, who held the office till 1806. His successors were John
Spayd ; in 1809, Robert Porter, who held office for twenty-one years ; 1831, Garrick Mal-
lery ; in 1836, John Banks ; in 1847, J- Pringle Jones ; in 1852, Judges having been made
ele(?tive, Washington McCartney ; in 1856, Henry D. Maxwell ; in 1858, John K. Find-
ley ; in 1862, again, H. D. Maxwell ; in 1863, John W. Maynard ; in 1868, J. Pringle
Jones ; in 1869, A. Brower Longaker ; in 1874, W. S. Kirkpatrick ; in 1875, Oliver H.
Meyers ; in 1885, Howard J. Reeder.
An A61 authorizing an Additional Law Judge had been passed in 1881. Under it
Howard J. Reeder was appointed, and W. W. Schuyler elecfled, in the fall of 1882. In
412 THE HISTORY OF
1884, Howard J. Reeder was eledled Judge, under the new Constitution of 1873. The
name President Judge, after nearly one hundred years of use, disappears from our history.
From seniority of tenure, W. W. Schuyler was commissioned as Judge and H. J. Reeder
as Additional Law Judge, who compose the present court.
The office of Associate Judge has been held by so many prominent citizens of Easton
that a brief reference is here given to that office and its incumbents.
Under the Constitution of 1790, the Governor was empowered to appoint, in each
county, not fewer than three nor more than four Judges, who were to reside therein, and
hold office during good behavior. The State was to be divided into circuits, to include
not more than six nor fewer than three counties. A President Judge was also to be
appointed for each district, with the same life tenure of office. This reference is made to
explain the long terms of service, hereafter mentioned.
The first (Associate) Judges were Peter Rhodes, William Henry, David Wagener,
and John Mulhallon, appointed in 1791. In 1796, David Wagener was succeeded by Robert
Traill. In 1799, John Cooper became the successor of Robert Traill. In 1802, Daniel
Wagener followed John Mulhallon. Judge Cooper held the office for the long term of
forty years, until 1839, when he was succeeded by Samuel Yohe. Judge Daniel Wagener
held office for thirty-seven years, until 1839, when he was succeeded by George Hess, Jr.
From 1806 to 1812 the Judges were Peter Rhodes, John Cooper, Daniel Wagener, and
William Henry.
The county of Lehigh was erected out of Northampton, by A61 March 6, 1812, which
authorized the appointment of two Judges residing within its limits. From that time
Northampton had but two Judges, beside the President Judge of the distridl, who lived
at Easton during his term.
In 1844, James Kennedy succeeded Samuel Yohe. In 1849, John H. Keller followed
Judge Kennedy. In 1850, Jacob Weygandt succeeded George Hess. In 1851, Isaac C.
Wikoff followed Judge Weygandt. Under the A61 of April 15, 1851, the Judges of the
Supreme Court and of the Court of Common Pleas became eledlive. At the ensuing
ele(5lion Washington McCartney was eletled President, and William L. Sebring and James
Kennedy, Associate Judges. In 1856, George W. Stein succeeded Judge Sebring. In
1861, Joseph Laubach and Richard N. Merrill were ele6led in the place of Judges Ken-
nedy and Stein. In 1871, Judge Laubach was re-ele<fled and Josiah Cole elecfted for the
term of five years. They were the last of their race in old Northampton ; for, under the
Constitution of 1873, the office of Associate Judge, not learned in the "law, was abolished
in counties forming separate distri(5ls, of which Northampton county was one. It had
survived its usefulness and was properly abrogated.
EARLY MEMBERS OF THE BENCH AND BAR OF EASTON.
As Easton was to be the seat of justice for the new county, lawyers would turn their
attention to the new community where their services would be demanded. The first ses-
sion of the Court opened in Easton, June 16, 1752. At this first meeting of the Court,
Louis Gordon was present and stated that he was an attorney of the bar in Bucks county,
and desired to be admitted to the bar in Northampton county. His prayer was granted
and he became the first lawyer in Easton. "James Biddle, afterwards Judge Riddle, was
the second lawyer. He was admitted to the bar of Northampton county, October, 1752.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
413
He was the King's Attorney at the organization of the county. William Parsons was
Prothonotary. Judge Porter says these three gentlemen may be looked upon as the fathers
of the Northampton County Bar." Robert Traill came to this country in 1763 ; for many
years pradliced law, and also occupied the position of Judge. "John Ross came to this
county, and was admitted to the bar, about the year 1782. He occupied a prominent
position in his profession until 1818, when he was made President Judge of the Seventh
Judicial Distric?l, which position he filled for twelve years. Then Governor Wolf appointed
him Judge of the Supreme Court, which position he held till the time of his death. He
held the office of Register, and Recorder, and Prosecuting Attorney, and member of the
Legislature from this county. For a number of years he represented this districfl in Con-
gress." Samuel Sitgreaves came to Easton from Philadelphia, and became the leader of
the bar. "Thomas B. Dick was a member of the Easton bar, and Judge Porter tells us
he was quite a wit and wag, and used to give President Judge Rush a good deal of trouble
with his pranks." George Wolf was a member of the Easton bar ; his history will be
found in connedlion with the history of the schools. "Among the members of the bar,
who for their years obtained considerable celebrity, were Robert May Brooke and Evan
Rees. The former of these was perhaps as sound a lawyer and as accurate a philologist
.as there was in Pennsylvania. He was one of the finest Latin and Greek scholars of his
day, and had studied law so as to thoroughly understand his profession, in which his suc-
ceiss for his years was extraordinary. He was cut off in the prime of his life. Evan Rees
was a man of as much mind as Daniel Webster and loved law as a science. He would
prefer reading Fearne on Executory Devises and Contingent Remainders to the most enter-
taining novels. Shortly after his admission to the bar, he broke a blood vessel which
paralyzed his exertions, and he soon went to the grave." Among those who visited the
Easton bar was Joseph Hopkinson, the author of " Hail Columbia." His history belongs
to his country. He was distinguished as a poet, an orator, a statesman and a jurist. He
was a man of singular power before a jury. His earnestness in his oratory gave evidence
of his honesty, and his powers were always great and effective. He was a very fluent man
and a fine scholar. The composition of this one national hymn has made his name im-
mortal. Judge Daniel Wagner, the son of David Wagner of Germany, was born in
Bucks County, and came to Easton when quite young. He was Associate Judge of North-
ampton County for thirty-seven years. Judge John Cooper was born at Long Hill, Morris
County, N. J. His father gave his children the advantages of as good an education as
could be obtained at that time. In November, 1794, he removed to Easton where he
spent the remainder of his days. In 1799, he was appointed Judge of the Common Pleas
which office he held continuously for forty years. He held the office the longest term of
any in the history of the Northampton Court.
HON. ANDREW H. REEDER,
Is a name which stands higli in the annals of the Republic, and shines brightly upon the roll of Easton's noble dead.
The family is of English origin. John Reeder emigrated to this country before 1656, and settled at Newton, L. I.
His name is found in that year on the list of town residents. His son John came to Ewing, N. J., in the early part of
the eighteenth century, and married Hannah, daughter of Jeremiah Burroughs, by whom he had a son Isaac, whose
name is signed to an agreement, August 26, 1703. Isaac purchased of Zebulon Heston the farm on which he after-
wards lived, and which still remains in the possession of his lineal descendants. Isaac was twice married, the second
wife was Joanna Hunt, and by her he had a son John, who married Miss Hanna Mershon. Among the children born
of this marriage was Absalom Reeder, who married Ottober 16, 1788, Christiana Smith, of Easton, Pa., where he then
resided. Of this marriage was born Andrew Horatio Reeder, July 12, 1807. He received the rudiments of a common
414
THE HISTORY OF
school education, such as was attainable in the place of his birth. He completed his education at Lawrenceville, N.
J., and graduated with honor. Having selected the law as his profession he entered the law office of Hon. Peter
Ihrie, then one of the prominent lawyers of Easton. He was admitted to the bar of this county in 182S. In 1831 he
was married to Miss Amelia Hutter, daughter of Christian J. Hutter: Mr. Reeder soon became prominent as a lawyer
and ready speaker. He was industrious, ambitious, persevering, and rapidly rose in the public esteem as one of the
leading advocates at the bar of Northampton county. From his early life he took great interest in the political affairs
of his country, and possessed with a good voice and pleasing address and strong argumentative powers, he became
actively engaged in politics, and was looked upon as one of the champions of the Democracy of the Jefferson school.
He was a man of stern integrity, real virtue, and unflinching courage. Having attained to this high elevation in pub-
lic esteem, without any effort or even knowl-
edge on his part, he was offered the position
of Governor of Kansas. By this appoint-
ment he became prominent in one of the
most important political crises in the history
of the Republic. And by his upright con-
dua, and faithfulness to the liberties of those
whom he was sent to govern, he had acquired
political immorality. The people of Kansas
were divided into two parties, each party
was terribly in earnest. The one deter-
mined to establish slavery, the other to estab-
lish freedom in the territory. The people
rushed from New England, two thousand
miles, through intervening States to make
their home on those distant and beautiful
plains. Liberty was swift-footed, by num-
bers Kansas was already free. But from the
borders of Missouri came a horde of marau-
ders, armed with revolvers and rifles. At
the first election they took possession of the
poles, kept back the free state voters, elected
a legislature by fraud and violence. A com-
mittee came to Governor Reeder and asked
him to sign the certificates of those claiming
to be elecled members of the territorial leg-
islature. He courteously, but decidedly
refused. " Governor Reedcr,"said the com-
mittee, " we will give you fifteen minutes to
sign these certificates, resign, or be hanged."
"Gentleman, I need no fifteen minutes, my
mind is made up, I shall hang," was the
stern reply. Governor Reeder had worked
too long and too hard for his reputation to
have it blasted by the dash of his pen. The
boldness of his answer saved him for the
time from violence. A congressional com-
mittee arrived in Kansas, consisting of
Messrs. Howard, Sherman and Oliver, to
examine into the condition of affairs. The
committee called the Governor to the stand
and he gave them to understand the situa-
tion, and fearlessly exposed the conduct of
the border ruffians. Governor Reeder had been superceded by ex-Governor Shannon, of Ohio, who plainly told the
people of Kansas, in an address on his arrival, that he was in favor of slavery in the new State. This enraged the
free state men, and they repudiated VVhitefield as their delegate in Congress, so fraudulently elected, and elected
Reeder in his stead. There were two delegates elected to Congress. The pro-slavery men saw this would necessitate
a contest in the House, which they wished to avoid. And they thought the best way to prevent their contest in Con-
gress was to put Reeder out of the way, and hence he was marked for death. While the committee was present, his
friends protected him, but it soon became evident they could protect him no longer, and it was thought advisable for
him to seek his own safety. Colonel Buford, of Alabama, came up to Kansas City and thence to Lawrence with a
Gov. Andrew H. Reeder,
is Disguise as a Wood Chopper.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 415
regiment of well armed " roughs " which he had recruited in South Carolina, with the avowed purpose of aiding the
Missourians in making Kansas a slave state. They encamped close at hand and watched their game. That night
Governor Reeder left Lawrence and went rapidly to Kansas City, arriving there at three o'clock in the morning. It
was known in Buford's camp early in the morning that the Governor was gone. Enraged and chagrined the hounds
were let loose ; roads were picketed, wagons overhauled, steamboats were searched, and every precaution taken to
prevent the escape of the game. While the guests were at dinner at the hotel in Kansas City some of Buford's men
entered the house. Their sudden appearance brought every one to his feet. They were confronted by Colonel Eld-
ridge, the proprietor, demanding their business. They replied that they came to search the house for Reeder. The
proprietor called for their authority. They replied they had no papers only an order from "headquarters."
Col. Eldridge replied, " I will not resist any legal process, but you cannot search this house without it unless you walk
over the dead body of every man in it." This was promptly agreed to by the guests. They swore they would get the
authority and make the search. Governor Reeder was concealed in the hotel for two weeks ; they were weeks of
an.xious care and watching on the part of his friends. There were always sick people up stairs to whom meals were
carried, but the Governor's appetite was always appeased. After the sacking of Lawrence and burning of the Free
State Hotel the "ruffians" returned to Kansas City They had suspicions that the Governor was concealed in the
house. The inmates were prepared for aaion. The danger was increasing, and the hours seemed long. Through a
strange providence a steamer lay at the wharf discharging her cargo. It was whispered by a friend that the captain
was a "free state man." He was going up the river and would return on a certain day. Light began to break in
upon the soul of the hunted hero. The matter was arranged with the captain to stop on the way down at a certain
place and take in a passenger : the signal was understood. But how was the Governor to get away from the hotel to the
place of embarkation? The hotel was watched, every person emerging from the hall-way was closely scanned. The
plan was formed for the Governor to pass out of the hotel into the streets in disguise. The next day was the day to
start. Only one more night in Kansas City. These long hours were an.xious, sleepless hours. The account from
which the writer has thus far gleaned these fafls was written by a lady who was an eye witness and an anxious parti-
cipant in the preparation for the final moment. I now give her words. " The morning dawned bright and beautiful.
This day was to be a decisive one for weal or woe for the Governor, and as the hour approached our an.xiety and
excitement rose up to fever heat. The time was close at hand when Governor Reeder was to pass out from us, with
the chances that he should ever return greatly against him. After he had dressed himself in his disguise we all met
in his room to bid him a last farewell. The disguise was complete and turned our sorrow at parting to suppressed
mirth. The Governor was cheerful, and even anxious to cast the die. He gave ns a specimen of acting in his new
role which beggars description, and held us for the time in capital humor ; but at the last moment, when he left his
room, not a dry eye was in the party. The door was closed behind us, and the Governor left to his own refletlions
and his own self-reliance. That evening just before dark an Irishman was seen to enter the otBce of the hotel, dressed
in a slouch hat, hickory shirt, blue overalls, so short as to expose a heavy pair of brogan shoes on his feet, carrying an
axe on his shoulder, and smoking a short clay pipe. He stopped but a moment, inquired for work, any wood to cut,
or if he could be informed where he could get work. Not getting a satisfaiftory answer he sauntered out on the side-
walk and repeated the inquiry of the bystanders, then moved olT up the river and disappeared behind the bluff.
At eleven o'clock that night Edward S. Eldridge, a young brother of the landlord of the hotel, accompanied by his
wife, strolled out for a walk, going up the river around the point of the bluff. Nearing the mouth of a cave they
encountered the Irishman holding his axe in the attitude of attack. Eldridge called out to him not to strike, with
that he dropped his weapon and approached. They knew each other. After a moment of hasty conversation the trio
went down to the water's edge, got into a boat and floated quietly down the stream to Randolph Landing, about five
miles below the city. The steamer which was expefted to take Governor Reeder down the river was to return this
night, but did not reach Kansas City until near noon the following day. The captain stood by the side of the pilot as
she gracefully curved her way out into the stream, pawing the muddy water with her side wheels in very anxiety to
be on her way. Near Randolph Landing the captain ordered the pilot to ' round her to.' The pilot could see no
signal, but the captain insisted that one had been made. On nearing the landing our Irishman inquired ' if he
could get a deck passage to St. Charles ? ' The captain cursed him for delaying his boat, but said, ' get aboard, you
old scallawag, I won't wait two minutes for you.' He threw his axe ahead of him and clambered on board, and
Governor Reeder had escaped from Kansas, ' out of the jaws of death, out of the gates of hell.' " We have thus fol-
lowed the fugitive governor, flying from murderous demons, till he is on the steamer sailing down the Kansas River.
The diary which the Governor kept from the time the clouds began to gather over his pathway, reveals the feelings
of a loving husband and father. During his concealment in Kansas City, he had many lonely hours, during which his
mind would recur to the " Idolized wife and precious, dearly loved children." In another place we read "Were it
not for the loved ones at home, I would show those blood hounds how an honest man can die. But when I
think of those dear ones at home, my throat chokes and my eyes fill with tears." He could hear the whistles of the
river steamboats, and for many hours as each successive one passed he hoped to hear his friends say, " Come, Gov-
ernor, the boat is ready." But he seemed like Tantalus. He could see his bloodthirsty pursuers, hear their yells,
and bitter curses heaped on his aching head. Every hour brought the danger nearer. On the igth of May he wrote
in his diary : " For the first time I begin to despond. I think constantly of my dear wife and Ida. They will be
4i6 THE HISTORY OF
worked up to the highest pitch of excitement at the uncertainty of my fate." The feeling of doubt grew deeper in
the mind of this faithful officer, deserted by the man who placed him in danger. Looking in the pocket of the diary,
we find a carefully written will which was left in the hands of a friend before he went out of his hotel "to look for
work." What emotions struggled in the soul as Reeder elbowed his way through the office of the hotel, crowded by
those who were preparing to search the house and take his life, he has never told us, they were too intricate for the
pen. The bowie knives sticking in their belts, revolvers protruding from their pockets, the disposition of devils lurk-
ing in every lineament of their features, told him too plainly his fate if he should be recognized. As many gaping
wounds as were counted on the dead body of Ca;sar would end his life. He must aft his part well, he must play the Irish-
man so well that keen, Argus eyes could not detect him, while he drives down the feelings of husband and father deep
into his own soul, and keeps them under control by his imperious will. But recurring again to our Irish friend on the
steamer wending her way down the Missouri River. He did not dare to go to St. Louis, fearing a slave holder's war-
rant. He could leave this steamer and step into one bound for Alton, but the Briarian arms of the deadly pursuers
might meet him there. The steamer laid up for the night at St. Charles, a city above St. Louis on the left bank of the
river. It was planned to have him leave the vessel, and enter the dark woods and seek his own safety. Two friends
would go with him. " But, to my amazement, two of the deck hands were at the guards watching. My compan-
ions were not armed. I had two revolvers and a knife, I supplied them, we were prepared to fight it out if need be.
A violent thunder storm came up, and we started. We struck through the woods, lost the road twice, traveled on, and
at 8 o'clock, A.M., struck the Mississippi River fifteen miles above Alton." He hired a man to take him across the river
in a skiff; on the 2-th of May he was in Illinois ; he was in a Free State, and " Richard was himself again." The
lightning, on subtle wing, had brought the joyful news to that "idolized noble wife," to " Ida and the boys." There
was a happy home in Easton before the husband and father came. May 29th, " put on my disguise in the private
room of the photographer, and had photograph taken for my dear wife." He went to Chicago, Bloomington and
Detroit, raising his voice in trumpet tones for aid for Kansas. He plead for 10,000 men to go and take care of Kansas.
Thousands were soon on the way, and when at length a fair vote could be had, slavery was buried under a majority
of 10,000, and Kansas was free. He returned to Easton, and in the quiet of private life spent the remainder of his
days.
HON. RICHARD BRODHEAD,
Was for many years a prominent member of the Northampton Bar. He died in 1863, and on the iSth of September
the members of the bar met in the office of A. E. Brown, Esq., and adopted resolutions expressing the feelings of the
community and of themselves. Upon offering the resolutions, Matthew Hale Jones, Esq., spoke affei5lionately of the
dead senator. They were students together at law and associated in its practice. He came to Easton in 1830, and
entered the office of Judge Porter, and was afterwards admitted to the bar. Not having a taste for the praaice of the
law, he turned his attention to politics. He was eleifled a member of the Legislature, he was next elei5led to Congress
from this distrii5t, for two terms. He was then sent to the Senate of the United States, by the Legislature of Pennsylva-
nia. His private characSer was good, and his public charader without reproach. He was kind and unostentatious,
whether at home or abroad, at the bar or in private life. It was a virtue of Mr. Brodhead that he never lost his self-
possession, even in the most trying circumstances. The meeting was addressed by Hon. H. D. Maxwell and O. H.
Meyers, Esq. Each of these gentleman spoke in words expressive of the highest regard.
ALEXANDER E. BROWN,
Was for forty-two years a member of the Northampton county bar, and a resident of Easton. He was born in
New York city. His father was a sea captain, and both his parents were people of culture and took pains in
his education and training. There were three children, one daughter and two sons. The daughter died quite
young. John, the brother of Alexander, became a prominent lawyer and an orator, pracfticed his profession in
Morristown. N. J., and died there. The subjecft of this sketch was admitted to the bar in Easton, August 24,
1825. He is remembered as a gentleman of easy manners and pleasing address, affable to all with whom he
came in coutaifl. He would be polite to the poor as he would with the rich, be social with a colored man as
readily as with the white. Mr. Brown was one of the most popular men in the history of the bar. He was a
ready and fine speaker, and quite an orator. He was quick to see a weak spot in his opponents' argument and
strike it with his lance. He was ready with his wit when occasion required it, as will be seen by the following :
He was called to plead a case in Allentown. A house had been sold by the sheriff in an unfinished condition,
the carpenter had nailed his benches to the studding inside the building. When the carpenter came for the
benches the purchaser refused to let him have them, saying they were fast and a part of the building. The
carpenter brought suit and employed Mr. Brown. In his plea Mr. Brown said : "He was at a loss to know
what a carpenter's bench had to do with a gentleman's parlor." " Why," said he, "we have an old court crier in
Easton named Jakie Diehl. He fell asleep one day sitting in his chair which was fast to the floor. Some
heartless wag placed a cake of shoemaker's wax under him, it had melted, and when he awoke and attempted
to rise he found he was fast. Now, if the Court House had been sold at that moment, poor Jakie Piehl woulil
E AS TON, PENN'A. 417
have gone with it." He won. Mr. Brown died in Easton, in May, 1S67. His poem on the new Court House
(published elsewhere) is a fine parody on the " House that Jack Built." The following /a://;rf;V poem, a parody
on Woodworth's "Oaken Bucket," is still remembered by many people of Easton. Those who remember the
the scenes he so graphically describes, still laugh as they recall the lines :
THE OLD COURT HOUSE.
How dear to my heart is Northampton's old Court House,
And the scenes which fond memory brings up to my view.
The Ash-heap, the Mudholes, and all the loose boxes.
And the angles that loafers made odorous too.
The circular raihng, the iron-bound paling,
And grove of horse chestnuts, so graceful and rare.
Where fanciful Crinoline nightly was trailing
Around the old Court House that stood in the Square.
The eight-cornered Court House, the four-gabled Court House,
The bill-plastered Court House that stood in the Square.
O! there was the hydrant, and box that stood by it.
Where topers oft staggered their "coppers" to cool.
The door of the dark narrow entry was nigh it,
That led to the bar, and the penitent's stool.
The low ceiling court room, its cobwebs and paper
In long graceful festoons, hung quietly tliere ;
The Bar and the Bench, and the stove and its vapor.
And back of the Jury box, Mahlon's old chair.
In the eight-cornered Court House, the four-gabled Court House,
The bill-plastered Court House, that stood in the Square.
Oh ! how shall I ever forget the old breastwork,
Which blocked up two streets, from the travel and view,
Its black-garnished gables, and time-honored belfry,
And all its old windows, and its weathercock too.
In vain you may tell me, of West Ward's fine temple,
Or Green Lane's inducement to promenade there.
My fancy reverts to the scenes of the " Circle,"
And the dear shabby Court House, that stood in the Square.
The eight-cornered Court House, the four-gabled Court House,
The bill-plastered Court House, that stood in the Square.
No, no, the old Court House, I ne'er shall forget it
For that costly jewel on top of the hill ;
The county already has cause to regret it.
And the taxpayers' pockets most certainly will.
The Lawyers, and Judges, and Jury were puzzled
To hear what a witness, or others would say.
And those awful bad steps, leading down to the Major's,
Some night, for a Coroner loudly will pray.
The four-cornered Court House, the six-columned Court House,
That cost eighty thousand round dollars "they say."
HON. JAMES MADISON PORTER, LL. D.
James M. Porter was born in Selma, one mile north of Norristown, Pa., January 6, 1793. His father was Genera!
Andrew Porter, an officer in the Army of Washington. James was the youngest son and received the rudiments of
his education under the immediate care of his parents. He assisted his father in the land office of the State, as he
held the office of Surveyor General. In 1818, the position of Deputy Attorney General of Northampton County was
offered him. He accepted the position and removed to Easton. At the death of Samuel Sitgreaves, and eleftion of
George Wolf he became the leader of the bar. In 183S, he was elefted a member of the convention to reform the
Constitution of Pennsylvania. He was a candidate for the presiding officer of the convention. The Whigs and Anti-
masons had a majority of one, and Hon. John Sergeant was elefted by that vote. In 1843, he was appointed Secre-
tary of War which position he filled to the entire acceptance of all members of the army with whom he came in contacfl.
4i8
THE HISTORY OF
But ulieii the Senate met, his nomination was rejedecl by a party vote, and he returned to Easton. In the fall of 1S49,
he was elected a member of the Legislature. In 1S53, he was elected President Judge of the Twenty-second Judicial
Distridl, composed of the counties of Wayne, Pike, Monroe and Carbon. He was a warm friend of Lafayette College,
and was for twenty-four years a teacher without remuneration. He was for twenty-five years President of the Board
of Trustees, and performed all the duties without pay. He was President of the Delaware Bridge Company, the Belvt-
dere and Delaware Railroad, and Lehigh Valley Railroad. In 1843, he received the degree of LL. D. from Marshall
College, the only degree he ever received.
HON. WASHINGTON McCARTNEY, LL. D.,
Was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvanian, on the 24th day of August
He was left an orphan when
fe depended upon his own feeble efforts. He attended the
still in his childhood, and much of his future success i
common schools until he was eighteen years of age.
In 1S34 he graduated with high honors at Jefferson College, at Cannonsburg, Pa., and was appointed Professor of
Mathematics in Lafayette College, at Easton, Pa., in 1835. Here he continued until 1836, when the faculty of his
Alma Mater called him back, and he returned then to accept the Professorship of Mathematics and Modern Langua-
ges, at Jefferson College.
! remained there about one year, fulfilling the duties of that position with great satisfac-
tion to faculty and students, when he again returned to home at
Easton, and resumed the Professorship in Lafayette College.
Here he remained until September, 1S43, when he resigned, and
applied himself to his professional duties, in which he was success-
ful and popular. In September, 1844, he was again appointed to
the same Professorship, in which he remained until 1S46, when he
again resigned. In 1849 he was appointed Professor of Mental
and Moral Philosophy, which position he held for several years.
Having applied himself diligently to the study of law-, which he
had chosen as his profession, he was admitted to the Bar of North-
ampton county, in January, 1838, and continued in the practice
most of his life, with but few interruptions, caused by different
calls to official duties. During the years 1846, 1847 and 1848, he
served as Deputy Attorney General of this county, for which his
legal talent, his clear judgment, and moral integrity eminently
fitted him. After his term of office expired, his power as a jurist,
and his clear, honest judgment having become a matter of general
comment, and the amended Constitution having become a law,
under which the appointment of judges was ieft to the votes of the
people, he was nominated and eledled President Judge of the
Third Judicial Distria in 1851.
Prior to this period of his life, however, he had established a
Law School, in which he prepared young men for the profession
and practice of law, in which many of the legal minds which after-
wards refleited credit on the Bar of our county, were formed and
moulded for the work before them. In this enterprise he took
great interest and pride, watching the development of the mental
powers of his piipils with the same pleasure, as the enthusiastic
gardener or naturalist experiences in watching the germing and
unfolding of leaves and blossoms of a new and rare exotic. It became a success, accomplishing so much good, that
in the year 1854, by special act of the legislature it was duly incorporated under the name of the " Union Law School."
This school was kept in successful operation to the time of his death. In 1852 the honorary degree of LL. D. was
most worthily conferred on him by Marshall College.
In April, 1839, he was married to Mary E. Maxwell, daughter of the late William Maxwell, Esq., of New Jersey,
with whose life, honest and patriotic, the local historian is familiar.
Judge McCartney was one of the most influential agents in the establishment and support of our present excellent
public schools. While Governor Wolf was the pioneer in the first movement for the introduction of free schools in our
community, and will be remembered as long as our children reap the benefits of a free education, still those who so
faithfully carried on and advanced the work, when the old Governor had retired from the stage of action, must be
credited with the present results of so grand a projefl. The excellent High School, now accomplishing so much good
for our young men and women, was perhaps created by him or his influence more than by any other. In April, 1S50,
an Aa of Assembly was passed authorizing the creation of a High School in Easton. Mr. McCartney, then an active
member of the Board of School Diredors, lent all his energies to effeft the passage of this ad, and to him mainly was
its success attributed. He was an author of rare ability. In 1S84 he published a work upon "Differential Calculus,"
Washington McCartney, LL. D.
E AS TON, PENN'A. 419
which was adopted as a text-hook in many of our best colleges in the land, and met with almost universal favor among
mathematical scholars. In 1847 he published a " History of the Origin and Progress of the United States, " which was
received by the learned, and endorsed by the press, as the best work upon the subject ever emanating from our press.
As a lawyer he was equalled by few in his great knowledge of all professional lore; cultured, refined, dignified,
yet generous and unassuming, he was not only honored, but loved by all. In every good work, aiming at the good of
the community or individuals, he was interested. Where a leader was needed in reformatory matters, he was
engaged. Every moral or benevolent enterprise found in him a champion.
As a citizen he was kind, corteous, affable. Tender-hearted almost to a fault, want or suffering never appealed to
him in vain. God-fearing and man-loving, he ever seemed to feel a deep consciousness of duty towards all.
In July, 1856, he died ; died as he lived, calmly, peacefully, with the favor of his God, and the love of his fellow-
men crowning his pale forehead with a halo of glory. The whole community mourned his loss, for he belonged to
them all. The Judges of the Court, the members of the Bar, members of Council and School Board, teachers and
scholars of the High School, faculty and students of Lafayette College, law students, members of beneficial societies,
and a large concourse of people, men, women and children, followed all that was left of Judge McCartney, the friend
of them all, to his last earthly home in the cemetery, where he sleeps to-day, still remembered by those that knew him
then, as well as by those whom he benefited by his deeds, though never seen by themselves.
HON. HENRY D. MAXWELL
Was born in Flemington, N. J., December 5, 1812. He was prepared to enter college at fifteen years of age, but the
death of his father compelled him to relinquish his cherished design, and bend his energies to aid in supporting his
mother and a large family of children. He spent nearly two years in teaching in Pennsylvania, and then returned to
Flemington, and commenced the study of law under Nathaniel Sa.vton, Esq. He then went to Somerville, and con-
tinued his studies with Thomas A. Hartwell, Esq., and completed his studies with his cousin, Hon. John P. B. Maxwell,
at Belvidere. He was admitted to the bar of Northampton, Pa., November 7, 1834, and opened his office in Easton in
1835. He was admitted to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in December, 1836, and to the Supreme Court of the
United States in 1841. Shortly after he opened his office in Easton, he associated himself in partnership with the Hon.
James M. Porter, and continued in that connettion for several year?. In 184S he was appointed Deputy Attorney
General for the county of Northampton, and again in 1849. In 1850, his health having been impaired by too close
application, he was appointed by President Taylor Consul to Trieste in Austria, to which post he repaired, and con-
tinued in the exercise of his duties for about one year, when he resigned and returned to his home and the pursuit.
of his profession. He continued in the discharge of these duties till in July, 1856, when he was appointed by Gov-
ernor Pollock President Judge of the Third Judicial Distritt of Pennsylvania to succeed his brother-in-law, the Hon-
Washington McCai tney, who had died. He was again appointed in December, 1856, and continued in the discharge of
the duties of the important post till December i, 1857. Judge Maxwell left the bench with the kindliest feelings of
all parties. He was among the purest, best and most learned of the Easton bar. Through his instrumentality a
Young Men's Christian Association was formed in Easton in December, 1856. He was Secretary of the Fire Insurance
Company of Northampton county. Secretary and Direftor of the Easton Gas Company, and Direflor of the Easton
Cemetery. He was for many years one of the Direftors of the Central Railroad of New Jersey. He was also a mem-
ber of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and Vice President of the State Agricultural Society. He received the
Honorary Degree of A. M. from Jefferson College in 1844. He died Oc5tober 3, 1874.
THOMAS J. ROGERS
Was a prominent man for many years in Easton. He was aaive in the militia and rose to the rank of general. He
was proprietor and editor of a newspaper, and a prominent politician. He was a man of wide influence in this con-
gressional distritt. He served four terms in Congress. In 1831 he was appointed a naval officer in Philadelphia where
he died.
HON. PHILIP JOHNSON
Was for twenty years a member of the bar in Easton. There are many who still remember his genial manners. He
was born in Warren County, N. J., but later in life he removed to Mount Bethel, Pa. He was a student in Lafayette.
After leaving college he went to Mississippi where he remained four or five years. He returned to this county, and
in Easton pursued his legal studies under Washington McCartney, LL. D., and was admitted to the bar November 21,
1847. In 1848 he was elec5ted Clerk of Quarter Sessions. In 1853 and 1S54 he was eletled to the Legislature. In 1859
he was a member of the Board of Revenue Commissions of the State. In i860 he was eleaed a member of Congress,
and was re-elefted in 1862 and 1864. His third term would have expired March 4, 1867. Politically Mr. Johnson was
a Democrat. Socially he was a genial, affable gentleman. He was absent from his seat only a week when the House
of Representatives was startled by the news of his death, which occurred in Washington, January 31, 1867. He was
a popular man, and the news of his sudden death spread a gloom over Easton. There were solemn funeral services
in the Hall of Representatives, his remains lying in front of the Speaker's desk. The sermon was preached by the
Chaplain. His remains were placed in a vault to remain till brought to Easton. Having been a mason, the funeral
services in Easton were conducted by that fraternity. He was buried in the Easton Cemetery.
420
THE HISTORY OF
\V:
HON. WILLIAM MUTCH LER
, born December 21st, 1831, at Chain Dam, on the banks of the Lehigh, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. His
father was a farmer of the old school— frugal, industrious, conservative. The boys were trained to habits of industry, and
when in 1838, their mother was left a widow, the oldest two were able to help her carry on the farm. The subject of this
sketch was but a child of seven years, yet at that early age he had to do his share of the labor. In the winter he went
to school and in summer he worked on the farm and as a day laborer. He had made sufficiently good use of his time
in the winter school to have as a young man a desire for knowledge, and he counted himself very fortunate to be able
to attend the academy ol Dr. Vanderveer in Easton for two terms. Then he entered the law office of his brother, H.
M. Mutchler, and studied law. From 1854 to 1S60 he was Deputy Sheriffof the county, and in 1856 married a daughter
of Sheriff Jacob Cope, of Nazareth. He took a very active part in politics as a young man and was a most earnest,
consistent and uncompromising democrat, who soon became known as a tireless and able worker for the success of the
party to which his allegiance had been given. By a majority he was elected Prothonotary in 1863 and served the county
with such marked abilitv that he was renominated and elected for a second term to that important office. In 1.S67 he
was appointed Assessor of Internal Revenue by President Johnson, and served until May 1S69. In 1S69-70 he was
Chairman of the Democratic State Committee, and his conduct of that memorable campaign in this State won the ad-
miration of politicians and gave him great prominence in the party Councils. He was eletted to the forty-fourth, forty-
seventh, forty-eighth and fifty-first Congresses and his carefulness, clearness, wise conservatism and thorough knowl-
edge of Congressional routine has made him conspicuous as one of the most useful among the working members.
William Mutchler is a born political leader, thoroughly versed in State and national politics, conversant with the
history of political movements and quick to grasp the points of the main issue of the hour. He is wise in counsel and
in the direction of political work. His most prominent characteristic in public and private life is faithfulness. Stead-
fast as a rock to his friends, to his party, and to his word, he is emphatically "a man to tie to." The frankness and sin-
cerity of the man in all his dealings have made him hosts of friends in both political parties, and his great influence in
his county and among his political associates is largely due to the faift that he is everywhere recognized as a man to be
trusted. In old Northampton he has never had any opposition for his party nomination to any office he has filled, and
the fidelity with which he has discharged his public duties has vindicated the judgment of the people. His public and
private life have been honorable to himself and has fairly won the respect and confidence of the community in which
he resides.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
MEMBERS OF THE BAR.
The members of the Bar of Northampton County, residin
pradlice July 25, 1889, with date of admission to the Bar.
846
in Easton, and in adlive
Benjamin F. Fackenthall
Oliver H. Meyers
Edward J. Fox, Sr., Bucks Co., Sept
A. Brower Longaker
William H. Armstrong,
VV..W. Schuyler, President Judse,
. . Nov. 21,
. . Nov. 19, 1849
'45, . Aug. 15, 1853
. . Aug. 22, 1853
. . Nov. 23, 1853
. . April 23, 1854
Abraham S. Knecht Jan. 26, 1S55
Geo. W. Stout April 29, 1853
Elisha Allis, Nov. 18, 1856
Calvin G. Beitel, Nov. 16, 1858
James W. Lynn Jan. 25, 1862
William Beidelman, Nov. 25, 1863
Robert I. Jones April 24, 1865 j Will
William C. Kdelman April 24, 1865 \ Hen
James K. Dawes, Oct. 5, 1865
William S. Kirkpatrick, t)ct. 5,1865
Beates R. Swift Jan. 17, 1866
John C. Merrill Jan. 21, 1867
Howard J. Reeder, Judge Jan. 21, 1867
Henry W. Scott April 29,
William Mutchler, ... . June 23,
Frank Reeder, . In New York, Mar., 1868. In Penna.
Abraham B. Howell Feb. 2,
George V. Wallace May 5,
Francis H. Lehr, Aug. 29,
1868
1869
1869
1870
1871
,871
20, 1872
Robert E. James, .
F. W. Edgar, Sept. 12, 1874
C. Albert Sandt Aug. 31, 1875
Pennel C. Evans Feb. 16, 1876
H. T. Buckley, Feb. 26, 1876
Simon P. Chase April 18,
Quintus F. Ehler, Sept. 4,
David W. Nevin June 14,
William C. Shipman Oa. 9,
Samuel S. Lesher Oct. 24,
James W. Wilson Oa. 17,
George W. Geiser Feb. 22,
Morris Kirkpatrick June 16,
Matthew H Jones June 16,
William Fackenthall, ....■•... Aug. 16,
Luther M. Fine Oa. 20,
T. F. Emmens ,
5. Helrich, March 15,
Henry S. Cavanan-h Aug. 23,
Edward J. Fn.v,jr Dec. 13,
George F. P. Young Dec. 21,
Russel C. Stewart Jan. 3,
James S. Downs, April ir,
Henry J. Steel May 16,
Charles F. Walter, May 2,
Herbert M. Hagerman Oc^. 10,
Aaron Goldsmith Sept. 3,
Frederick Green, Oa. 8,
George L. Xander Feb. 11,
N. DuBois Chase, March 31,
Orrin Serfass . July 16,
Henry D. Maxwell, July 20,
David M. Kuntz Aug. 14,
Irwin S. Uhler, Oa. 19,
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.
'E now approach a different element of religions life from that described
in the early stages of this work. One of the most remarkable men appears
on the scene, a man more like Panl than any since his day. There was
but one thought that moved his soul to acftion, and the whole world knows
what it was. His devotion to what he felt to be duty leads us to accuse
him of imprudence in unnecessary exposure of his health. His life was
of but little account when he felt that duty called him. Every branch of
the church honors his memory, and millions of true christians would
gladly weep at his grave. He seems to have been sent into the world to
let the light of pure religion shine in its simplicity and heavenly splendor,
and teach the world a lesson not taught in the schools. Christians may
dispute about doctrines, but all true christians of every denomination approach the grave
of Brainerd with uncovered heads and hearts touched with the tenderest emotions. He
left Stockbridge, May 3, 1744, went through the wilderness to the Delaware, preached to
the Indians, went through a wilderness to the Susquehanna, and returned to Massachu-
setts and died Otftober 9, 1747. His ministry at the Forks continued about a year, and
in this short period he made his name immortal. If we ask what Brainerd has done to
give him such a place in history, looking over the field of his labor, some would readily
answer — nothing ; but taking another view, the new spiritual impulse imparted to the
church, and to individual experience, and to the spirit of christian missions, the pen of
an angel cannot tell, it can only be told at the judgment. Did this remarkable man ever
preach in Easton ? has been a question in the mind of the writer since this work was
begun. In the semi-centennial sermon of Dr. Sadtler (p. 26), he says : " Documentary
evidence shows that in 1745 and 1746 Brainerd resided chiefly at the Forks of the Dela-
ware, and occasionally preached to the forsaken protestant Germans ;" and tradition says
he preached on the hill where the old Academy now stands. There is one thing certain
this self-denying apostle never waited for men to come to him, but at the risk of life he
would go to them to preach the gospel. And the faift mentioned by Dr. Sadtler that the
Germans were as sheep without shepherd would of itself lead Brainerd to Easton. The
only house was at the point, Martin's ferry house. He preached on the other side of the
Delaware, in truth, the whole region is hallowed by the recollections of this acknowl-
edged messenger from heaven. His sun rose in glory and set at noon. His name will
never be forgotten, but his memory grow brighter as years roll onward. " Brainerd built
his cabin," and made his headquarters in what is now called Lower Mount Bethel town-
ship, near the mouth of Martin's Creek. From this point, as a base of operations, he
itinerated through the surrounding country, preaching sometimes to the scattered white
settlers, but most frequently to the Indians. In 1794 the Union Academy was incor-
porated mainly through the efforts of the English speaking part of the community, .^nd
E AS TON, PENN'A. 423
this building furnished a place where religious services might be held with some regu-
larity. There is to be found in the records of the trustees of the academy, under date of
July 21, 1798, the following minutes : "Resolved, that permission be given the present
English teacher in the academy to hold meetings for worship in said house at any time
which shall not interfere with the schools ; he being responsible for the care of the house
on such occasions." On Academy Hill the First Presbyterian Church was ushered into
life, and became the mother of Presbyterianism in this region, and established the Eng-
lish language for the future. The English speaking people met in the academy, entered
into a convenant or agreement, and formed an organization to be called the " Easton
Religious Society ;" "And do ordain and establish this Constitution for the good order
and government of the same." This precious old document is still in possession of the
Presbyterian Church. This Constitution consists of eight articles. The fourth article
provides that Mr. Andrew Mein (the teacher in the academy) be requested to accept the
appointment to officiate in the administration of the Divine fundlions until the twenty-
fifth of March, 1799, with desire and permission to request and employ any person to his
assistance that he may approve of There were some very peculiar features in the condi-
tions by which this teacher becomes acting pastor. The services were not to be too brief,
nor too prolix, and the dodlrines were to be in the utmost purity. The records of this
society were not kept, and we have no means of knowing the nature of its life for eleven
years. The official records of the First Presbyterian Church begin with April, 181 1.
The first entry is as follows : A number of the inhabitants of the Borough of Easton
having convened in said Borough to take into consideration the most eligible mode of
procuring a teacher of their children, and a preacher of the word of God in the English
language, it was, after deliberation, thought most advisable to request the Presbytery of
New Brunswick to grant them supplies for the ensuing summer, out of which supplies it
was expedled one might be selected for the purpose aforesaid. Dr. John Cooper and Mr.
John Ewing were appointed a committee to present this request to the Presbytery of New
Brunswick. They appeared before that body, April, 181 1. The petition was granted,
and Mr. Stephen Boyer, a licentiate, was appointed to preach two years, as a stated sup-
ply, to the English citizens in the Borough of Easton. After hearing Mr. Boyer preach,
and his ministrations being acceptable, August 19, 181 1, the people made out a call for
his services at a salary of $400 a year. The call was subscribed by forty-seven persons.
Mr. Boyer accepted the call. The Presbytery met in Easton, November 6, and ordained
Mr. Boyer, November 7, 18 11, in the old German Church on Third street. He held his
Sabbath service in the Court House, and taught a selecft class in the south room of the
second story of the academy during the week. At a meeting of the congregation in the
Court House, March 10, 1812, a proper organization was made by eledling John Green,
Absalom Reeder, Benjamin Green, Benjamin Hinds, John Ewing, Samuel R. Finley, and
Joseph Burke, Trustees ; and on December 21, 1812, Thomas Bullman, Joseph Burke,
Samuel R. Finley, and Benjamin Green, were ele(?ted Elders. As far back as 1798 the
trustees of the academy had given permission to the English teacher to hold services in
the building. In 1798 a religious society was formed by the adoption of a constitution,
and fourteen years later a pastor had been settled and the organization completed. This
was the toiling of childhood, but it is very pleasant to look through the seventy-two years
that have followed and mark the progress and the amount of work done. Mr. Boyer
424
THE HISTORY OF
remained nearly tliree years and then removed to Columbia, Pa. Rev. David Rishop was
the next pastor.
The concrregation felt they needed a house of worship and must depend upon them-
selves. They built a church, and on August 22, 1819, it was dedicated to God. Thus
the people struggled and patiently waited for forty-one years ; having been incorporated
thev now had a "local habitation and a name." In five years they found their church
too small ; money was raised, the church was enlarged by an extension of twenty feet in
the rear. And while these repairs were in progress the congregation was again welcomed
to the old German Church on Third street. Colonel Thomas McKeen, in 1852, offered
$4200 toward the eredlion of a parsonage if the church would raise $650 addition. This
was done and the parsonage was built. Mr. Bishop preached steadily till he died, May
ig, 1S22, having preached five years and si.x months. He was buried near the church,
but afterward his remains were removed to the Easton Cemetery. The pulpit was left
vacant. But it did not long remain so. Mr. John Gray was invited to ])reach as a candi-
date. He was elecfted pastor September, 1822 ; ordained and remained forty-four years
and seven months. Dr. Gray was succeeded by Rev. W. A. Kerr, a graduate of Wash-
ington College, of Alleghany Seminary, and a licentiate of the Presbytery of Carlisle.
He was called September 6, 1867 ; ordained and installed November 19. He was a young
man of fine oratorical talents, an interesting and attractive preacher. He rapidly attained
popularity and gathered large and admiring audiences. He resigned August, 1870, after
a pastorate of three years and removed to Williamsport. He was succeeded by Rev.
Frank E. Miller, who was called December 28, 1870, and assumed charge February i,
1871 ; was installed May i, by a committee of the Presbytery of Lehigh. Rev. D. S.
Banks, presided ; Rev. W. C. Cattell, D. D., preached the sermon ; Rev. J. Belville, D.
D., delivered the charge to the pastor ; and Rev. C. Earle to the people. Before speak-
ing of the work done by the last named pastor it may be proper to mention other matters
of church history to the time of his installation. This church has ever looked upon the
Sabbath School as the most important feature of church work. July 24, 1809, Samuel
R. Finley and Joseph Burke presented a petition to the trustees of the academy asking
the use of a room for Sabbath School purposes. The work was carried on for some time,
but there were no records. In this school, in addition to the scriptures, the pupils were
taught writing. When Mr. Bishop came on the field there was no organization. In 1816
he reviewed the school and put it upon a substantial basis, and the exercises have been
uninterrupted since. In 1812 the church reported fourteen members to the Presbytery of
New Brunswick. In 1825 there were ninety-six communicants, and the total amount of
benevolent contributions was seventeen dollars. In 1849, when Dr. Gray was in his
prime, the church numbered four hundred and nine members. In past times John Stew-
art, Benjamin Hinds, and James Wilson, took turns in standing before the pulpit and
leading the music. In 1829 the congregation paid twenty-five dollars for one cast-steel
triangle, hammer, etc., by the aid of which the people were called to the house of wor-
.sliip. A bell was purchased in the same year. In 1816 the church used candles for light-
ing the house ; in i8ig they owned sixteen candle-sticks, valued at five dollars ; in 1822
the church had introduced lamps. Up to 1850 whale oil was used ; and in 1851 gas was
introduced. This gave a very pleasant light and was thought to be very satisfactory, but
time brings its changes, and in 18S9 gas is discarded and olertricity is introduced. The
E ASTON, PENN'A. 425
church is now beautifully lighted by the Edison elecflric burners. If the people would try
the experiment of bringing in a few candles and lighting them and then turn on the
elecflric lights we might get a good contrast between the past and the present.
The pastorate of Mr. Miller is looked upon as one of the most prosperous periods of
church life in the First Church. He was born in Ohio, pursued his collegiate studies
at the Miami University, and graduated at the Theological Seminary, Princeton. He
served in the war of the Rebellion, being Major of his regiment. After the war he was
settled in Asbury, N. J., from whence he was called to the First Presbyterian Church in
Easton, Pa. He was pastor of this church sixteen years. Under his administration, the
church became a model in aggressive work. He carried the experience of the army into
church work, as far as he could with good results. The church was repaired at a cost of near
$8000, the cupola was removed from the north end of the church, and a bell-tower built
at the southeast corner. The pulpit was removed to the north end of the building with
the organ behind the pulpit. The floor was made to slope toward the pulpit, being
three feet higher at the doors. The old pews were changed, and those of black walnut
took their place, cushioned with curled hair, and covered with crimson damask, and
the walls were neatly frescoed. A Sabbath School was established in the Seventh
Ward, and was of so much promise that a chapel which cost $1900 was built. A
dwelling and lot was donated, valued at $2000 ; a corner lot donated valued at $1200 ;
and another house and lot valued at $1800. In 1884 a Sabbath School was estab-
lished at Seitzville, and a chapel was built costing $1918.55. In 1888 a chapel was built
at Schoernertown called the Riverside Chapel, costing $1382.51. In 1887 Mr. Miller,
accepted a call extended to him from Paterson, N. J., and his successor. Rev. Douglas
Carlile, was installed May 7, 1888. The church building became too small and must be
enlarged, which was effecfled by adding twenty feet to the north end, making extensive
changes and repairs, and obtaining a new organ ; the changes cost about $10,000. The
organ is now run by an ele6lric motor.
Rev. Douglas Carlile was born in Clarksburgh, West Virginia, April i, i860. He
was the son of Hon. John S. Carlile, who served in both houses of Congress. He studied
for the ministry in the Western Theological Seminary and graduated in 1885. His first
settlement was in Brockton, Mass. The climate being too severe, he came to Easton
where he is faithfully and successfully doing the work of his Master.
On November 13, 1816, Rev. David Bishop was ordained to the work of the gospel
ministry. As in the former case, the congregation secured the German Reformed Church,
on Third street, for the ordination services. That the occasion was one of more than ordi-
nary interest, may be inferred from the fa6l that Drs. Alexander and Miller, of Princeton
Seminary, were present, and participated in the exercises. Mr. Bishop's salary was three
hundred and fifty dollars per annum, payable in half-yearly installments. Mr. Bishop
supplemented his income by outside preaching at Mount Bethel and Durham, and by
teaching a classical school in the Academy.
When Mr. Bishop entered upon his duties, services were still held in the Court House ;
but the place not being entirely adapted for such purposes, and objedlions being made on
the part of certain persons to its use by the congregation, it became evident, that if the
organization was to thrive, it must have a property of its own. Efforts had been made to
426
THE HISTORY OF
this end some years before. On the seventeenth of July, 1813, a letter was presented to
the trustees of the academy, from jNIessrs. Reader, BuUman and B. Green, trustees of the
English Presbyterian Church, praying for a lot of ground for building a house thereon for
the use of public worship. The trustees of the academy very sensibly resolved, "that
it is inexpedient to grant the English Presbyterian congregation any ground." Finding
that they must depend upon themselves, on the sixth of July, 1815, a subscription paper
was drawn up for the purpose of purchasing a lot or lots in the Borough of Easton, and
erecfling a church thereon, and for a burying ground, for the First Presbyterian congrega-
tion in the said Borough of Easton. The paper was immediately circulated, money
obtained, and the church completed and dedicated to the worship of God August 22, 1819.
When Mr. Bishop removed to Easton he entered upon an uninviting field. The con-
A ViKW OF Hastc
gregation was small, without a house of worship, and the moral reputation of the town
was bad ; some persons — envious outsiders, possibly — calling it Sodom, and like flatter-
ing names. He was a man of strong convittions and vigorously proclaimed vigorous
dodlrines. A neighboring minister, somewhat lax in theology and morals, remonstrated
with Mr. Bishop, preditling that such "horrific preaching" would empty his church ;
but it seemed to have the contrary eflfecfl, for the congregation increased. He was
considered one of the very best preachers in the Presbytery of Newton ; earnest in.
manner, pracflical, and yet spiritual in thought. He was tall — five feet ten inches —
and well proportioned ; hair dark, and very abundant ; altogether giving him a very
EASTON, PENN'A. 427
striking and handsome appearance. He was cut down when apparently entering upon a
career of usefulness. During his brief ministry his influence was decided and beneficial,
and it did not cease with his life. " He was adlive, laborious, faithful, and carried with
him to the grave the purest affecflions of the people of his charge." Mr. Bishop settled
the fa(5l that the stern doctrines of the gospel, preached in kindness and sincerity, is about
the best way to fill the pews and build up a prosperous church. Mr. Bishop continued
stated supply of the First Church until his death. He died of consumption, on Sunday
morning, May 19, 1822, having labored five years and six months. His remains were
buried in the rear of the church, but afterwards disintered, and they now lie in our
beautiful cemetery.
Rev. John Gray succeeded Rev. David Bishop. The church edifice had been built
during the ministry of Mr. Bishop, and the docftrines of the Presbyterian Church had
been well and faithfully inculcated in the minds of the people, and thus the foundation
was well laid for the successful work of the new pastor. Dr. Gray came to his work in
the morning of life, and, in the Providence of God, destined to spend his days in Easton
and rear a noble superstrudlure on the foundations so well laid. Like his predecessor, he
had strong convidlions, a clear head, a warm heart, courage and perseverence common to
his race, whose descendants and influence are found in every part of the republic. He
came from that busy hive which has sent out its earnest workers to aid in establishing a
"church without a bishop and a state without a king." The fiery spirit of John Knox
had imbued their souls with a love of stern dodlrines and political liberty, and they were
prepared to live or die for either. Wherever they went the church and school house stood
close together. Dr. John Gray was born in the country of Moneghan, in the north of
Ireland, December, 1798. He pursued his academic course at the Univesity of Glasgow,
that centre of religious influence and vigorous thought. His soul here became inspired
with the orthodox faith, which shone so clearly through the fiery scenes of the Reforma-
tion, and which had done so much to give religious and political liberty to a continent
and ultimately to the world. Amid the hills of Scotland his mind had fine opportunities
for expansion and vigorous growth, and the soul for the cultivation of those finer, spiritual
faculties, without which mere learning is of but little avail. There were no theological
seminaries at that time, and Dr. Gray studied theology with the famous Dr. John Dick.
Mr. Gray was as fortunate in his teaching in theology as he had been in the surroundings
of literary preparation. Dr. Dick was among the first scholars of the age, and to be a
pupil of his in the pursuit of sacred literature was an especial privilege, and great advan-
tage in the sacred calling to which he was aspiring. Sitting at the feet of Dr. Dick he
could put on the full armor of God and prepare to battle with the " world, the flesh, and
the devil," in a locality of which he never dreamed, and to which he was led through
stormy seas by the unseen hand of God. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Mone-
ghan, Odlober 7, 1820. He married Miss Jane Lewers, a woman of unusual poetic talent,
which gained recognition on both sides of the Atlantic. After his marriage they sailed for
the new world, and after a stormy passage landed on one of the Bermuda Islands. They
were soon on another vessel and reached New Brunswick in safety. The climate proved
too severe and they sailed for New York. He came to Easton in Septeihber and was
ordained December 3, 1822, by the Presbytery of Newton. He adled as stated supply,
and his salary was fixed at three hundred and fifty dollars, payable semi-annually. This
428 THE HISTORY OF
was felt to be insufficient for his support, and he supplemented his salary by preaching at
Lower Mount Bethel a portion of the time, until December, 1829. The people soon
manifested their interest in their minister in a substantial manner. The parish was grow-
ing in numbers and wealth. The ne.\t year after he began his work his salary was
increased to four hundred dollars. The next year, 1824, his salary was increased to four
hundred and fifty dollars. In 1828 it was increased to six hundred dollars. It is quite
likely that the sum was relatively greater then than twice that sum would be now. Such
generous care for their minister would natually induce a deeper interest in the minister's
mind, and fix a bond of friendship only to be broken by the hand of death. In 1829 the
congregation added two hundred dollars more to the salary and this sum continued for
fourteen years, until in 1843, when it was raised to nine hundred dollars. In three years
more another hundred was added, making one thousand dollars, to which a commodious
parsonage was added, and this remained his fixed income till his death. It is pleasant
thus to see the congregation so attentive to the wants of the pastor, but it may be equally
pleasant to note the work by him for whom so much interest was manifested. Dr. Gray
was ordained December 3, 1822, and in 1825 the church building was too small to accom-
modate his hearers. A subscription was raised in December of that year to enlarge the
house of worship. The work was begun the next spring and carried on by extending
the church twenty feet back and gaining twenty-eight pews. This enlargement lasted
twenty years, when the congregation found themselves in cramped quarters again. And
so in 1846 another enlargement was made by adding twelve feet to the front and thus
bringing the front to the pavement, and by this twenty new pews were gained. When
the enlargement was completed, a sermon appropriate to the occrsion, was preached by
Dr. Gray, on Sabbath evening of the reopening, December 27, 1846, from Haggai 2:7.
The evening of December 27, 1846, was without doubt one of the happiest hours of his
life. He had been preaching in Easton twenty-fours, had twice enlarged his church,
adding forty pews to the original number, all of which had been sold. There was a
mutual love between him and his people which had grown stronger as these years had
passed away. He was yet in the vigor of his life, having twenty more years of active life
before him. In 1849 Dr. Gray reported four hundred and nine member of his church.
He had thus taken his church in its childhood, and in twenty-seven years had the pleasure
of reporting one of the largest churches in the State, and the leading church of North-
ampton county. In 1848 a number of members withdrew from his church and was
ultimately formed into the American Reform Church. In 1853 thirty-four members
withdrew to form the Brainerd Church. March 5, and in December 11 of the same
year, twenty members withdraw to form the First Presbyterian Church in Phillipsburg,
which has now a larger membership than the mother church ever had. It was in the
early part of Dr. Gray's ministry that Lafayette College had its birth, and was breathed
into life by this church. Dr. Gray was a6live in the work, adling for thirteen years as
one of the trustees ; and thus when he was sixty years old he had great reason for grati-
tude, that he had been permitted to do so much for his Master. His church and himself had
founded a college, now among the first in the republic, and thus had set influences in
motion that will grow deeper and wider as time rolls onward ; and the name of Dr. Gray
cannot be forgotten while Lafayette College lives, and these churches continue in adlive
work. He had care of the church for fortv-four years. The last vear of his ministrv lie
EASTON, PENN'A. 429
had an assistant, but then resigned his office, which was accepted April 15, 1867. He
preached his last sermon on the first Sabbath in April, 1867, and survived, in great physi-
cal weakness, until January, 1868, when "he fell asleep." In appearance. Dr. Gray was
tall and shapely, always neatly dressed. In his bearing there was a mingling of dignity
and urbanity. His sermons were ornate in style and pathetic in tone ; his manner of
delivery was deliberate, solemn and tender. Few names in the past history of Easton is
more pleasantly spoken of than that of Dr. Gray. He filled up the measure of his days,
did a good work, and died in the faith. He came to Easton when the work of a good,
spiritual archite<ft was demanded. He was a workman of whom that generation, or those
of the future, need not to be ashamed. He did much to fix the moral and religious life
for that and future generations, and thus secure happiness and prosperity for those who
should come after him. Dr. Gray seems to have drifted, but he was evidently guided to
Easton, by that mysterious power that " guides Arcturus with his sons ;" that feeds "the
young ravens which cry ;" that gives color to the petals of the lily, and fragrance to the
rose of summer. Mrs. Gray, the wife of Dr. Gray, was a woman of uncommon talent,
and a poet by nature.
THE BRAINERD CHURCH
Was a colony from the First Presbyterian Church. The thirty-six members of that
church who withdrew March 5, 1853, formed its original membership. On 0(ftober 5,
1852, they, with the session of the mother church, united in an application for organiza-
tion to the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, which was granted, and on March 8, 1853,
the committee of Presbytery, appointed for the purpose, met in the First Presbyterian
Church. The way being clear, the organization was completed, Messrs. John Stewart
and Isaac N. Carpenter having been eledled elders, and Messrs. James McKeen, John
Pollock and William Hemmel, deacons. Preparations were immediately made for the
erection of a new edifice, and while this was in progress the congregation worshiped in
the old chuch, assembling as a separate congregation, only in the afternoon of the Sab-
bath, preaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments, taking place
under ministers of their own appointments, until the new building was sufficiently com-
pleted for their use. This was begun in the summer of 1853. The first services in it was
the celebration of the Lord's Supper in the le6lure room, on September 3, 1854. It was
dedicated on Odlober 17, 1854.
The building stands in Spring Garden street, on the northeast corner of Sitgreaves
street, between Second and Third streets. Its front is of trimmed Trenton stone, with
a spire one hundred and seventy-five feet high, and of Gothic design. The lower story
is divided into a large lecture and Sunday School room, together with four smaller rooms.
The main audience room, on the second story, has seventy-eight pews, and at the street
end there is a choir loft, furnished with an organ of moderate size. The cost was about
$32,000. It has been several times refitted, but no material change has been made in its
divisions or arrangements.
Rev. G. Wilson McPhail, D. D., was installed pastor on the day of dedication, and
continued in this relation until April, 1862, a period of seven years and a half While
here he was also, during a portion of his pastorate, the President of Lafayette College.
Rev. Alfred H. Kellogg, a licentiate of the Central Presbytery of Philadelphia, was
EASTON, PENN'A. 431
called as his successor, and ordained pastor, Odlober 22, 1862. He continued until April,
1865, accepting the call of the University Place Church, in New York, at the end of two
years and a half.
He was succeeded by the Rev. D. Stuart Banks, in April, 1866, who after a success-
ful pastorate of nearly seven years, removed to Margnette, Michigan, preaching his last
sermon here in February, 1873.
Rev. Jacob Weidman, from the Presbytery of Philadelphia, north, was installed,
June 5, 1873.
The church has steadily grown in strength of organization and members. Its elder-
ship has been increased at several times, and now consists of Messrs. E. J. Fox, John
Pollock, James Long, Samuel Boileau, and W. K. Wolverton. It has numbered on its
roll the successive presidents of Lafayette College, and a large proportion of its profes-
sors and students. The Sabbath School enrolls about two hundred and fifty children,
whose work and liberality is fostered in the Juvenile Missionary Society, by means of
which they have contributed about $4500 to the Home Mission cause within the past ten
years. The ladies of the congregation are organized for benevolent labor into the Pas-
toral Aid Society, through which they contribute money and clothing in aid of Home
and Foreign Missions and local or casual charities. The last report to the General Assem-
bly shows a membership of two hundred and eight.
The above is taken from the Northampton County History, and comes down to the
pastorate of Rev. Jacob Weidman. Mr. Weidman was installed in 1873 and resigned in
1880. He was followed by Rev. A. Russell Stevenson, who was born in Baltimore,
December 29, 1856. He prepared for college at Chambersburg, Pa. ; graduated at Princeton
1876 ; studied at Union Theological Seminary, N. Y., two years and graduate at Prince-
ton Seminary, 1880. He was installed pastor of the Brainerd Church, December, 1880,
and resigned March i, 1888, to take charge of the First Presbyterian Church, Schenectady,
N. Y. Duringthis pastorate a commodious parsonage was bought, situated on Second street.
Rev. Henry D. Lindsay was installed the first Sunday in July, 1888. He was grad-
uated at Erskine College S. C, in 1879, ^n^ at Princeton, 1883. His first settlement was
in the pastorate of the Thompson Memorial Church, in the Presbytery of Philadelphia.
From that church he was transferred to the First Church of Wilmington, Del. From
this church he was called to the Brainerd Church in Easton, and installed as stated above.
The church is enjoying a career of prosperty and usefulness.
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
In April, 1848, a colony from the First Presbyterian Church was organized under this
name. In April, 1851, owing to adverse external influences, the organization dissolved.
Its constituents, however, were reorganized in July the same year as a Reformed Protes-
tant Dutch Church — usually styled by its distinctive name "American Reformed." It
built a church on Fifth street in 1852, costing $16,000. This was sold to the Zion Luth-
eran congregation in 1871. Another church was immediately built on Spring Garden
street, costing |6i,ooo, which it now occupies. It also owns a parsonage adjoining. In
the spring of 1888 the congregation resolved to take measures to re-enter the Presbyterian
denomination and to reassume its original name. It applied to the classis of Raritan,
432
THE HISTORY OF
with which it was in ecclesiastical conne(ftion, and in July obtained permission to make
the transfer. Tlie corporate name was changed by the civil Court in August, and in Sep-
tember the church was received and put on the roll of the Presbytery of Lehigh without
reorganization. This transition was made without any objedlion and with the full appro-
bation of both denominations.
The pastors of the church have been — Rev. J. H. Mason Knox, D. D., (now Presi-
dent of Lafayette College) 1851-3 ; Rev. Cornelius H. Edgar, D. D., (deceased) 1853-1882 ;
Rev. George M. S. Blauvelt, 1882-8, and Rev. T. J. Lee (present incumbent) elected 1889.
For thirty years Dr. Edgar was pastor of the American Reformed Church of Easton.
He was born in Rah way, N. J., April 11, 181 1, and died at Easton, December 23,
1884. He graduated at Princeton College, class of 1831, engaged for several years in
teaching, and was head master of the preparatory department of the University of the
city of New York. He entered the ministry in 1845, and at once became pastor of the
Presbyterian Church at Bridge Hampton, Long Island. He remained there until 1853,
when he accepted a call to the Easton church. Dr. Edgar was a man of marked individ-
uality of chara6ler. There was no element of common place in his composition. His
bearing and address indicated that he was positive on all lines of mental and moral adlion.
His sunny spirit, his courteous manners, his sprightly conversation, his cheerful piety,
and his upright chara<5ler made his daily life an example and power for good in the com-
munity. Great talents and careful culture prepared him for his work as a preacher. He
was a forcible speaker, fluent and perspicuous in his use of a rich vocabulary. Ready and
earnest, remarkable for clear propositional statement, keen analysis, apt illustration, and
coherent treatment of a subje<ft, he was recognized as a leader among his clerical brethren.
There have been in this congregation from the beginning, and are now connecfted
with it many of the most prominent citizens of Easton and professors and students of
Lafayette College.
METHODISM IN EASTON.
The earliest records of Methodist preaching in this region are in 1802. At this time
Johnson Dunham was appointed to Northampton county, then belonging to the Philadelphia
Conference. During 1802, J. Dunham was sent to Kent Circuit, and Henry Bsehm
removed from Kent to Northampton. In 1803, Northampton was abandoned, as a Dis-
tri<5l Circuit, and the few appointments in it were added to the Bristol Circuit. In 1810,
another effort was made to occupy Northampton, in the neighborhood of Easton. David
Bartine was the preacher in charge. The circuit was weak, and the next year had to be
joined with what is now Lehigh county. Daniel Ashton and W, W. Fonlks, who were
appointed to this circuit, frequently visited Easton. In the house of Mrs. Wagner, grand-
mother of our townsman Mr. Daniel W. Conklin, these men found a welcome and a place to
preach the dodlrines of the gospel, as understood by the Methodists. In 1813 Mrs. Wagner
was happily converted in her own house and in the midst of her own family. For several
years the preachers appointed to Bristol Circuit, or Northampton Circuit, continued to
visit Easton, but they did not hold regnlar services. In 1815 Manning Force baptized a
son of Mrs. Wagner, whose name was Ab.salom. On the twenty-seventh of July, 1820,
E AS TON, PENN'A.
433
William Colbert baptized a daughter. In 1825 Philip Reese, who had been a Lutheran,
became an acftive, zealous Methodist. His house was a centre for preachers to hold meet-
ings, and a Bethel for the new denomination. Meetings were held, more or less regularly,
by the preachers of Warren Circuit, and with variable success until sometime in 1826, when
the first class-meeting was formed, and William Down, who had been a Methodist in Eng-
land, was appointed leader. David Best and James Danby were the preachers in that and
the following year. It is remarkable that the first class of the Methodist Episcopal Church
of Easton was formed in Phillipsburg, but the members of the denomination worshipped
together, and hence the class was formed there. The second class was formed in the
summer -of 1827. The old Academy, on what was called the School House Hill, was
secured for the preachers. Large crowds attended the services and a revival of religion
followed. The audience became so large that the trustees were apprehensive of the
strength of the building, and it was vacated. The names on the class-book in 1827, were
as follows : William Down, Hannah Down, Philip Reese, Mary Reese, Mary Bell, Ann
Gano, Cornelius Moore, John Moore, Sarah Moore, Margaret Wagner, Mary A. Wagner,
Esther Wagner, Maria Tilton, Alexander W. Paterson, George W. Wagner, Luther Car-
ter, Elizabeth Carter, Robert Vandyke, Sidney Down, Jane Down, George S. Moore,
Daniel B. Wagner, Sophia Reese, Margaret Wilhelm, Sarah Ann Wagner, Margaret
Oliver, Herman Heckman, Hiram Hess, Peter Schooley, John Bell, Sally Ann Schooley.
Through the courtesy of the county officials the Court House was used as a preaching
place for a period ; then an old red store house, situated near the junction of Walnut and
Northampton streets. The Methodist people became very warmly attached to this old
building, as it had been the scene of many pleasant meetings and many conversions.
They were at times visited by the Presiding Elder and eminent preachers in the denomi-
nation. Among these were Lawrence McCombs and George Banghart. After some
time the society removed to a tinsmith's shop on Si tgreaves street, and were supplied with
^preachers from the Warren Circuit. In 1832 the present church lot was purchased from
Martha Moore and Euphemia Wall, sisters of Samuel Moore, Esq. On the lot, and
included in the purchase, was a long narrow frame building which had been used for an
armory in the war of 1812. This building served as a place of worship and a residence
of a family for several years. Because of its strange proportions and elevated position,
resting as it did upon props, people called it "The Saw Mill." Here Joseph McCool,
Abraham K. Street, George F. Brown, and John Bishop Hagany, preached from 1832 to 1835.
The first regular church edifice was eredled in 1835, under the supervision of
the pastor, J. B. Hagany, and continued to be used until the spring of 1855, when it was
destroyed by fire. The Presiding Elders who officiated there in the order named, were
George Banghart, James Smith, Solomon Higgins, James H. McFarland, Elijah Miller,
Robert Gerry, and Joseph Castle. The pastors were Vincent Sheppard, 1836 ; James V.
Potts, 1837 ; George Lacy, 1838 ; John S. Inskip, 1839 and 1840 ; Samuel Higgins, 1841 ;
Elijah Miller, 1842 and 1843 ; Christopher J. Crouch, 1844 ; Pennel Coombe, 1845 and
1846 ; Joseph Mason, 1847 and 1848 ; William Barns, 1849 and 1850 ; John Le Roy Taft,
1851 and 1852 ; James Rush Anderson, 1853 and 1854 ; and William Bishop, 1855 and
1856. The last named pastor had preached but a short time when the building was burned.
The present church was erected in 1855, and dedicated by the Conference in 1856. The
building is large and commodious, and its erection marked an epoch in the history of Metho-
434 THE HISTORY OF
disni in Easton. The work of rebuilding so quickly, and at such expense, exhibited a
vitality that gave assurance of a prosperous future. The progress of the church has been
steady. The succession of pastors from 1856 to 1885, is as follows : John C. Thomas, 1857,
1858 ; Michael D. Kurtz, 1859, i860 ; H. F. Hurn, 1861, 1862 ; J. H. Lightbourne, 1863, 1864 ;
F. Hodgson, 1865, 1866 ; H. S. Cook, 1867, 1868, 1869 ; J. S. Welsh, 1870, 1871 ; J. S.
J. McConnell, 1872, 1873, i874 5 William S. Gray, 1875, 1876, 1877 ; Elias B. Hough-
ton, 1878, 1879, 1880 ; S. H. Hoover, 1881, 1882, 1883 ; J. R. Taylor Gray, 1884, 1885 ;
W. J. Mills, 1886 ; L. B. Hoffman, 1887, 1888, 1889. It was during the ministry of Rev.
S. H. Hoover that the Memorial Church was built. It was dedicated March, 1884, free
from debt. The building of this chapel on Ferry street, between Tenth and Eleventh
streets, is a monument to his energy and perseverance. The pastors of the Methodist
Church are generally among the eminent preachers of their denomination. The present
pastor is Rev. L. B. Hoffman. The Stewards are Daniel L. Wolverton, John D. Pat-
terson, John C. Merrill, Esq., John Wilson, Elisha Johnson, Nelson Lake, Joseph F.
Crater, S. H. Walter, David Chamberlain, and Birge Pearson. Superintendent, H. M.
Norton ; Assistant Female Superintendent, Mrs. David Chamberlain. The number of
church members 265, and 20 on probation. The number of scholars in the Sabbath
School 450, and 35 officers and teachers. The value of church property is $25,000. The
amount of contributions for benevolent purposes. Home and Foreign Missions, from the
church, $75 ; from the Sabbath School, $80. Salary for Pastor, Presiding Elder, and
Bishop, $1628 ; for Conference claimants, $60 ; for other colledlions, $50.
BETHEL MISSION.
Bethel Mission (English) Church of the Evangelical Association, on Ferry, near
Ninth street, was organized as a mission on the twenty-second day of March, 1869. The
society, numbering nine members, held its first meeting in a private house, on North-
ampton street, between Sixth and Seventh streets. The chapel now used was dedicated
to the service of God on the sixth day of November, 1869. It was eredled at a cost of
about $6000, most of which was paid at completion. The first pastor was Rev. L. N.
Worman, under whose administration the church was erecfled. He served two years,
being then the full term allowed at any one place by the Conference. He was suc-
ceeded by Rev. S. L. Wiest, who, under the new arrangement of General Conference,
oflBciated for three years. He was followed by Rev. O. L. Saylor, Rev. S. C. Breyfogel,
Rev. A. M. Stirk, Rev. J. G. Sands, Rev. J. C. Krause, and Rev. T. A. Hess, the present
pastor. The number of church members is one hundred and three ; the number of pupils
in the Sabbath School is one hundred and sixty-seven, and the number of officers and
teachers is twenty-five. There is a very commodious parsonage convenient for the jjastor.
TRINITY CHURCH.
Trinity Church of the Evangelical Association (German). The first services of this
society were held in the year 1848, in a private house, by Rev. M. Sindlinger, a preacher
on the Northampton Circuit. He was followed at intervals by Revs. J. Hess, D. Weiand,
S. G. Rhoads, C. Hummel, M. Goebel, Jacob Gross, F. Frecker, and W. Yost, all preach-
ers on the circuit. In 1S54 the small congregation became a mission, with Rev. J. Veakel,
HAS TON, I'ENN'A. 435
pastor, and meetings were held in the basement of the " West Ward Academy." Under
the supervision of Rev. J. Yeakel, the present church, on Northampton street was built
in 1855, and named the Trinity Church of the Evangelical Association. Mr. Yeakel was
succeeded by Rev. W. L. Reber, and in 1858 the church was constituted a self-support-
ing station. The following pastors have served in the sacred office since : W. L. Reber,
J. Yeakel, J. Koehl, J. Hess, B. F. Bonner, C. B. Fliehr, G. Scarf, S. Breifogel.
The members of the church now number one hundred and forty ; the Sabbath School
numbers one hundred and fifty. The parsonage joins the church on the west. The
present pastor is Rev. George Knerr.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE.
The Jewish congregation was first organized in Easton in 1839, and chartered Novem-
ber 24, 1842, with the following members : Henry Rosenfelt, Michael Lederer, Solomon
Rhoda, Samuel Bachenheimer, Moses Cohn, Solomon Scheit, Samuel Abel, Adolph
Hirsch, Louis Bachenheimer, M. Gardner, Wolf Rosenbauin, Emanuel Scheif, Isaac
Menline. In 1842 — Jewish Calender, 5602 — a lot of land, 40 by 100 feet, on South
Sixth street, was purchased for four hundred dollars of Charles Kitchen and Andrew H.
Reeder, assignees of Christian J. Hutter, and the first church building erecfted in the
same year at a cost of $2400. The first officiating Rabbi was Rev. Manis Cohn. He
was followed by Rev. Mr. Gling. In 1870 the congregation had so increased that it
became necessary to enlarge the synagogue. This was accomplished the following year
at a total cost of $5600. When the new synagogue was dedicated the reformed mode of
worship was introduced, as adopted by the Conference of Rabbis, at Cleveland, Ohio, by
Rev. Dr. Isaac M. Wisse, of Cincinnatti, who also performed the rites of dedication.
The interior of the synagogue is plain and neat. The ark containing the scrolls of the
law, surmounted by the two tablets of testimony, is in the east. In front of the ark,
which is curtained, is the pulpit, and below this the reading desk ; the whole on a plat-
form elevated a few feet from the floor of the building. The choir gallery is in the west ;
and the pews, fifty-three in number, with the capacity of about three hundred and fifty
sittings, running from north to south, and on either side of the Holy Ark, running east
and west. Religious services are held every Friday evening and Saturday morning. On
all holy days the service is condu<fted in the Hebrew, German and English languages,
interspersed with German and English hymns by the choir. The sermons are sometimes
in English and sometimes in German The records from which the author copies the
above account come to the period of about 1875. Rev. Jacob S. Jacobson was the officiat-
ing Rabbi. At that time the congregation numbered about 255 souls. There was a
school connected with the synagogue, under the supervision of Rev. Mr. Jacobson, study-
ing Religious and Bible History. It numbered about seventy-five pupils. They studied
the Hebrew and German languages. The income of the society was then about $1600,
and property was valued at gio,ooo. The congregation has a burying ground on Butler
street and extends back to Washington street. There are several Jewish societies con-
nedled with the congregation. The first is a secret society called the Judea Lodge, No.
30, I. O. B. B., (Independent Order B'nai B'rith) or sons of the covenant, a society
spread over the Union, and a<?ting as a mutual benefit society. At the above date there
436 THE HISTORY OF
was a membership of about fifty, all males above twenty-one years of age, and a capital
of about $4000. The " Kranken und Leichen Mache Verein," is a society that was organ-
ized in 1857 ; its objeft is to take care of the sick and poor of the congregation, and
defraying funeral expenses of indigent persons. This society had a membership of about
forty, and a capital at that time of about seven hundred dollars. The present minister, or
pastor, is Rev. Alexander Gross, who has had the pastoral care of the congregation since
April I, 1881. He reports the number of Sunday School scholars thirty-seven. Mr.
Gross, the present Rabbi, was born in Baden, Germany. He was educated in Karlsruhe,
the capital city of Baden. He came to this country in 1869, and resided in Petersburg,
Va., eleven years, and from there came to Easton in 1881. He is now forty-four years of age.
ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The first Catholic Church in Easton was built in 1836, and dedicated the same year
by Bishop Kendrick, afterwards Archbishop of Baltimore. Prior to this time, meetings
were held in different private houses, as circumstances required. The first pastor was
Rev. Fitzpatrick, who was succeeded by the following : Revs. Herzog, Maloney, Brady,
and Thomas Reardon. The first church was built of stone, and was rebuilt and enlarged
in 1867. As it was being finished, an accident on the part of one of the workmen, who
was soldering at the bottom of the spire, upset the portable furnace, from which the
church took fire, and in spite of the united efforts of the fire department of the borough,
was entirely consumed. Within ten days the members and friends of the church had
raised $2000, which was presented to the pastor to aid in rebuilding, and in a short time
the large and commodious edifice on South Fifth street was ere6led. In the early day of
the history of the church, services were not held regularly, as the pastor often had to
attend meetings in Lehigh, Bucks, and Monroe counties, in this State, as well as Warren
and Hunterdon, in New Jersey. At the time of the first church, the congregation was
small, only numbering about one hundred in all, and was composed almost entirely of
Germans and Irish. Since that time, the membership has been steadily increasing, until
it now numbers about 2000, of which nearly two-thirds are native born. The above is
quoted from the Northampton County History published in 1877.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Baptists were almost unknown in Easton prior to 1836. Rev. Joseph Matthias,
a Baptist minister from Hilltown, Bucks county, in itinerations would stop and preach in
the Court House as occasion might ofifer. But this was all the Baptist service held in
Easton at the above date. On one of his periodical visits he became acquainted with
Margaret Hill, recently from Morristown, N. J. , Eleanor Ihrie from Kentucky, and Amos
Rogers from Tompkins county, N. Y. , each members of different Baptist Churches, but
who had lived in Easton for a considerable time unknown to each other. After this the
ministrations of Joseph Matthias, John P. Thompson, John S. Jenkins, and others, were
more frequent. On the second Sabbath in December, 1836, Rev. Joseph Matthias bap-
tized three persons in the Delaware in the presence of a large congregation of the people
of Easton and vicinity. On the fifth Sabbath of January following, Rev. Matthias again
visited the little flock in Easton, preached in the house of Ezekiel Hill and administered
E ASTON, PENN'A. 437
the communion. Shortly after this Rev. Thomas Ritchie, of Perth Amboy, N. J.,
removed to Easton, and preached here and at Mt. Bethel, Stroudsburg and other places.
On the twenty-sixth of September, 1837, a council convened in a school house, near the
corner of Fourth and Washington streets, a church covenant was adopted by the small
number, only six members, and they were regularly constituted and set apart as a separate
and independent Baptist Church. In 1841 Rev. Joseph R. Morris was eledled pastor.
He was succeeded by Rev. Marshall M. Evarts in 1842. In 1845 William B. Tolan, a
member of the church, a young man of fine talents and address, was ordained to the
gospel ministry, and became pastor of the congregation. After serving a short time
it was felt that a more convenient house of worship was needed. Accordingly a lot was
purchased on Ferry street, above Fourth, and a brick church was ere(?ted thereon.
In the fall of 1848 Rev. John C. Harrison was eletled pastor, and continued nearly eight
years in the pastoral office. Dr. Harrison was a man of fine culture and ability, but the
congregation did not prosper under his ministry. In i860 Rev. Joseph L. Sagebeer became
pastor. He remained but a short time, and was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Skinner, and
he in turn by Rev. J. N. Folwell. During this pastorate the congregation moved into the
Universalist church, and they subsequently sold their property to the colored people.
In the early part of 1870 Rev. Andrew Armstrong, of Frenchtown, N. J., was called to
the pastorate. The church prospered under the ministrations of Mr. Armstrong, and
through his perseverance and energy the present commodious house of worship on the
corner of Ferry and Walnut streets was built. Rev. Mr. Armstrong was followed by
Rev. James W. Hartpence in 1878. The next pastor was Rev. Edwin McMinn, and after
remaining about two years he resigned and was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Marshall.
His pastorate continued over five years. During this time a commodious parsonage was
purchased, situated on the corner of Seventh and Ferry streets, and the debt of the church
entirely removed. Mr. Marshall left the church in a very prosperous condition, and was
succeeded by Rev. E. H. Stewart, the present pastor.
MORAVIAN CHURCH.
The Forks of the Delaware was included in the se(?tion covered by the early Mora-
vian Missionaries, but the efforts of the latter to render it a permanent station of that
denomination did not meet with success. The course of time and the growth of the
importance of Easton as the metropolis of the county, caused the removal thereto of many
members of that denomination from Bethlehem, Nazareth, etc. During the year 1888
zealous efiforts were made among those residents whose descent or sedlarian views natu-
rally affiliated them with that society. A church meeting of these was convened, a con-
gregation formed, and the assembly room of the old Masonic Hall at Ferry and South
Third streets, engaged for regular services. This congregation, although not large is
zealous, and efforts towards the eredlion of a church edifice are now being made.
DOCTORS OF EASTON.
fONCERNING the early members of the bar and of the ministry the his-
tory of Easton is very explicit. But it is not quite so clear concerning
the early physicians of the community. After the most diligent search
the historian must conclude that Dodlor Andrew Ledlie was the first physi-
cian of Easton. His name is found first in 1771, appended to a letter
addressed to Lewis Gordon, containing unfavorable news from the unhappy
contest in Wyoming Valley. (Col. Records, Vol. IX.) His name is next
met in 1776, in a resolution of censure passed by the Committee of Safety
in Easton. His name again appears in the proceedings in the Council
of Safety in Philadelphia, in which he was appointed Surgeon of the 12th Pa.
Regt., commanded by Col. Wm. Cook. In 1787 his name appears as chair-
man of a public meeting in Easton, at which resolutions were passed opposing the acfbion
of the General Assembly. The Council of Safety in Philadelphia looked upon the reso-
lutions as seditious, and ordered the Attorney General to prosecute Dr. Ledlie and other
leaders of the meeting. The resolutions had reference to the contest in Wyoming
Valley. (Col. Records, Vol. XV.) In the resolution of censure passed by the Commit-
tee of Safety in Easton in 1776, he was spoken of as having lived in Easton " many years."
His name appears in the tax list of 1781, where he was taxed for 468 pounds, and David
Wagner was taxed 1151 pounds. Where he was born, educated, when, where, or how he
died, the writer was not able to find. His name is mentioned as late as 1788, in the Coun-
cil at Philadelphia, which is six years before the advent of Dr. John Cooper in Easton.
So, it is quite likely that Dr. Ledlie's professional services continued up to the arrival of
Dr. Cooper. The last named gentleman was born at Long Hill, Morris county. New
Jersey. He studied medicine with Dr. Caleb Halstead, of Connedlicut Farms, and after-
wards with Dr. Melanchthon Freeman, of Middlesex county. He completed his medical
course with Drs. Richard Ballay and Wright Post, in the city of New York, and was
licensed to practice in New Jersey, November 6, 1787, and immediately afterwards was
admitted to membership in the New Jersey Medical Society. He came to Easton in
November, 1794, where he spent the remainder of his life in the pursuit of his calling.
His reputation for skill in his profession was such, that for many years a large proportion
of the most diflScult cases were visited by him in consultation with others, and not until
increasing infirmities prevented did he cease to visit the sick and suffering. For more
than fifty years he was the family physician of the most intelligent people of Easton, and
here and in the neighborhood he received the confidence of the people. In 1799 Gov-
ernor MifHin appointed him Judge of Common Pleas, which position he held contin-
uou.sly for forty years.
MEDICAL SOCIETY OK NORTHAMPTON COUNTY.
Previous to 1849 there was no medical society in Northampton county, and every
phy.sician was a law unto himself. There was no common principle of artion among the
medical fraternity. In 1849 a call was published at the instance of Dr. Traill Green, in the
9^ . »^tfC3C/Av
Jirum Drfinilirr.J-li.Il,
E AS TON, PENN'A.
439
papers of Easton to the physicians of the county, to meet in Easton, in the Armory, for
the purpose of forming a Medical Society for the county. Twenty-two physicians met
according to the call, and formed a medical society, adopting a constitution and by-laws.
Twelve of the twenty-two were from Easton. There were thirty-four regular physicians
in the county. Of the twelve from Easton nine have died in the following forty years,
leaving but three of the twelve — Doctors Traill Green, Amos Seip and Samuel Sandt.
The 40th anniversary of the founding of the Society was celebrated at Paxinosa Inn, July
10, 1889, specially in honor of Dr. Green. (See page 318 for sketch of life.) At this
August gathering, Dr. S. J. Weaver presided. Dr. Green gave an address on " Medicine
Forty Years Ago;" Dr. Amos Seip, read an interesting article giving a history of the
"Forty Years of Medical Life," and Dr. W. L. EstesofSt. Luke's Hospital read an article on
" Medicine to-day." Prof J. W. Moore, M. D., of Lafayette College, responded to the toast
"Our Honored Guest." The Professor was very happy in his remarks concerning the
veteran physician of Easton, and closed with the following beautiful lines :
' Where, pure and pale, the starlight
Far down the Alpine slope.
Still through eternal Winter gleams
The snowy ilower of hope,
Undimmed by cloud, undrenched by
So may his laurel last,
While shines o'er all his future years
' Far, far from him the mournful hour
That brings the final Call,
And o'er his scenes of grace and power
Fate lets the Curtain fall !
And, O, when sounds that knell of wrath
To his pure soul be given,
A painless Exit from the earth
The rainbow of the Past." , And Entrance into Heaven !"
Dr. Green made a happy reply to Prof Moore. Rev. Dr. Thos. Porter, LL. D.,
of Lafayette College, responded to the toast, " The Natural Sciences. ' ' The dodlor stands
among the leading botanists of the scientific world, and his remarks were well received.
DR. JOSEPH K. SWIFT
Was for inany years a prominent physician of Easton. He was a pupil of Dr. J. S. Dorsey, of the University of
Pennsylvania, from which institution he received his degree in 1816, and soon after opened an office in Easton.
He was a neighbor of Dr. Samuel Gross, and they were quite intimate in their study of the mineralogy of the
region. In the pursuit of the study of this science, Dr. Swift became quite eminent, so much so as to attract
the attention of mineralogists in Europe as well as in America. Professor Benjamin Silliman, of Yale College,
visited him in 1824, and greatly admired the beautiful cabinet of minerals, which he had discovered in the
vicinity. Among these was what he called "Noble Serpentine," which, he thought, was clearly entitled to
rank as a distinft mineral species. He also found splendid " crystals of Zircon," and very beautiful crystal-
lized mica in long hexagonal prisms. Dr. S. was a good physician and a lover and successful student of science.
DR. STEWART KENNEDY
Was another physician, coming a little later into practice. He was a graduate of the University of Pennsylva-
nia in 1820, and was a resident of Easton. He enjoyed the confidence, and had a large share of the pra<5lice
of the town. He continued in practice until 1841, when he retired and purchased a fine farm in Chambers-
burg, Pa.
DR. SAMUEL GWINNER
Graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1823, and enjoyed for a time the benefit of hospital pra(5lice,
and wrote a thesis on fever at the almshouse in 1821. He was considered a well educated physician, and
praAiced his profession for some years. He died in 1843.
DR. HENRY DETWILLER
Was a distinguished American physician and scientist, and at the time of his death was the oldest homoeo-
pathic medical pradlicioner in the United States. He was born in the village of Langenbruck, Canton Basel
440 THE HISTORY OF
Land, .Switzerland, December i8, 1795, and died at his residence in Easton, April 21, 1S87. He was nearly
ninety -two years of age at the time of his death. He is pleasantly remembered by many people of Easton
when carrying the weight of ninety years on his stooping shoulders walking through the streets in the per-
formance of his dailv toil. When quite a child he showed aptitude for stud_v, and his parents gave him the
best advantages in his early mental growth. At thirteen he closed his studies in his native village, and entered
a French Institute at St. Immier, where he spent two years. Having decided to study medicine, at the age of
fifteen he began his studies as a private pupil of Dr. Laurentius Serm, a graduate of the University of W'urz-
burg. Three years later he entered the Medical Department of the University of Freyburg, in the Grand
Duchy of Baden. Here he spent five terms of six months each. At this time a dream of the death of his
father impressed him so forcibly that he immediately hurried to his home, and arrived just in time to witness
his death. In this journey he was fined for traveling without a passport. He determined to come to America
where he could go from city to city without a passport He supplied himself with surgical instruments, bade
good-bye to his mother and to Europe, and came to America. Thoroughly qualified for the practice of his
profession, he was appointed physician to the ship whose passengers numbered over 400. He was twenty-one
years of age when he sailed for America. His skill and the devotion to his charge won the approval and ad-
miration of the officers. Dr. Detwiller came to AUentown in 1S17. In the spring of 1S18, he removed to
Hellertown, Northampton county. Pa , where he was married in 1818 to Miss Appel, of Hellertown. Seven
children were the fruit of this marriage. He was an early convert to the system of Hahnemann, and on July
23, 1S28, dispeused the first remedy selecled in accordance with the laws of " similia similibus curantur." He
followed this system during the remainder of his life. His wife died in 1835. In 1836 he visited Europe,
accompanied bv his eldest son Charles. He met, while in Paris, and became acquainted with Hahnemann, the
founder of homoeopathy. In 1852 Dr. Detwiller moved to Easton. where he spent thirty-five years in busy
toil. He had a very large practice, including people of every walk in life. He was the pioneer of the new
school in medicine. Though he met with opposition at first, that died away and he lived pleasantly with
do(5lors of the old school. He will always be remembered as a man of high attainments in science, a Christian
gentleman, the American leader in the "New School of Medical Art," a true, genial friend, and a pleasant
companion. With a vigor of mind and body, exceptional and wonderful, he continued to practice almost to
the day of his death. About three weeks before his death, he rose early, visited a patient, and returning fell
and struck his head on the pavement. Two weeks after his fall, on the morning of .April 21, 18S7, he passed
quietly away surrounded bv his children. He was the oldest man at the time of his death in Easton, and
probablv the oldest practitioner in the world The venerable man left many friends endeared to him.
CRIDLAND CROCKER FIELD,
Who was so well and so long known as a physician and surgeon, having passed about fifl}- years of his life in
the practice of his profession, died suddenly Friday morning, December 3, 1S86. He died from neuralgia of
the heart, which all remedies were helpless to relieve. The evening before he was active as usual, and there
was no sign of approaching dissolution. The painful news spread rapidly, and there was no sign of approach-
ing dissolution. The painful news spread rapidly, and there was none but must have felt that death cut short
a useful and energetic life. At the time of his decease Dr. Field had almost filled the measure of seventy
years ; and there is no doubt that his European trip, taken a few 3'ears since, ser\-ed to prolong his days. Dr.
Field was born on board the ship "Ann " on her arrival from England, within the bounds of Queen's county.
New York, on February iS, 1817. In his name was incorporated that of the captain (Crocker) who covered
him with the American flag. The family first went to Philadelphia, thence to Plainfield, Northampton county,
and then returned to Philadelphia. In that city the young man pursued a classical course, and afterward
became a private student in the office of Dr. Wm. E. Horner, late professor of anatomy in the University of
Pennsylvania, and author of "Horner's Anatomy." He graduated from the University with honor iu 1837.
His ancestors for several generations were medical men. One was graduated from the University of London
and was a member of the Ro^al College of Surgeons, and another was a student of Sir Astley Cooper, Dr.
Field's father practiced in Philadelphia in the company of such men as Physick, McClellan, etc. In 1838
Dr. Field came to Northampton county and locating for the time iu Bethlehem, married there in that year,
Susan Freeman, daughter of Jacob and .Susan Freeman. He shortly afterward removed to Easton, where he
had practiced his profession, almost uninterruptedly for well nigh fifty years. Many of the most difficult
operations in surgery were perfonned by him successfully, and his skill and professional knowledge often
caused him to be called into consultation with other physicians and to be summoned as an expert witness.
The difficulties of the case only stimulated his action, and stirred his ambition. Among the more notable
o])crations he performed were the removal of a cervical tumor with ligation and excision of considerable part
E ASTON. PENN'A. 441
of the internal jugular vein ; excision of the entire femur ; excision of the entire radius extirpation of the
parotid gland ; operation of laryngial tracheotomy, hip joint operation, etc. His great operations were mostly
performed on the neck, from which he removed tumors that had entirely encompassed the cartoid artery.
In his praftice and otherwise he never turned a deaf ear to the call of the poor, and his humanity led him often
to undertake responsibilities without hope of reward. His books bear evidence to a sum equal to a fortune
uncolleaed from the needy. One of the most satisfactory achievements of his life to himself was the removal
of a shawl pin from the wind-pipe of a little girl named Castner, of South Easton. For eleven days the sufferer
had been apparently at death's door, and no one would attempt the operation ; after the successful perform-
ance of which by him the child stretched out her hand in thankfulness, which recognition to the doAor was
more than money. This is but one instance. His pride in and love for his profession were well marked, and
no amount of business prevented him from keeping abrea.st of the advance of his profession, as recorded in the
medical journals and reviews. His cheerfulness in the sick room was proverbial, as was his usual genial nature.
His energy at all seasons was alike and his powerful constitution and determined will served him well. He
ever maintained that temperance was indispensable to a successful medical career. He was a conscientious
teacher of medical men and was the preceptor of a large number of physicians who are now successful prac
titioners. He had many social qualities, was widely read outside of his profession, and thoroughly posted in
literature and the history of the day. Though in his seventieth year, he was very aftive and fond of company.
He was interested in charity and a liberal giver, but in a quiet way. He was a member of the old Easton
Lodge, F. and A. M., and was one of the originators of the Odd Fellows in Easton. He was also a member of
Trinity Episcopal Church, Easton. He sustained a severe shock in 1884 in the sudden death of his esteemed
wife, who had written him just before he sailed for home after his European trip, and who died a day or two
before his vessel reached New York. This trip, taken with his son. Dr. B. Rush Field, had greatly benefitted
his health, but the blow received at the intelligence of his wife's demise very nearly dissipated the efFedl of the
relaxation while abroad. His wonderful recuperative powers, however, served him well and he lived through
that sad hour and terrible strain.
DR. DANIEL LACHENOUR
Was for more than forty years one of Easton's leading and highly respefted citizens, and one of the most esteemed
and conscientious physicians. He was born in Salem, North Carolina, Dec. 8, 1804, and educated in the Moravian
church, to which he adhered through life. He remained at Salem till he was seventeen years old, when he came to
Philadelphia. From there he removed to Bethlehem, where he would find the religious surroundings of his childhood.
Having chosen medicine as his profession, he entered the office of Dr. Abraham Stout, and under his efficient instruc-
tion, he studied for three years. He then entered the University of Pennsylvania, and graduated at that institution
with distinguished honors in 1829. His thesis upon graduation was Ptyalism, which was so handled as to receive the
warmest praise from the faculty. In July, 1830, he married Miss Henry, of Philadelphia, and in 18,^2 he came to Easton,
where he remained until his death, which resulted from aneurism of the aorta. He ranked high with the members of
the profession, and his opinions were always regarded with the greatest respect. He was thoroughly in love with his
profession. No night was too dark, no day too cold, rarely a storm too severe to keep hira from the bedside of the
sick. Warm in his friendship, thoroughly versed in the details of his duty, he built up for himself a reputation as
widespread as it was deserving. He spoke German with ease, which greatly aided him in his work. When he came
to Easton he took the practice of Dr. Samuel Gross, who had an office in a small frame building where the First
National Bank now stands. The friendship between Drs. Laclienovir and Gross continued warm through life. No
man was too poor to demand the professional attendance of Dr. Lachenour. His relations with his medical brethren
were happy and in entire accord with the ethics of the profession, and his close adherence to these social duties are
worthy of imitation. On the occasion of his death, a large gathering of medical men from E:iston and vicinity met in
the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association and passed resolutions warmly eulogistic of the dead Dottor.
DR. AMOS SEIR
Dr. Amos Seip, one of the three living who aided in forming, the Northampton Medical Society, was
bom in Easton in 1822. His father, Michael Seip, was of German parentage, whose ancestors were driven
from the Palatinate in the religious persecution of the seventeenth century. Mr. Seip received his early edu-
cation in the schools of Easton, and pursue 1 the stu ly of his profession uuder the tuition of Dr. J. P. B. Sloan,
an eminent physician of Easton. He then entered the office of Dr C. C. Field, a well known physician and
surgeon. He subsequently became a private pupil of Drs Harris, Hartshorne and Kane, the latter familiarly
known from his Arcflic explorations, all of Piiiladelphia He received his medical degree from the University
of Pennsylvania, in the spring of 184S. He commenced pra6lice at Freemausburg, where he remained until
1856, when here moved to Easton, and has continued to pracflice here In 1863 the do(5lor became a member of the
State Medical Society, and is one of the ex-vice presidents of that body. He became a member of the American
442
THE HISTORY OF
Medical Association in 1S64, and was amember of the International Medical Congress held in Philadelphia during
the centennial. He was President of the Northampton Medical Society in 1S75. During the late war the
do(flor was appointed surgeon of the ''Invalid Corps," stationed at Easton, where a hospital was established.
The corps consisted of soldiers suffering from chronic affe(ftions and wounds that prevented a<5live service in
the field, but were sent to the front as rapidly as possible after recovery. Dr. Seip has been awake to the
advancement of medical science, and was a leading advocate for the use of the microscope in the profession
He was instrumental in establishing the Lehigh Valley Microscopial Society in 18S1, which was organized in
his office. For more than forty years Dr. Seip has followed his profession, and is still aiftive and energetic in
his work. He has kept up with the advance of medical science, and has always had the entire confidence of
the fraternity. He is always attentive in his work, patient in his ministrations, faithful as a physician, trust-
ful as a friend, prompt in duty and honorable in his dealings with all. He is genial and courteous in his inter-
course in social life, cheerful and hopeful in the chamber of suffering, which does so much to assuage the
pains of the patient He is careful and deliberate in his diagnosis, decided in his treatment, which qualifica-
tions have won for him a position in the front rank of his profession.
DR JOHN J DETWILLER
Of Easton was associated with his father for many years, and resides in the family home. He prepared for
college in the school of Dr. Vanderveer and graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1854. He returned
diredlly to Easton, and entered into practice with his father, and remained with him until his death, a period
of thirty -three years. He stands eminent as a surgeon, in his school of praftice. He has been particularly
successful in lithotomy, and has preserved many of the calculi taken from the bladder, and some of them five
inches in circumference. In this painful ailment he has never failed in the use of the scalpel. He has been
successful also in the removal of the lense in cataraft.
DOCTOR SAMUEL SANDT
Was born in Lower Mount Bethel in 1815. He received his early training in the schools of his native town.
He spent about one year and a half in Lafaj-ette College, and one session at Gettysburg. He studied medicine
with Dr. H. H. Abernethy, who is now living in Jersey City. He took a course of lectures in the University of
Pennsylvania, and received his diploma from that institution in 1844. He married Miss Susan Fleming, and
they have a family of three sons and four daughters, and six grandchildren living. He began praiflice in
Plainfield township, and came to Easton in 1848. He served three years as surgeon of the Ssth Pennsylvania
Regiment in the war of the Rebellion. He has been successful in his calling He is now an invalid, suffer-
ing from partial paralysis, and confined to his home.
The following is an alphabetical list of the physicians of Easton. Dr. Green is the
oldest, having been fifty-four years in the profession, and his name is widely known as a
scientist, as well as an eminent physician. Drs. Ludlow, Sandt, Seip, Cavanaugh, Arndt,
Detwiller, Eugleman, Roseberry, Hunt and Laubach stand next in length of time in
service, and are regarded as men whose skill has been enhanced by close attention to their
duties. And there is still a younger class, adlive in duty, patient and faithful in their
work, some of whom have acquired a standing which call for their services out of the city.
Peter Arndt,
Oliver E. E. Arndt,
S. S. Apple,
S. S. Bachman,
A. C. Bachman,
James Cavanaugh, Sr.
James Cavanaugh, Jr.
Brentano Clemens,
Charles U. Collniar,
William C. Cox,
W'iMiam Ueats,
John J. Detwiller,
Horace L. Uetwiller,
E. D. Doolittle,
Samuel Edclman,
David Engelman,
William E. Evans,
Howard Fackenthal,
Rush B. Field,
Geo. B. Wood Field,
Trail Green,
Edgar M. Green,
John Trail Green,
Jacob B. Heller,
Joseph S. Hunt,
Peter N. Jacobus,
Stephen Laubach,
Henry D. Lachenour,
Alfred H. Lee,
Jacob R. Ludlow,
Anna M. McAllister,
H. D. Michler,
Charles Mclntire,
Isaac Ott,
Charles I. Roseberry,
Samuel Sandt,
William E. Schoch,
Amos Seip,
M.S. Seip,
John J. Serfass,
William F. Shick,
Edward C. Swift,
S. P. Uhler,
Robley U. Walters,
Henry F. Weaver.
-z^i
THE CEMETERIES.
iHE FIRST public burial ground within the present city limits is located
at the corner of Fifth and Church streets. This land was a gift from the
heirs of William Penn, and holds the remains of William Parsons, notable
in the annals of Easton's survey and earliest history.
The lot adjoining St. John's Lutheran Church on Ferry between
Fourth and Bank streets was for a long time used as the grave yard for
members of that congregation. Within it the remains of George Taylor
were laid to rest. Nearly all the bodies are now in the Easton Cemetery.
The Presbyterian burial ground adjoins the church of that denomina-
tion at Second and Bushkill streets, extending to the Bushkill Creek.
The first Hebrew burial ground was near the Synagogue on Sixth
street and was donated to the congregation by Michael Hart, the first Hebrew settler in
Easton. Later a lot between Twelfth and Thirteenth, and extending from Washington
to Butler streets, was utilized by the congregation. In 1888 the burial ground on Sixth
street was sold and the bodies removed.
A few bodies whose resting places are still marked by tombstones may be found on
the lot connedted with Trinity Episcopal Church, at Spring Garden street.
At one time a grave yard adjoined the Second street Methodist edifice, but many
years have elapsed since interments have taken place in that locality.
St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery is located at the corner of Fifth and Lehigh streets,
and adjoins the church.
THE EASTON CEMETERY.
During 1849, in the progress of a course of ledlures at St. John's Lutheran Church,
Dr. Traill Green called attention to the advisability of locating mausoleums at a distance
and apart from centres of population. He prepared a paper of which the following is a copy :
Easton, Pa., March 15, 1849.
"The subscribers being convinced that only very limited provision can be made for interment within the
Borough of Easton, and persuaded that many advantages would be secured to themselves and future inhabi-
tants of the Borough, by establishing at a convenient point in the neighborhood, do hereby agree to unite in
forming a public cemetery to be located in the country. The following are the conditions :
1st As soon as a sufficient number of names are procured, a meeting shall be called to appoint a Commit-
tee to select the ground.
2d. An architect, familiar with cemetery improvements, shall be called to examine the grounds selected,
and the Committee shall report to the subscribers at a general meeting.
3d. Managers shall be eletted to purchase the grounds, and attend to the business of the Company as shall
be diredled by a constitution hereafter framed.
4th. No speculation in lots shall be permitted, the object being to furnish all with suitable burial lots, and
to enclose and keep in permanent order and beauty the cemetery by the proceeds of the sale of lots."
This paper was circulated and was signed by one hundred and twenty-two of the citi-
zens of Easton. On the 2nd of April, 1849, the subscribers met and appointed a com-
mittee to examine the various localities proposed. Thomas T. Miller, then a young man,
took strong ground, as one of the corporate members, in favor of the present locality, and
his good judgment is seen in the topography and tasteful and artistic adornment of the
beautiful and sacred spot. The land was bought of Mr. David Wagner, the price paid was
444 THE HISTORY OF
$6,000. Additional land was bought of Mr. Michael Butz at $175 per acre. William L.
Sebring and Dr. Traill Green made the last purchase. The entire quantity of ground
was about forty acres, thirty-five from Mr. Wagner and five from Mr. Butz.
The Ac?t incorporating the cemetery was approved April 5, 1849. Traill Green,
John J. Burke, Samuel Ludwig, Samuel Drinkhouse, John Green, Jr., Philip Mixsell,
Jacob Weygandt, Edward F. Stewart, George Field, Thomas T. Miller, Theodore Mixsell,
Samuel Moore, Peter S. Michler and George W. House! were the corporate members of
the company. The grounds have been laid out in plots, carriage ways and foot paths,
beautifully adorned by ornamental shade trees, shrubs and flowering plants. The spot is
very beautiful by nature, and made more so by art. There is a neat little chapel.
built of stone in which services can be held by those coming from a distance to bury their
dead. There are many costly monuments, on the construction of which the skill of the
artist has been freely bestowed, and which help to give a melancholy pleasure to those
who spend an hour in meditations among the tombs. There are pretty little summer
houses where the weary wanderer can sit and rest, as he gazes upon this quiet cit>- of the
dead, and inhale the fragrance of the flowers arranged with so much care by sorrowing
ones, and so often watered by their tears.
There is a neat cottage near the entrance of the Cemetery for the residence of the
Superintendent. The approach to the Cemetery is through North Seventh street, up a
gentle ascent, and through a triple arch-way, built of red granite. Free access is allowed
during the weekdays, but on the Sabbath tickets of admission are necessary and are only
issued to jilot owners.
COMMERCIAL FACILITIES,
JASTON is but one hundred and fifty years old, and yet it has passed through
a more changeful period than any of equal length since creation, and in
no feature of social life is this more evident than in the methods of com-
mercial intercourse. Ernest Becker was a German immigrant, a baker by
trade. He came to Easton when there were but three houses here and
followed his calling under great difficulties, being compelled to bring his
flour from Bethlehem on his back along Indian paths. Horses were used
as they were obtainable. Articles were brought a great distance on the
backs of horses, sometimes as far as Williamsport and also to and from
Philadelphia till 1792 ; wagons were used with difficulty previous to that
time, owing to bad roads. As soon as roads were made, heavy wagons were
brought into use for summer and sleds for winter. Easton became a commercial centre
for a large region. As early as 1758 Durham boats were used on the Delaware, floating
down with the current, and being brought back against the current by the use of long
poles pressed against the river bottom. These boats were the vehicles of commerce till
the canals were opened, uniting Easton with New York and Philadelphia. The canal
conuecSting Easton with Philadelphia was begun in 1828 as a work of doubtful expedi-
ency. But the canal did a great deal for Easton. The Durham boatmen vented their
feelings against the canal as only sailors can. These boats had controlled the commerce
of the valley for seventy years, and they did their work well. During all this period these
boatmen of the Delaware carried heavy remittances with a stern honesty never excelled
by any body of men ; and it is remarkable, that not an instance of defalcation, even in the
smallest amount, was known. They were rollicking, generous-hearted, open-handed men,
as ready for fun and frolic as they were for toil. They felt as much pride in their boats as
ever filled the breast of the sailors treading the deck of a man-of-war when going into
battle. As the canal approached completion they saw their employment was about to
change. The joyful songs which had echoed so long among the hills and valleys would
soon cease and the Durham boats pass away forever. They felt somewhat as the Indians
felt when driven from the graves of their fathers. The Morris canal was finished in 1832,
and thus opened communication with New York. The commercial advantages of Easton
now seemed complete, as they had ready communication with the two largest cities in the
country, and they felt they needed nothing better for commercial intercourse with the out-
side world. But the spirit of progress was about to bring greater changes still. The rail-
road would do for the canals what the canal had done for tlie Durham boats. The Cen-
tral railroad of New Jersey was opened to Easton July 2, 1852. The first train of cars
arrived at Phillipsburg about 2 o'clock on the above date. It was a great day for Easton.
There were eight passenger cars containing sixty passengers in each. A procession was
formed and marched across the bridge to Easton. Thirty-two guns were fired on Mount
Jefferson, all the bells were rung, flags were displayed on every hand, and every manifes-
tation of joy was exhibited by the people. A platform was erected at the old Court House.
446
THE HISTORY OF
Speeches were made by Andrew H. Reeder, Esq., Judge Nar, Charles King, J. P. Jackson,
Erastus Brook and others.
On Friday, February 3, 1854, the Belvidere Delaware Railroad was opened to Phil-
lipsburg. There was a special train of fifteen cars, twelve of which were filled with people
from Philadelphia, and the remainder with citizens of New Jersey, among whom were the
Governor, heads of departments, and members of the Legislature of the State, numbering
in all about one thousand persons. As the train approached it was announced by the
firing of cannon, ringing of bells and vociferous shouts of the multitude at various points
to welcome the coming of a horse of iron, and the friendly burden it was hurrying
to the " Forks of the Delaware." All felt it was a day of joy, and that all had a right to
shout, which they did with a "right good will." The bands played patriotic airs, the
DESIGN OF THE NEW LEHIGH VALLEY DEPOT.
(From Architects' Drawing. By S. Kind.)
people shouted and sang to express their joy — Easton would be connected with the com-
mercial capital of Pennsylvania — would be within three hours ride of Philadelphia. At
half-past one the train arrived at the depot in Phillipsburg, where a procession was
formed by the marshal and escorted over the bridge by the committee, consisting of
H. D. Ma.xwell, James M. Porter, J. N. Hutchinson, David Barnet and Samuel Wetherill.
Andrew H. Reeder made the welcome address. There was never a happier throng on
the banks of the Delaware.
The Ivchigh Valley Railroad was at first incorporated under the name of the Delaware,
Lehigh, Schuylkill and vSusquehannah Railroad Company b\- the Ad'l; of Assembly .\pril
EASl^ON, PENN'A.
447
21, 1846. The subscription of stock was slow, and it was not until August, 1847, that a
sufficient amount of stock was secured. At the ele<5lion of officers of the company James
M. Porter was elecfted president, Dudley S. Gregory, John S. Dorsey, John P. Jackson,
Daniel Mclntyre, Edward Riddle, John N. Hutchinson, managers, and John N. Hutch-
inson, secretary. On the 7th of January, 1853, the name of the company was changed to
the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, and on the loth of that month James M. Porter was
elected president. Asa Packer contradled to construct the road, and on Nov. 27, 1852,
began the deep rock cut at Easton. The road was completed and accepted by the company
Sept. 24, 1855, and has become a very important one for business, connecting as it does, the
coal region with New York and Philadelphia, and opening communication with the West.
Ground is being broken near the southern entrance of the Lehigh bridge for the erection
LEHIGH AND SUSQUEHANNA DEPOT.
(Drawn by S. Kind.)
of the finest modern depot in the whole Lehigh Valley. (See engraving.) Geo. W.
Hayden, of Easton, contractor.
The Lehigh and Susquehanna is the only line of steam railway whose tracks lie in the
city limits. It extends from Easton to Green Ridge, two miles above Scranton. It enters
Easton along the left bank of the Lehigh. The first charter of a portion of this road
(Wilkesbarre to White Haven) was obtained as early as 1837, but a charter for the entire
length was not obtained until 1863. The road was completed to a connedlion with the
New Jersey Central at Easton in 1865, and leased to that road March 31, 1871. In 1885
the old Fourth street depot was burned and a worn out passenger car was used as a ticket
office and waiting room until 1889. The company has just completed a beautiful and
commodious depot at the foot of South Fourth Street. (See engraving.) Geo. W. Hayden,
of Easton, contractor.
STREET ILLUMINATION.
IXTIL quite a recent date great or small cities knew nothing of lighted
streets — darkness reigned supreme. Two or three hundred years ago the
great cities of Europe were making efforts to obtain some relief from dark-
ened streets, and in 141 6 the householders in London were ordered to hang
out lanterns in front of their houses on winter evenings This custom
was in pra6lice for three hundred years, but as no person was obliged to
keep them lighted later than eleven o'clock, the remainder of the night
was in total darkness. As these lamps were made of thin horn, very little
light was afforded by them. Public lanterns were first thought of a little
over two hundred years ago, and they were first introduced into Paris in 1667,
and the introdudlion was hailed as a great event. The age of oil lamps
came about the year 1762. It was not till 1807 that coal gas began to be used in lighting
some of 'the cities of Europe, but the first attempt to use gas in the United States was at
Baltimore in 1816, or 1821. It was introduced into Boston in 1822, and the following
year it was used in New York. The early public lighting of Easton was obtained from
fat, oil and candles ; whale oil, camphene and etherial oil followed each other in the
efforts to dispel the darkness of the streets.
EASTON GAS COjMPANV.
On March 4, 1850, by Adl of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, David Connor,
Washington McCartney, Jacob H. Wilking, James A. Dunlap, Theodore R. Sitgreaves,
William Hackett, Joseph Savitz, Joseph Hagenbuch, George W. Barnet, Matthew Hale
Jones, Peter Bellis, Peter Pomp and Thomas Bishop, were made a body corporate by the
name of the Easton Gas Company. William Hackett is now (1889) the only original
incorporator living. The charter fi.xed the capital stock at $40,000, with the right to
increase it to $100,000, and a subsequent enaClment gave the right to increase the capital
stock to $200,000.
The works of the company first went into operation in 1851, on Thanksgiving night,
and the first bills presented for gas were to one hundred and sixty-five consumers. The
people of Easton had an additional reason for thanksgiving — the streets were well lighted,
and ver\' many inconveniences became relics of the past. The number of street lamps at
first was nineteen, and the price of gas was four dollars per thousand feet, the average
consumption was four thousand one hundred feet.
In 1854 the Legislatures of New Jersey and Pennsylvania permitted the company to
light the streets of Phillipsburg, and in the same year an enactment was obtained permitting
the gas company to light the streets of South Easton. The company at first experienced
great embarrassment, but with the increase of population business increased, and the
company has met with marked success. The works have the capacity of 125,000 cubic
feet per day of twenty-four hours. The largest tank was built in 1872, being seventy
feet two inches in diameter, and thirty feet deep. The gas holders will store 190,000
cubic feet.
E ASTON, PENN'A. 449
The first eledlion under the charter was held at the public house of Mrs. White, in
Centre Square, on the fifth of May, 1851. Matthew Hale Jones, J. M. Porter, Washington
McCartney, P. H. Mattes, Jacob Weygandt, G. W. Barnet, Thomas Deshler, Trail Green
and Jacob Rader were chosen diredlors. The Board was organized by eledling Matthew
Hale Jones, President ; Washington McCartney, Secretary ; P. H. Mattes, Treasurer.
Samuel Boileau is now President and Nelson Hoyt, Superintendent.
ELECTRIC LIGHTS.
The history of the introdudlion of eledlric light into Easton is of deep interest. After
the burning of Pardee Hall (June 4, 1879), and while the ladies of Easton were getting
SOUTH THIRD STREET, 1SS9.
(From Photoi,'raph by Pach.)
up a fair for the refurnishing of the new building, Mr. William Young conceived the idea
of lighting the hall in Porter's Block with eledlricity, but Mr. Henry Fulmer very gen-
erously procured Able Hall, and so Mr. Young abandoned the idea, and placed his
light in the northeast corner of the Centre Square. He obtained a dynamo making
three hundred and eighty revolutions per minute, to which was attached a Baxter ten-
horse power engine, and the Square was ablaze with a three thousand candle power light.
In the spring of 1888 another enterprise was started. A charter was obtained at that
time by H. G. Tombler, Charles Seitz, C. B. Hetrich, James J. Cope and James K. Dawes,
under the name of the Elecflric Lighting Company. Their object was to combine the arc
450 THE HISTORY OF
and incandescent systems. This the Edison people would not permit, and because of this
and other difficulties, the effort was abandoned. The credit of having introduced the first
incandescent light into Easton belongs to Mr. Howard Rinek. He had erecled a handsome
dwelling on College Hill and had it illuminated by the Weston United States incandes-
cent light. There are sixty lights throughout his dwelling, which are supplied by a
dynamo making fourteen hundred revolutions per minute, and run by an automatic
engine of two-horse power. This he claims is cheaper than gas. In the winter of 1885
and '86 Cornell & Michler placed the incandescent lights into their store. They used the
United States system with a Brush dynamo, and they had twenty lamps in their place of
business. These were different from the Edison horse shoe, being spiral, so as to get
more incandescent surface. The engine was run by a water motor, but the high tax
for the water compelled its abandonment. In 1882 the Armoux Hockhausen light
was again introduced by private enterprise. Mr. John V. Stout undertook to supply
stores and business places with this light. He also made an offer to the city to light
the streets at night. Some fifteen lights were placed in diflferent stores. The dynamo
they had in use was capable of supplying electricity for about twenty-five lamps, and was
run by a Buckeye engine of forty-five horse power at H. O. Saylor's manufaclory at the
foot of South Fourth street. The light was entirely satisfactory, and was furnished at a
reasonable rate, but they could not induce the Borough to enter into a contract for lighting
the streets, neither could they obtain enough private subscriptions to pay them.
After running for a period of about three months, extending over the holidays of 1882 and
1883, they abandoned the projedl, having suffered some loss. We clip from one of the
daily papers of that time the following: "Through the energy and perseverence of Mr.
John V. Stout, the eledlric light will be introduced into Easton by Saturday night next.
Mr. Stout has purchased the machinery, wire and poles, and has leased power from the
Easton Foundry Facing Fa<5lory, at the foot of South Fourth street. A gang of men will
begin on Monday next to erect the poles and hang the wires. The light used will be the
Armoux invention." A great deal of interest was felt in the matter. The effort of Mr.
Stout was an event which cast its shadow before it. People had seen the ele(5lric light,
and walked in its brightness, and though Mr. Stout did not succeed at that time, and the
bright jets were extinguished, the question of lighting Easton by eledlricity was settled.
It was only a matter of time. July 3, 1885, three years after Mr. Stout had set the ball in
motion, a petition largely signed was presented to council praying that body to take mea-
sures to light the city with ele^lricity. The petition was referred to the Police Committee,
who made a favorable report on the 31st of the month. The committee was instruAed
to obtain reports from other places in regard to the cost of plant and running expenses.
At this stage of the proceedings Hon. Samuel Boileau, President of the Gas Company,
came before Council and made an offer to liberally reduce the price of gas. But slow-
moving bodies are as difficult to stop when they get in motion as they are to start. This
offer was made October 23, 1885, and on the i8th of December the Police Committee
consisting of Robert H. Lerch, Abraham Meyer, Henry C. Barnet, William H. Hulick
and Charles F. Chidsey reported in favor of eleclric lights. The next move was to authorize
a committee to visit other places and examine the several systems in use in different cities.
On the recommendation of this committee, a city plant was located on Wolf street and the
contra<5l for the ere6fion of the building was given to S. I'. Rachmau for $4,346, he being
EASTO.y, PEA'N'A.
451
the lowest bidder. At the meeting of Council, June 18, 1886, an eledtric light depart-
ment was organized, consisting of one engineer, one fireman, two linemen and one super-
intendent, the last-named to be chairman of the Eledlric Light Committee. The salaries
are — engineer ^600 per year, fireman $480, linemen $400. At the meeting of July 16, the
Finance Committee reported that they had made awards for the |i8,ooo 4-per-cent. bonds
and had realized a premium of $360, the bonds selling for $102 and $102.50. Charles
F. Wert was chosen engineer, Lawrence Deichman, fireman, James Caflin and James Cal-
ahan, linemen. The business was finished. The streets would hereafter be lighted by
MARKET DAY
(From 1
iOUARE, 1SS9.
elecftricity. There are two engines each ofsi.xty horse power. There are three dynamos,
all in operation at the same time, capable of sustaining nearly one hundred lights.
THE PENNSYLVANIA COMPANY.
The Pennsylvania EIe6lric Light and Power Company was established at the head
of Green street on the Bushkill Creek, in 1886. The lamps and power of this company
are exclusively for commercial purposes, and hence can only be found in stores and fac-
tories. The building is 80x200 feet in size and contains a sixty horse power engine driv-
ing two dynamos of a capacity of nearly one hundred lights. The superintendent, William
Hoff, with one inside and one outside assistant, completes the force required for the success-
ful working of the plant.
452
THE HISTORY OF
EDISON ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY.
The above named company commenced business in the early part of 1889, the charter
members being H. G. Tombler, John T. Knight, Samuel Drake, William Young, Wil-
liam H. Hulick, Nelson P. Cornell, and Russell C. Stewart. The officers of the company
are H. G. Tombler, President, and Howard Rinek, Secretary. The employes are — How-
ard Rinek, general manager ; C. S. Neiman, overseer of meter room ; Lawrence Deich-
man and Charles Bishop, engineers ; Jacob Able and Daniel Poff, firemen ; B. F. Shaffer,
wire chief.
The plant is located on Ferry, near Second street, and visitors thereto will be well
repaid by the examination of the intricate and delicate machinery required for the suc-
cessful manipulation of the thousands of lights scattered throughout the city. This light
is produced by subjecfting a loop of carbonized bamboo in a vacuum to a white heat. The
illumination is steady, agreeable to the eye, and is far superior for household use to any
heretofore locally used. The building in use is of two stories, with a front of thirty and
depth of ninety feet ; the ground floor being of concrete and the ceiling of corrugated iron.
The fuel required is delivered directly from boats on the Lehigh to the storage bins
by a system of chutes, and thence brought to the furnaces by elecftric elevators. Two
engines of ninety-two horse power and four dynamos, with a colledlive capacity of over
two thousand lights are now in position, while sufiicient space remains for two more
engines, witli a corresponding increase of the dynamic force. All the dynamos are
conne<fted with a regulating stand, and so perfedl is this in the record of the lights in use,
that the condition of the light or lights or the extinguishment of a single burner in any
part of the city is made known to the engineer in charge, and its location told. Thus
far the company has strung about twenty-two tons of outside, and fifty thousand feet of
interior, wire. About twenty-five hundred lamps are now in daily use, the current being
in force throughout the whole twenty-four hours. Besides eledlricity for illuminating
purposes the company is prepared to furnish power for mechanical devices and heavy
machinery. At the present writing the bellows of the new organ of the First Presby-
terian Church is kept in motion by power from this plant.
The second floor of the plant, reached by a winding staircase, contains the ofiice of
the general manager, meter, globe and fixture rooms, lumber and wire lofts, etc. In the
meter room, all necessary appliances for preparing these important instruments may be
found. The record of the heft of the plates steeped in quicksilver is made before their
transfer to the place of use. The variations of the weight of these plates determines the
consumption of light. The scales which decide this variation are of such delicate con-
strucSlion that an atom of dust will throw them out of equipoise. Many other instruments
of curious use can here be found, all of which are masterpieces of the mechanics' art, but
which want of space forbids describing.
The company has canvassed Phillipsburg with a view of extending its wires and fur-
nishing both public and private lights to that city, and confidently expecfts to very soon
cover all the territory embraced within the city limits, extending from Union Square to
the Catholic Church.
TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE,
HE HISTORY of eledlricity in Easton, in its application to business, and
the conveniences of life, is a matter of great interest. The laws which
govern this wonderful force in nature have been in operation since crea-
tion, but not till modern times have they been only partially discovered.
Benjamin Franklin led off in the investigation of these laws, discovered
the identity between galvanic and atmospheric elecftricities, and left it to
those who should come after him to apply them to the advance of civiliza-
tion. Galileo, in one of his dialogues on the rival systems of astronomy,
written in 1632, puts into the mouth of one of his speakers, a reference to
a secret art, by which, through the sympathy of the magnetic needle, " It
would be possible to converse across the space of two or three thousand
miles." In 1753 a letter appeared in the Scott's Magazine, Vol. XV, bearing the initials
of C. M., and headed, "An Expeditious Method of Conveying Intelligence." This
interesting letter starts with the remark, "That it is well known to all who are conversant
in elecSlric experiments, that the eledlric power may be propagated along a wire from one
place to another, without being sensibly abated by the length of its progress." And the
letter goes on to describe the insulation of the wires by glass or jewelers' cement, on
supports some twenty yards apart.
Samuel F. B. Morse, while crossing the Atlantic in 1832, from Havre to New York,
conceived the principle of the magnetic telegraph. He at once went to work to develop
the principle thus conceived while rocked by the ocean waves. In 1843 ^^ ^^^ completed
his great inventions. He had exhausted his limited means and was compelled to appeal
to Congress for aid to put up an experimental line from Baltimore to Washington. In
the last hours of the session of 1843 the vote was passed, granting $30,000 to put up an
experimental line of wires from Baltimore to Washington. One of the greatest inventions
in the history of science became thus an established fa6l.
The first telegraphic operations in Easton were commenced in the spring of 1848,
and the office at that time was located in a basement on the north side of Centre Square.
William Brown was appointed the first operator, who, after a short time was suc-
ceeded by James L. Mingle, then of Easton, who held the position for a long period, and
was succeeded by Alonzo P. Cottingham. Since that time Mr. R. O'Brien, Miss Kate
Denny, Charles Hirschberger, James K. Simpson, John C. Alexander and William Cur-
ren have been the managers of the Easton office in the order named. In 1873 Mr, John Say-
lor was appointed manager of the Western Union office and is still the efficient incumbent.
The office was moved to the building now occupied by it in 1871, and in the room
now used in 1874. In 1887 the Superintentent's office at Phillipsburg, N. J., was closed
and all the wires were run into this building. The business of the company here is exten-
sive and in the main satisfacflory to the public. The special newspaper reports received
at, and daily transmitted from, Easton are very lengthy and complete. The office is
equipped in the best style, and its wire facilities for the rapid transadlion of business are
equalled only in the larger cities. Twenty-six wires and fifteen instruments are in use.
454
THE HISTORY OF
THE TELEPHONE.
Man\- people thought when the Electric Telegraph was established that we probably
had reached the end of electric wonders. But after the marvelous developments of fifty
years, Mr. Edison claims that electrical science is in its infancy. In some respecfts, the
telephone is more wonderful than the telegraph. Bell and Gray are competitors for the
honor of the final discovery which made the telephone an accomplished fact. Gray was
but a few hours behind Bell in his appearance at the Patent Office in Washington, but far
enough behind to lose the title of discoverer of this wonderful invention. Many people
EAST NORTH.'\MPTOX .STREET, :SSq.
(From Photograph by Pach.)
claim that Gray is the rightful discoverer, while the United States Supreme Court has deci-
ded in favor of Bell. The discovery was reported at the patent office February 14, 1S76.
The telephone was introduced in Easton through the enterprise and perseverance of
Mr. John V. Stout, in May, 1880. He had cultivated a very thorough knowledge of elec-
trical science, and becoming interested in the telephone, had several wires erecl;ed for
private use. Later he established an exchange. Connections were soon made with all
prominent towns in the Lehigh Valley. The exchange began its career with less than
forty subscribers ; and only those who have the instruments fully appreciate the indebted-
ness of our city to the enterprise, industry and perseverance of Mr. Stout. When well
established he disposed of his interest in the business to the Pennsylvania Telephone
Company, which assumed control on January i, 1883. Mr. W. Bampfield is now the effi-
cient superintendent.
CITY RAIL\A/AYS
HE EASTON and South Easton Passenger Railway Company was incor-
porated in 1866, the authorized capital being $75,000. The first ofiBcers
were William H. Thompsou, President, and Edward H. Green, Secretary
and Treasurer. The original roadway from Centre Square to the Lehigh Val-
ley Railroad Shops was one and three-eighth miles in length.
In 1871 the West Ward Passenger Railway Company was chartered,
the capitalization being $25,000, of which amount two-fifths was paid in.
The officers were Jacob B. Odenwelder, President, and Edward H. Green,
Secretary and Treasurer. The road bed extended from Centre Square through
Northampton, Walnut and Washington streets to the Forest House in
Palmer Township.
In 1886 the above companies were consolidated under the style of Easton, South
Easton and West End Passenger Railway Company. Henry A. Sage, the present head
and manager of the company, has held the office of president continuously since 1876.
By the charter, the company possesses the exclusive right to build and operate a passenger
tramway on any street that is now, or may in future, be opened within the city limits.
The Easton and Phillipsburg Passenger Railway Company extends ffom Centre
Square, Easton, to Union Square, Phillipsburg, and thence the entire length of Main
street to Cooper's Furnace. Its authorized capital is $50,000, of which $28,000 has been
paid in. The officers are Samuel Boileau, President, and James W. Long, Secretary and
Treasurer.
The Tracftion Company which commenced business in 1888, extended at that time from
the Third street Bushkill bridge through Chestnut and Cattell streets to the brick yard.
During the spring of 1889 the track, notwithstanding great opposition on the part of
property owners on North Third street, was extended to Centre Square. Much ill feeling
was engendered, and litigation over infringement of the chartered rights of the Easton,
South Easton and West End Railway Company loomed up. To settle the controversy
Mr. Sage, President of the last-named corporation, purchased the property of the Tracftion
Company and began making extensive improvements thereon. Among these were con-
nections at the Circle between the two roads and the extension of the Tradlion Road at
both termini, the northerly end now being within a few hundred yards of Paxinosa Inn and
the southerly terminus the Central Railroad station, foot of South Fourth street. On the
completion of these improvements a new company, styled the Pennsylvania Motor Com-
pany, took the eledlric road franchise, and with the extra travel caused by the guests of
Paxinosa Inn, the improvement of the picnic grounds at the northerly end of the road, viz. ,
Shawnee Spring, and the daily travel from the Third Ward, is now on a sound financial and
paying basis. Mr. Sage, in behalf of the companies he has so successfully engineered
and managed, is now using every effort to extend the Easton, South Easton and West End
road through the entire length of Northampton street, thus adding much to the comfort
of the residents of that progressive portion and beautiful residential section of our city.
NEWSPAPERS AND PRINTING
ASTON has always occupied a front rank in the annals of Pennsylvania
journalism, and has the credit of successfully condudliug at the present
day the first weekly, semi-weekly, and daily papers established in the State
outside of Philadelphia, and east of the Allegheny Mountains.
The History of Northampton County records on page 154 the follow-
ing : "The year 1793 saw the establishment of the first printing office and
newspaper in the Borough by Jacob Weygandt. The paper was a small
and insignificant sheet, and was printed in the German language. Not
much is known of it, but its circulation was probaoly very limited, for the
tastes of those German inhabitants did not run in the direcftion of news-
papers ; and as for the job printing branch of the business, it must have
been small indeed." A copy of a sheet published by Mr. Weygandt, dated 1804, and
entitled Easton Gennan Patriot and Country man s Weekly Paper, is still in existence, and niay
possibly be a .specimen of this first journalistic effort. The columns numbered twelve,
the size of the sheet being 12x20 inches.
In 1799 a second newspaper called The American Eagle, made its appearance. It was
printed in English by Mr. Longcope, but received very little encouragement.
The oldest weekly in the State, outside of the city of Philadelphia, Tlie Northampton
Correspondciit, was printed originally in German by Christian J. Hutter. At its inception
in i8or it was a diminutive sheet, but in the hands of its enterprising publisher soon
became the leading paper of the county. This periodical has had a varied career, having
changed owners several times. In 1875 it became the property of the publisher of the
Argus, and is now issued from that office.
The Northampton Farmer was started in 18 12, by Hon. Thomas J. Rogers, in a log
building on Northampton, between Second and Third streets, but was in 1818 sold to
George Deshler and Samuel Moore, who rechristened it "The Spirit of Pennsylvania."
The People's Instructor also came into existence about this time. It was a combined
English and German sheet, but lived for a short time only.
The Easton Sentinel made its appearance July i, 1817, and has regularly appeared for
the past seventy-two years. Its proje(?tors were Col. C. J. Hutter & Son. In politics it
has always been Democratic and has retained the confidence of that party. The present
proprietor and publisher is J. P. Correll.
The Weekly Argus first appeared in 1826 as an advocate of General Jackson to the pres-
idency. Its editors were Jacob Weygandt and Samuel Innes. Up to 1844 it was called
the Democrat and Argus, but in that year Col. William H. Hutter, a young man of nine-
teen years, became the owner and changed the title to Easton Argus. Col. Hutter wielded
the editorial pen for twenty-five years. He then (1869) sold it to William Eichman and
James F. Shunk. In the following year Messrs. Cole &. Morwitz purchased Mr. Eich-
man's interest. At the present time it is owned by Mr. Morwitz, of Philadelphia, edited
E AS TON, PENN'A. 457
by William H. Eichman, a former proprietor of the Express and published by Oliver L.
Fehr, who also issues the Daily Argus, established in 1879.
77^1? Eastoji Whig, afterward called i\\& Journal, was started in 1850 by Josiah P. Het-
rich, and had a successful career for a number of years.
The Eastonian, Cooley, Stephens & Davis, publishers, appeared in 1850, and lasted
for about seven years.
The Easton Free Press (Weekly) first appeared in 1852. Its original title was The
Northamptoti Farmer. The title Free Press first appears in 1857. In 1859 Lewis Gordon
obtained control, the paper then being a folio of twenty-eight columns. A number of
changes in the editorial management have taken place within the past twenty years. The
present owners are Andrews & Clifton. From 1866 to 1884 a daily and weekly edition
were issued. During the latter year the weekly was replaced by a semi-weekly issue.
A short-lived sheet called the Bauern Zcitung appeared for a few months by Henry
Guenther in 1853, but died for want of adequate support.
The first daily newspaper in the State (north of Philadelphia) was The Easton Daily
Express, which put forth its initial number in 1855, William M. Davis and William H.
Eichman being the projedlors. From 1864 to 1870 Mr. Davis was the sole proprietor,
Mr. Eichman having retired. The sheet is the largest in the Lehigh Valley, being a folio
of nine columns to the page. The Northampton Democrat, a weekly periodical issued
from this office was presented to the public in 1882. In politics it is radically Democratic,
the owner and proprietor being Howard Mutchler.
The Morning Times was an independent daily, commenced and published for about
fourteen months during 1857 ^"^^ ^858, by Samuel P. Higgins.
Der Easton Adler had a brief existence during 1858 and 1859, under the editorial
management of Thomas Lynn.
A German paper, entitled Der Beobachter, commenced publication in i860, under the
dire<5lion of W. H. and A. N. Seip. Both editors enlisting at the outbreak of the Rebel-
lion, the sheet was discontinued, as well as the semi-monthly periodical belonging to
the same parties, and called The Times.
From 1868 to 187 1 a weekly known as The Tenth Legion Democrat ^n^^s, published by
Hilburn & Eichman.
On May 15, 1875, W. Gibson Field commenced the publication of a daily, entitled
The Morning Dispatch. The proximity of New York and Philadelphia, and the early
distribution of their great dailies, caused its demise in November, 1876.
The Sunday Call made its debut in 1883. It is a quarto of forty-eight columns,
stridlly independent in politics. J. P. Correll is the editor and proprietor.
The American Mechanics' Advocate was first published at Lancaster, Pa., but in 1878
it became the property of William M. Shultz of this city. The latter sold it in 1888 to
other parties, and it is now said to be published in Philadelphia.
The Council Brand, T. D. Tanner, editor and proprietor, is the ofiBcial organ of the
Red Men, and has a national circulation. It is printed at the Free Press publishing rooms.
The Lafayette, a bi-weekly, and The Melange, a yearly publication by the students of
Lafayette College, is issued from the Job Printing Office of Mr. George W. West, who
also publishes the Easton City Direcflory, The Prograin, and other minor publications.
DISASTROUS FLOODS.
|HERE are still a number of people living who remember the flood of
November 4, 1840. The Easton Whig, of that date says : " The rain fell
in torrents and caused our streams to rise very rapidly. The Lehigh,
which usually rises very quickly, came thundering down with her torrents
from tributaries among the mountains. There was considerable damage
done at the mouth where the new dam is being construcfted. The abutment
of the dam, which is but partly finished, was overflowed, the water wash-
ing away the bank along side. The large fire-proof four-story brick build-
ing, immediately below the dam, was entirely demolished, being under-
mined by the water. It fell with a heavy crash. The water, by this time,
had got such a head as to endanger the whole bank, which it was fast
undermining. So great was the apprehension, that families along the river removed all
their goods, expelling their dwellings would be swept away. The principal loss sus-
tained is the destruction of the store house and the washing of the street, which will
require a vast amount of filling in, and a slope wall, at a heavy expense, to place it in
proper order."
January 8, 1841, two months later than the above, the rivers rose still higher, caused
by long continued rains and the thawing of the snow in the mountains. The Delaware
rose to a point thirty-five feet above low water mark, producing ruin, waste, and desola-
tion on every side, and carrying away with resistless force, houses, barns, fences, animals,
and grain. It was expecfled that the solid old Delaware bridge would yield to the tremen-
dous power of the flood, and people gathered in crowds, waiting for hours, to see it torn
from its foundation, but waited in vain, for it remains in its place to this day. George
Laws' bridge, over the Lehigh, was less fortunate. All night it stood against the power-
ful current, but at 4 o'clock in the morning of January 8th, it yielded, and in fragments
was whirled away by the angry waters, leaving only the abutment and piers standing.
This was a covered bridge, like the one crossing the Delaware. Every bridge on the
stream below Lehigh Gap was swept away. The dwellings on the Lehigh as far back as
Lehigh street were filled in the lower stories with water, and furniture and movables
were destroyed. These misfortunes fell mostly upon those least able to bear them, and
being in the midst of winter, great distress followed.
In June, 1862, there was another of these destru(5live floods to which the Lehigh was
so liable. At night, on Tuesday, June 3d, the rain began to fall steadily, and continued
during Wednesday and Wednesday night. On Thursday forenoon the Lehigh had become
a roaring torrent which swept all before it.
The Free Press of June 12th, contains the following: "The rise of the water was
equal to that of January 8, 1841. In some localities it was reported a little higher, in
others a little lower, than on that memorable occasion. The destrudlion of property at
this time is, however, infinitely greater than it was then. This difference arose, first,
from the large amount of improvements made in the valley, and second, from the satu-
rated and softened condition of the ground. During Wednesday night and Thursday
E AS TON, PENN'A.
459
morning, consternation, excitement, lamentation, and distress reigned along the whole
valley. Early on Thursday morning the river was discovered to be literally covered with
floating timber, boats, houses, stables, bridges, furniture, and articles of every kind used
in civilized society. All the bridges from Mauch Chunk to Easton were either wholly or
in part gone. The canal boats, loaded and unloaded, are nearly all carried down the
stream. The houses along the canal and on the flats along the river are nearly all ruined
or swept away. Residents on the banks awoke in time only to save themselves, but to
leave all their goods to the mercy of the destroying element. Horror and dismay, terror
VIEW OF THE LEHIGH BRIDGE OF 1862.
Removing of same, Jane 1889. (By Pach.)
and destruction, and darkness was all around. Daylight only served to reveal that which
made the heart sick, and brought sorrow and sadness to the beholder. The earnings that
had been gathered slowly by years of hard toil and economy, were swept away in a few
hours, and the man who felt that he had made some provision for the future was poor and
penniless. No pen can describe the amount of misery produced during that fearful night.
In the immediate vicinity of Easton, Messrs. Deshler, Day & Woodring, McKeen, Yohe,
Rodenbough & Brothers, and others have lost heavily in lumber. Colonel Yohe, how-
ever, sustained a heavy loss at his saw mill in the swamp, so that his whole loss may reach
six thousand dollars. James McKeen suffered a loss in South Easton, and also in the
460
THE HISTORY OF
swamp, so that his loss is very heavy, amounting perhaps to twenty or thirty thousand
dollars. Day & Woodring had a large quantity of sawed lumber in their yard. What
their loss will be has not been estimated. In short, the whole valley has been cleaned of
sawed lumber and saw logs. Many of the poor boatmen passed through Easton, homeward
bound, some barefooted, without coats, and in a very destitute condition, having lost their
all in a few hours. About a hundred and fifty or two hundred tons of coal was swept
away from Michler's coal yard, and what was left was literally covered with mud. Near
the Lehigh bridge, in Easton, the water came through the streets, tore up the pavements
and carried away the brick and ground to the depth of two or three feet. The brick wall
at the end of the bridge was carried away. Of the bridge, the lower or floor timbers are
VIEW UP THE LEHIGH RIVER AT EASTON. By S. Kind.
(Showing new Lehigh Bridge, Suspension Bridge and L. & S. Depot )
gone, with the flooring, and also some of the arch timbers, but most of these remain.
Some of the posts and braces are broken, but most of these, with top plates and roof are
still in position. The test upon that stru6lure was very severe, but it remains in part, and
has already been made safe for foot passengers. The houses along the river were all filled
with mud and water. The fish market, near Mr. Sletor's hotel, was carried away, also
Mr. Sletor's carpenter shop. A large stable was carried away from Snufftowu. Wolver-
tou & Walter lost, perhaps, a thousand dollars in having grain spoiled. Drake (K: Hulick's
loss will be, perhaps, ten thousand dollars, in boats, injury to goods, and various other
ways. The number of dead bodies found up to this time is quite large, we suppose it
cannot be much less than fifty, and doubtless many more will be found when the rubbish
along the river shall be cleared away. In cases, whole families are gone. The heart
sickens at the recital of this terrible catastrophe that has befallen the beautiful valley of
the Lehigh."
NAVIGATION OF THE DELAWARE,
HERE was, at a time, a general belief that the upper waters of the Dela-
ware could be navigated by light draught steamers. The projedl was
started by the building of the "Major William Barnet," in Philadelphia,
in 185 1. The steamer was to be at Easton on July 4th, but did not
arrive. A large concourse of people from the country came to celebrate
the event and see the pioneers of commerce on the Delaware. Many declared
the people of Easton did not expedl the steamer, that it was merely a ruse to
bring them in town and get their money, and some hard words were used.
The steamer, however, arrived March 12, 1852. There was a jolly time
at the "Forks;" visions of prosperity and wealth floated in the air.
Judge Porter made a speech. Dr. Lilly, of Lambertville, answered it in
eloquent terms. The day of prosperity was growing brighter. The company adjourned
to the American Hotel, and Easton's hospitality was boundless, and writers of that day tell
us the enthusiasm was wonderful and began to grow dangerous as the hours rolled on
and the libations continued. The vessel made regular trips between Easton and Lambert-
ville for a season, but at length was withdrawn and the enterprise abandoned. The river
was too shallow and the danger too great. Later, a stern-wheel boat, "The Reindeer,"
attempted the enterprise, but she too soon left the field.
"THE ALFRED THOMAS."
During the summer of 1859 the public were given to understand that a small steamer,
then being built at Easton, was to run on the Delaware, between Belvidere and Port
Jervis, the distance between the two places being about sixty miles. For a large part of
this distance there were no means of transporting produce on either side of the river.
It was felt that such an undertaking would result in a great public benefit, and after
mature consideration, Messrs. William R. Sharp, Alfred Thomas, and Richard Halcomb,
were encouraged to proceed with the work. Mr. Thomas Bishop, boat-builder of Easton,
was employed to constru6l it, and the engine was to be built by Mr. Wells, of South
Easton. The steamer was to be fourteen feet wide, between eighty and ninety feet long,
and of one hundred tons burden. Mr. William Parks, Judge Sharp, and William Thomas,
made a thorough examination of the river, and thought all obstrudlions could be removed
at a trifling expense, compared with the benefits to be conferred, by the completion of the
undertaking. In the meantime the work on the steamer was progressing. There was a
deep concern felt in the enterprise, which grew stronger from day to day. Its completion
was watched with great interest by the many visitors at the place of building. On the
i6th of January, i860, a short trial trip was made up the Lehigh, which did not prove
satisfactory. Alterations were then made, which occupied some time, and on the 5th of
March she was ready. She was named the "Alfred Thomas," after one of the proprietors.
On the morning of March 6th, with the American flag flying from the upper deck,
and with about one hundred persons on board, she steamed out of the boat yard, down
the Lehigh to the out-let lock at Williamsport, through which she passed after a little
46
THE HISTORY OF
delay, and then out upon the bosom of the Delaware. At Keller's hotel, above the
bridge, which she reached about noon, a stop was made, and many of the passengers got
off. Between thirty and forty remained on the steamer with the intention of going to
Belvidere, where many were waiting, with joyful anticipation of her arrival. The fol-
lowing is a list of the names of those who remained on board : Benjamin M. Youells,
George Abel, Samuel Yates, John Dehart, Eugene Troxell, Henry Metier, Arthur Kess-
ler, David Troxell, George Shaeff, \'alentine Schooley, Edward Mclntire, Samuel Shaeff,
William Diehl, Richard Williams, Stewart Beatty, Joseph Weaver, Robert Burrell, Peter
Bercaw, George Smith, John Clifton, of Easton ; Charles E. Buck, Charles Arnold, Judge
William R. Sharp, William Sharp, Jr., Mr. Carhart, Richard Halcomb, J. Depew Labar,
ALFRED THOMAS
R I I CTION OI C HART
John Smith, Solomon Mclntire, Sheriff Sharp, Alfred Thomas, Frederick Michler, of
Belvidere, and Joseph Losey, of Washington, N. J.
The steamer was soon again on her way, but had to stop at the island to generate
more steam to ascend the rapids. The engineer forced the pressure of steam to one hun-
dred and twenty pounds to the square inch ; the boiler had been well made, but this pres-
sure was too great, and it exploded with a detonation that shook the town and hills
around, as if by an earthquake. The forepart of the vessel was blown into fragments,
human bodies were hurled forty feet high into the air, others were torn in pieces, limbs
were broken, and many shockingly bruised. The shrieks of the wounded and dying,
and the half-suppressed wail of the assembled multitude was in sad contrast with joyous
mirth heard but a few moments before. There were some strange incidents which even
at present are of painful interest. One young man named Troxell, was blown up into
the air forty feet, and received but au insignificant scratch. Mr. Carhart, of Belvidere,
supposing his son was lost, became almost frantic, and fainted when he found him unhurt.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
463
Mr. Holcomb, of Belvidere, had the chain of his watch cut off close to the ring, and
thrown upon the island, where it was found. Two young men assisting in a bateau,
found a dead companion, and wept like children. George Smith was blown about sixty
yards from the boat, and cut in a horrible manner. Stewart Beatty was thrown high into
the air, toward the Jersey shore, fell into the water, and his body was not found till several
weeks thereafter. A man on the stern of the boat, looking down the river, when he
heard the explosion, remarked to a bystander, " they must be firing cannon in Easton in
honor of the boat." Benjamin M. Youells had a leg broken in two places, and was other-
wise injured, and after twenty-nine years, reminds the people of Easton of the "Alfred
Thomas" by his limping gait. Judge William R. Sharp and Richard Holcomb, of Belvi-
ON THE DELAWARE AT BUSHKILL CREEK,
(Drawn by S. Kind.)
dere, George Schaeff, fireman, and Samuel Schaeff, engineer, George Smith and Joseph
Weaver, of Easton, were killed. Valentine Schooley, Samuel Yates, Henry Metier, and
Arthur Kessler, of Easton, were mortally wounded. William Sharp, Jr., of Belvidere,
and Stewart Beatty, of Easton, were missing. Those wounded were Benjamin M. Youells,
Peter Bercaw, William Diehl, Robert Burrell, Edward Mclntire, Eugene Troxell, and
Richard Williams. Peter Fisher, desirous of reaching his home in Belvidere, had just
left the steamer before it exploded.
An indescribable gloom fell upon the people of Easton. A meeting of the citizens
was called, and all relief in their power was rendered the sufferers. This was the last of
the "Alfred Thomas."
THE BRIDGES
ASTON' S first bridge was built across the Bushkill Creek, at Hamilton
(now Fourth) street. The work was commenced in September, 1762, com-
missioners Peter Kichline and John Moore being charged with its super-
intendence. We may conclude that the frame-work was extremely heavy
and ponderous, for fifteen and three quarter gallons of rum and one barrel
of cider were required to assist in the "raising" of it. The cost of rum
was four shillings and four-pence — about fifty-eight cents — per gallon, and
that of the cider, fifteen shillings — about two dollars — probably including
the cask. The bridge was of wood, and its total cost was ;^262 i6s. gd. —
or about $604.90.
In the summer of 1792 this bridge was replaced by a three-arched
bridge of stone, which served for travel up to the year 1873, when the present neat iron
bridge was erecled at a cost of $10,000.
For many years the Hamilton street bridge had been the only means of passage
across the Bushkill Creek, but had long been considered to be inadequate to the require-
ments of travel ; and so a log bridge was built across the stream at Pomfret (now Third)
street. This served for travel a few years, when in 1833, it was superseded by the present
stone bridge, which was, doubtless, hastened by the establishment of Lafayette College,
upon the opposite highlands — the corner-stone of the main edifice being laid on the Fourth
of July, in that year. This bridge stands to-day apparently uninjured by its fifty-six
years of service, and as strong and safe as when first completed. In 1881 broad walks and
iron railings were. placed on both sides, which not only makes it safe for pedestrians, but
much improves it. It forms the principal thoroughfare of travel between the town and
the college grounds on Mount Lafayette.
The third point where the Bushkill was spanned by a bridge was at Front street,
which gave another avenue of travel between the town and its northern suburb. This
bridge is a solid, double-arched strudlure of stone, and was built in the summer of 1850.
It remains uninjured by the hand of time, as perfedl as when first completed.
The first bridge across the Lehigh was commenced in 1797, and completed in 1798,
by Abraham Horn, Esq., contractor. It stood at the foot of Third street, and was of wood,
twenty-two feet wide, spanning the river by a single arch, two hundred and eighty feet in
length. Either defecftive in plan, or workmanship, it fell in a few days after its con-
struction. The loss fell on the contractor, but he had courage and good friends, and soon
built another of three spans instead of one. This was supported by two stone piers in
the river between the abutments. This bridge lasted till 1811 ; when it was destroyed
by high water, and replaced by a chain bridge in the same year. This bridge was sus-
pended on four chains, hanging in two loops and two half loops, having two passways for
teams and a foot-walk between, which was guarded by hand railings. This bridge
remained for about twenty years, but having been pronounced unsafe, was removed and
another put in its place, which during the flood of 1841 was carried away and another built
E AS TON, PENN'A.
465
upon the same piers and abutments. This was a covered bridge, like the present Delaware
bridge, but was destroyed by the flood of 1862. The County Commissioners thereupon
determined to build a substantial iron bridge. This had two carriage ways and two foot-
walks. The street railway tracks were laid across it, connecfling South Easton with
Easton. In 1888 it was pronounced unsafe and the Cominissioners decided to build a new
one. The new strudlure has just been completed. It was built by the "King Bridge Com-
pany " of Cleveland, Ohio, and is one of the finest bridges in the State. It is sixty feet
wide and nearly three hundred feet long, and cost $35,000.
The bridge across the Delaware, connedling Easton with the New Jersey shore, was
completed sufficiently for crossing, in 1806, though not entirely finished, and formally
open, until the following year. It had been commenced in 1797, and was consequently
ten years in process of eredlion, a time which seemed unnecessarily long, even to the
people of that day, but which ap-
pears much more so to us. It is ^^ .
but just, however, to say, that -~^ ^=^^^
very much of the delay in build- _ j^
ing the bridge, was due to lack of j^^ ~^_
funds, and not to any short-coming
of thearchite(5l, Mr. Cyrus Palmer,
of Newburyport, Mass. ; and that
when completed, the structure was
a very strong and substantial one,
which in 1841, safely withstood
the tremendous test of that great
flood by which every bridge above
Trenton, except this, was swept
from the Delaware. And now,
after an unmoved defiance of the
frosts and floods of nearly ninety
years, it stands there still, the same
safe and convenient thoroughfare
between the States, and apparently as firm and solid as ever. Its length between the
abutments is about six hundred feet, embraced in three spans, divided and supported
by two massive stone piers in the river. Its width is thirty-four feet. There are two
foot-ways and a double carriage-way ; over which latter, the street railway track is laid,
and the cars pass constantly over it, to and fro, between Easton and Phillipsburg — a kind
of travel very remote from the contemplation of those who projected the bridge nearly a
hundred years ago. The total cost of the bridge was $61,854.57, and the entire funds
of the company then amounted to but $42,200, which was paid on its cost, but still left
the company ;gi9,654.57 in debt. The proceeds of the tolls paid this indebtedness in
about six years. The bridge is now free to pedestrians ; the foot-toll having been stricken
from the toll-list November ist, 1856.
The western part of the city and South Easton are more than two miles apart by
way of Third street bridge. People in these localities were for some time contempla-
ting building a foot bridge across the Lehigh in the neighborhood of Tenth street.
'THE POINT'
466 THE HISTORY OF
The result of these deliberations was the formatiou of a stock company with a view to
the erection of a suspension bridge. The company consisted of J. Peter Correll, Frank
Reeder, J. Marshall Young, Thomas M. Lesher, John O. Wagener and David D. Wagener.
A charter was obtained, the company was organized by the eleclion of J. Peter Correll,
President, and J. Marshall Young, Secretary and Treasurer. The capital stock was fixed
at $30,000, par value of shares being $20. Plans and specifications were prepared by J.
Marshall Young and submitted to Roebling Brothers, the architects and engineers of the
Brooklyn Bridge. A beautiful suspension bridge was in consequence construdled and
duly opened August 30, 1886. The first who crossed the bridge, about the middle of
August, were William Coyle, of South Easton, Frank Lesher, J. Marshall Young, and
D. W. Neviu, of Easton. The bridge consists of two spans. The Easton span is five
hundred and twenty feet in length, and the South Easton span four hundred and forty-
eight feet six inches. It is ninety-three feet high, and was put up in one piece by Wil-
liam F. Pascoe, and is the largest piece of complete iron work ever raised in the country.
They were three days in raising it, and five miles of guy rope of one and a quarter inches
was required. The view from the bridge is one of rare beauty, changing in grandeur at
every step of our progress. We find, when crossing this lofty pathway while the winds
are high, that there is music in the air.
The railroad bridges crossing the Delaware and Lehigh rivers are among the finest
specimens of engineering skill. The first bridge of the Lehigh Valley company was a
two-story wooden structure, erected in 1856, and after a few years' use it was replaced by
the present large and handsome iron one.
The neat iron bridge of the Central Railroad Company was eredled in 1868, and runs
parallel with that of the Lehigh Valley. At this time it is a single track bridge but is
shortly to be a double track one.
Abutments are being sunk for another iron bridge across the Delaware just north of
the Central Company's, and intended to connect the Lehigh & Susquehanna with the
Belvidere branch of the Pennsylvania road.
The bridge of the Lehigh & Susquehanna railroad crosses the Lehigh river from the
Cut to the Fourth street depot, and is also a fine structure. The company are now making
it a double track bridge, and otherwise improving it.
All these structures appear interesting to strangers as they pass along our railroads,
and they give Easton the title of "The City of Bridges."
WATER SUPPLY.
The Easton Water Company was incorporated by an Act of Assembly, approved
March 24, 18 17. The first Board of Directors were George Wolf, President ; Nathaniel
Michler, John Herster, John Green, James Hays, William Barnet, and Philip H. Mattes.
The water was carried in wooden pipes from a spring on Chestnut Hill to a reservoir
upon the high ground on North Sixth street, and thence distributed to hydrants in differ-
ent parts of the town. This, however, was wholly inadequate to supply the demand,
E ASTON, PENN'A. 467
and the inhabitants had still to rely upon their wells and pumps. Many of these wells were
deep and the water foul. In consequence the company in 1840 eredled new works on the
Delaware river, above the mouth of the Bushkill, and with steam power forced the water
into a reservoir on College Hill, and from thence distributed it through the town. This
answered the purpose for a while, but as the borough grew it was found that while the
water was sufficient the power was insufficient to supply the increased demand by growth
of the borough beyond Sixth street, a new water company was incorporated by A61 of
Assembly approved the 4th day of May, A. D. 1854, under the style and title of the
West Ward Water Company, for the purpose of furnishing water to that portion of the
borough lying west of Sixth street, and works were eredled on the Lehigh, about a mile
above the Third street bridge at Spring street. Their first President was Henry Keller.
By a supplement to their charter, approved May 5, 1855, they were empowered to supply
water in any part of the borough.
Owing to financial difficulties another A<51 of Assembly was passed the 20th day of
March, i860, empowering the said company to mortgage their works, corporate fran-
chises, rights and privileges, and providing that in case of a judicial sale under said mort-
gage, all the estate, franchises, rights and privileges, shall pass to and vest in the pur-
chasers at such sale, who were then to proceed and organize a company, and conduct the
works under the name of "The Lehigh Water Company." A sale was subsequently
effe6led, and a company organized as contemplated by the a6l. The first President was
Charles Rodenbough ; Secretary, Henry Green. The works as already stated were located
on the Lehigh, and the water was forced by a large engine and raised two hundred feet to
a reservoir at Fifteenth and Northampton streets.
The people for a long time felt that the Lehigh water was too impure for family use,
and so loud were their complaints that the company in 1881 made a change and eredled
new works on the Delaware. They have now two pumping stations and three pumps,
one on the Lehigh and two on the Delaware. The one on the Lehigh is not in constant
use, but held in reserve. The pump on the Lehigh has a capacity of 700,000 gallons in
twenty-four hours, and those on the Delaware 2,000,000 gallons in the .same length of
time. The reservoir at Fifteenth and Northampton streets will be retained, at the same
time a new one will shortly be built on Chestnut Hill at an elevation of 290 feet above
the Delaware, which will supply the highest points in the city, and give it adequate force
in case of fire. The company will also build a large settling basin at their pumping sta-
tion on the Delaware, from which the water will be pumped clear of all impurities. In
cases of freshets the pumping can cease, as the reservoir will hold a week's supply. The
water for the fountain in Centre Square and for fire purposes is furnished free.
The present officers of the company are — Joseph Rodenbough, President ; Jacob
Rader, Secretary and Treasurer ; Robert Rader, Superintendent. The office is in the
northwest corner of Centre Square.
EASTON OF TO-DAY.
JHE CONCLUDING chapter of our history is at hand, but we find there
are still several subjecls which we wish to dwell on briefly, and perhaps
the most important of these is the formation of industrial associations,
created for the purpose of advancing the business interests of our city. Re-
cently there had been a lack of enterprise in Easton, its capital seeking
investment elsewhere, which not only greatly retarded its growth in the
building of dwellings, but industries of various kinds suffered that were
needed to give employment to the young people inhabiting the western
part of our city — the children of the mechanic and laboring man. Accord-
ingly the first of these associations was formed in 1883, and succeeded in
inducing Messrs. R. and H. Simon to establish a silk mill at Lehidlon Bridge,
on the Bushkill creek, which gives employment to several hundred hands. This mill is
engaged in throwing or twisting silk, a preparatory work necessary before it can be woven.
This industry has been remarkably successful under the able management of the Simon
Bros., and they have in contemplation the erecflion of a large addition to their already
massive stru(?ture in the near future. After the association had accomplished this great
objedl it seemed to have spent its force and finally disbanded.
In 1888 a more determined effort was made to introduce manufa<5lures of various
kinds into the community. This resulted in the formation of the Easton Industrial Asso-
ciation. The officers of the Association are — President, William Hackett ; Secretary and
Treasurer, S. H. Hackett ; Directors, Harry G. Tombler, David W. Nevin, Henry A.
Sage, Asher J. Odenwelder, J. Whit Wood, James W. Correll, William J. Daub, C. D. P.
Hamilton, Jacob Raub, and Charles M. Hapgood. The Association began work at once.
The Lawrence Organ Works needed an increase of capital in order to proceed in its business.
The financial condition of its affairs was closely examined, a loan of $12,000 was nego-
tiated, the plant placed upon a permanent basis, the buildings were enlarged and the business
increased. First-class instruments are manufactured here, for which there is a ready sale.
This gives employment to twenty-five hands. The managing trustees, representing the
subscribers, are William H. Hackett, William J. Daub, and William R. Francisco.
The Easton Boot and Shoe Fadlory is a very important establishment, founded by
this Industrial Association. It is situated on Butler and Sixteenth streets. The building
is of brick, 127 by 38 feet, four stories high. There are fifty-five hands employed, turning
out three hundred pairs per day. The most sanguine anticipations have been fully
realized. The machines are driven by a fifty horse-power engine, thus giving power suffi-
cient for twice the number of hands, and the prospedls seem to demand a large increase
of workmen. The first floor is used for storing leather, and also for sole-leather cutting
and the heel-making room. The second floor contains the offices, packing and shipping
room, and treeing or dressing room. The third floor is used for bottoming and finishing
purposes. On the fourth floor the upper leather is cut, and the stitching and crimping
done. The views from the south windows of the facftorv are the most beautiful that the
E ASTON, PENN'A.
469
eyes of the lovers of nature ever gazed upon, and no pi<5lnres, executed by the old masters,
can equal the grandeur of the scene. The interblending of mountains and rivers, hills
and dales, the gentle curving of the Lehigh hills, pi(5tured upon the distant horizon, the
whizzing of the railroad train, the slow moving canal boat, representing a period now
passing away, in contrast with the steam power and elecftric forces of the age following,
present a pidlure well worth a long walk to witness.
Another industry is the Matteawan Felting Manufacflory. The land has been pur-
chased, the stock, $50,000, subscribed, and the work is in progress. It is situated in
Odenweldertown, a suburb of the city, near the Lehigh.
The foregoing enterprises is the work of these associations in this short period.
Besides placing these establishments upon a sound financial basis a great deal of time was
consumed in examining other industries that desired to locate here, but not accepted for
causes best known to those who had the matter in hand. Caution is no doubt the proper
course to pursue in matters of this kind, as the savings of the mechanic as well as the
wealth of the capitalist is involved. These associations have been ably managed, and at
this writing are making strenuous efforts to establish another industry which will place
one more well-earned task to their credit.
The Easton and Northern Railroad, which is now being construdled, will no doubt
be of great importance to the material growth
of Easton. This company consists of Easton
men who have undertaken the responsibility of
this important enterprise. The officers are —
President, John T. Knight, of Easton ; Secretary
and Treasurer, Fred. Green ; Diredlors, Henry A.
Sage, Harry G. Tombler, General Frank Reeder,
David D. Wagener, Jacob Walter, Samuel S. Mes-
singer, Peter Brady, and James Smith. Messrs.
Henry A. Sage, Harry G. Tombler, and Gen.
Frank Reeder, are the Executive Committee to
superintend the construdlion of the road. Chief
Engineer, Peter Brady ; General Superintendent,
James Smith. This road commences at or near
Sixth street, and ascends the Bushkill Valley,
its terminal point to be at Ashland, Northamp-
ton county, connecfling with the Bangor and
Nazareth Railroad. The intention of the com-
,,r-.Tr,,, . c-.^^ pany is to extend the road to Scranton in the no
HENRY A. SAGE, r J
President of the Easton and South Easton Pas- distant futUre. HoW it wiU C0nne(ft at EaSton
^Th^e^ELtra^.dZX^n^Rti^iad cr' ^^ "^t kuown and causes considerable comment.
The Home for Friendless Children was established in 1885, and opened April 6th.
One of the most pleasing incidents in the history of Easton is the establishment of this
charming retreat for the shelter of friendless and homeless children. The society first
rented a house on Sullivan street ; this being insufficient, one was built on Washington
470
THE HISTORY OF
street, near Fourteenth, on land donated by Mr. Theodore R. Sitgreaves. The building
cost nearly nine thousand dollars, and was opened with sixteen children, March i, 1887.
The ladies of Easton have entire control of the Home. This institution is supported by
the gifts of willing and generous hearts. Children ushered into life without friends or
the shelter of a home are taken by these noble ladies aud tenderly cared for, guided and
guarded through the helpless years of infancy and childhood, and prepared for the cares
and toils of man and womanhood. It a pleasant experience to pass through the sleeping
apartments kept so neatly, and notice the beautiful little beds made specially for children.
" In as much as ye have done it unto the least of one of these, ye have done it unto me,"
steals sweetly into the soul as we pass through the apartments of this comfortable home
of the little ones. There are no gifts more acceptable than those by which the home of
tender childhood is maintained. Since the Home was established eighty-two children
have passed through the hands of the Matron and Dire6lors. These are the ofBcers :
Miss Kate Green, President. Mrs. William Firmstone.
Mrs. Philip PFATTEiCHER,VicePres't. Mrs. E. F. Stewart.
Mrs. H. D. Lachenour, Secretary. Mrs. Charles Stewart.
Miss Ida Hay, Assistant Secretary. Mrs. Clement Stewart.
Mrs. M. F. Titus, Treasurer. Mrs. Frank Michler.
Mrs. J. S. Rodenbough. Mrs. William H. Armstrong.
Mrs. B. H. Niece, Matron.
The old buildings of Easton are slowly but surely giving way to the march of im-
provement, and of the many interesting landmarks that Easton possessed a decade or two
ago, only a few remain. It is only a matter of a very few years before the last one of
these interesting relics, which connedl the history of the past with that of the present,
will have passed away. The following are the most notable ones still standing : On the
northeast corner of Ferry and Fourth streets stands an old stone house built by William
Parsons in 1757, and is consequently 132 years old, being the oldest house in the city.
It was at one time occupied by George Taylor, one of the signers of the Declaration of
Independence. It is a historic residence indeed, and long may it stand to remind us of
the stormy past. It is now owned by Col. Jacob Dachrodt. The next in age is the
building now occupied by Schoch & Stecker, dry goods merchants, on the northeast
corner of Centre Square, and was built by Henry Alshouse, who was Easton's first car-
penter. On the west side of Second street, near Spring Garden, is a small stone house
built by Hon. Samuel Sitgreaves, for a relative of his family. In Sitgreaves street, near
Dr. Green's stable, is the first brick house built in Easton, and was erecfled by the same
gentleman for his colored man Cudjoe. On the south side of Spring Garden street, near
Second, is a stone house in which John Penn, a son of William Penn, resided while hold-
ing the office of sheriff in 1773-74. No. 142 South Third street is a very old stone build-
ing, also the one located on the northeast corner of Second and Ferry, and the one on
the northwest corner of Fifth and Northampton streets. The second jail is still standing,
(and is now being used as a brush fa(ftory) and the old cell from which Getter was led to
execution mav still be seen.
E ASTON, PENN'A.
471
Among the many fine bnsiness and private edifices that adorn and beautify our city,
some of which have been ilhistrated in this work, the Able Opera House is one of the
most conspicuous. It stands on the south side of Northampton street, between Third
and Fourth streets. The front is 50
feet, and extends back to Pine street,
a depth of 220 feet. The exhibition
room is in the rear of the building,
and is approached by a wide passage
from the front entrance, with large
and commodious store rooms on each
side. This room is 50 by 120 feet,
including the stage ; the ceiling is
forty-seven feet high. The front
hall in the second story, intended
for balls and festivals, and known
as Able Hall, is 50 by 80 feet ; the
height of the ceiling is twenty-three
feet. The hall in the third story is
50 by 80 feet, with ceiling of seven-
teen feet high. The Parquet, Par-
quet Circle, Dress Circle and Third
Tier, will seat fifteen hundred peo-
ple. The dressing rooms are in
the basement. In 1872 Mr. Edward
Able matured the prqjedl of build-
ing this Opera House, which might
be of great use to the public as a
place of amusement and for public
gatherings on special occasions. It
was ere(?ted at a cost of $120,000.
It is now owned by a company, and
is under the care and management of Mr. John Brunner. By common consent, it is
still known as the Able Opera House, and we sincerely hope that as long as this mag-
nificent temple of amusement shall stand, it shall retain the name of its liberal projector.
EDWARD ABLE.
We cannot close the History of Easton without a short resume. Its picturesque
location, with its grand and bold surrounding scenery, and its flowing waters, renders it
at once attradlive to the eye, and impresses the soul with a spirit of romance, not usually
felt when viewing an aggregation of house-tops alone. Its many spires suggest to the
mind the principle that religious freedom reigns, and well it may, for here nearly all
known denominations of religious worshippers are represented. The puff and the roar
of the locomotive diredls your attention to the railroad facilities — no less than sixty-four
passenger trains arriving and leaving the city daily. The passenger for New York has his
choice of three different routes over about seventy-five miles of rail, and will arrive there
472
THE HISTORY OF
inside of three hours. He who wishes to go to Philadelphia has two routes, travels a distance
of about sixty-six miles and arrives there in less than three hours. A closer look, and we
notice the webs of wires which, while they aid the business man and mechanic in rapid transit
through the city by its elecftric motors, also illuminate the city at night, both in the houses
and on the thoroughfares, making it almost as light as day, at the same time it recalls to mind
the telegraph and telephone, only a small part of the network that circles the globe and
renders converse possible with the most distant nations. The numerous smoke stacks
point out the various manufactories of iron and brass for its varied uses, cordage for the
rigging of ships that sail to distant lands, sawing and planing mills, marble and granite
works, silk mills, organ fadlory, shoe fa(5lory, felt works, breweries, carriage, furniture,
and many other industries. The eye also takes in the many rich mineral deposits, by
glancing at the extensive lime and soap-stone quarries and iron ore mines. It also
takes in the many educational buildings, foremost of which is Lafayette College, with
its splendid Pardee Hall, most liberally endowed, and having a faculty equal to any
other in the land and superior to most ; numerous large and commodious school houses
with all the modern improvements for the education of the young, models of architecflure,
and having a fine library, the accumulation of many years, being founded by an associa-
tion in 1817 and deeded to the school department in 1864, showing the interest and pride
taken in and the progress of education. Prominent also among all is the Court House
and the gloomy walls of the county Penitentiary. The belfry on the building of the fire
department suggest the improvements made in that branch of municipal progress ; the old
hand fire engine with its volunteer firemen of but a few decades passed, is superseded by a
paid department with steamers and electric alarms, and an abundant supply of water,
making it almost impossible for the fiery element to make any headway.
A view of the beautiful valley of the Lehigh, with its numerous serpentine tracks of
railroads, and the canal running past the iron furnaces and cotton mills as far as Mauch
Chunk, the centre of the coal mining industry, reminds you of the vast commercial enter-
prises in coal, iron and cotton, famous throughout the whole land.
A view of the modest Bushkill would hardly suggest the fa(5l that for its size few
streams in this Commonwealth yield power for manufa6luring purposes equal to it. Take
another position and the eye rests upon the city of the dead — the Easton Cemetery— first
opened in 1849, and now the resting place of over 16,000 who have gone never to return,
reminding us that here end all worldly glory and ambition, here all are equal, the rich
and the poor, the great and the small, the old and the young, all, all alike, turn to mother
earth, and nothing to tell their different spheres in life but the stones ereded to their mem-
ory. Few cemeteries in the country can equal this in grand and expensive monuments.
We have now reviewed some of the most prominent features of our city, including
scenery and commercial and manufadluring facilities, the latter being the work of a pop-
ulation of 11,924 in 1880, now 15,500 in 1889, composed of industrious, enterprising and
sagacious business men, aided by those natural advantages which the founders of the city
with their keen foresight at once comprehended. These advantages are not yet exhausted,
in facft they are daily multiplying and are inexhaustible, the surrounding country is rich
in soil and in mineral produdls, access to raw material for manufa<?turers is easy, and
the capitalist who desires to invest his means in some enterprise need not "go West";
here is a large field, and an enterprising population to take him by the hand and give him
EASTON, PENN'A.
473
welcome. We say, come and see for yourself, for seeing is believing, and we are sure you
will not regret your choice if you should selecfl our city for your permanent home and
seat for commercial or manufadluring operations.
As a fitting finale to this part of our work we think it of interest and importance to put
upon record as corretlly as possible the names of the principal business men and profes-
sional people of Easton, who are thus acftively engaged at the close of the year 1889. In
order to show future generations how our two principal business thoroughfares (North-
ampton street from the Delaware bridge to Sixth, and Third street from the Lehigh to
the Bushkill) were inhabited, we give them side by side — from door to door.
Northampton Street, North Side, from
Delaware Bridge to Second.
Yeager, J, millinery
Tannewald, R, boots and shoes
Parks, Mrs G, milliner
Stinson, Mrs E S, millinery
Hunt, E I, hardware
Hoff, Mrs John, druggist
Arndt, Mrs C A, shoes
Buckman, W E, dentist, (up stairs)
Major, L, novelty store
Mansfield & Helms, wall papers
Eckert, John, druggist
Smith, J S, jeweler
Goldsmith, Michael, notions
Bellman Bros, notions
Gulick, Peter, grocer
Gould, Mrs S, furs repair'd (upstairs)
Northampton Street, North Side, from
Second to Centre Square.
Hammann, Wm E, druggist
Andrews & Nolf, dry goods
Herst David, tailor, (up stairs)
Young James McK, crockery
Randolph, H, hatter
Bunstein & Co, millinery
Keller, Wm H, pianos and organs
Grawitz, Chris, art gallery
Thatcher, I B, fancy goods
Carpenter Allen, dry goods
Goldsmith Bros, clothing
Able, John, confectionery
Geehr, F P, boots and shoes
Clark, David, jeweler
Kahn, E, art gallery
Dunkel E, cigars and tobacco
Maxwell, Wm, books and bindery
Centre Square— North Side.
Lee, Chas, laundry
Mack, John, plumber, (basement)
Easton Post Office
Lehr K H, lawyer, ''up stairs)
Phi Kappa Psi Club
Hay, J & Sons, wholesale dry goods
Seip, Amos, physician
Easton Optical Co, (same building)
Hackett & Chidsey, brokers "
Long, James, residence
Northampton Insurance Co
Parks, Wm, barber, (basement)
Stout, G W, lawyer, (same building)
Chase & Mackey, lawyers, "
Home Fiendly Society, "
Chi Phi Club,
Jones residence
Detwiller, J J, physician
Walters, W F, restaurant
Steckel, Henry F, residence
Hetrich, Mrsjosiah P, residence
Easton Water Co Office
Hetrich Willis, lawyer
Adams, Samuel, fruit dealer
Schoch & Stacker, dry goods
Bush & Bull,
Stout, JnoV, photographer, (upstairs)
Meeker, C W, stoves, &c
Bixler, Elwood, jeweler
Moon & Co, boots and shoes
Semple, Wm & Son, druggist
Longaker, A B, lawyer, (up stairs)
Uhler, I S.
James, R E,
Lynn, James, " "
Emmons, Thos, " "
Americus Club, "
ComusClub,
Rader & Bro, dry goods
Kolb, Reuben, alderman, (upstairs)
Martin, James, saddler
Edelman, James A, fancy goods
Hay Boot & Shoe Co
Fox & Fulmer, jewelers
Losey & Co, hardware
Fraley, Jacob, leather
Garis W E. furniture
Central Hotel, A J Frankenfield, prop
Bryson, Pennel, barber, (basement)
Richards, Mrs E J, druggist
Rosenblatt, M, peanut stand
Daub Wm J, furniture
Rosenbaum, Levi, millinery
Hamilton & Co, boots and shoes
Arner, Calvin, dry goods
Fox, E J & Son, lawyers, (up stair:
Shipman, Wm C
Field Bros, physicians,
Penna. Telephone Office, "
Ludwig, Henry, grocer
Kinney John, eating house
Riegel, M. J., bookseller
Ackerman, T F, jeweler
Bixler, Lewis E, toys
Leidy G W, barber
McCabe, Ias,photographer,(up stair
Residence of Mrs, Clemens
Lawall, C Son & Co, druggists
HolTman, W W, dentist, (up stairs
Francisco, W R, sewing machines
Fritts, Misses, boarding
Northampton County National Ban
Fleischner & Poike, three cent store
Lung, Sam, laundry
Detweiler, O L, stenographer and
type writer, (up stairs)
Serfass, Orrin, lawyer, (up stairs)
Rosenfelt, Lewis, tailor
Gebhardt, C, plumber, (basement)
Moser, Josiah, pianos and organs
Sandt, C A, lawyer, (up stairs)
Walter & Bishop, art goods
Allis Elisha, lawyer, (up stairs)
Merrill J C, lawyer, (up stairs)
Singer Sewing Machine Co
Miller S K & Son, hardware
Northampton Street, North Side, from
Fifth to Sixth.
Felker, Chas, meat market
Sweeny, Jacob, fish and oysters
Hildebrandt, Paul, saloon
Barnet, George, grocer
Newman, Andrew, saloon
Collmar, Chas U, physician
Young, G H, alderman, (same build'g)
Shrope, L S, insurance, "
Fulmer, John, guns, &c
Leidy, Thomas, cigars
Mayer, B D & Co, dry goods
Knecht&Weisenbach,real estate agts
Breininger, A, barber
Koehler & Moyer, veterinary surg'ns
Eichman, Chas, restaurant
Rice, Geo W,
Northampton Street, South Sidejrom
Delaware Bridge to Second.
Gaetano, Vilacchi, peanut stand
Carey, John J, segars
Laugel, Adam, boots and shoes
Spitznagel, F, meat market
Balliet, Ray, barber
Keeley, Mrs J C U, coffee house
Sherrer Bros, gent's furnishers
Jacoby A, clothing
Gamier, A B, general store
Magee Bros, wholesale store
Correll, Jac9b, tailor
Berry, Misses, boarding house
Gerver House, Robt. Gerver, prop
Curren, Thos, saloon
Rice & Arnold, oysters
Gilroy, H, shoe store
Michler, E E, grocer
Cummings, Chris, saloon
Levy, J & Co, clothing
Knapp, William, barber
Otto, Mrs E, confectionery
Goldburg, L, clothing
Runyon, Thomas, liquors
474
Norlliamplon Street, South Side, from
Second to Centre Square.
Norton, H M, stoves and tinware
Barberey, Chas, peanut stand
Riegel & Tinsman, dry goods
Heil, John, boots and shoes
Seip, H F, dentist, (up stairs)
Osterstock, Jos, stoves and tinware
VVeller&Honeywell.den'st (up stairs)
Vogel, E D, stationer
Correll, Peter M, boarding
Pollock, John, brush manufacturer
Knecht, A S, lawyer, residence
VVilking, Jacob H, boots and shoes
Garis, C VV, furniture
Becker's PeoplesTea Co, ( W Carling)
Black, Daniel, tinware
D. Black and H Kinsey residence
Hazzard, VVm H, paper hangings
Fraunfelter, Frank, fruit dealer
Seitz, C E, gent's furnishings
Brown, VVm, book binder, tup stairs)
Reese, Jacob, merchant tailor, "
Centre Square— South side.
Heller, Maria, millinery
Residence of Miss Heller
Warne, M T, residence
Deichman, AS,"
Seitz, Fred,
Dinkey, Mrs R, "
Kalish, William, clothing
Hertz, John C, dentist, (up stairs)
Jacobus, Peter N, physician
U. S. Express Office
Adams Express Office
Green, G B, bowling alley, (base'nt)
First National Bank
Osterstock, John, hardware
Garren, Jacob, oysters, (basement)
Kirkpatrick,W&M,law'ers! up stairs)
EastonBesinessCollege(CLFree) "
Hoffmeirer, S B, photographer, "
Stewart, VV G & Son, wholesale notions
Bissell, G M, barber
Lee, Chas, laundry
KIchline, Geo E, insurance
Boyd, T S, billiard hall
Police head'ters and council chamber
Northampton Street, South side,
from TItird to Fourth.
Conklin, D VV & Co, grocers
Meyer, Joseph, segars and tobacco
West, Geo \V, job printer, (up stairs)
Orr, Matthew, dry goods
Freeman, Nat, merchant tailor
Flemming, Miss E., residence
Apple, Dr S S,
Easton National Bank
Hasbrouck&Kloffenstein.mer. tailors
Goldsmith, Isaac, cigars and tobacco
Goldsmith, Isaac, residence
Laubach, Wm & Son, dry goods
Walter, Chas, lawyer, (up stairs)
Weaver, John A, druggist
Armstrong Wm H, lawyer, (upstairs)
R C Pvle, insurance.
Downs, James S,
Clio Social Club,
SdliJinon, Jacob, clothing
Mllk-r, Horace, sign painter,(upstalrs)
I.eidich Herbert, barber, (basement)
Able Opera House
Shimcr, Peter >t Son, merchaHt tailors
THE HISTORY OF
Walter, Wm, restaurant, (basement) I
Sage H A. liquor merchant I
Able, Edward, carpet dealer
King, Theo F, dentist, (up stairs) I
Knecht, Frank, photographer, " |
Stern, Max & Bro, millinery
Goldsmith, Simon, clothing
Davenport, G, hair dressing(up stairs)
Heller, J B, physician,
Wolfe. D S, cigar manuf,
Northampton Street, South Side, I
Fourth to Fifth. \
Odenwelder, Asher, druggist
Gardella, Victor, peanut stand
Mack, F W, painter, (up stairs)
Friedlich, Moses, gent's furnisher j
Wolslayer, J O, boots and shoes
Bixler, C VV, jeweler
Mack, E B, stoves and tinware
Eschenbach,G W, umbrellas ( up sfrs)
Anglemeyer, Jeremiah, hardware
Lindemann, J H, bookseller !
Edelman, W E, lawyer, (up stairs) |
Franklin House, G B Ccse, prop \
Gardner Bros, clothing
Pyatt, David, crockery
Woodring, Richard A, hatter
Kunsman, Wm H, dry goods [
Laugel, .\dam, boots and shoes
Detweiler, VV C, dentist, (up stairs)
Lawall, Lyman H, dry goods I
Washington Clothing Co |
Serfass, J J, physician, (up stairs) i
Weaver, VV Stewart, hardware
FreytagBros,mer'nt tailors, (up sta'rs)
Young, G F P, lawyer, "
Roll, M, cigar manufacturer, "
Swan Hotel, S J Treat, prop
Kemmerer, Benjamin F, grocer
Knecht, A S, lawyer, (up stairs)
Howell, A B, "
Miller Jonas, segars 1
Woolworth & Getman, 5c & loc store |
Everhart, S, boots and shoes
Garbarino, John, peanut stand
Fackenthall, Howard, physician
Northampton Street, South Side, from
Fifth to Sixth.
Shiffer, Boyer & Co, hatters
Mayor's and City Treasurer's Office
Steckel, Leopold, saddlery
Fenlcle Thomas, alderman
Levy, Lyman, clothing
PIckel, Andrew, merchant tailor
Cottage Garden Hotel, S A Reichard
Caramella, Luie, peanut stand
Taylor, Zach, furniture
Seibert, Geo, carpet, yarns, &c
Spengler, Aaron, druggist
Creveling, F, paper boxes, (up stairs)
Siegfried Bros, bakers
Mt Vernon Hotel, Edw Jacoby, prop
South Third Street, West Side,
from Lehigh Bridge to Lehigh.
Heck, Geo & Philip, coal dealers
First Ward Hotel, J A Reichard, prop
VVelsel, C, fruit stand
Diehl, Chas P, barber
Hawk, Henry E, flour and feed
Lovell Manufacturing Co
Hughes, J, saloon
Siegfried, Jos, Jr, segars and tobacco
VVcipple .S: Co, boots and shoes
D.iub, Theo G, grocer
Cavanaugh, James, physician
Schwechten, H R, bakery
Genther, John, butcher
Sommer, George, saloon
Paxton, J M, agent
King & Rezzo, fruit store
Stein, Mrs John, oysters
Weidknecht, H &'S, butchers
Koch, Fred, saloon
Stengelin, Mrs Anna, stoves
Balentine, James, cigars
Ziegenhorn, Henry, merchant tailor
Behens, C, shoemaker
Kepler Tilghman, flour and feed
Roesch Louis, boots and shoes
Stier Philip F, residence
Bachman, Chas, druggist
Kilian, Mrs K, confectionery
Schoch, Howard, jeweler
Shellenberger, H H, grocer
SoiUh Third Street, West side. Ferry
to Centre Square.
Crater, Jos & Sons, wholesale produce
Snyder, Daniel VV, confectionery
VanAllen, D D, paper hanger
Garren, A L, restaurant
Bowman, John, cigars and tobacco
Fraunfelter, Frank, fruit stand
Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co, ( F W Bell )
Rinek Bros, rope store
Stewart, Russell C, lawyer, (up stairs)
Fine, LM,
Hagerman, H M " "
Shawde, E H, insurance, "
Brown, John, tailor, "
Cornell & Michler, grocers
Drake's Sons, wholesale grocers
Williamson & Co, brokers. (up stairs)
Brown, John, slate operator, "
Barnet, H C,
Cavanaugh, H S, lawyer, "
Steel, H J,
Fackenthall, B F,
Mutchler, William, "
Scott, H VV,
Beidelman, William, "
Brunner, John, insurance, "
Daily, Thos, hatter
Youells, T R S, barber, (basement)
Grand Union Tea Co, ( VV J Burke)
Menline, Moses, cigar manufacturer
Finley, George, news agent
Hohl, Stewart, druggist
Goldsmith, Isacc, Jr, clothing
Ehler, Q F, lawyer, (up stairs)
Swift, B F,
Kuntz, D M, "
Able, Geo, Jr, int revenue"
Dolan, Thos H, gen agt,"
South Tliird street. East side,
Lehigh Bridge to Ferry.
Hilllard & Dinkey, coal dealers
American Hotel, Aaron Waller, prop
Yelles Henry, harness
Walter, Jacob, flour and feed
Garis, Owen, cabinet maker
Sciple, George E, toys
Young, James, coal dealer
Lee, Hop, laundry
Ehly, Mrs D A, coflee house
Arndt P F & Oliver, physicians
Martin, John, book store
Mebus, Fred L, druggist
EASTON, PENN'A.
475
Frey, Joseph T, restaurant
Leiiiiiiger, Geo E, furnilure
Tombler, Henry G, wholesale grocer
South Third Street, East Side, Ferry
to Centre Square.
Bercavv, Chas, liquors
Moravian Church, second floor
Society rooms, third floor
White, W L, wholesale produce
Terry, Frank L, restaurant
Heller, Aug, stove dealer
Easton Market Building
Hapgood C M & Co, wholesale boots
and shoes
Evans, P C, lawyer, (up stairs)
Nevin, D W, "
Maxwell, H D, "
Johnson, Jacob, detective, "
Hetrich, C B, insurance, "
Patterson, J D, coal mer, "
Bissell Assembly Room, "
Veile, Edward, crockery
Bixler & Correll, wholesale notions
Meyers, O H, lawyer, (up stairs)
Geiser, Geo W, " "
Goldsmith, Aaron"
McKeen Thos L,
Hulick, Wm H,
Betz, H M, jeweler, "
Fehr & Butler,
Masonic Lodge, third floor
Phillippe, Solon, gun store
Dull, Frank, grocer
Reeder, H & F, lawyers, (up stairs)
Green, Fred, " "
Thomas Iron Co office, (J T Knight)
Brown, C A H.photogra'er, (up stairs)
Memmert, Chas H, barber
West. Union Tel. Office, (Jno Saylor)
Diehl, J & W, peanut stand
North Third Street, west side. Centre
Square to Spring Garden.
Detwiller, J J, physician
Tinimins, Mrs, residence
Shipman, T B "
Kirkpatrick, Wm, "
Hulick, Mrs Derick,"
Saylor, R W, physician
Schick, Geo P, residence
Fox, Eli M,
Rinek, Thos,
Armstrong, W H, "
Easton Coffee House
Forman, Miss Mary, residence
Boileau, Samuel, "
Drake, Samuel, "
Moon, WW
Wood, J Whit,
Frantz & Shafer, grocers
Gray, Jeremiah, residence
North Third Street, West Side. Spring
Garden to Bushkill Bridge.
United States Hotel, G Vincent, prop
Lang, John, barber, (basement)
D Do You, laundry
Wertley, Jacob, candy store
Parks & Pach, business college
Drinkhouse, Samuel, residence
Kirkpatrick, Morris, "
Drennan, Dr, •'
Meyers, O H,
Keim, Mrs,
Eisberg, George W, barber
Serfass, A L, druggist
Hibler, William P, residence
James, R E, "
Hilliard, Clinton,
Dinkey, Amos, "
Semple, Mrs Ellen,
Pach, Alex L, photographer
North ThirdStreet, East Side, Centre
Square to Spring Garden Street.
Jones, R I and M H, lawyer
Wallace, G V,
German Reformed Church
McAllister, Anna M, physician
Bunting, O C, dentist
Hess, Mrs James, residence
Lawall, Cyrus,
Porter, James M, civil engineer
Porter, Mrs, residence
Seitz, Chas,
Reeder, Frank, "
Hunt, J S, physician
Probst's residence
Roseberry, J \, physician
North ThirdStreet, East Side , Spring
Garden to Bushkill Creek.
Arlington House, Jacob Frone, prop
Berlin, fancy store
Michler, James, grocer
Weston, Mrs K, boarding
Drake, Miss K, residence
Magee, Jos, "
Huber
Wik, Max, shoemaker
Arnold, John, grocer
King, M H.meat market
Van Norman, Mrs, residence
Ostforss, C G, merchant tailor
Dudley, Frank, oysters
Bell, Ferdinand, residence
Bird, Geo, "
Able, George,
Schoolev, David,
Colbert,' Chas S,
Weaver, John, "
EASTON BUSINESS PEOPLE-CLASSIFIED.
ACADEMIES AND SCHOOLS.
Drisbrow M M, Odenweldertown
EastonBusinessCollege,CentreSquare
Hecht Tillie, 304 Bushkill
Lerch Charles H, 13 South Fourth
Park & Crawford, 114 North Third
ARCHITECT.
Stewart John M, 502 Northampton
ATTORNEYSAT-LAW.
See Page 421.
ART GOODS.
Grawitz Christ, 223, Northampton
Kahn Emanuel, 247 Northampton
Walter & Bishop, 467 Northampton
AUCTIONEERS.
Bitters John, 65o Ferry
Meyers Lawrence P, 115 South Third
BAKERS.
Deichman Chas, 52 North Seventh
Duhart Fred, 635 Northampton
Felver Wm S, 167 Northampton
Fisher Lewis A, 49 South Fourth
Fraunfelter Wm H F, 134 Cattell
Kauffman William, 409 Cattell
Lanche Christian, 35 South Eleventh
Miller William R, 100 Washington
Ruppjohn, 22 North Seventh
Schwarz Paul G, 601 Northampton
Schwechten H R, 159 South Third
Short George R, 1014 Ferry
Siegfried W & Bro, 540 Northampton
BANKS.
Easton National, North'n cor Bank
[ First National, S WcorCentre Square
Northampton Co Nat, 459 North'ton
BARBERS.
Bissell Gilbert M, 25 Centre Square
Breininger Albert, S31 Northampton
I Brvson Pennel C, Central Hotel
1 Bryson William R, 609 Walnut
Burk Frank L, 1147 Ferry
Davenport George, 764 Washington
Davis Wm V, 617 Northampton
Diehl Chas P, 221 South Third
Eisberg George W, 138 North Third
Flint H D, 541 Northampton
Hay Frank L, 1145 Northampton
Knapp Wm H, 148 Northampton
Lang John, United States Hotel
Leidich Geo W, 427 Northampton
Leidich Herbert, 336 Northampton
Memmert Chas H, 11 South Third
Parks Wm R, 57 Centre Square
Peil Nicholas, 119 Cattell
Pierce Harry R, 1034 Washington
Reich Stanton W, 936 Ferry
Snyder Joseph, 227 South Fourth
Youells B M, 66 North Front
YouellsTR S, 15 South Third
Ziemer Conrad, 666 Northampton
BASKET MAKER.
Stump Christian, 1033 Pine
BILLIARD HALLS.
Boyd Thad S, S W cor Centre Square
BLACKSMITHS.
Allabach George N, 64 North West
Allabach Samuel, 65 North Bank
Gutmann Gabriel, 1352 Northampton
Hill Fred, 327 Ferry
Messinger Sam'l P, 131 North Fourth
Mount, Abram, 20 South Bank
Peters Jos, Washington, near Seventh
Welch J B, Sitgreaves, near Lehigh
BONE MILLS.
Wilson Bros, 43-47 Delaware
BOOK BINDERS.
Brown William, 2 Centre Square
Maxwell Wm, N E cor Centre Square
BOOKSELLERS & STATIONERS.
Finley George, 9 South Third
FrueauflTH T, 15 South Fourth
Lindemann J H, 416 Northampton
Martin John, 116 South Third
Maxwell Wm, N E cor Centre Square
Riegel Martin J, 421 Northampton
Vogel E D, 218 Northampton
Young William J, 227 Cattell
BOOTS & SHOES WHOLESALE.
BOOTS AND SHOES.
Arndt C A, 125 Northampton
476
Geehr Frank P, 263 Northampton
Gilroy Henry, 136 Nortliampton
Hay Boot and Shoe Co, 343 North'n
Heil John, 210 Northampton
Laugel Adam, 442 Northampton
Laugel Adam, Jr, 102 Northampton
Mebus John H, 162 Northampton
Miller Aug S, 26 North Eleventh
Moon W VV & Co, 321 & 447 North'ton
Roesch Louis, 113 South Third
Steele, Thomas, 22.5 Cattell
Tannewald R, 105 Northampton
Teichman Michael, 706 Northampton
Wilking J H & Co, 226 Northampton
VVaeppel & Daub, 207 South Third
VVolslayer J O, 404 Northampton
BOTTLERS.
Kuebler Willibald, foot of Lehigh
Newman A, 42 South Front
Seitz Bros, Bushkill cor Green
BRACE MANUFACTURERS.
Knickerbocker Brace Co, 333 Church
BRASS WORKS.
Young Wm, Sitgreaves cor Church
BREWERS (LAGER BEER).
Kuebler Willibald, foot of Lehigh
Seitz Bros, Bushkill cor Green
Veile Xavier, on the Bushkill Creek
BRICK MANUFACTURER.
Collinge Alfred, North Elder alley
BROKERS.
Hackett & Chidsey, Centre Square
Shawdee E H & Co. 27 South Third
Williamson & Co., Drake's building
BROOM MANUFACTURERS.
BRUSH MANUFACTURER.
Pollock John, 222 Northampton
BUTCHERS.
Andrews Daniel, 1036 Ferry
Dachrodt Daniel L, 609 Northampt'n
Dachrodt John, Fourth cor Ferry
Dennig Charles A, 677 Pearl
Felker Charles, 501 Northampton
Genther John, 153 South Third
Herster Wm H & Son, 27 N Fourth
Kase Philip H, 516 New
King Milton H, 131 North Third
Norton J B, 74 North Second
Pentz Marion A., 647 Northampton
Sandt & Werkheiser, 201 Cattell
Sandt T J, 334 Spring Garden
Seibert F, 669 Northampton
Snyder Charles, 127 Cattell
Snyder Charles E, 722 Ferry
Snyder F, 633 Walnut
Spitznagle F, 104 Northampton
Weber & Patier, 1214 Northampton
Weidnecht H & S C, 133 S Third
Weller George M, 506 Ferry
Youngken W & Co, 636 Northampt'n
CARPENTERS.
Bachman Simon P, 12S South Bank
Cole Charles T., 252 Pine
Folkenson Jacob, 1000 Northampton
Griffin George W, 687 Pine
Hayden George W, 40 North Bank
Helleck Reuben, 509 Pine
Horn, Steinmetz.t Co, 121 NSitg'ves
Lerch Frank J ct liro, Pine cor West
THE HISTORY OF
Morgenstern Lewis, cor Pine and S
Mulberry
Raub Jacob, Seventh cor Washingt'n
Ricker Bros., 529 Northampton
Snyder John H., 115 Ferry
Walter Edward, 1022 Ferry
CARPET CLEANING.
Keller C P & Co, Delaware, between
Third and Fourth
CARPET WEAVERS.
Hageman John, 622 Northampton
Kummer Frank C, 2 North Fifth
Laube Francis, 1447 Ferry
Seibert George P, 526 Northampton
Wenner Jacob D, 126 Northampton
CARPETS.
Able Edward, 352 Northampton
CARRIAGE BODY MAKER.
Lee William H, 31 North Fifth
CARRIAGE BUILDERS AND
PAINTERS.
Albright & Co, 26 North Fourth
Beck Joseph, Fourth above Bushkill
Haupt Bros, rear 327 Ferry
Morley Wm, Fourth above Bushkill
CHEMISTS.
Baker & Adamson, Junken, near city
Pyatt, 430 Northampton
Veile Edward S., 24 South Third
Young J. McKeen, 211 Northampton
CIGARS AND TOBACCO.
Balentine James R. E., 123 S. Third
Barron Samuel C, 23 South Fourth
Baumeister Jacob, 415 Cattell
Bowm&n John I, Ji2> South Third
Carey John J., 100 Northampton
Derr William H, 51S New
Dunkel E K, 249 Northampton
Eilenberger Howard, 213 South Fifth
Fenicle Thomas, 506 Northampton
Gardner E D, 607 Walnut
Goldsmith Isaac, 324 Northampton
Kelso James A., 1008 Northampton
Kemmerer Van Selan, 211 Cattell
Leidich Thomas, 521 Northampton
Menline Moses, 11 South Third
Meyer Leo, 302 Northampton
Miller Jonas, 470 Northampton
Reichard Stephen, 634 Northampton
Riegel Wm H, 659 Ferry
Rinn Lizette, 314 Ferry
Roll Wm F, 454 Northampton
Rosenfelt Jacob S, 473 Northampton
Schleicher Charles E., 639 North'n
Schwartz F H, 515 Northampton
Siebert George, North'n, cor Wood
Siegfried Joseph, Jr, 209 South Third
Sommer George A, 151 South Third
Transue Samuel, 661 Northampton
Weisel Cornelius, 227 South Third
Wolfe Daniel S., S E cor Fourth and
Northampton
CIGAR BOX MANUFACTURERS.
Cheesman ThosJ, Franklin, c 14th
Schan Andrew, 693 Pearl
Youngkin Wm H, 33 North Seventh
CIVIL ENGINEERS.
Brady P. 17 South Third
Cooiier A J, Mt V.Tii..n Hotel
Young J Marshall, Knecht building
CLERGYMEN.
Anspach John M, 425 Ferry
Blauvelt Geo M S, 817 North Second
Cameron Jos P, 421 Clinton Terrace
Carey J J, 70 North Front
Carlisle Douglas, 225 Bushkill
Condit U VV, 941 Lehigh
Ferrier E, 19 North Second
Geissinger D H, 330 Ferry
Hagan F F, The Arlington
Hess .^sher, S34 Ferry
Hoffman L B, 42 South Second
Hufford R VV, 68 North Fourth
Johnson John, 137 Spring Garden
Kieffer H M, 31 North Third
Kline J Hadley, 450 Ferry
Knerr George, 502 Northampton
Lee T J. 103 North Third
Levan Charles VV, 300 Cattell
Lindsey Henry D, 122 North Second
McGivern James, 132 South Fifth
Stem T O. iioi Washington
Stewart Edward H, 709 Ferry
Trowbridge Charles R, 223 Porter
CLOTHIERS.
Gardner Bros, 420 Northampton
Goldberg L & Co, 154 and 156 North
Goldsmith Isaac, i and 3 South Third
Goldsmith I M, 235 Northampton
Goldsmith Simon, 358 Northampton
Jacob Adolph, 116 Northampton
Kalish William, 12 Centre Square
Levy J & Co, 144 and 452 Northam'n
Levy Herman, 510 Northampton
Solomon Jacob, 336 Northampton
Washington Clothing Co, 452 North'n
COAL AND WOOD.
Covie William & Co, 31S Ferry
Heck & Bro, 300 South Third
Hilliard & Dinkey, 200 South Third
Klusmeyer Henry, 144 Ferry
Kresslv James F, foot South Fourth
Manning Geo C & Son, Dock, west
of Fourth
Young James, 134 South Third
COAL— WHOLESALE.
Patterson J D, Market House Build'g
CONFECTIONERS.
Abel John, 237 Northampton
Alcott Elwood M, 1032 Washington
Bellis Charles, 631 Walnut
Beless George, 145 South Third
Bryan William M, 36S Washington
Callaghan James H, 1201 Ferry
DaParma Sarah L, 266 Northampton
Graham Mrs Robert, 319 Cattell
! Holmes Annie, I2t Delaware
< Keiter John H, 157 South Fifth
Kichline Edward, 652 Northampton
Kilian Mrs K, 107 South Third
Lamb Mrs E H, Odenweldertown
Lewis Elizabeth, 62? Walnut
Miller VV R, 1001 Washington
Moserjosiah, 46! Northampton
Murphy B, 56 North Front
Nolf Sophia, 644 Northampton
Otto Mrs E, 152 Northampton
Richter Mary A, 204 Cattell
Snyder Daniel VV, 43 South Third
Sterner John, 56 South Twelfth
Uhler Reuben, Suspension Bridge
Wertlcy Jacob, no North Third
E AS TON, PENN'A.
477
CONTRACTORS.
Lesher & Son, 1017 Ferrv
Smith Jas, College Hill
COOPER.
Gross Charles, Ph, 122 Church
CORDAGE MANUFACTURERS.
Rinek's J, Sons, 25 South Third
DENTISTS.
Buckman W E, 137 Northampton
Bunting Oliver C, 37 North Third.
Detvveiler W C, 440 Northampton
Hertz John C, 11 Centre Square
Hoffman Wm W, 4^8 Northampton
King Theo F, 354 Northampton
Seip Herbert F, 208 Northampton
Weller & Honeywell, 212 North'n
DETECTIVES.
Johnson Jacob, 32 South Third
Simons James, 117 Ferry
DROVERS.
Moses Samuel, 626 Northampton
Moses Samuel, 703 Wood ave
DRUGGISTS.
Bachmann Chas L, loq South Third
Eckert J W, 145 Northampton
Groom E W, 131 Cattell
Hoff John P, 131 Northampton
Hohl Stewart M, 5 South Third
Hammann Wm E, 201 Northampton
Huston James L, 901 Ferry
Keiper Mrs. S H, 701 Northampton
Laubach Stephen, Walnut cor Ferry
Lawall C Son & Co, 437 Northampt'n
Mebus Fred C, 114 South Third
Odenwelder A J, 400 Northampton
Richards Mrs, 401 Northampton
Reeser Tilghman H, 339 Cattell
Semple H B & Son, 323 Northampton
Serfass A Lincoln, 140 North Third
Spengler Aaron, 530 Northampton
Weaver John A, 332 Northampton
DRY GOODS-RETAIL.
Andrews & Nolf, 205 Northampton
Arner Calvin, 413 Northampton
Barnes Mary A , 638 Northampton
Bricker Isaac, 219 South Third
Bush & Bull, 305-307-309 Northampt'n
Foster John O, 1057 Washington
Carpenter Allen, 229 Northampton
Kunsman W H, 436-438 Northamp'n
Laubach Wm & Son, 326-328 North'n
Lawall Lyman H, 446 Northampton
Lear William, Ferry, cor Eleventh
Mayer B D & C, 525 Northampton
Nagle William H, 1155 Washington
Orr Matthew, 306 Northampton
Rader & Bro, 329 Northampton
Riegel & Tinsman, 206 Northampton
Schoch & Stecker, 301 Northampton
Stern B, 629 Northampton
DRY GOODS— WHOLESALE.
Hay J & Sons, 2-46-8 Hay's Place
Stewart W G & Son, 24 Centre Sq
Bi.xler & Correll, 18 and 20 S Third
DYERS AND SCOURERS.
King Wm H, 225 Ferry
Rebmann Robert, Pine, cor Bank
Schaefer Charles, Church, cor Bank
ELECTRICIAN.
Miller John H, 25 North Fourth
EMERY MANUFACTURERS.
Jackson Mills Emery Co, ft S Fourth
ENGRAVERS.
EXPRESS COMPANIES.
Adams S E cor Third and Centre Sq
United States, 13 Centre Square
FANCY GOODS.
Coryell F R, 326 Spring Garde
Edelman James A, 337 Northa
Goldsmith R, 159 Northampto
Thatcher Isaac B, 227 Northan
npton
ipton
FISH AND OYSTERS.
Green Alfred, Easton Market House
Speer William, 10 North Fourth
VanNorman William, 21 S Fourth
FLORISTS.
Johnston William, 62 North Front
Keller William F, 1131 Ferry
FLOUR, FEED AND GRAIN.
Dull George E, 243 Ferry
Fenicle Thomas, 506 Northampton
Hawk Henry E, 215 South Third
Kepler Tilghman, 115 South Third
Walter Jacob, 144 South Third
Zuck Milton T, 41 North Fourth
FLOURING MILLS.
Groetzinger Chas, 425 Bushkill
Lafayette, North Third, c Delaware
Lehicton, N 13th and Bushkill creek
FOUNDRIES.
Wilson Jacob, 49 and 51 Delaware
Young & Schlough, Ferry & Sitg'ves
FRUITS— WHOLESALE.
Fraunfelter Frank, South Third
FURNITURE.
Daub Wm J, 403 and 405 Northam'n
Fulmer Wm, 14 and 16 South Fourth
Garis Cornelius W, 228 Northampton
Garis William E, 353 Northampton
Leininger George E, 104 South Third
Taylor Z, 524 Northampton
FURRIER.
Gould Mrs S, 169 Northampton
GROCERS.
Arp John, 47 North Fourth
Barnet George, 507 Northampton
Brown Michael J, Odenweldertown
Bleckley E D, 201 Ferry
Conklin & Co, 300 Northampton
Cornell & Michler, 23 South Third
Cressman Jeremiah, 51 North Fourth
Daub Theo G, Third, cor Lehigh
Dech Charles D. 724 Ferry
Dull Frank, 12 South Third
Fleming Christian K, 401 Bushkill
Foster John O, 1057 Washington
Franklin Christian, 601 Walnut
Frantz & Shafer, 68 North Third
Fraunfelder Lewis, 231 Cattell
Gulick A C & Co, 169 Northampton
Hay Philip, 1150 Northampton
Hay T A L. 637 Northampton
Jones W B, cor North'n and Second
Kemmerer B F, 468 Northampton
Laubach Robert, 102 1 Northampton
Lear Peter, 1301 Northampton
Lear William, Ferry, cor Eleventh
Leibert John, di^^t Northampton
Ludwig Henry, 40 South Fifth
McCauley James, 900 Ferry
Martin Joseph H, 434 Cattell
Mershon George M, 1000 Ferry
Meyer Abraham, 500 Ferry
Meyer Joseph, 129 South Fourth
Michael Joseph, Ninth, cor Walnut
Michler Edgar E, 142 Northampton
Michler James P, 117 North Third
Morrow Charles, 346 Broad
Moser Manaver C, 15th, c VVashing'n
Nagle W H, 1155 Washington
Neary John T, 1065 Dock
Nute George H, 44 Cattell
Odenwelder H P B, 698 Northampton
Reich Owen, Sixth corner Walnut
Reichard George W, 200 South Sixth
Rodenbach Thos, 1140 Ferry
Shawde John J, 205 South Fourth
Shellenberger H H, Third cor Ferry
Siegfried J A, 603 Northampton
Sigman Thomas C, 700 Northampton
Socks Michael, 663 Northampton
Snyder Wm F, Walnut cor Lehigh
Sperling J G, Butler op Fair Ground
Thomas Mrs Mary E, Walnut c Wash
Titus Bros, 532 Ferry
Uhler Joseph H, 200 Cattell
Walsh Wm L, loi Bushkill
Werkheiser VVm, 517 New
GROCERS— WHOLESALE.
Drake's J Sons & Co, 17 Soulh Third
Tombler H G, 100 South Third
GUNSMITHS.
Fulmer Jonathan, 519 Northampton.
Phillippe S & Co, 16 South Third
HARDWARE.
Anglemeyer Jeremiah, 414 North'n
Garnier A B, 118 Northampton
Hunt Edvyard I, 115-119 Northampt'n
Losev & Co, 347 Northampton
Miller S K & Co, 475 Northampton
Miller Thomas T, 30 North Fourth
Osterstock John S & Co, 22 Centre Sq
Weaver W Stewart, 456 Northampt'n
HARNESS MAKERS.
Martin James, t,it, Northampton
Moore Jonathan, 33 North Fourth
Steckel L, 504 Northampton
Yelles Henry, 148 South Third
HATS AND CAPS.
Daily Thomas, 15 South Third
S hiffer, Boyer & Co, 500 Northampt'n
Woodring Richard A, 432 Northam'n
HOTELS.
American House, Third, cor Lehigh
Arlington House, 3d, cor Spg Garden
Barnet House, 55 North Fourth
Central, Fourth, cor Northampton
Clifton House, 1242 Northampton
Court House, 683 Walnut
Fairview House, 1030 Butler
First Ward, Phila road, c Washing'n
Forest House, Butler, near 17th
Franklin House, 424 and 426 North'n
Gerver House, 126 Northampton
Keystone, 359 Bushkill
Mansion, Cattell, cor Monroe
Mt. Vernon, 542 Northampton
Paxinosa Inn, Chestnut Hill
Star, 649 Walnut
Strauss, Mrs Moses H, 653 North'n
Swan, 458 and 460 Northampton
United States, 100 North Third
Zeiner John, end Lehigh Bridge
478
THE HISTORY OF
ICE DEALERS.
INSURANCE.
Brunner John, 17 South Third
Downs James S, 332 Northampton
Duncan Joseph R, 464 Northampton
Hackett ct Chidsev, next to post office
Helrich Charles B, Market liuilding
Kichline G F, S \V cor Centre Square
Kolb Reuben, 329 Northampton
Pyle Robert C, 326 Northampton
Shawde E H & Co, 27 South Third
Shimer Howard C, 453'/! Northam'n
Shrope L S, 51S Northampton
INSURANCE COMPANIES.
Prudential Ins Co, Lawall's Building
Fire Insurance. S E cor Centre Sq
Northampton Mutual Live Stock In-
surance Co, 329 Northampton
Franklin Livestock Ins Co, 515 Nor'n
JEWELERS.
Ackerman T F, 423 Northampton
Betz H M, Knecht's Building
Bi.xler C Willis, 406 Northampton
Bixler J E, 317 Northampton
Bush William A, 166 Northampton
Clark David, 245 Northampton
Fox & Fulmer, 345 Northampton
Heckman Edward, 13 South Fourth
Schoch J Howard. 103 South Third
Smith J Richmond, 149 Northampton
JUNK DEALERS.
Klein George, Seventh, cor Pine
L.^UNDRIES.
Easton Steam, 125 North Sitgreaves
LEATHER AND FINDINGS.
Fraley Jacob, 351 Northampton
LIME BURNERS AND DEALERS.
Kocher Wm I, 700 Northampton
Smith George, 22 South Fourth
LIQUORS-WHOLESALE.
Bercaw Charles, Third, cor Ferry
Runyan Thomas A, 158 Northampt'n
Sage H A, 352 Northampton
Wolfe & Co, 14 North Fourth
LIVERY & BOARDING STABLES.
Able Josiah, 40 North Second
Frankenfield Amos J, rear U S Hotel
Fields D S, Sitgreaves near Ferry
Francisco & Co, foot N Sitgreaves
Heck Geo, Washington, above 3d
Hemingway Charles L, Church, c 5th
Hill Fred, 325 Ferry
Lehn George D, Pine, cor Bank
Shipman George, North Bank
LOCKSMITHS.
Cochems Henry, 650 Northampton
Preusser Richard F, 241 Ferry
Schindler Edward, 107 North Fourth
LUMBER DEALERS.
Manning Geo C & Son, Dock, west of
Fourth and P'g
Schimmel George, 421 Church
Stair John E, 22 Lehicton
Steinmetz & Zearfoss, 31 South Front
Zearfoss & Hilliard, Front & Bushk'l
MALSTER.
Seitz C & F, 127 to 139 Ferry
MARBLE YARDS.
Carey George A, 18 South Fifth
Easton Marble Co, 123 South Fourth
Frey Aaron, 351 Ferrv
Hartzel & Smith, 431'Bushkill
Howell D J, 23 South Front
Ippich Christian, 1220 Spruce
MEATS-WHOLESALE.
Easton Beef Co, Canal, near L V R
R freight depot, S E
MEN'S FURNISHING GOODS.
Seitz C E, Northampton & Centre Sq
Friedlich Moses, 402 Northampton
Sherer Bros, no Northampton
MERCHANT TAILORS.
Correll Jacob C, 126 Northampton
Freeman Nathan, 310 Northampton
Freytag Bros, 454 Northampton
Goehler Philip, 20 South Fourth
Goodman Jesse S, 44 Spring Garden
Hasbrouck& Kloffenstein, cor North-
ampton and Bank
Herst David, 207 Northampton
Mohr Herman, 1131 Lehigh
Pickel Andrew, 514 Northampton
Reese Jacob H, S E cor Centre Sq
Rosenfelt Lewis, 459 Northampton
Schwartz Jacob, Snufftown
Shimer P A & Son, 342 Northampton
Ziegenhorn Henry, 121 South Third
MILLINERS.
Bunstein & Co., 215 Northampton
Heller Maria F, 4 Centre Square
Hellman & Bro, 161 Northampton
Parks Mrs G, 109 Northampton
Rosenbaum L, 407 Northampton
Stern Bros, 356 Northampton
Stinson Mrs E S, in Northampton
Wolf Sarah, 408 Northampton
Yeager J, loi Northampton
MUSIC INSTRUMENTS. I
Keller W H, 219 and 221 Northam'on
Lindemann J H, 416 Northampton
Moser Josiah, 461 Northampton {
MUSIC TEACHERS. !
Bethman Charles, 673 Northampton
Coates Thomas, 108 South Third
Eschenbach.Emma M, 1040 Butler
Fritsche Otto, 36 South Front '
Kichline Laura, 333 High
Lerch Jennie M, 521 Ferry
Mattes Henry L, 38 South Fifth
Michler Alberts, Northa'n bey. 17th
Pierce Jennie E, 221 South I7tli
Roehner Henry A, 6S7 Ferry
Rohn Olin, 242 Bushkill Court
Schneider Annie N C, 214 Bushkill
Siegfried Joseph, 209 South Third
Stier Walter C, ni South Third
VanDoren Joseph M, 165 South Sixth
Vannatta Luella, 217 South Fifth
NOTARIES.
Finley George, 9 South Third
Noble John, 1035 Washington
Brunner John, Drake Building
OYSTERS.
Dudley Frank, 141 NorlhThird
Garren Jacob W, 23 Centre Square
Rice & Arnold, 136 Northampt
Stein Ch
41 South Third
OIL DEALERS.
Acme Oil Co, Sitgreaves near Lehigh
Hess Oil Co, Sitgreaves near Lehigh
Kossnic Lubricating Oil Co, Bank cor
Snyder Court
Philips J G & Co, Lehigh and Third
Rothenthausler Otto, 103s Elm
Steckel Frank E, 144 Pine
Wendlingjohn, 1004 Northampton
ORGAN MANUFACTURERS.
Lawrence Organ Works, 320 S Tenth
Riegel M J, 421 Northampton
PAINTERS.
Albert Conrad. ioo5 Northampton
Bond A W, 51S Pine
Drew & Tinsman, 77 North West
Hartley & Peifer, 128 South Bank
Hay & Randolph, 40 North Bank
Heiler& Co, Pine cor Bank
Lair John, int Ferry
Mack F VV, 400 Northampton
Miller Horace J, 336 Northampton
Moritz & Stratton, 132 Bank
MullerC H, North Second
Roberts Geo F, 25 North Fourth
PAPER DEALERS-WHOLESALE
Nevin Geo B, 320 Ferry
PHOTOGRAPHERS.
Brown C A H, 14 South Third
Hoflfmeier S B, 23 Centre Square
Knecht Frank, 354 Northampton
McCabe James, 429 Northampton
Pach Alex L, 220 North Third
Stout's Gallery, 303 & 307 Northam'n
PHYSICIANS-See page 442.
PLUMBERS.
Gebhart C, 459 Northampton
Haines Harry H, 13 South Fourth
Kelly Wm C. 210 Northampton
Mack John \V, 67 Centre Square
Peacock Robert, Pine, bet 3d & Bank
Thumejohn F, Bank, cor Pine
Trumbore Wm, 219 Church
Vannorman J, cor Fourth and Church
PRINTERS.
Creveling Frank, 532 Northampton
Easton Argus. North Bank
Eschenbach Gustavus W, 8 N Fourth
Express, 17 South Bank
Free Press, 12 and iS South Bank
Sunday Call, 318 Ferry
West Geo W, S. W cor Centre Square
PRODUCE.
Crater Joseph F&Sons, 47 S Third
Magee Wm, Easton Market House
Melick Howard, 219 Ferry
White William, Masonic Hall
PROVISIONS -WHOLESALE.
Rice George O, Delaware
REAL ESTATE AGENTS.
Edelman Wm C, 334 Northampton
Knecht & Weisenbach, 529 North'n
Shrope L S, 515 Northampton
RESTAURANTS.
Eichman Charles, 537 Northampton
Green Geo B, Third, cor Centre Sq
Kelley Edward R, 108 Northampton
Rice George W, 543 Northampton
Walter William H, 342 Northampton
Walter W Frank, 50 Centre Square
E ASTON, PENN'A.
479
SALOONS.
Aiier Christian, 621 Northampton
Black John D, 233 South Fourth
Curren Thomas, 34 Northampton
Frey Joseph T, no South Third
Garren Abraham L, 37 South Third
Hughes John, 211 South Third
Koch Fred, 127 South Third
Kurth B, Bank cor Church
Laubert Jacob, 229 South West
Newman Andrew, 509 Northampton
Reichard Samuel A, 518 Northam'n
Renz Conrad, 300 South Fourth
Schleicher Peter, 665 Northampton
Seidl Max, 22 North Fourth
Sommer George A, 151 South Third
Tacke Mrs Fred, 631 Northampton
Terry Frank L, 42 South Third
Weaver Wm, 19 South Bank
SCROLL SAWYERS.
Garis Owen, 142 South Third
SEWING MACHINE AGENTS.
Francisco Wm R, 441 Northampton
Schey W H, 469 Northampton
Ward Benjamin F, 10 South Fourth
SHIRT MANUFACTURERS.
Butz Samuel, 319 Northampton
Standard Mfg Co, Bank, cor Church
SILK MILLS.
Simon R & H, N 13th at Bushkill
SLATE ROOFERS.
Linden J N, 100 North Fourth
Roseberry James J, 627 Northampton
STONE DEALERS.
Adams James, 225 Church
Kelley Patrick, Lehigh, cor S West
Smith George, 22 South Fourth
STOVES AND TINWARE.
Black Daniel, 234 Northampton
Heller Augustus F, 38 South Third
Mack Elias B, 410 Northampton
Meeker C W, 313 Northampton
Miller Henry R, 623 Northampton
Norton H. M, 200 Northampton
Osterstock J S, 212 to 216 Northam'n
Reaser Lewis, 323 Cattell
Schooley Henry C, 11 26 Northampt'n
Schultz John, 697 Northampton
Stengeliu Mrs Anna, 125 South Third
STOVE MANUFACTURER.
Wilson Jacob, 49 and 51 Delaware
TANNERS.
Brinker S W & Co, Franklin, nr 14th
Nenning Edward A, Bushkill
TEA AND COFFEE DEALERS.
Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co, 27 S Third
Becker's Peoples Tea Co, 230 Nort'n
Grand Union Tea Co, 13 South Third
TELEGRAPH COMPANY.
Western Union Telegraph Company,
S E cor Centre Square and Third
TELEPHONE COMPANY.
Peimsylvania, 415 Northampton
TOBACCO— WHOLESALE
Dunkel E K, 249 Northampton
Dunn A R, 37 and 39 North Fourth
Magee Bros, 124 Northampton
TRUNKS, VALISES, Etc.
Martin James, 333 Northampton
UMBRELLA MENDERS.
Eschenbach G W, 408 Northampton
Riey Jacob, 614 Church
UNDERTAKERS.
Ashton Frank, Pine, cor Bank
Johnson Wm H J, 676 Church
Keller Willam, Bank, cor Pine
Taylor Z, 524 Northampton
VETERINARY SURGEONS,
Blank C J, 318 Ferry
Burwell Edgar, 318 Ferry
Fulmer B A, 46 South Second
Koehler & Moyer, 533 Northampton
WALL PAPERS.
Hazzard John, Sr, 610 & 622 Walnut
Hazzard Wm H, 238 & 240 Norlha'n
Mansfield & Helms, 143 Northampton
VanAllen D D, 41 South Third
WHEELWRIGHTS.
Barron Bros, 684 Northampton
Roberts A J, rear Sitgreaves nr Lehigh
Messinger S, foot of North Fourth
WOOD AND WILLOW WARE,
Bixler Lewis E. 425 Northampton
Sciple George, 138 South Third
Note.— On page 373 mention is made that during tlie administration of Mayor Chidsey the heirs of Wil-
liam Penn made a formal demand for the Circle in the Square of this city, and that C. B. Taylor, Esq., of Phil-
adelphia, who represented the heirs, had entered the Circle and taken formal possession of the land, and that
the attorney was ejected therefrom by the Mayor. Mention is also made that ailion would be brought in the
United States Distridt Court to recover the property. This trial took place in Ocflober, 1SS9. The plaintiff in
the case was William Stuart, an heir-at-law of William Penn. It was claimed by the plaintiff that the land,
80 feet square, was given to the county and town for the purpose of ereiling a Court House thereon, and that
when it should be used for any other purpose, it should revert to the heirs of the donor. The property had
ceased to be used for the intended purpose, and the heirs claimed the property. The defendants, on the other
hand, contended that the grant to the county created a trust and not a condition, and that the Penns had
thereby parted with their whole estate. A verdiA was rendered in favor of the defendants. The plaintiff asked
for a new trial, which was denied by the Court. The case was tried before Circuit Judge McKeuua, an 1 a jury ;
Mr. C. Berkley Taylor represented the plaintiff, Mr. H. S Cavanaugh, County Solicitor, and Mr. H. J. Steele,
City Solicitor, represented the defendants. The case will be finally decided by the United States Supreme
Court. The attorneys in preparing this case were compelled to examine the records at Harrisburg, and during
their investigation they found what, to the citizens of Easton, is a novelty in their history. They found a sur-
vey of the land upon which Easton stands, dating as far back as 1736, fourteen years prior to the survey of
William Parsons. This survey extends along the right bank of the Delaware 300 rods " to ye point," along
the left bank of the Lehigh 494 rods, and from this point north 453 rods to the Bushkill, thence 563 rods to the
point of starting, on the right bank of the Delaware. This survey encloses 1000 acres, owned by Thomas Penn .
On the back of the sheet upon which the survey was found is recorded the fa<fl that Thomas Penn came in pos-
session of this land by the snccessful draught of a ticket in a lottery. This'was in 1735, two years before the
famous " Indian walk." The title of Thomas Penn was not affefted by that transaction, but the original title
by which the land on whicn our city stands was obtained, was by legalized gambling. By reference to Vol. i
of the Pennsylvania Archives, page 455, we learn that John. Thomas and Richard Penn, in 1735, made arrange-
ments to sell 100,000 acres of land by ''lottery sales." The survey above allude! to was mi lain 1736, so this
is quite likely the lottery in which Thomas Penn became possessed of the title of the land at the " Forks "
SOUTH EASTON.
HE location of South Easton is on the south bank of the Lehigh river,
directly opposite the city of Easton. It was originally a portion of the
township of Williams, and a part of the present site of the town was, in
years long past, a farm, owned by Melchoir Hay, (the ancestor of the Hay
family, of later date), one of the axemen who helped to clear away
the thickets in the Forks of the Delaware and along the Bushkill for Par-
sons and Scull, when they laid out the town of Easton in 1750. His tradl
was three hundred acres in extent, and was (probably on account of ser-
vices rendered to the agents of the Proprietaries) freed forever from the
usual quit-rent, which, at the rate, would have amounted to 12s. 6d., or
$1.66 per annum, on the entire tradl. Jacob Eyerly, of Nazareth, purchased
the three hundred acres (there was another small lot belonging to the Hay property) in
the year 1796, and two years later sold it again to Henry Snyder, of Easton, for eight
hundred pounds. It continued as simply a farm tra(5l for thirty years, when it fell into
the hands of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, and by them the town of South
Easton (the first modest commencement of the present borough") was laid out in 1833.
It was incorporated as a borough July 8, 1840. An A61 of Assembly had been passed
May 27, 1840, entitled "An AS. to eredl the town of South Easton, in the county of
Northampton, into a borough, and for other purposes," which Adl dire<5led an elecftion
to be held at the house of David Moyer, in said borough, " To eledl one citizen, who shall
be styled Burgess ; and six citizens who shall be a Council, and shall also elecft, as afore'-
said, a High Constable." Such elecftion having been held on the fourth of July, 1840,
the following officers were duly eledled : Burgess, Christian Martin ; Conncilmen, Wil-
liam Nyce, Bartholomew Murtha, Amos Rogers, Gilbert Valentine, George Savage, and
David Moyer ; High Constable, Jacob Deiley. In the year 1865, the borough was made
subjedl to the restridlions imposed, and invested with all the privileges and powers con-
ferred, by "An A(5l regulating boroughs," etc., passed in 1851.
It was the canal outlet, and the very extensive water-power furnished by the canal,
which induced the establishment of the town by the company in 1833. Apart from these
the advantages of location would never have been thought sufficient to invite the estab-
lishment of business, other than that of agriculture.
The first enterprise in manufadluring, was the establishment of a saw mill, in 1822, by
A. Abbott and James McKeen. In 1833-34 a patent bucket manufacflory was started by
Messrs. Bush & Paling, but the enterprise was unsuccessful, and in 1836 the building was
purchased by Clark iSi Maxwell, and converted into a grist mill.
Amos Rogers was the first to open the business of blacksmithing in South Easton.
The old gentleman is still living (1889). Joseph Waltham was the first house-carpenter
in the town, he having built a house here in the fall of 1834.
SOUTH E ASTON.
The first public house was licensed in
April, 1834, and opened by Henry Eichinan,
at the corner of Canal and Delaware streets.
The first store was opened in 1834 by Philip H.
Depui, and the first physician was Dr. Alex-
ander Gaston, who came from West Chester, Pa.
A second flour mill was erecfted in 1834 by
Charles Swift. This was a stone structure.
In 1856 the building was changed into a foun-
dry and machine establishment, where the en-
gine and boilers of the ill-fated Alfred Thomas
were manufa<5lured. F. M. Wells and James
Kidd had control of the business.
A cotton mill was established in 1835 by
Swift & Beck. This enterprise was the pioneer
of the business which has become so important
a branch of industry in the years which have
succeeded. In 1844 the mill passed into the
hands of McKeen & Quinn, who enlarged and
extended the business. In 1872 the firm name
was changed to McKeen & Raphael, and in
1888 the company was incorporated and is now
known as The Lehigh Mills Company. The
presidency is vacant, owing to the recent death
of Henry McKeen, and its Treasurer is Henry
McKeen, Jr. Two hundred hands are em-
ployed and the mills use from fifteen to eighteen
hundred bales of cotton annually.
A blast-furnace for making pig-iron was
erecfted in South Easton, in 1839, by Barnet,
Swift & Co. The blast was driven by the
water-power of the canal and the fuel used was
charcoal, from near the Lehigh Water Gap.
The ore smelted was principally the brown
hematite, mined at the base of the South
Mountain, with a small proportion of magnetic
ore from New Jersey. The furnace produced
about twenty-five tons per week. In 1844 the
furnace, together with the large stone foundry
annexed, came into possession of Frederick
Goddell, who demolished it, and on its site
ere6ted a new one, in which anthracite coal
was used. In 1854 it was purchased by the
Glendon Iron Company, who are its present
owners.
482 THE HISTORY OF
Stewart & Co. 's wire mills were originally started about 1837 for the inaniifa(fture of
nails, but this they relinquished and commenced the manufacfture of wire. The works at
first produced about 25,000 bundles annually and the increase has been steady and gradual
until now their capacity when in full operation is 600,000 bundles per year. The owners
use nothing but the best charcoal iron in the production of their iron wire, it being
obtained principally in the States of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Maryland,
with some as far off as Canada, Germany, Sweden and Norway. The introduction into
use of barbed wire for fencing rendered necessary the use of bessemer steel in addition to
the iron which had for many years been solely used in the manufacfture of wire. It was
in the manufacture of only the very best grades of iron wire in multiplied forms and for
multitudinous purposes that the firm built up its reputation for their excellent product,
surpassed by none in the country or the world. They employed at first only forty-five
hands, which number has been increased from time to time until when in full operation
they require for their product of 80 tons per day, 250 hands. In i860 in order to meet
the demands of their increasing business, it was necessary to add another mill to the
works, and in 1870 still another was required. These buildings are known as mills Nos.
I, 2 and 3, and have a frontage of eleven hundred feet, which does not include a nuuiber
of smaller buildings, nor the building erected expressly for the use of the barbed wire
facftory along the L. V. R. R., in length 275 feet by 45 wide and two stories high. The
works are run entirely by water power, save two large benches which are driven by steam
power. The firm as originally established in 1837, remained without change until 1852,
when Mr. Charles Rodenbough retired, and the business title was changed to Stewart &
Co. In 1864 Mr. John Stewart, though still retaining an interest, relinquished his ac?live
identification with the works after having been conne(5ted with them for a period of
twenty-seven years. Charles Stewart, who had been his assistant, succeeded him as
manager, with Clement Stewart as assistant manager. The firm as now constituted
comprise Messrs. Chas. and Clement Stewart and the heirs of Jno. Stewart and Jno. Green.
The opening of the Lehigh Valley Railroad from Easton to Mauch Chunk in 1855, and
the erecftion of its immense works since that time, is the most important factor in the
growth and prosperity of South Easton. In the j-ear 1856 the company commenced the
erection of a round house and turn table on what is known as the Odenwelder farm, and
the first building was five stalls of a stone round house, two of which were used as a repair
shop and the other three to house locomotives. The corn crib and wagon house was used
for an office and blacksmith shop, with a portable forge, and the barn was utilized for a
carpenter shop to repair cars. In i860 the business had increased to that extent that it
was necessary to build larger shops and increase the number of employees. The following
were then ere<5ted : Machine shop, 60 feet wide by 150 feet long ; black smith shop, 40
feet wide by 150 feet long ; carpenter shop, 36 feet wide by 125 feet long.
In i860 there were employed in the shop sixty-three men and on the road twenty
locomotives. The pay rolls of the shop at this place, in i860, amounted to $2,040.55 per
month, and at the present time (1889) the amount paid out monthly is $28,400.00 to shop
employees. In i860 there were twenty locomotives used to do the business from Mauch
Chunk to Easton, and at the present time it requires one hundred and sevcnty-fi\e locomo-
tives to move the immense and constantly increasing traffic from Mauch Chunk to
Perth Anibov.
SOUTH E ASTON. 483
In 1875 the road was extended from Easton to Perth Amboy, a distance of sixty and
one-half miles, where the coal is loaded into vessels for shipment.
In 1878 it was found necessary to again enlarge the works on account of the increased
business, and it was feared they would be taken away from South Easton on account
of not having sufficient room to build, when the business men and public spirited citizens
agreed to purchase a block of ground covered with buildings adjoining the present works,
the company agreeing to pay $50,000 of the purchase money if the citizens would pay
the balance. After the purchase of the property the following buildings were erefted
thereon : Car shop, 60 feet by 300 feet ; foundry, 50 feet by 200 feet ; engine (or
round) house, 300 feet in diameter, with 40 pits for locomotives ; office, 40 feet by 40 feet,
two stories ; creeling shop with room for eleven locomotives, 75 feet wide by 280 feet long,
two stories ; transfer table, 40 feet wide, on which the locomotives are transferred from
the round house to the pits in the eredling shop to be repaired.
At the present time there are 550 men employed in these shops in repairing old and
building new locomotives and passenger cars, which are as good as any built in the United
States. John I. Kinsey has been master mechanic from May 14, 1856, to the present time.
The Lehigh Valley Railroad Bridge "Shops are located a short distance above the
railroad station, and were for many years under the superintendence of the late William
Kellog, but since that gentleman's decease, W. F. Pascoe has been in charge. A large
force of skilled mechanics and laboring men are employed, and are sent over the entire
length of the L. V. R. R. to construdl bridges, build depots, etc.
The National Switch and Signal Company is a comparatively new industry here and
is occupying the large strufture vacated a few years ago by the Iowa Barbed Wire Works.
The brilliant railroad signals at the L. V. R. R. bridge shops were first erecfted there on
trial, is the invention of C. Hirschel Koyl, and is known as the Koyl Parabolic Sema-
phore. As this is the only semaphore in the world of which the blade can be seen both
day and night (red for danger and white for safety) we append a brief description : Day-
light fixed signals on railroads have heretofore been position signals, changing in position
only, and the night signal has changed in color only, and it was desired by the railroads
to have a semaphore which should change both position and color at all times. This
semaphore was invented for this purpose, the blade being illuminated at night by the
lamp which is in front, and its great value consists in the fa<ft that at night the railroad
semaphore light can not be mistaken for any other light. The city of Philadelphia has
just awarded to Prof. Koyl the John Scott Legacy Medal as marking their appreciation
of the value of the new semaphore. W. F. Pascoe is the engineer in charge.
The Franklin Fire Company was established about the year 1840. At that time it
was known as the Pocohontas Fire Company, and was organized by the older citizens of
the borough. It was conduced by them for a few years, when it passed into the hands of
the young men. The old Pocohontas company used a hand engine built in New York,
and after the young men took the matter in hand, they purchased a hose carriage from the
Franklin Fire Company of Philadelphia, and the fa6l of this name being handsomely
marked upon the apparatus, induced the company to change their name to the ' ' Franklin. ' '
James Young was President. The company afterwards purchased a steamer from New
York. The present officers are — President, Jacob Kemmer ; Vice President, Harry Paul ;
Secretary, James Case; Treasurer, Richard McKeen; Engineer, Edward Ashmore.
484 THE HISTORY OF
The Liberty Hose Company No. 2 was reorganized January i, 1889. The officers of
the company are : President, Charles Elkins ; Vice President, Joseph Goth ; Secretary,
Nicholas Albus ; Treasurer, Nicholas Hertkorn.
The Citizens' Hose Company No. 3 of the Third Ward was formed early in 18S8, and
was reorganized and recognized by Council in January, 1889. The company has a fine
carriage and a thousand feet of Eureka hose. The officers of the company are : President,
A. H. R. Guiley, M. D. ; Vice President, William McKee ; Secretary, George Furguson ;
Treasurer, Thomas L. Rice. There are twenty-five adlive members.
Delaware Street M. E. Church. — The oldest church society of South Easton
is that of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, a class being formed as early as 1834.
For a number of years their meetings were held in the school house. In 1843 a congre-
gation was formed by the eleclion of a board of trustees and a frame house of worship
erected. In i860 the present commodious stru<5lure at Mauch Chunk and Delaware
streets was dedicated. Fifteen years later the parsonage was built on part of the church
lot. The church and sabbath school connected therewith are now in a very prosperous
condition. The pastor is Rev. J. T. Swindells.
St. Joseph's German Catholic Church. — This church was er<?ted in 1852 and
occupies a commanding position on the summit of Lehigh hill, overlooking both the
the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, and the greater portions of the cities of Easton and
Phillipsburg. Connected with the church is a fine parsonage and a parochial school
capable of accommodating several hundred children. This is under the charge of the
Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth, N. J., who carefully look after its temporal needs. A
good common school education in both English and German is furnished wholly at the
expense of the church. The present pastor is Rev. James Regenery.
St. Peter's Reformed Church. — The congregation of St. Peter's Reformed
Church was organized by the ele6lion of trustees in May 1862, but did not become a self-
supporting charge until the spring of 1884, when with about one hundred members Rev.
G. W. Roth assumed the pastorate. In 1886 Rev. M. H. Mill, the present minister, took
charge of the flock, and the society became a corporate body. For some years decided
progress in a spiritual sense, monetary soundness and numerical strength has beeu made.
At the present writing their new house of worship is in process of erettion at the corner
of Main and Centre streets. The corner stone was laid on July 28, 1889. When com-
pleted it will be the largest, as well as one of the finest church edifices in the borough.
The congregation at present numbers about two hundred and fifty souls.
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. — This society was organized in
January, 1863, and conjointly with St. Peter's Reformed congregation worshiped in Hay's
Chapel until the summer of 1884, when they removed to the leifture room and two years
later took possession of the main room of their handsome new building at Berwick and
Delaware streets, completed and dedicated June 13, 1886. Rev. J. Q. Upp has overseen
the spiritual affairs of the congregation since June, 1877.
Grace Evangelical Church. — This association began its now prosperous career
in 1869, when Rev. Dr. O. L. Saylor, of Easton, organized a class and held prayer meet-
ings at the homes of those interested in the denominational work. The progress was
however slow until Rev. S. C. Breyfogle by skillful management and unfaltering zeal
rented a room and organized a class of about twenty members in 1879. During the three
E ASTON, PENN'A. 485
years of Rev. Breyfogle's ministration many disadvantages were overcome and a slow but
steady growth was maintained. In 1882, the conference assigned Rev. W. H. StaufiFer
to the charge and instructed him to use every exertion towards the erection of a chapel.
The minister and his band of followers worked hard and the edifice at the corner of Wilkes-
Barre and McKeen streets is the result of their labors. The present pastor is Rev. G.
Wes. Marquardt.
Presbyterian Church. — The movement which resulted in the establishment of a
church of this denomination began in 1874. For many years prior to this time Sunday
Schools had been condudled mainly through the combined efforts of the First Presbyter-
ian and, the Brainerd churches of Easton, its instrudlors principally being students of
Lafayette College. In January, 1879, ^ petition was presented to the Presbytery, signed
by fifty-seven names for the establishment of a church, but while that body declined, it
advised the raising of funds to build a house of worship. In 1881 a lot was purchased
and on September 22, a church was organized with ninety-five members which soon after
reached one hundred and thirty-three, and at the present time there are one hundred and
fifty. Rev. J. F. Sheppard is the present pastor and the only one the church has had
since its organization.
A Borough Superintendent of Schools and the separation of their school system from
that of the County has been effecflive in raising the standard of scholarship, in the eredlion
of first-class and well-equipped school buildings, and in giving to the borough a corps of
excellent teachers. Previous to, 1877 there was virtually little if any system in the public
schools of the borough. Between the above date and 1883 they were under the principal-
ship of W. H. Mcllhaney, who reorganized them, and upon this reorganization the present
excellent system has been developed and rapid progress made. Graduates are fitted to
enter any of the courses of Lafayette College. The free book system has been in vogue
since 1883. Twenty teachers are employed in nineteen schools, as follows : One high
school, five grammar, five secondaries and eight primaries. About 1 200 scholars are upon
the rolls. Samuel E. ShuU is the present superintendent.
At the present time the social standing of the borough is all that could be desired.
Improvements in every dire<?lion are being made, and the upper part from the old Phila-
delphia to the Glendon road and south almost to the foot of the mountain, is now covered
with neat and substantial residences, each surrounded with a neat yard, and generally
owned by their occupants, the majority of whom are skilled mechanics. The estimated
population is about 7500.
In 1886 a company was organized to convey spring water from the foot of the moun-
tain into a reservoir built on Wilkesbarre street. Pipes were laid, and the work was
completed in 1887, the inhabitants being now supplied with an abundance of good water.
Toward the close of 1889 eledlric lights were introduced into the town, the dynamo
being stationed in the building occupied by the National Switch and Target Company.
The present Borough officers (1889) are : Chief Burgess, Frank M. Arthur ; Borough
Treasurer, John H. Wilhelm ; Town Clerk, Joseph S. Aldridge ; Solicitor, Henry W.
Scott ; Surveyor, Peter Brady ; Supervisor, Lafayette Sox.
PHILLIPSBURG.N.J
HILLIPSBURG is one of the largest towns in Warreil county, New Jersey,
and is situated on the banks of the Delaware river, diredlly opposite the
city of Easton — at the jundlure of the New Jersey Central, Belvidere
Delaware, and Lehigh Valley Railroads, and is the western terminus of
the New Jersey Central Railroad, the Morris and Essex Railroad, and the
Morris Canal, from New York, and the eastern terminus of the Lehigh
Valley Railroad, from Mauch Chunk. The town being on much higher
ground than the lower part of Easton, it presents a most commanding ap-
pearance from that place. The present site of the town, according to a
map made by Vonder Donk, a Dutch engineer, in 1654, was at that time
called Chinktewunk, and was an Indian settlement. It was the custom of
the Indians to make a clearing of the land immediately surrounding their villages, for
the purpose of raising corn. The " flats," or "old fields," as Mr. Parsons calls them, in
his draft of Easton and vicinity, made in 1755, immediately above the Delaware bridge,
were used by the natives for this purpose. The fadl of there being an Indian village here,
is also corroborated by the numerous flint arrowheads, hatchets, and corn-pounders, that
have been found on the fields. The origin of the name Phillipsburg is not well known,
the general impression being, that it was named after a large landholder of the name of
Phillips, who resided here at an early day ; but the general opinion is that it was named
after an old influential Indian chief of that name, who resided here. This supposition
appears to be the most plausible, as we find the name of Phillipsburg upon a " map of the
inhabited parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey," published by Evans, in 1749, which
was before the time when Mr. Phillips resided here. This Indian chief Phillip, was an
intimate friend of the great chief Teedyuscung. Phillip, with fourteen other Indians, in
December, 1755, was arrested by the Jersey people, and brought to Easton (it being the
nearest place containing a jail), and committed to prison, not for any crime they had com-
mitted, but because so great was the panic created by the massacre at Gnadenhutten, on
November 24 of the same year, that all Indians living among the whites were suspected.
At the treaty held at Easton, commencing July 4, 1756, the great chief Teedyuscung
was present as spokesman, and in several of his speeches greatly interested himself in their
behalf Having been born in New Jersey, he was well acquainted with these Indians,
and more particularly with the chief, Phillip. The event occasioned a correspondence
between Gov. Denny, of Pennsylvania, and Gov. Belcher, of New Jersey, from which the
following is extracted. Gov. Denny, writing to Gov. Belcher, says: "You will please
to observe that in the course of the conference, the chief Teedyuscung has warmly solic-
ited ine to use my good offices with you, that the Indians now living in your province
have liberty, if they please, to go and visit their relatives and friends in the Indian coun-
try ; the chief thinks when the Indians come to see one another, and learn how friendly
PHILLIPSBURG, N.J.
487
those in your province have been treated, it
will dispose them to peace. He particularly
desires this favor for one of your Indians,
called Philip, who it appears is an old man, and
had at first been put in prison, but was released,
and now lives along with the other Indians.
The Executive Council of New Jersey, at
Elizabethtown, on March 31, 1757, advised his
Excellency, the Governor, to permit the Indian
chief, Phillip, to pass to Philadelphia. There
are numerous other circumstances which would
go still further to corroborate the supposition
that the chief Philip was a great favorite as
well as an influential man among his people,
and therefore entitled to this honor. This
village was evidently settled by the white
people before Easton, inasmuch as Easton
was not laid out until some time after differ-
ent maps were published giving the name of
Phillipsburg. About the time Easton was
laid out, the land upon which Phillipsburg is
built was owned by the heirs of David Martin,
ferryman, and a Mr. Cox, a merchant of Phil-
adelphia, Mr. Cox owning the principal part,
about 411 acres, among which was the "old
fields," on which, on account of their beauti-
ful location and the advantages they appeared
to have for the purposes of a town over the
laud on the opposite, or Easton side of the
river, he contemplated in 1752 to lay out a
town. This intention of Mr. Cox's appeared
to greatly alarm the proprietors of Pennsyl-
vania, who were much afraid that it would in-
jure the infant town of Easton. In a letter
from Thomas Penn, dated May 9, 1752, to
Richard Peters, he says : "I think we should
secure all the land we can on the Jersey side
of the water." The intention evidently being
to get this land in their possession and thus
prevent any settlement there.
Mr. Cox finally abandoned his proje6l of
laying out a town on the Jersey side. Easton
in the meantime having been made the seat of
justice for the then new county of Northamp-
ton, and having a jail in which to confine any
488 THE HISTORY OF
lawless characters that might attempt injury to the settlers, soon acquired a position
which proved prejudicial to the welfare of Phillipsburg. It therefore remained for many
years a straggling village, in which there was but little improvement made.
The Morris Canal Co., in 1832, infused some life into the town when it made it the
terminal point of that waterway, and another step in advance was when the New Jersey
Central Railroad, in 1852, opened communication with New York, and the Belvidere
Delaware Railroad was completed to this point in 1854. Its future prosperity was now
secured, and since then has become an important railroad centre, the New Jersey Central,
Belvidere Delaware, Lehigh Valley, Morris and Essex, and Easton and Amboy roads
touching here, and the population increased rapidly, for in i860 we find it was but 1500,
while in 1870 it had reached 5950 and in 1881 it was 7176. At the present writing (1889)
it is estimated at 9500.
In 1847 Phillipsburg contained but fifty dwellings, the present Third Ward at that
time being a farming region, and at the bend below Main street was located the farm of
Michael Roseberry, extending as far down as Green's Bridge. The only stores in the
town at that time were those of Charles Rodenbough and Meixsell & Tindall, both in
Union Square. In 1845 Garret Cook erecfted the first brick dwelling, and Dr. John Cooper
was the town's first physician, who lived near Green's Bridge.
In 1853 the Phillipsburg Land Company purchased the land adjoining the town,
known as the "Roseberry Farm," which they divided into lots and sold upon such
liberal terms as enabled many persons to provide themselves with a home, who could not
otherwise have done so, and upon the completion of the Belvidere Delaware Railroad, in
1854, from Trenton to Phillipsburg, the demand for these lots became so great as to induce
the company to purchase another farm ; and after the completion of the Lehigh \'allev
Railroad, in 1855, tliey purchased still another, amounting in all to about 300 acres, for
which they paid the sum of ;g55,ooo. These lots were sold at prices ranging from $50 to
$250 each. Among the sales eflfedled was ten acres to the Warren Foundry Companv for
$4000, thus showing an increase in value in one year of over one hundred per cent, for
land sold by the acre.
Phillipsburg was incorporated March 8, 1861, and the first eledlion was held at Fisher's
hotel. Union Square, on the 8th of April ensuing. Lewis M. Teel was chosen Moderator
and Judge of Eledilion, William M. Patterson, Town Clerk, John C. Beunet and John Sae-
ger, Inspecftors of Elecftion. Three hundred and sixty-three votes were cast and tlie fol-
lowing officers chosen : Mayor, Charles Sitgreaves ; Council, William Smith, Charles
Davidge, G. W. Bearder, William WyckoflT, A. L. Farrand, John Ingham ; Justices of
the Peace, John S. Bach, Edmund Teel, William A. Huff; Patrick Walsh ; Assessor,
Valentine Mutchler; Constable and Colle(flor, Albert K. Metz ; Town Clerk, Thomas B.
Reese. It is divided into four wards. Tiie present officers are : Mayor, J. S. Bowers ;
President of Council, John Eilenberg ; Clerk, P. F. Brakeley, Jr., Town Attorney, S. C.
Smith ; Treasurer, George Eilenberg; Street Commissioner, E. H. Bird; Suryeyor, James
E. Smith ; Tax Colleftor, Michael Kinney ; Delinquent Colledor, J. M. R. Shinier ;
Overseer of Poor ; J. R. Lovell ; Auditor, E. L. Smith ; President of Board of Education,
J. M. Reese ; Superintendent of Schools and Secretary of Board of Education, E). C.
Beers; Treasurer of Board of Education, J. R. Lovell; Chief of Fire Department, Samuel
A. Metz.
PHILLIPSnURG, N. J. 489
The cause of education has also kept pace with the rapid increase of population, and
the town can well feel proud of her scliools, as they are among the best in the State. The
first school house in the memory of the oldest inhabitant was a log house that stood in
1801 below the stone railway bridge over Main street, in the Beidelman neighborhood.
In that house a Mr. Cohen taught school and was known as "old Cohen," but in 1803 a
stone house was built on the site of the log cabin. While Phillipsburg was a portion of
the township it was divided into two school distridls, the Ihrie Distridl No. 10 including
the Second and Fourth Wards, and Phillipsburg Districfl No. 11 the First and Third
Ward. When the town was incorporated Phillipsburg Distridl was called No. i and the
Ihrie Districft No. 2, and they remained thus until February 2, 1869, when the two Dis-
tridls were consolidated. On March 9, 1869, the Legislature constituted the town one school
distridl and divided it into three secftions, but in March, 1870, the sedlions were changed
into wards, and at the same time provision was made for the ele6lion of three School
Commissioners from each ward. These commissioners were to form a body politic to be
known as the "Commissioners of the Public Schools of Phillipsburg," and they were
charged with the full control of the public school interests. The first school house erecfted
in the present limits of the city was the Ihrie school house. In 1843 ^ brick building was
built, one story high, at a cost of $500. The town felt the want of more room, and on
May 10, 1869, a lot was purchased of Henry Segreaves for $1800, and a building of brick
with sand.stone trimmings, three stories high, was eredled thereon, and it measures 62 by
41 feet, and has two additions, 21 by 42 and 16 by 42 feet. On the first floor are the pri-
mary schools, on the second the secondary and intermediate schools, and on the third the
grammar and high schools. The cost of the building was $46,151.84. There are also in
each of the other wards substantial buildings excellently adapted for school purposes. The
school census of 1838 gave the number of school children at that time as 78 ; in 1866
there were 1120, in 1873 they had increased to 2164, and in 1880 the number was 2268,
in 1888 the number was 2659. The value of school property at the latter date was #72,-
448.00 and the aggregate appropriation for school purposes was $15,274.56. The schools
are under the superintendency of Edwin C. Beers, A. M.
The religious history of Phillipsburg dates back to 1737, when the Presbytery of New
Brunswick sent a missionary to preach to the Indians "at the Forks," and in 1740 the
sainted missionary, David Brainerd, came, and is said to have caused a log church to be
built in which he frequently preached to the whites and Indians.
St. James' Lutheran Church (the old straw) and the Greenwich Presbyterian (the old
stone) are considerably over one hundred years old. These churches were the centres of
religious influence for the surrounding country, and the pastors of both these denomina-
tions frequently came to Phillipsburg and preached in the old log house of worship which
was at that time known as the Union Church.
In 1750 and up to 1775 Easton became the centre of worship and finally furnished
church accommodation to all the vicinity (for the old log church had been removed) and
for seventy-five years the whole neighborhood looked to Easton for the preaching of the
gospel.
Presbyterian Church. — In 1847 there was a growing convi6lion that the Presby-
terians of Phillipsburg, Easton and South Easton should colonize, looking to the estab-
490 THE HISTORY OF
lishment of a church of this denomination, and on the 25th of April, 1848, fifty-two
names were secured to a petition and submitted to the Newton Presbytery, which had
control of the Lehigh Valley churches, and on Odlober 8, 1851, that body appointed a
committee to visit Phillipsburg for the purpose of exploring the field with a view to estab-
lish preaching there, and the work began which resulted in the formation of a Presb>ter-
ian congregation in Phillipsburg, in 1S53. The erection of the church edifice was not
commenced until the following year, and was not completed until 1858. Between the
time of organization and the eredlion of the church building services were held, the Rev.
Smith Sturges being the first pastor by Presbyterial authority, who was followed by Dr.
Cattell as stated supply. Other changes followed until the Rev. H. B. Townsend was
called, who remained for over twenty years, and under whose spiritual charge the con-
gregation prospered and became one of the strongest in the Presbytery. The present
pastor is Rev. E. Morris Ferguson.
First Methodist Episcopal Church. — It is said that the first person to declare
himself a Methodist in Phillipsburg was Philip Reese, who returned to the town after an
extended absence about 1824. Mr. Reese said he brought his Methodism with him from
beyond the Susquehanna. In 1828 Rev. H. Bartine visited Phillipsburg and preached
in Mr. Reese's stone house, and this was the first Methodist sermon delivered in Phil-
lipsburg, and the first conversion took place on the stone steps in front of it. In the
house of a Mr. Downs, a school teacher, the first class was organized, consisting of five,
who were Mr. Reese and wife, Mr. Downs and wife, and a Mrs. Bell, and was under the
leadership of Mr. Downs. The denomination, however, made but very little progress
until 1855, when a congregation was organized, with Rev. R. B. Lockwood as their pas-
tor. In 1856 a church edifice was erected and a great revival followed, one hundred
persons being received into classes. The pastors who have followed Rev. Lockwood, are
Revs. Adams, Moore, Day, Palmer, Parvin, Parsons, Landon, Seran, Searles, Walters,
Lockwood, Palmer, Dickinson and Brian. Rev. S. N. Bebout has charge of this pros-
perous flock at present. There are four hundred and sixty members in this flourishing
congregation.
St. Luke's Protest.\nt Episcopal Church. — Early in 1856, Rev. P. L. Jacques
preached occasionally to the Episcopalians in the village school of Phillipsburg, and on
December 22, 1856, St. Luke's was organized. John Swift and Joseph C. Kent were
chosen Wardens and William St. George Kent, William Newman, James R. Dal ton,
H. C. Cooper and H. R. Wiles, Vestrymen. A handsome stone church was erecfted, and
in June 9, 1861, was consecrated to Divine worship by Bishop Odenheimer. Rev. Henry
Mitchell is in charge of its spiritual affairs.
Sts. Philip .'VND James' Catholic Church. — Previous to i860 the English speaking
element of Phillipsburg were compelled to worship at St. Bernard's, in Easton, and the
Germans at South Easton, as no church of that denomination was located here, but in
the above )'ear Rev. John Smith of Patterson, N. J., was sent here by Right Rev. Bishop
Baile\-, with instrudlions to solicit funds for the ere6lion of a church edifice, but he had
hardly begun his labors when he was taken ill and died, and the bulk of the labor devolved
upon Rev. C. J. O'Reilly, who was sent here from Newark, N. J., to carry out the plans
laid by his late predecessor, and in which task he was very successful, for in i86r, the
PHir. A IPSE UR G, N. J. 491
building was completed. At this time the congregation numbered about five hundred.
In 1864 the parsonage was built under his diredliion, and from that time onward gave his
entire time to the upbuilding of the church and its varied interests, and in this met with
such success that in 1875 his congregation numbered over three thousand and was com-
pelled to eredl a large church edifice and an additional building for parochial school pur-
poses. Upon the death of Rev. O'Reilly, Rev. R. E. Burke became its pastor.
Grace Evangeucal Lutheran Church. — This organization was effected in 1869-
70 by Rev. M. H. Richards, now professor at Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., the then
membership being derived principally from worshippers at St. John's, of Easton, Pa., and
St. James' in Greenwich township. Rev. W. O. Cornman succeeded Rev. Richards, and
he was followed by Revs. R. F. Weidner and J. U. Mattern. Rev. G. D. Bernheim is
the present pastor.
Wesley M. E. Church. — A chapel was built by this congregation in 1872, in which
services were held for several years, during which time the membership increased and the
financial condition became such as to warrant the construction of a church edifice, which
was completed in 1887. It is located on Lewis street, with Rev. John R. Wright as pastor.
St. John's (Ger. Evan.) Lutheran Church, was organized February 5, 1875,
by Rev. R. F. Weidner, who remained its pastor two years, and was followed by Rev.
Herman Eggers. During his pastorate Mr. Eggers was killed by falling through a trap-
door into the cellar of the church. St. John's was formed, chiefly from members of Zion's
Church in Easton, and the building in which they worship was first occupied in 1876.
Rev. Bartholomew is the present pastor.
Westminster Presbyterian Church. — The organization of this, the second
church of this denomination, was effected on April 27, i885, by a committee of the New-
ton Presbytery, consisting of Rev. J. C. Clyde, D. D., Rev. H. B. Townsend, Rev. Wm.
Thompson, Rev. T. S. Long and Rev. Roderick P. Cobb. The ruling Elders were Mr.
William D. Hauk and Mr. Thomas S. Stewart. The new congregation numbered forty
members, and three elders were elected : Jacob Hamlin for five years, James D. Smith for
four years and Peter W. Stone for three years. Rev. E. Clark Cline was elected to the
pastorate on Nov. 15, 1886, and was installed January 25, 1887. Rev. U. W. Condit pre-
sided and propounded the constitutional questions. Rev. William C. Cattell, D. D.,
preached the sermon, Rev. D. N. Hutchinson delivered the charge to the pastor, and
and Rev. H. B. Townsend delivered the charge to the people. A church building of
good dimensions is being erected (1889), on Chambers Street, the main audience room of
which will be about fifty feet squae. The present membership is one hundred and
eighteen.
The Phillipsburg Post Office was established in 1852, and previous to that time the
inhabitants of the town looked to Easton for its mail facilities. Abraham Lomason was
appointed the first postmaster, who served until 1861, when he was succeeded by L. M.
Teel, who in turn was succeeded by Charles Sitgreaves, who was appointed in 1866, and
was succeeded in 1869 by J, R. Lovell. J. I. Blair Reiley succeeded Mr. Lovell, who in
turn was succeeded by Frank Kneedler, who was appointed under the Cleveland adminis-
tration, and thus far (1889) remains the incumbent.
492 THE HISTORY OF
The Phillipsburg Fire Department is well known throughont western New Jersey
for its efficiency and ready response whenever called npon to perform its hazardons duty.
With a department consisting of an engine company, two hose, and a hook and ladder
company, it is enabled to give satisfadlory services under all circumstances. Being ably
dire(5led by a chief and two assistants, Phillipsburg can well feel proud of their fire-
men. The officers of the entire department are as follows : Chief, Samuel A. Metz ;
Assistant Chief, William Hower; Second Assistant Chief, Joseph Firth.
The Centennial Engine Company was organized in 1876. President, G. W. Wilhelm ;
Vice President, Daniel Troxell : Secretary, A. J. Clifton ; Foreman, A. J. Titus ; Assistant
Foreman, Edward Gorgas. There are forty men in the company.
Reliance Hose Company, No. i, was organized in 1887. President, John Folk ; \'ice
President, Edward Pendergast ; Secretary, Frederick McCorckle ; Foreman, John Gipp ;
Assistant Foreman, Frank Teiff. There are thirty men in the company.
Jersey Hose Company, No. 2, was organized .in 1887. President, Matthew Connell ;
Vice President, G. W. West ; Secretary, Arthur Kase ; Foreman, John Norton ; Assistant
Foreman, Irwin Walters. The number of men in the company is thirty.
The Alert Hook and Ladder Company, No. i, was organized in 1887. President,
Dr. J. H. Griffith ; Vice President, John C. Perdoe ; Secretary, Wm. H. Mann ; Foreman,
Charles Montgomery ; Assistant Foreman, Reading Steiner. There are forty men in this
company.
Among the more important manufacturing enterprises of Phillipsburg is the Warren
Foundry and Machine Company, which was established in 1856. The company was
chartered March 6, of that year, with a capital of $200,000. The first directors were
James McKeen, President ; John L. Riegel, Russel S. Chidsey, D. J. Miller, Daniel
Runkle, Charles Sitgreaves and John Lander. Samuel C. Brown was chosen secretary
and treasurer, and N. C. Hudson, superintendent. The workshops are all of stone, and
were completed in the summer of 1856, and include a foundry 112 x 130, engine house
30 X 50, black-smith shop 70 x 70, and a machine shop 70 x 400. A railway track is
laid through the shop and connedled with the New Jersey Central and Lehigh Valley
railroads. The works cover about ten acres of land. Especial attention is given to
the manufacture of cast-iron water and gas pipes, branches, bends and retorts. Superior
facilities are enjoyed for the conduct of the business, and heavy contracts are often
taken to supply large cities with iron columns and water pipes. The number of hands
employed usually reaches four hundred and at times will reach five hundred. In 1S78,
the working capital was increased to $250,000. Mr. Daniel Runkle has been president and
treasurer for twenty-five years, and Wm. R. Wilson has been secretary for the same pe-
riod, and both seem likely to continue in office for an indefinite time. In 18S8, the
number of hands employed was four hundred and fifty. Forty thousand tons of manu-
factured material was the average of the last three years. In 1888, $212,000 was paid in
wages.
The Andover Iron Company was established in 1848 by Peter Cooper, Edward Cooper,
and A. S. Hewitt, all of New York. They built a blast furnace below Phillipsburg and
called it the Cooper Iron Works. Ore was received from their mines in Sussex county.
In 1868 Philadelphia capitalists bought tlie Phillipsburg interest of the iron company
PHIL L IPSE UR G, N. J. 493
and all their mine interest and organized the Andover Iron Company, with a capital of
$1,000,000. Pig iron of all grades is prodnced with special qualities for nails and plates
and other uses which require the better grade of iron. Mr. Joseph C. Kent is now super-
intendent (1889) and has been in charge of the works since 1854.
The Phillipsburg Stove Works began operations as a stock company in 1856, and for
a number of years was an unprofitable investment to the holders of its stock, but changes
were brought about eventually which placed it upon a solid business foundation, and for
a number of years past has been a paying concern. It is well managed and its wares in
the market are considered a first-class artifle. The works employ a large force of hands
and are kept constantly busy. The officers are — J. M. Hackett, President and Treasurer ;
E. L. Smith, Secretary ; E. H. Harmony, Superintendent.
Another important industry is that of Tippett & Wood, builders of iron bridges,
turn tables, roofs, water towers, stand pipes, tanks, steam boilers, riveted pipe, blast fur-
nace, and mill work. This business was established in 1868, with a capital of $40,000.
The out-put for 1888 was 75,000 tons of manufa6lured material. About seventy hands
are employed in the establishment, and $3500 per month is paid out in wages. Work is
done for all parts of the country.
The American Sheet Iron Company was originally started by John O. Wagener, John
Evans and Aaron Wilhelm, all three of whom were residents of Easton at that time. It
was organized in 1869 with a capital of $140,000. The original owners however disposed
of their interests later on and it was eventually organized into a stock company, of which
Joseph C. Kent is the President ; George Danby, Secretary and Treasurer ; and William
Boofman, Superintendent. The manufadlure of sheet iron for various purposes is exten-
sively engaged in, ninety workmen being employed. The weekly pay roll is $1000.
The Vulcan Iron Works, located on the flats, north of the town, was started in March,
1871, by John Protz, F. F. Drinkhouse, and Clemens Weaver, the parties all being Eas-
tonians. The industry at first was chiefly the manufadluring of harness snaps, made of
malleable iron, of which great quantities were made and sold for a long time, but the
introdndlion of cheaper grades made of less costly material compelled them to abandon,
in a great measure, this branch of the business. In the course of time F. F. Drinkhouse
became the sole proprietor, and since then has made a specialty of manufadluring agri-
cultural machinery, while attention is also given to the building of machinery of various
kinds. He employs a competent force of workmen, and superintends the various depart-
ments of his establishment personally.
The Delaware Rolling Mill originally grew out of a small concern owned by John
Semple, of Easton, who at one time was located along the Bushkill, where Wagner's
large dam now is. It was known as "the forge," the iron being forged into bars at that
time with a trip-hammer instead of being rolled. The mill or forge was removed from
the Bushkill site to Bank street, rear of the United States Hotel, considerably enlarged,
and where the business was condudled for several years. The next enlargement was the
building of the Delaware Rolling Mill in Phillipsburg, when the old trip-hammer system
was abandoned and rolls were used instead. Bar iron of all dimensions is manufactured
here. F. P. Howe is the present owner, but it is generally understood that the plant has
been sold to a Philadelphia party, who will take possession shortly.
494
THE HISTORY OF
The important industry of Phillipsburg is the Standard Silk Mill, which was erected
in 1886, the plant costing $50,000, bonds having been issued and subscribed for by the
citizens. Four hundred and fifty hands are employed, nine-tenths of whom are girls.
The town was particularly unfortunate in not having an industry prior to this date where
employment could be given to girls and growing boys, for Phillipsburg is naturally the
home of the mechanic and laboring man, and not the home of the wealthy as a rule, and
the children of these people needed employment in order to sustain themselves and fre-
quently assist their parents, so in this respedl we class it as perhaps the most important.
When the mill is running at its full capacity $150,000 will be paid out annually to its em-
ployees. The building has four floors and each has its officers to keep order, superintend
the work in hand, and aid the inmates to escape from the building in case of fire. Alarm
signals are arranged and well understood by all. S. H. Larned is vice president of the
company and superintendent of the mill, and to him is due the excellent discipline that
is noticeable in every department. Not only is the throwing of silk carried on here, but
it is received in bales and carried through the varied processes until it is woven into the
finished fabric. The building is an immense strudlure of brick and is looked upon as
one of the most perfedl of its kind in the country.
The American Brick and Tile Company was established in 1886. The purpose of
the company is the manufacfluring of brick and tiles, and similar wares from pulverized
slate, under patents granted by the United States Government for that purpose. The
material used is the refuse or debris from the dumpings of slate quarries. Experience
proves that bricks made of this material are very far superior to any made of clay, being
harder, stronger, and absorb a smaller quantity of water, only about one third of the
former. Their pressing power is almost double that of those made of the best clay, and
are particularly valuable for paving purposes, both street and side walks, and are also be-
coming a substitute for fire bricks used in lining kilns. This can be seen by anyone who
will visit the works, and inspe<ft the fire chambers there in use. For building purposes,
these bricks are coming into general favor, house fronts presenting a very handsome
appearance. The capacity of the works is almost 20,000 per day, requiring a force of
thirty-five men. Judge Henry Green is President of the company and R. D. Wilson,
Superintendent.
Previous to the establishment of the Warren Gaslight Company, which was chartered
March 25, 1875, the Easton Gas Compuny supplied its inhabitants with that illuminant.
The capital of the company was fixed at $25,000. At the first meeting of the stockhold-
ers, Nov. 16, 1877, J. A. Cloud, Daniel Runkle, Joseph C. Kent, S. A. Comstock, B. F.
Harris, J. H. Hagerty and David Mixsell were chosen directors. S. A. Comstock was
eledled President of the board, and David Mixsell, Secretary and Treasurer ; Samuel Trum-
bore was elecfled the Superintendent.
The Phillipsburg Water Works were built in 1S86, at a cost of $100,000. The'names
of the officers are : Samuel Thomas, President ; J. O. Carpenter, Secretary ; John A.
Bachman, Treasurer ; G. G. Striker, Superintendent ; J. Marshall Young, Engineer. The
contrac?tors were S. B. Mutchler & Bros. The reservoir is 290 feet above the surface of
the Delaware, which gives, in the lower part of the city, a pressure of one hundred and
fifteen pounds to the square inch. The distributing mains extend nearly twelve miles,
PHIL L IPSB UR G, N. J. 495
and were nianufa<5lured at the Warren Foundry. The reservoir is located on Marble Hill,
and has a capacity of 2,000,000 gallons, the water being pumped from a well or river as
is desired. The daily consumption amounts to 400,000 gallons, and the water supply of
Phillipsburg is arranged for a large expansion of population. In times of high water,
when it is unfit for consumption, it may be drawn from a large well dug near the river,
which is filled by water percolating through the sand, thus giving pure water for daily use.
The Phillipsburg National Bank was organized March 9, 1856, with a capital of
;i520o,ooo, divided into 4000 shares. Its first Direcftors were Charles Sitgreaves, President,
Henry Segraves, William R. Sharp, Lewis Young, James Stewart, and John Green. In
1861 the institution was chartered as a national bank, with the capital still fixed at $200,000.
Mr. Sitgreaves continued to be president until his death, in 1878, when Samuel Boileau
was chosen to succeed him. Lewis C. Reese was the Cashier until his demise in Decem-
ber, 1877, when John A. Bachman succeeded him. Its present officers (1889) are Samuel
Boileau, President; John A. Bachman, Cashier; P. F. Brakeley, Jr., Notary Public;
Daniel Runkle, Samuel Thomas, and Joseph C. Kent, Dire(?tors.
The historian would be able to write quite an interesting chapter upon the newspaper
enterprises that have been launched upon the good citizens of Phillipsburg from time to
time within the last forty years, if authentic data could be obtained ; but so contradidlory
and so confusing was the information received from various sources as to dates of their
existence and collapse that he was unable to satisfy himself which was corredl and which
was not. He very much fears that this part of the history of the town is lost, at least so
far as absolute corre(?tness is concerned. Of all the establishments that have been started
only one has been able to stay upon the surface, and that is the Warren Deinocrat^ which
is now in its twenty-fourth year, and is owned by Charles F. Fitch, Esq. It is a Demo-
cratic weekly, has a large circulation, a good advertising patronage, and is a paying concern.
Phillipsburg possesses many natural advantages for manufadluring purposes, sur-
rounded as it is by a rich and fertile country ; railroads running direcflly through it, offer
to manufadlurers every facility for transporting their produ6ls to the markets of the
world, and by means of these unsurpassed accommodations can have the raw material
brought diredl from the mines, and unloaded at their doors without transshipment. It
is also favorably located for further improvement, large plateaus of land extending north
and south of the town. In mercantile pursuits it does an extensive business, not depend-
ing merely upon its inhabitants, but being surrounded by a thickly populated farming
community of the better class, has advantages that few towns of its size possess. Its peo-
ple are enterprising and readily adopt everything that benefits the town, or promotes the
general welfare of the community. Its municipal affairs are economically managed, schools
and churches are well sustained, and competency seems to be at the head of all its affairs
of whatsoever kind. Its streets are in good condition, buildings are in good repair, elec-
tric lights flash and glisten at every turn, the whir of machinery is heard in every direc-
tion, and the entire populace seem to be prosperous and happy. Thus the historian
finds Phillipsburg at the close of 1889.
DECEMBER, 1889.
Four years more than was originally intended has been required to complete the "His-
tory of Easton." To gather references, to collect from every source information in regard to
those of our citizens who have honored, by their charadler, abilities, and deeds, our good
old town, and still do honor it ; and to arrange in order so much of the history of this locality
for the last century and a half as could be found ; has been the grateful yet most laborious
task of the author. If, as did "Old Mortality," he has removed the moss and deepened the
inscriptions on the headstones of buried memories, so that they may be th^ longer pre-
served, he is content.
To the many friends who have for the last five years given to the Author all assistance
in their power in the preparation of this history, he returns his most hearty thanks. Satisfied
that he has given to the work his utmost mental and physical strength, and years of labor, he
asks only the credit due to every one who confers a benefit upon his race. He feels that his
labors will be appreciated, more and more, as time rolls on, and he rejoices in the thought
that it has fallen to his lot to preserve and perpetuate the historj- of the many noble men, who
have been in the past, and now are, citizens of this beautiful city at the meeting of the moun-
tain waters.
To the publisher of this history, the thanks of the subscribers and of every friend of Eas-
ton are largely due for the excellence in typography, of the engravings, and the splendid
st3-le in which the work has been published. No finer specimen of the " Art preser\-ative of
all arts" has ever been published in Pennsylvania outside of the largest cities; and it should
be at once the pleasure and the duty of the citizens of Easton to recognize, in every suiuble
way, the enterprise, industry and artistic ability displayed by him in so great an under-
taking.
ERRATA.
On page 39, in the sixteenth line from the top, read " Cowper" instead of " Watts "
On page 48, in the twentieth line from the top, " Night" should be " Knight."
On page 159, in the thirteenth line from the top, '' Paximora" should be '• Paxinosa."
On page 173, in the eighth line from the top, read " United .States Senate," in place of the
" House of Representatives of the United States "
On page 407, between the last word, "blessing," and the first word "to" on the top of
page 40S, insert the words " to those who eredled it, and will continue to be a blessing."
On page 40S, in the second line from the top, insert "he" between the two words " which
opened "
INDEX TO CONTENTS.
Abel Famii,y.
Abel, Jacob 167
Washington's Army in Dur-
ham boats 167
Adams, John 167
Getter's Island 167
Abi^e, Edward 471
Arndt Family 92
Author's Preface 5
Banks of Easton 378
Bridges of Easton 464
BUSHKILL Vali,ey.
source of wealth to Easton . 79
Judge Daniel Wagner's mill Si
great army of mills and dis-
tilleries .... ... 84
the fall in the Bushkill creek 85
the fall in the Lehigh river . 85
the fall in the Delaware . . 85
original name of Lehigh . . 85
Cemeteries.
Easton Cemetery 443
incorporated 444
beautiful scenery 444
Churches of Easton.
when and where built ... 17
Third St. Ger. Ref. Church . 59
Indian Treaty convened ... 60
Paine, Thomas, to act as Sec. 60
remodeled and enlarged 1832 61
again remodeled in 1886 . . 62
St. Mark's Church . ... 64
when and where built .64
Grace Reformed Church 64
when and where built ... 64
Muhlenberg, H Melchoir 95
St. John's Lutheran Church . 99
early history 99
Sadtler's, Dr. ministry ... 100
Schmucker's, Dr. ministry . 100
Christ Church loi
when built. . . .... 102
Auspach, Rev. J. M . . . , 102
St. Paul's Church 103
when built .... . . 103
Barclay's, Dr. ministry . . 103
McKnight's, Rev. H W. min-
istry .... ... 105
Hufford's, Rev. R., ministry 105
Zion Church . . .105
Pfatteicher, Rev. Philip . . 105
house of worship purchased 106
St. Peter's Church 106
when built . . 108
St. Luke s Church .... 108
when built 109
Redemptioners 109
Presbyterian churches . . 422
Easton Religious Society . 423
Presbyterianism, beginning 423
Boj-er, Stephen 423
Bishop, Rev 424
Gra}-, Rev. Dr. John .... 424
Miller, Frank E 425
Brainerd Church 429
when built and where . . 429
first pastor of the church . 429
Second Presbyterian Church 431
early history of the ohurch 431
Edgar's, Rev. Dr. C.H., min-
istry 432
Methodism in Easton . . 432
early history of the church . 432
Reese, Philip 433
" The Saw Mill" 433
church burned 433
rebuilt 433
Chapel built on Ferry street 434
Bethel Mission (English) . 434
Trinity Church ( German) . 434
Jewish Synagogue . . . 435
first church building erected 435
enlarged 435
St Bernard's CatholicChurch436
number of members . . . . 436
church burned 436
rebuilt 436
Baptist Church 436
building a church on Ferry st 437
sold to the colored people . 437
church erected on Walnut st 437
Marshall, Rev. W. H. . . . 437
Moravian Church 437
place of meeting 437
Episcopal Church 152
founder of the church ... 152
services in the house of . 152
Sitgreaves, Hon. Samuel . . 152
" White Church" 152
built after plan brought from
. Europe by Mr. Sitgreaves . 152
the site given by Mr. Sit-
greaves ... .... 152
Rodney, Rev. John .... 153
Commercial Facilities.
early baker .... . 445
Durham boats 445
Morris canal 445
N. J. Central Railroad . . 445
Bel Del. Railroad 446
Lehigh & Susquehanna R. R446
Lehigh Valley R. R. . . . 446
Court, Bench and Bar.
early justices 410
bar, early members of the .411
Traill, Robert 413
Cooper, John 413
Brooks, Robert May . 413
Reeder, Hon. A. H. . . . 413
Brodhead, Hon. Richard . 416
Brown, Ale.Kander E. . . . 416
Porter, Hon.Jas. M , LL.D.4I7
McCartney, Washington . .418
Maxwell, Henry D. . . .
Rogers, Thomas J
Johnson, Philip
Mutchler, William ....
bar, list of members of the
Common School System.
school directors, first board
school funds, how raised .
teaching, manner of . .
schools, when opened
opposition to the sj'stem .
school accommodations .
school rooms
teachers employed, number
schools, government of .
McCartney, Washington .
academy, the old ...
Female Seminary ....
superintendent ...
Cottiugham, William W.
Stewart, E. F. , address by
high school
school system, beginning
the present
schools, gradation of
high school
high school, commencemen'
high school, synopsis of the
subordinate schools . .
Sixth Ward Academy .
First Ward building .
Third Ward building
Seventh Ward buildings
school supervision .
Franklin building . . .
Teachers' Institute , . .
Cottingham. W. W., biogra
phj' of . . .
initial correspondence .
Cottingham celebration
procession, the ...
addresses
Wolf, Gov. . . .
Wolf Memorial, the . .
Court Houses
Dedication
Doctors op Easton.
Northampton Med. Soc
Swift, Dr. J. K ... .
Kennedy, Dr. Stewart .
Gwinner, Dr. Samuel .
Detwiller, Dr. H
Field. Dr. C. C . . .
Lachenour, Dr. D . . .
Seip, Dr. Amos
Detwiller, Dr. J. J . . .
Sandt, Dr. Samuel ...
Durham Boats
Abel, Jacob
American Crisis, Paine's
Easton, Penna.
geological description
498
first house at the Point . . 13
sune y of the town .... 13
I'enn's letter 14
old names of streets .... 14
Northampton County . . 15
court, first session 15
first hotel 15
first families 15
emplojments 15-16
school fuuds 16
building of a school house . 16
church 16
subscribers 16
Easton of Tod.'W.
manufactures, a new interest
in 46S
Industrial Association . . . 46S
Boot and Shoe Company . . 46S
Matteawan Felting Manufac-
tory 469
Easton and Northern R. R . 469
company, members of the . 4'>9
Sage, Henry A 469
home for the friendless . . .469
old buildings 470
Able Opera House 471
business men of today, a list
of the 473
E.-iSTON Post Office.
first to sixteenth postmaster 179
general international money
order office iSj
free delivery system .... 1S3
letterboxes 1S3
office, finance of the . . . 1S3
Fire Dkp.\rtment.
Humane Fire Co. No. i . . 344
Weygaudt, Jacob,Treiisurer . 344
officersof theCo. of 1S70 . .34^
F"in ley .George, his biography 346
members of the company . . 346
Phoenix Fire Co , No. 2 . . 347
a long race 347
officers' names 349
Washington Fire Co., No. 3 . 349
officers 349
delegation from Phila ... 349
officers, when disbanded . 350
Southwark Hook and Ladder
Company No. i 350
Keystone Fire Co., No S . .351
"ail gone to war." 351
first officers 351
Lafayette Fire Co., No. 6 . . 352
Liberty Fire Co., No. 7 . . . 353
paid fire departmeut . . 354
Hay's truck 355
J j' Smith, Chief Engineer . 355
members' names . . 35(1
horse waiting for the alarm . 357
the alarm sounded, springs
to his place 357
horses carefully trained . . 358
great parade 359
llie several divisions . . . .360
decorations 362
firemen's arch 363
welcome to tho new truck . 365
Index to Contents.
Floods.
damage along the Lehigh . 458
Law's bridge swept away . 458
the Lehigh a roaring torreut45S
consternation on Thursday . 458
suffering of the boatmen . . 45S
buildings carried away . . .458
Lehigh Valley a desolation . 458
Gordon, Louis 31
Greex Family.
Green, William
Richard, John, Enoch, Ben-
iamin, Trail, Henry . . .
ITay Family
Hotels of Easton.
first and second hotels .
frolics and dancing . .
Washington Hotel . .
Bull's Head
Golden Lamb ....
"Bully Whack" . .
Arlington
White's Hotel . . . . ,
Green Tree ....
"Daddy" Hempt . .
best man
Indian Treaties.
walking purchase 45
dissatisfadlion of the Indians 45
names of the walkers ... 45
expert walkers obtained . 45
Wrightstown meeting house 45
start at sunrise 46
the precursor of war . 46
New Castle, the brave mes-
senger. 48
on a mission of peac-^ ... 48
Teedvuscung brought to Eas-
ton .... . . 48
treaties begin at the Point . 48
at Vernon's Tavern . . -49
Teedvuscung in French gar-
ments 49
second treaty 49
Paxinosa's address 51
third treaty 51
ruffled shirts for Indians , . 52
another treaty 53
Introductory Chapter.
Mount Jefferson ... 7
Jlount Lafayette 7
Mount Olympus 7
Lehigh Hills 7
HNcrs 7
Mountains, Vallies and Rivers S
first house in Easton ... 8
where Parsons had intended
the town to be built ... 9
Michael Schlatter: his birth
place ; errand to .America ;
visit to Europe ; raises mo-
ney forchurch and schools;
his presentation of a Bible ;
his death and burial in
Philadelphia 9
Jails of E.^ston 27
KiCHLINE Famtly 76
Lafayette College.
when founded and where . . 302
Jones, Joel 302
McKeen, Thomas 302
a name given 303
trustees, list of 303
Junkin. Rev. George .... 303
Manual Labor Academy . . 303
Junkin brings his school to
Easton .... ... 305
where the College fiist met . 305
first Commencement .... 306
manual labor, amount of . . 306
curriculum 306
new location purchased . . 307
new buildings erected . 308
building finished 308
President resigns 409
Yeomaus, Dr 309
Nassau, Dr 309
McLean, Dr 309
McPhail. Rev. George W. 310
Cattell. Rev. Wm. C. ... 312
his first acquaintance with
Pardee ... 312
Coffin, James H.,LL. D. . .313
March, Prof Francis A. . 314
Coleman, Rev. Lvman . . 315
Green, Dr. Traill' . . . . 318
Coffin. Selden J 325
Cattell's, Dr., biography . .328
Professor at Lafayette . . 328
pastor in Harrisburg . . . .328
President of Lafayette . . .329
first .gift from Pardee . . . 329
in Europe ... . . 329
receives D. D. and LL. D. . 330
Dr. Cattell and " his boys" 331
last baccalaureate ... .31
prosperity 331
Dr. Cattell resigns .... 332
1 ir. Kno.x . 334
Dr. Ballard, Prof. Fox. . . 335
Dr. Porter, Prof Youngman,
Prof Owen, Prof Moore, 336
Dr Wclntire, Prof Hardv,
Prof Hart, Prof Hall, Prbf
Silliman, Prof Bloomberg,
Prof March, Jr., Samuel
L. Fisler 337
members of the Faculty who
were not alumni . . . 339
names of the members of the
Faculty who were alumni 339
Ario Pardee 340
Blair. John 1 340
Washington and Franklin
Literary Societies . 341
Brainerd Missionary Society 342
Alumni Association . . 342
Christian Brotherhood . . . 342
National History Society . . 343
Chemical Society 343
Society of Physics and Engi-
neering 343
Lehn Family ... .77
Municipal Government
Borough of Easton . . 366
first officers 366
Wards 367
City charter 368
Common Council 368
Mayor Chidsey, first Mayor 369
Nevin, D. W., first president
of Select Council . . . .371
members' names ..... 372
Easton's first officers under
the city charter 373
redivision into wards . . 374
police force 375
MixsELL, Philip.
where and when born . . 190
in Wagner's mill 191
ladies' dresses 192
Pomp's corner 192
election day . . 192
applebutter frolics 192
mason work of the Third
street church 192
game of cards 193
Delaware bridge 193
Military History.
Parson's army 196
alarms of 1755-1756 .... 196
Weiger, Conrad ig6
Poutiac war 196
a company raised, the oldest
in the history of Eastou . 197
Muster Roll 197
Saylor's Lake 198
a remarkable courtship ... 198
Gilmore, Thomas 198
Rachel Young 199
Gilmore iu love, and cut his
foot 199
Paddy's excelsior 200
a wedding 200
Dr Appel 200
whiskey rebellion 200
Diehl, Jacob 201
war of 1812 20I
Capitol burned 201
Court House bell rung . . . 202
military company formed . 202
seven men by one name . . 202
muster roll 202
remarkable speech, a . ... 202
Butz, Michael 203
Titus, Lawrence 203
go to Philadelphia to wel-
come Lafayette .... 204
muster roll of the company . 205
Easton artillerists .... 206
muster roll • 206
Camp Delaware on the south
side of the Lehigh . . 207
Gen. Cadwallader .... 209
fire works 209
large gathering 209
military and boatmen's riot . 210
navigation obstructed . .210
sad parade in Easton . . . .210
line of boats two miles long .211
Packer, Asa, knocked into the
Packer, Mr., was rescued bv
Index to Contents.
Joseph Savitz 211
companies march to the scene
with loaded pieces . . . .211
character of the Easton com-
panies 212
Reeder, Capt 212
Yohe, Capt 212
Ihrie Gen. Peter. . . .212
Taylor monument dedication2i3
military display 213
Easton National Guards . . 214
muster roll 214
sham battle in Trenton . . . 215
Citizens' Artillery ... 215
muster roll 215
burial of John F. Bachman . 215
Pomp's Cornet Band . . .215
famous celebration 216
Easton Jaegers 217
muster roll 217
Glanz, Capt. Charles . . . .217
funerals of soldiers of 1812 218
reminder of militia days . . 218
Jan. and Feb. parades, 1S61. 219
Washington's birthday . . .219
Rebellion approaching . . .219
great union demonstration . 219
resolutions 219
sham battle 220
skirmish on Northampton st.220
war inevitable 221
patriotic fires burning . . ,221
first gun on Sumter ... 221
Navigation of the Delaware.
Major William Bamet . . . 461
The Reindeer 461
Alfred Thomas 461
on the morning of March 6 461
list of those on board ... 462
explosion 462
list of killed and wounded. .463
Youells, B. M 463
a relief meeting called 463
dream of navigation passed
away 463
Newspapers and Printing.
first newspaper by J. Wey-
gandt 456
Parsons, William 19-24
Parsons, Miss Grace, oif for
Philadelphia 24
Pickering, Timothy.
birth of 169
in the revolution 169
in Wyoming 169
iu chains 171
in the Cabinet of Washingt'n 171
in the Cabinet of Adams . . 171
in the U. S Senate . . . .172
death 173
Pomp, Rev. Nicholas .... 1S6
Pomp, Rev. Thomas ... .186
Publisher's Note 4
Revolution. Easton during the
Committee of Safety . . . . 123
Whigs and Tories 123
499
committee, members of the 124
preparing for war, activity in 125
company raised 127
battle of Brooklyn 126
loss of the company in battle 127
committee, duties of the . .128
committee, formation of . . 131
members, nationality of the 134
Rebellion, War of the
War of the Rebellion . . .222
meeting in the Court House 222
great war meeting on Sum-
ter's bombardment .... 222
resolutions 222-223
committee to secure names
of volunteers 223
surrender of Fort Sumter, tre-
mendous excitement . . . 223
Old Court House packed . . 223
adjourned meeting .... 224
committee sent toHarrisburg 224
growing patriotism 224
departure of three mouths'
men 224
Armstrong, William H. . . 225
Bell, Ferdinand W 225
FirstRegimeut of Penna.V0l.226
muster rolls of Company B,
C, D, H, G 227-228
arrival of the Rhode Island
Marine Artillery 229
flag raising by the public
schools 229
Green, Dr. Traill 229
volunteering iu May, 1861 . 229
war alarm in Newjersey . . 229
Sitgreaves, Maj. Charles, of
Phillipsburg .... . . 230
Easton Volunteers in the Pa.
Reserves 230
Horn, John J 2:0
Baldy, Peter 230
company mustered into ser-
vice, 1861 231
Company E , Twelfth Penna.
Reserves 231
muster roll 231
flag raisings 232
flag on the Synagogue. . . 232
flag on a pole a hundred feet
high at Reich's grocery . .232
address by O. H. Meyers, Esq.232
fair ground choseu as a state
camp 232
aid to volunteers in the field 232
patriotic president of a Vir-
ginia College 233
passage of troops 233
flag presentation 233
Fourth of July, 1861 .... 233
march of the Reserves down
Northampton street . . .23).
campaign of three months
men 234
"March through Baltimore" 235
reception of the three months
voluuteers 237
speech by E. J. Fox, Esq . 237
riotous outbreak 237
illtimed remarks ... . 237
500
Index to Contents.
recruiting in Easton .... 23S
Seymour s Battery 238
muster roll 239
ovation to Chas.A.Heckman 240
address by Hon.A.H.Reeder 240
Heckman, where born . . . 240
Heckman in command . . 240
Lieuts. Reeder and WyckofF
wounded 241
funeral of Col James Miller 241
H. Boyd Mckeen promoted
to Colonel . . . . 241
Wm. M. McKeen wounded 241
Edward J. Fox most active 241
Howard, Gen. O. 0 241
Public Schools ... .242
Seymour's battery; an inter-
esting letter 242
draft riots in New York . . 243
Simons , Sergeant James . 243
Gen. Armistead's thanks . 243
who fell in battle .... 244
"We are coming father .\b-
raham three hundred thou-
sand more " 244
resolutions ... ... 244
committee to raise volunteers246
action of Northampton Co
to avoid the draft ... 246
departure of volunteers for
the 129th Regt 247
muster roll of Easton com-
panies D, F, K. 247-248
draft ordered in connty. . . 249
call for volunteers for state
defence 249
muster roll of Easton com-
panies, A, F. 1 250
South Easton company B 251
r 74th Regiment drafted nine
months militia 252
muster roll of Co. E, 153d
Regt. P. V 253
departure of drafted men . . 253
Easton Loyal Union League 254
presentation of a horse . .254
vigorous prosecution of the
war necessary ... 254
reception of the 129th Regt. 255
sketch of service .... 255
at Fredericksburg . . 255
casualties at Fredericksburg
among Easton men . 256
dress coat episode . . 257
Chancellorsville campaign . 257
homeward bound 259
arrival of the volunteers . . 259
public reception 260
public addresses . . 260-261
Reeder, Mrs. Andrew H. . 263
Ladies' Aid Societies . 26 ;
Citizens' Aid Societies . . 263
Hetrich, Mrs Josiah P. . 263
Rebellion invasions .... 263
a new companv . . . 264
Companies C D, E, F, G, H,
K. 38th Militia . 264-265-266
Co. D, 37th Regt Pa. Militia 268
reception, of the 153d Regt. 269
Chancellorsville 260
Ciettysburg 270
letter of Col. Glanz .... 270
muster roll of Co. E, 153rd
Regt., P. V 271
at the Fair Ground . . . 273
address of Philip Johnson . 274
sword presentation to Colo-
nel Glanz 276
draft in Easton 276
dinner to the Invalid Corps 277
return of the 51st to recruit 277
muster rolls Cos. B and K.. 279
Bell, Capt , death of . . . 280
casualties among the Easton
Volunteers 281
l8oth Regt. Pa. Vols. ... 282
Reeder, Capt. Frank . . . 2S3
muster roll of the regimental
band of the 47th Re.gt . . 284
muster roll of Cos. A, E 285-286
casualties among the Easton
Volunteers 287
muster roll of Co. H, 214th
P. V 287
113th Pa Vol. Pa Cavalry . 288
108th Regt. Pa. Vols, nth
Pa. Cavalryilliam 289
Seip, Capt. W 2S9
59th Regt. P.V 2d Pa. Cav. 289
muster roll Co H . . . .289
Easton colored volunteers . 290
Ludlow, Jacob R., M. D . . 291
Rodenbough, Gen. T. F. . .291
Kilpatrick's bugler . . . 292
Easton in the regular army . 293
Easton in the navy 293
Easton Grays 294
muster roll of the Easton
Grays 296
Haydeu, Geo. W., as drum-
boy 296
SiTGREAVES, Hon. Samuei,-
parents and birth ... 145
education 145
admitted to the bar . . . .145
removed to Easton . . . .146
member of the convention . 146
members of Congress . . . 147
Jay's Treaty . . ... 147
member of the commission
in Philadelphia . 148
special commissioner to Gt.
Britain .148
Blount's impeachment . . . 149
trial of John Fries 150
his interest in public affairs 152
founder of Epi.scop'1 Church 152
Stagk.s.
Philadelphia 175
Allentown, Wind Gap . . . 176
Bethlehem 176
changed 17S
Street Illumination.
Easton Gas Company . . 448
electric light 449
Rinek, Howard 45°
Stout, John V 450
salaries of the Easton officers 451
Pennsylvania Electric Light
Company 4.Si
Edison Electric Illuminat-
ing Compau}' 452
electric plant, where located 452
Sullivan's Expedition.
organized at Easton .... 135
artillery and soldiers from
the national army . . . .135
Clinton, Gov. . . ' . .135
Easton his headquarters . IJ7
'Lover's Lane" cut by Sulli-
van's men .... .138
Clinton and Sullivan join at
Tioga 139
the battle and victory . . .139
Tatamy, the Delaware Chief.
converted under Brainerd . 56
ever after faithful to the
whites 56
Taylor, Hon. George-
paying his passage across the
Atlantic at Durham Fur-
nace Ill
clerk in the furnace . . .112
member of the Assembly .112
Taylor in Congress ...115
Chief Justice M'Kean's let-
ter . 116
signed the Declaration of
Independence, Aug. 2d .115
proprietor of the Durham
Furnace ... 115
his association with Jeffer
son. Franklin, Hancock
and Adams . . 1 19
descendants of Geo. Taylor 120
The Fate of a Flirt.
murdered by somebody ... 87
Traill Robert 71
Vanderveer, Dr. John.
his character as a teacher . 3C0
his character as a Christian .300
his retirement 300
his death 3°°
Wagener Family.
nationality "93
David, where from 193
Hon. David D 194
Union Guards 194
Lafayette, reception of . . . 194
David D., in Congress . . 194
Gen. Jackson 194
David D., Prest. of Easton
Bank 195
Water Supply.
company incorporated . . 466
reser\-oi'r on Chestnut Hill . 460
West Ward Water Company 467
Act of Assembly, March 6 . 467
Lehigh Water Company . . 467
water from the Delaware . . ^67
amount of water supplied . .467
present officers of company . 467
South Easton
Phillipsburg
480-485
486-493
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.
Across the Delaware (old view) 140
Badge — I29tli Regiment . 261
— 153d Regiment 269
Bushkill Bridge— Fourth Street (old) 6
Bridge— Third Street (old) 35
View at mouth of 463
View at Butz's Mill ■ 80
View at Wagner's Dam 83
View at Williams' Dam 235
Camp Delaware . . 208
Cemeterj' Arch 444
Centre Square, 1855 378
Centre Square (bird's eye view) 121
Centre Square, 1S30 . 12
Centre Square, Market Day 4';i
Circle and Fountain 387
Churches— Third Street Reformed 58
— St. Paul's Lutheran 10 1
— St. Peter's Lutheran 107
Court House — old 66
—new 69
County House — old .... 74
Continental Soldier 136
Durham Boat ■ . 37
Delaware — Down the 230
— t'P the 245
Easton — Bird's Eye View Frontispiece
— Bird's Eye View from College Hill . . . 430
— View in 1876 42b
Easton National Bank 377
Explosion of ■ Alfred Thomas" . . .462
Fire Department 344
Humane Fire Co Officers 345
Phoenix Engine House 3 17
Carriage 349
Truck and Engine 350-351
Central Fire Station 355
Smith, John J., portrait 356
Alarm, Waiting for, Sounded, &c 357-35S-359
Arch of Welcome 362
First Church and School House 17
Front and Bushkill Streets, 1840 191
Hay Residence 155
Hotels— Old " Bull's Head"
—United States
—White's
Indian Scout
Jails— First Jail ... ...
—Third Jail
Lafayette College— Old and New . . .
Approach to
Campus
JenksHall
Observatory
Pardee Hall . .
Reading Room . . . . .
Lehigh Dam and River (old)
Lehigh River — near Dam
— View up (new bridge, i!
Lehigh Bridge — Chain, 181 1
— of 1862
Lehigh Valley R. R. Depot
Lehigh and Susquehanna R. R, Depot
Martin's Ferry House
Mount Ida . '.
Mount Jefferson
Post Office
Parson's House
Pot Rock and Eddy
Phillipsburg— Bird's Eye View . . . .
Streets— Northampton, West (old). . .
—Northampton, West, (1886)
— Northampton, East, 118S9) .
—Third Street, South, (1889) . .
—Third Street, North, (1887) . .
Stage Coach
Sitgreaves Mansion •
Schools — Second Ward Buildings . . ,
— Franklin Building
—Taylor Building . . . . .
. — Memorial Gateway
South Easton — Bird s Eye View . . . .
Taylor Monument
" The Point" — about 1830
— about 1830
—in 1S86
162
164
,165
138
28
30
,320
,301
321
■ 324
323
■ 317
322
■ 459
■ 446
447
23
no
487
129
432
45+
44 >
275
177
146
394
398
395
465
• 52
INDEX TO PORTRAITS.
Able, Edward 47 1
Armstrong, William H 2^5
Ballard, Addison 338
Bell, Ferdinand W 225
Butz, Michael 202
Cattell, William C 328
Chidsey, Charles F 369
Coffin, James H 310
Coffin, Selden J 325
Coleman, Lyman 315
Condit, Uzal W i
Cottingham, William W 400
Dachrodt, Jacob 252
Detwiller, Henry 439
Detwiller, John 442
Finley, George 345
Glanz, Charles 252
Green, Traill 318
Goldsmith, Aaron 373
Hayden, George W. . 297
Heck, George 371
Heckman, Charles A 240
Hetrich, Mrs. Josiah P 203
Knox, James Mason ^ 335
Ludlow, Jacob R 291
March, Francis A 311
McCartney, Washington 418
Muhlenberg, Henry M g6
Mutchler, William 420
Nevin, David W 370
Ohl, Ephraim N. R 293
Pardee, Ario
•340
Police Force 375
Reeder, Andrew H
414
Reeder, Mrs. Andrew H. 262
Reeder, Frank 283
Rodenbongh, Theophilus F 292
Sage, Henry A 469
Seip, Albert N. , . 289
Schlatter, Michael 8
Taylor, George 112
Titus, Lawrence ... 202
Vanderveer, John 299
Wagner, David 194
West, George W 5
Wolf. George 405
'^Uchnrn ^mdutf..
STg. MANCHESTER.
INDIANA