History: Part 13 - pp. 139 - 143, 160 - 164: S.W. and P.A. DURANT: History of Lawrence County, PA, 1877 transcribed by Tami McConahy and Ed McClelland USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm _____________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: An html version of this work with graphics and tailored search engine is available at http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/lawrence/1877/ _____________________________________________________________________________ 1770. --- 1877. HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY, PA --BY-- S.W. and P.A. DURANT. L. H. Everts & Co., Philadelphia ------------------------------------------------------------------------ EDUCATIONAL. SCHOOLS, COLLEGES &c. The educational facilities of Lawrence county are excellent, and consist of one hundred and sixty-two public schools, two colleges, and two Catholic schools. Of these, twenty-four of the public schools, one Catholic school, and one college are in the city of New Castle; and one hundred and thirty nine, including the Catholic orphan school in Pulaski township, and the college at New Wilmington, in the various townships and boroughs of the county. The aggregate number of scholars, according to the Superintendent's report for June, 1875, was 8,444, not including those in the Catholic schools, which number about 400. The total receipts for school purposes for the same year were $63,586.62, and the total expenditures $60,271.48. Estimated value of school property in the county in 1875, $169,000. The New Wilmington College is under the control of the United Presbyterian Church, and is intended as an institution for the preparation of young men for the ministry. The New Castle College is not a denominational institution. The public schools of the county are taught in one hundred and twenty-four buildings, all in good order, and some of them costly and substantial structures. All the educational institutions of the county are in a flourishing condition. In connection we give an interesting article from the pen of Professor W. N. Aiken, upon the public schools of the county, and one also from Professor Gantz, upon the origin, progress, and present condition of the various schools in the city of New Castle. Sketches of the colleges will also be found in their proper places. EARLY SCHOOLS. The first schools were taught in private houses. The first building erected for strictly school purposes was a frame building, upon the lot belonging to the First Presbyterian Church, about 1825-6. It is said that the first building occupied for school purposes was a log cabin, about eighteen feet square, which stood near the spring at the foot of Shaw's Hill. It was heated by means of an immense fire-place at one side of the building, large enough to take in a good-sized "back-log" (for coal was unknown in those days), and probably a couple of big flat stones at each side of the fire-place, to hold up the "fore-sticks." In those days the large boys prepared the wood?which was hauled to the door, from the woods, where it was cut "sled-length"?and took turns in building a fire in the Winter mornings. The room was lighted by a few square holes cut through the logs, over which greased paper was stretched in lieu of glass, which was not as plenty then as now, when the Croton Glass Works are turning out nine hundred boxes weekly. The pupils sat on long benches made of slabs, with two wooden pins driven into each end for legs; or they were constructed by splitting small logs in halves, and then hewing down the surface smooth with a broad-axe. The first "school-master," as the teacher was called, was said to have been one Robert Dickey, a member of the Presbyterian Church. The first school was opened about 1804. The second teacher was John Dickey, a younger brother of Robert. He was very well educated, and would have been a good teacher but for one thing?he was addicted to the use of strong drink. He subsequently enlisted in the army, and died during the war of 1812. The third teacher was Richard Shearer, a man of fifty or fifty-five years, described as a fat, jolly old fellow. Mr. Du Shane describes a habit he had of rubbing his right fore-finger up and down the side of his face in front of his right ear, which he practiced so regularly and so persistently as to wear a smooth furrow in that locality, which produced a very curious effect on his physiognomy. The fourth teacher, according to Mr. Penn's chronology, was the most famous man of all the early teachers in New Castle. His name was Joseph Thornton, a gentleman of the "old school," who persisted in wearing the knee-breeches, cocked-hat, cue, buckles and ruffles of the "ancient regime" long after others had discarded them for a more modern, if not more comfortable and elegant, style. He came here from Chambersburg, Franklin county, about the time Joseph T. Boyd located here as a merchant, or in the Spring of 1806. He was teaching at the time of the great total eclipse of that year, at all events. He was a man who believed in the entire efficacy of corporeal punishment, and very likely the unruly boys of his school feared him more than they loved him. He boarded with Boyd, and, being a very industrious man, was wont to go into the wood-shed, after school hours, and work piling up the heavy wood or preparing it for the fire-place. It is related of him that one evening, as he was busily engaged piling up the wood (he was a pious man withal), he took hold of a very heavy stick and got it upon one end, and then strove with all his might to lift it upon the pile, which was up nearly as high as his shoulders. A son of Mr. Boyd, or of one of the neighbors, was complacently looking on. The old man tugged in vain; his strength was not equal to the task, and, while holding the ugly stick up about breast high, he called on the boy, "bear a hand, youngster, and help me up with this!" But the wicked lad only stood and laughed at him. Tugging until he found it useless, he suddenly stepped back, and, throwing the billet upon the ground, exclaimed: "It may all go to d?nation, and we'll omit worship to night!" Thornton remained here at least as late as 1815, for we find his name in a subscription list for raising money to build a bridge over the Shenango in that year. What eventually became of him we have not been able to learn. Alexander Duncan was another of the early teachers, and one of the youngest, being, according to accounts, only about nineteen years of age at the time he commenced teaching. He "boarded round" among the families of his pupils, a week at each place, and used to amuse himself mornings and evenings in shooting pigeons and rabbits, which were very plentiful. A few years afterwards he removed to Pittsburgh, where he studied medicine. Some years later he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and eventually became a politician. He was afterwards elected to the State Legislature, and subsequently to Congress. Another teacher was Miss Sarah DeWolf, the first female who ever taught a regular school in New Castle. She had previously taught in Mercer, where she was sometimes called "Kitty." A man named Matthew Calvin (or Colvin) was the next teacher. He is said to have been forty-five years of age, lame, amd blind in one eye. He erected a large square building (still standing on Beaver street, nearly opposite the residence of Mr. Joseph Justice), with an enormous stone chimney in the centre, about 1814-15. Mr. Justice helped to build the chimney. Calvin lived in this building and taught school in another, which stood near his dwelling?since torn away. The first regular school-building, as before stated, stood adjoining the First Presbyterian church, which is now occupied as a distillery. This building, which was a frame, was used for several years. About 1829, a new system, known as the "Lancasterian system," was introduced into the schools of New [p. 140] Castle, and one Joseph Ketler was brought from Philadelphia to put it in operation. The frame school-building, above spoken of, was still in use, and Ketler taught in it about one year, when he returned to Philadelphia. He afterwards returned and settled somewhere in this region, where he subsequently died. Warren Carpenter succeeded Ketler, and taught the same system until it was given up as impracticable. The old school-building was also used for holding elections, for lyceums, singing-schools, &c. When the "common-school" system was adopted or established by an Act of Assembly, it was left to the people of the several townships and counties to adopt or reject, as they saw fit, and it was a number of years before the system was fully adopted in all parts of the State. The Act was passed in 1834. Subsequent to the passage of this Act, four separate schools were kept in operation until about the year 1852. They were located to accommodate the various parts of the town, and were known respectively as the Northeast, Southeast, Northwest and Southwest schools. One was located a little south-east of the Cochran House, on the east side of the alley; another on North street, between where the Baptist and Episcopal churches stand, and a third on North Beaver street. The location of the fourth is not recollected. In 1852 these buildings were sold, and the large public school-building, on North Jefferson street, erected. The proceeds of the old buildings were put into the new one. NEW CASTLE FEMALE SEMINARY. This institution was chartered April 16, 1838, under a general State law. It was organized in 1839, with Dr. Charles T. Whippo as president, and the following named gentlemen as trustees: Henry Pearson, Ezekiel Sankey, John Reynolds and Dr. Joseph Pollock. The stock was issued to subscribers at five dollars per share, and, according to the subscription-book in possession of Mr. E. Sankey, seven hundred and fifty-six shares were sold. The following is a list of subscribers' names, with the number of shares taken by each: Charles T. Whippo,* 40 E. Sankey, 30 John T. Boyd,* 30 Henry Pearson,* 20 A. C. Semple,* 20 D. and J. N. Euwer, 30 J. Kissick, 30 R. W. Cunningham, 20 William Dickson,* 20 G. Barlow* 20 T. McCleary* & Co., 20 Wells Bushnell,* 10 H. E. Wallace, 5 L. L. McGuffin, 5 A. Lewis,* 15 David White,* 10 J. Pollock,* 20 John Reynolds,* 20 James D. White,* 40 W. McClymonds, 5 James D. Clarke,* 5 James Mitchell,* 5 R. W. Stewart, 5 Lewis V. Crips,* 5 William Watson, Jr., 5 William Carns,* 10 James McClane, 5 Samuel Carns,* 5 William Cox,* 6 H. R. Graves,* 5 John B. Love, 5 Uriah Roe,* 10 John Frazier,* 10 John C. Fulkerson, 5 John A. Andrews,* 5 Joseph Pyle,* 5 James Banks, 10 William B. Miller,* 5 Thomas Falls,* 20 William B. Osmon,* 20 D. S. Stone,* 5 D Sankey, 5 H. Morse,* 5 White McMillen, 5 William P. Reynolds, 5 William Shaw,* 5 A. Robison,* 5 Isaac Dickson, 5 H. H. Moorhead, 5 Joseph Justice, 5 William McMurry,* 10 Jesse Du Shane,* 5 D. M. Courtney, 10 David McComb, 5 John Orrell,* 5 James Tidball,* 10 John Maitland,* 10 David Shafer, 5 William Watson,* 10 Joseph Emery,* 10 Shubael Wilder, 5 Joseph Higgs,* 5 Joseph Brown, 5 John Moorhead, 5 Samuel Kerr,* 5 Isaiah C. White, 5 J. S. White, 5 J. Leslie, 5 David Emery, 5 John Emery,* 50 bushels of lime. George Pearson,* 5 R. A. Seek,* 5 Alex. L. Crawford, 10 (Payable in nails, assorted sizes.) Being a total of 756 shares, besides John Emery's fifty bushels of lime, representing about $3,800. *Since deceased. The first Principal of the seminary was John Hewitt, an Englishman, who had been prepared for the Church; a man of fine education and very respectable talents. He was brought to New Castle by Dr. Charles T. Whippo. This institution was kept in operation for some ten years, and was a popular school. It was the only one of the kind ever organized in New Castle. The building is still standing, immediately south of the First Presbyterian Church. According to Mr. Penn's history of New Castle, the first building erected for the use of this institution was a one-story frame, about forty feet square, and containing three rooms. It was built in 1842. Dr. Charles T. Whippo, A. C. Sample and John Reynolds were the building committee. Some years later it was remodeled and enlarged, and made a two-story building with eleven rooms. According to the same authority, Joseph Pollock was President of the seminary in 1841, though the location of the school is not given. In 1844 it appears to have been under the management of Prof. Bowman and wife. CLASSICAL AND MATHEMATICAL INSTITUTE. In December, 1841, "Joseph Ketler, M. P. A. T.," opened the New Castle Classical and Mathematical Institute, on Washington street, one door west of Beaver street. How well Professor Ketler succeeded in his endeavors to give the ambitious youth of New Castle a classical education, or how long he continued his grandiloquent advertisement, we have no means of knowing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOLS. BY PROF. W. N. AIKEN. Our present system of common schools has been in operation more than forty years, and the progress during this time has been slow, but it has steadily increased in popularity and efficiency. In the year 1854 the present system of county supervision was authorized by Act of the Legislature. Since that time the advancement has been more rapid, the work better systematized, and the results more apparent. Prior to this we had no uniformity in teaching, classifying and governing our schools, and in examining and granting certificates to those found qualified for the responsible positions of instructors of youth. Before the office of County Superintendent was established by an Act of the Legislature, each district examined its own teachers and issued certificates to those who were found qualified. This part of the work was done by persons outside of the profession, and consequently did not understand the wants and requirements of the schools as well as those who were actively engaged in the educational department. The present system of superintendency has been in successful operation for twenty-three years; and the result is, there is uniformity in the methods of instruction, classification, government and general management of schools. In the year 1867 the present law for holding County Teachers' Institutes was enacted, and the attendants at these annual meetings has gradually increased, and there is a marked improvement in the qualifications of teachers, and a more general interest in favor of common schools is manifested. In order to show the present condition of the schools of the county and the progress made, it will be necessary to examine the statistics of the past few years, that the advancement may be more clearly seen. The following will, in some measure, give an idea of the workings of the school system: [Legend: (1) No. of Schools. (2) Average No. Months taught. (3) Male Teachers. (4) Female Teachers. (5) Average Salary of Males. (6) Average Salary of Females. (7) Certificates issued. (8) Teachers examined. (9) No. of Visits by Supt. (10) No. of Teachers attending Institute.] (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) 1860, 136 4.83 82 84 $23 43 $14 25 232 1864, 142 6.14 64 142 32 32 21 52 163 67 1865, 142 6.12 45 156 38 00 25 66 164 185 226 64 1866, 143 5.82 61 133 40 89 27 65 174 1867, 144 5.09 63 127 48 64 33 82 203 234 170 66 1868, 142 5.96 66 138 55 81 33 68 224 283 181 132 1869, 145 6.27 68 141 51 05 30 85 216 285 185 140 1870, 144 6.29 63 147 55 48 32 83 228 293 190 148 1871, 150 6.03 75 132 50 84 33 49 180 216 216 176 1872, 154 5.78 68 163 50 71 32 99 212 240 215 152 1873, 153 6.15 78 155 47 01 31 03 215 246 234 162 1874, 155 6.46 84 137 47 85 32 92 195 258 241 181 1875, 156 6.11 85 124 47 70 31 03 223 272 266 168 1876, 162 6.15 83 141 42 93 29 66 219 304 260 202 [p. 141] There are now one hundred and sixty-two schools in the county, and one hundred and thirty eight not including the schools of the city of New Castle. The last annual report shows two hundred and twenty-one teachers who have taught during the year or a part of it. Of these, twenty-six hold professional and three permanent certificates, and two are graduates of the State Normal School. Many of the teachers are faithful and earnest in the discharge of their duties, and are imbibing more of the professional spirit of the true teacher. The present condition of the schools is encouraging as compared with the past. There are one hundred and twenty-four houses, and a number of these are substantial buildings and suitably furnished, but very few have sufficient grounds, and the surroundings receive little attention. There are twenty-one school districts under the supervision of the county superintendent, two of these, Wampum and New Wilmington, are boroughs, the former having two and the latter three schools, also two independent school districts, Chewton and Wurtemburg, with each one school. The first County Superintendent was Thomas Berry elected in June 1854, and re-elected in 1857. He served faithfully for six years against a strong current of opposition to the office, and did a good work in the cause of education in the county. Stephen Morrison was elected in 1860, and re-elected in 1863. After six years of labor in this field he retired from office. G. W. McCracken was elected in 1866 and served one term. W. N. Aiken was elected in 1869, re-elected in 1872, and again re-elected in 1875. The first two superintendents have finished their work and gone to reap the reward of their labors. Educational meetings have been held in different parts of the county during the past six years. Their meetings have been well-attended by teachers, directors and patrons of the schools. It is thought this is one of the best ways to educate the people and bring before them the value of our educational system. Seventy-one schools outside New Castle are graded, four of these are in West New Castle, two in Edenburg, two in Hillsville, two in Pulaski, three in Wilmington, two in Mahoningtown, two in Enon valley, two in Harlansburg and two in Mount Jackson. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NEW CASTLE SCHOOLS. BY PROFESSOR M. GANTZ. The first settlement upon the present site of New Castle was made in April, 1798, by John Carlysle Stewart. The authentic history of the early schools of the village is very meagre, and can only be learned from the old residents whose memory of many of the events so far in the past must necessarily in many instances be very indistinct. The earliest schools were supported by subscription, and were taught in private houses. According to the most reliable information, the flrst school was taught by one Robert Dickey, and was opened about the year 1804. The next teacher was John Dickey, a younger brother of Robert. The name of Richard Shearer is mentioned as the third teacher. About the year 1806, the fourth teacher, Joseph Thornton, came here from Chambersburgh, Franklin county; his abiding faith in the use of the birch is the principal characteristic as remembered by his historian. Next on the roll of early teachers appears the name of Alexander Duncan. After him we find the name of Miss Sarah DeWolf, said to have been the first regular female teacher of a New Castle school. Matthew Calvin is enrolled as the next teacher. He appeared upon the scene about 1814, and taught in a house on Beaver street, nearly opposite the residence of Joseph Justice, Esq. The borough of New Castle was erected March 25th, 1825, and originally embraced all the territory now constituting the first and second wards of the present city, except that portion lying south of County Line street, in the point between the Neshannock and Shenango creeks, which was taken into the borough at some subsequent period. About this time a frame house, the first building erected exclusively for school purposes, was built upon the lot belonging to the First Presbyterian Church now the "Old Brewery." Our history informs us, however, that the first house used for school purposes was a log cabin about eighteen feet square, situated near the spring, at the base of "Shaw's Hill." About the year 1829, Joseph Ketler is said to have introduced the system of education advocated by Joseph Lancaster, an English educator, and known as the "Lancasterian" system, into the schools of the borough. Mr. Ketler taught in the frame house above mentioned about a year, then returned to Philadelphia, whence he had come, and was succeeded by Warren Carpenter, a well-known and successful educator of earlier times, and still an honored resident of the city, who taught the same system for several years, until it was given up as impracticable. After the enactment of the common school law in 1834, and its subsequent adoption by the people, the school-territory of the borough was divided into four separate districts, named respectively according to their location, Northeast, Southeast, Northwest,and Southwest districts?the house in each district, with perhaps, the exception of the one in the Southwest District, is still standing, but used for other than school purposes. This status continued until the erection of the county of Lawrence in the Spring of 1849, when soon after, by an Act of Assembly, passed on the 10th of February, 1851, New Castle was formed into a separate school and election district. In March of the same year, the first Board of School Directors in and for the borough of New Castle was elected, which consisted of the following gentlemen, viz: Alexander L. Crawford, John N. Euwer, William Book, Jacob S. Quest, William Watson and James W. Johnston, all of whom are still living. The following resolution, passed soon after their organization, will best explain itself: "Resolved, That the four several school-houses (above mentioned as being situated in four different districts) in the borough of New Castle, with the lots appurtenant thereto, be sold for the purpose of raising a fund, out of which to erect a large and commodious building for school purposes." In pursuance of said resolution, a lot was purchased on North Jefferson street, in that part of the city now known as the First Ward, upon which a "large and commodious" school-building, built upon the model of that of the Third Ward of Allegheny city, and at that early day considered the most complete building for school purposes in the western part of the State, was erected at a cost, for the lot and building complete, of about eleven thousand dollars, and finished in time to open the schools of the borough in it about the 1st of October, 1852, at which date the schools first assembled and were put in operation in the new Union school-building,under the following corps of teachers, viz.: William Travis, principal; Martin Gantz, first assistant, and Misses Celicia Townsend, Lizzie M. Porter, Maggie Sheal, Lide A. Loy, and Sarah J. Bonnell, assistant teachers, whose names have been mentioned, and a word of the history of each will be given as a matter of some interest to the reader, because they were pioneers in that system of public instruction which has grown into that organization of public schools now in operation in our growing city. William Travis graduated from Washington College in 1849. He was a zealous, high-toned, Christian teacher, and had had several years of successful experience in New Lisbon, Ohio, where he organized a system of Union schools during his college course, and in Youngstown, Ohio, before his arrival in New Castle. After leaving this city he spent several years in teaching in different States of the Union. He also studied theology at Princeton, New Jersey, but soon after leaving the seminary we find him again in the profession of his first love, in which he is still engaged, in the responsible and honorable position of Principal of Germantown Academy in Philadelphia, an old and celebrated institution of learning, founded one hundred and sixteen years ago. Martin Gantz graduated in 1849 from the same institution, a classmate of Mr. Travis. After leaving college he taught two years in a select school in Salem, Ohio, from which place he came to New Castle on the 10th of September, 1851, at the earnest solicitation of his friend and classmate, Mr. Travis, to assist him as teacher in a large select school, of which he was principal at that time, in the old seminary south of the First Presbyterian Church, on Jefferson street, in which school they continued teaching until the large Union schoolhouse, then in process of erection, was completed and ready for the occupancy of the public schools in 1852, when they entered upon the positions to which they had been chosen in them, as already mentioned. Upon the retiring of Mr. Travis from the principalship of the schools, at the close of the second year, Martin Gantz was called from his position as first-assistant teacher, and elected principal, on the 6th day of June, 1854, and continued to serve in that relation to the school now known as the First Ward School, on North Jefferson street, with the exception of the two school-years of 1864-65 and 1865-66, when E. C. McClintock, Esq., had charge of the schools during 1864-65, and D. F. Balph, Esq., during 1865-66, until May 2, 1876, when the schools of the city were consolidated in one district under a Board of Controllers, elected under the act of 1874, for cities of the third class, he was elected the first superintendent of the city schools. Of their associates all were faithful and successful teachers, and continued in the profession during longer or shorter periods, as inclination of circumstances seemed to dictate, and the result of their labors and influence for [p. 142] good, time cannot measure, but "eternity alone can tell." Celicia Townsend became the wife of Martin Gantz, December 29, 1853, and, after a useful life full of good works, was called home to her reward, January 24, 1869. Lizzie M. Porter, after teaching several years, was united in wedlock to a man whose name cannot now be recalled, and after several years of wedded life, her Master called her to be with him. Maggie Sheal, now the wife of James Moffat, well-known and highly respected citizen, is living a quiet, happy and useful life in her home on North Beaver street, New Castle. Lide A. Loy, now the wife of David S. Morris, Esq., presides over a happy and prosperous home, at the corner of Beaver street and Grant Avenue, of this city. Miss Sarah J. Bonnell in course of time changed her name to Mrs. Gustavus H. McElevy, and is now residing with her husband in the town of Brazil, Indiana. So much for a brief history of the pioneer teachers of New Castle. Would that time and space permitted a brief record of the names and history of their many other true, noble and faithful successors in the same field. The schools continued to flourish and grow in numbers, and usefulness, with the increase of population, as is shown by the records from time to time. The first annual report to the County Superintendent, Thomas Berry, Esq., made in July, 1854, shows 415 scholars enrolled, with an average daily attendance of 397 for the last three months of the year. The number of pupils increased, until in later years the total enrollment reached a little over six hundred. In 1856 that part of the city now known as the Third and Fourth Wards, was erected into what was then called "East New Castle Independent District," wich name was changed to that of "Pollock township," February 15, 1862. The first school directors under the latter organization were Hiram Pollock, Samuel Pearson, R. W. Cunningham, Jacob Hans, D. B. Kurtz, Esq., and W. B. Lutton, all of whom, with the exception of Samuel Pearson, recently deceased, are now living in our midst. They proceeded to make arrangements for erecting a suitable building in the central part of the district for the accommodation of the schools in that neighborhood, which resulted in the rearing of that "large and commodious" school structure on Pearson street, in that part of the city now known as the Fourth Ward, in l858, at a cost of $14,000 for house and grounds. Of the history of the schools of this district, from the time of their organization until the consolidation of the city schools in one districts in l876, but a mere skeleton of an outline can be given, because the historian has failed, after diligent search to find the records; therefore he must depend upon memory to supply what he may write upon the subject. Many of the ablest and most successful educators of this city and county have been connected with these schools. The first principal was John Sterrit, a classical scholar of note, who died in the suburban part of the city several years since. The second principal was Cyrus H. Dunlap, who subsequently studied theology, and is now engaged in his chosen profession somewhere in the great West. The third principal was our present worthy and efficient County Superintendent, W. N. Aiken, a graduate of Westminster College, an educator who is well known, and whose influence is felt, not only in Lawrence county, but in, the educational councils of the State, and is now serving his third term as County Superintendent. From the best information now at hand, it seems that D. McVey, Esq., now a resident of Sharon, Pa., next served the district for one term as principal. In our history of the principals of this school, G. W. Mays, a young man of education, and an educator of growing reputation, occupies the next place on the roll of principals, and served the district in that capacity at least two years. His successor was Jasper N. Hunt, a graduate of Allegheny College, a young gentleman of culture and learning, who served as principal nearly two years. He was succeeded by D. F. Balph, Esq., a well-known teacher, a genial and accomplished gentleman, who presided over the educational affairs of the district nearly three years, until the consolidation of the city schools in 1876. Many of the most worthy, useful and influential teachers of the western part of the State have been connected with these schools as teachers, whose names, with a brief history of each, we would gladly give, did time and space permit. Among the long roll of worthy names, circumstances will permit us to single out but one or two of the honored and respected list. Miss Maggie Loughridge, now the accomplished wife of W. N Aiken, the present School Superintendant of Lawrence county, and J. R. Miller, Esq., the present agent of the N. C. and F. railroad company of this city, may be named as among the most successful and accomplished educators our city or county has known. Many others deserve honorable mention whose names am held in kind, remembrance by hosts of grateful pupils and their friends. The city of New Castle was incorporated, February 25, 1869, and was divided into two wards, viz.: the First and Second Wards. The original First Ward (Pollock township from 1862 until the incorporation of the city in 1869), embraced the territory now known as the Third and Fourth Wards, and the original Second Ward, that now known as the First and Second Wards of the city, as at present constituted. The organization of the Board of School Controllers of the city of New Castle, Pa., composed of the First and Second Wards (old city) of said city, under Act of Assembly of 1874, for cities of the third class, was effected July 21, 1875. Members present: R. B. McComb, John Elder, Wm. Mitchell, E. T. Kurtz, Sylvester Gaston and James F. McConnell of First Ward; James M. Craig, James J. Wallace, Jacob Wilbur, D. S. Morris, Luther Wood and J. P. Leslie of the Second Ward. Sylvester Gaston was elected President, and J. P. Leslie, Secretary. This board continued in office until February 15, 1876, when the election of the first Special Board of School Controllers for the city of New Castle, elected under the Act of Assembly of 1874, took place, and resulted in the election of John S. Taggart, Geo. W. Veach, E. T. Kurtz and W. A. Stritmater. The new Board was organized February 22, 1876; E. T. Kurtz, Esq., President, and John S. Taggart, Secretary. The schools of the city were consolidated and a city superintendent elected, as above stated, on the 2d day of May, 1876. Under the organization just mentioned the schools of the city went into operation on Tuesday, the 5th day of September, 1876, with 24 schools, 26 teachers and a Superintendent. The number of schools in each sub-district is as follows: First Ward building on North Jefferson street, 9 schools, and supplies school accommodations for the pupils of the First and Second Wards; the Fourth Ward building on Pearson street affords accommodations for nine schools and the present high school department of the city; the Third Ward (Croton) sub-district, has two schools; and South New Castle, a sub-district embraced in the Fourth Ward, has three schools in its territory. The total enrollment of the schools under the present organization is 1,375. In addition to this number the Catholics have a separate enrollment of about 400, thus footing up 1,775 as the number of scholars in the bounds of the city. The school history of the city is not complete without some mention of the private schools, female seminaries, high schools, &c., &c., several excellent and useful institutions of the kind having had an existence in our town from time to time since its organization as a borough until the present time, but time and space will not permit a detailed history of them. Among the teachers, many of whom are very highly spoken of, we can only give the names of a few that occur to us at the present writing: Charles Hewitt, Joseph Ketler, John A. Bowman, a Mr. Bartlett and Rev. R. A. Browne. Prof. John R. Steeves is the president of a popular college now in operation in the city. Of the teachers who taught in the district schools of the borough before its erection into an independent school district, we have failed to gather any authentic records of their doings or items of their personal history. We will mention but one of this number. Lucius Osgood, our respected fellow-citizen and well-known author and publisher, taught one of the district schools of the borough in the far distant past. Such is as full and accurate an outline of the history of the schools of this city from the beginning of their growth in the midst of a wilderness until the present time, as time and circumstances would permit us to prepare. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NEW CASTLE COLLEGE. BY PROF. JOHN R. STEEVES. This flourishing institution, located in the thriving city of New Castle, was organized in September, 1872, under the auspicies of Professor A. D. Lee, (at that time President of the "One Study" University, at Scio, in the State of Ohio,) and the principalship of Rev. E. E. Edmonds, with Miss Mary J. Clark as assistant teacher. Ladies and gentlemen were received as students, but each was permitted to pursue only one study at the same time, for the reason that this plan had been adopted by the managers, and the institution was known as the "One Study" School. There were seventy-five students, enrolled the first year. Professor John R. Steeves took entire charge of the school from September 6, 1873. The plan of study was then changed, and students were allowed to pursue two or three studies at the same time. Departments of German and Music were added during the year, to those of Science and Language formed the previous year. The faculty consisted of Professor Steeves, Professor Charles Jaekel, Miss Clark and Miss Emma Williams. One hundred and twenty-five students were enrolled the second year. [p. 143] During the, school year commencing in September, 1874, departments of Drawing and Painting were formed, with Miss Elizabeth W. Simpson as teacher, and what was known as Professor Powers' Commercial, College became the commercial department of this college, with Professor J. H. Miller as teacher. Up to the latter part of May, 1875, the school had been operated and conducted solely upon individual responsability, without any special authority from any source. On the 29th of May of the year last mentioned, a charter was procured incorporating the "New Castle College," with the following gentlemen constituting the first board of Trustees: Joseph S. White, President; E. S. Durban, Secretary; A. T. McCready, Treasurer; M. S. Marquis, John Hartsuff, Charles Phillips, Cyrus Clarke, Geo. W. McCracken, S. M. Young, Geo. W. Crawford, R. B. McComb and Rev. R. Audley Browne. A Normal School for the term of six weeks, commencing July 6th, 1875, was held, in connection with the college, by Professors W. N. Aiken, County Superintendent of Public Schools; M. Gantz, Superintendent of City Schools; D. F. Balph, M. Stahl and J. R. Steeves, Principal of the Institution. Sixty-five students were in attendance. The total enrollment for the third year was two hundred and thirty-four. There were nine professors in the faculty for the school-year commencing September 7th, 1875. The attendance at the second year's Normal School was one hundred and four, and the total enrollment for the year three hundred and eleven. At the present time (January, 1877) the faculty is composed of John R. Steeves, President and Professor of Mathematics and Natural Sciences; Rev. Charles Darrow, Professor of Latin and Greek; John H. Miller, Professor Commercial Department; D. F. Balph, Professor of Elocution; Rev. J. Fritz, Professor of German; Mrs. Slentz, Teacher of Preparatory Department; Frank G. Marst and H. F. Johannessen, Professors of Instrumental Music; and Eliza W. Simpson, Teacher of Drawing and Painting. The school-year contains forty-six weeks. The college derives its support from the tuition of the students, who pay on an average about one dollar per week. The institution is now well organized, and in a very flourishing condition, with a fine prospect before it of uninterrupted prosperity. The New Castle College is a one example of what industry and perseverance can accomplish in the face of unusual difficulties. It was designed as a non-sectarian school, where every one, without distinction of religious belief, could come and obtain instruction in the higher branches of Education, and its wonderful success, in the midst of a great financial depression, proves the correctness of the views entertained by its projectors, while at the same time attesting the faithfulness and ability of its professors and instructors. With proper management and the right kind of encouragement from the people of the flourishing city where it is located, its future success is assured. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ pp. 160-164 THE MEDICAL AND LEGAL PROFESSIONS. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. By Dr. H. P. PEEBLES. To write the medical history of a county or of an individual is a matter attended with much difficulty. For, according to the strict but just code of ethics adopted by the American Medical Association (that supreme court of medicine to whose decisions all honorable physicians must bow), mention must not be made concerning any case or operation to which the individual might owe his reputation. His general attributes, his professional standing, his individual qualities, may all be freely commented upon, but beyond this nothing can be written. In this particular a vast difference exists between the medical and legal professions. Physicians are judged by their results; lawyers by their efforts. A lawyer may lose a case, yet, by brilliant management and able pleading, establish a permanent reputation?a physician never. Whatever skill or professional judgment he may bring to bear upon any individual case, if the patient dies, his efforts, so far as his professional honor and reputation are concerned (to the public), are lost. CORNELIUS HENDRICKSON, who settled in New Castle in the year 1799,* was the first who professed the healing art or attempted to practice medicine in Lawrence county. He dealt in herbs and simples, and doubtless, in the absence of any higher medical authority, accomplished much good by his superior knowledge of domestic remedies. He did not claim to be a regular physician, but was always known as "Dr. Hendrickson." *Some authorities say 1798. The first regular practitioner of medicine who settled in New Castle, and we believe in Lawrence county, who practiced medicine as a means of livelihood, and to whom the title of M. D. was due, was DR. JOHN DICKEY, who practiced here successfully until the war of 1812, when he entered the army and died in the service in the year 1813. The Second physician who practiced in this place was DR. ALEXANDER GILLFILLAN. He was a native of Ireland, and was born in the year 1785. He settled in New Castle in the year 1813, and practiced in this locality about two years, when he was accidentally drowned while seining in the Neshannock creek, the 17th of June, 1815. It was not known whether he was a regular graduate of medicine or not, but he must have had a medical education from the fact that for some years before he settled in New Castle he was a surgeon in the United States regular army. The next physician was a Dr. QUIMBY, who was followed by Dr. STEVENSON and Dr. CRIBBLE. Not much can be learned of these latter gentlemen beyond the fact that they practiced medicine for some time in this vicinity, for they soon departed for other and perhaps more extensive fields. One of the earliest and certainly one of the most successful physicians of the county was DR. WILLIAM H. SHAW. He was born in Troy, N. Y., in 1790. He received a regular collegiate education, and choosing medicine as a profession, graduated in the city of New York. He took part in the war of 1812, first as a volunteer, subsequently as a surgeon. He first settled in Jamestown, New York, but left there finally with the intention of locating at some eligible point in the west or southwest. His library he shipped by boat, intending to intercept it, at some point on the Ohio river, while he came overland. Upon arriving at New Castle he put up at a tavern kept by Alexander Hawthorne. He then had no intention of settling in New Castle, but, on account of high water in the streams, he was compelled to stop, as he thought for only a few days, but the fact becoming known that he was a physician, his services were requested in several cases, and it finally resulted in his making New Castle a place of permanent residence. He never heard afterwards of his library which he had shipped by boat. Dr. Shaw's practice was very extensive, and he rode over a large district of country. He was a man of a noble heart and generous impulses, and few, if any, did so much during his early practice, for which there was no return so far as pecuniary compensation may be considered. He adhered to the old school of practice, and had a profound contempt for anything that had the taint of quackery or charlatanism. Shortly after the death of his wife he determined to gratify,a life-long desire to travel. Accordingly, in 1849, in company with his son James, he started by overland route for California, and, notwithstanding his age and the almost insurmountable obstacles to overcome, he arrived there finally in a better state of health than when he started. He spent between two and three years in the land of gold, visiting points of interest, and arrived home in December, 1851, by way of Panama and New Orleans. Kansas next offered him many points of attraction, and in April, 1856, in company with about fifteen others of decided "free soil" proclivities, he left New Castle for the land of minerals. He returned again in the Fall of the same year. In the following Spring he again went to Kansas, locating in the southern part of the State, and commenced planting fruit trees, vines, &c., but he had not accomplished much until death came and thwarted all his well-laid plans. He died on the 8th of November, 1857. DR. A. W. COWDEN was one of the early practitioners of the county, and a very successful one. He settled in New Castle in the year 1829,. and followed his profession in this vicinity until 1865, when he removed to Princeton, where he died December 6, 1875. Dr. Cowden was not a regular graduate of medicine, but he was a close observer of disease, and an excellent diagnostician, rivaling many who had the superior advantage of an early medical education. As a man, he was genial and whole-souled; always cheerful, always affable, but with these qualities somewhat sullied with his jealousy of new doctors, or "new fangled" ideas of medicine. Unfortunately, like many physicians, especially those of the earlier days, he was a poor collector, and after practicing arduously for more than forty years, was but little better off, financially, than when he commenced his career; for in those times a load of refuse hay or straw was considered sufficient to pay for a whole year's "doctoring." DR. POLLOCK settled about four miles south of New Castle, in 1826. He was born in the year 1788, and finished his collegiate course in 1808. In 1810 he commenced the practice of medicine in Washington county, near Monongahela City. Dr. Pollock was known, not only for his medical abilities, but was recognized as one of the leading men in the western part of the State, and was a frequent contributor to various periodicals, on many questions that were of interest to the public. Many of his articles are used as historical data to this day. Among other articles, he wrote a complete and succinct history of the tribe of Indians who settled around Moravia, this county, and from whom that place derives its name. He died on the 6th of October, 1856. About the year 1830, DR. JAMES A. COSSITT settled in New Castle, having come here from Mercer. After remaining here a few years he again changed his location, removing to the State of Illinois. He remained there about two years, and returned to New Castle, in which place he settled permanently and followed his profession until within a few years of his death, which occurred in 1875. Dr. Cossitt was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in the year 1795. He served in the war of 1812 as assistant surgeon, settling afterwards in Mercer. The doctor was a perfect model of a true gentleman of the "old school," polite, affable, and courteous in the extreme, but tempered with a great deal of dignity. He had a high opinion of the honor pertaining to the profession, and of the code of ethics which should govern professional brethren. A most amusing incident, often told concerning him, fully illustrates this point in his character. A physician, whom he did not regard as quite "regular" once sent for him to go several miles into the country, and assist him in a difficult case. After some hesitation he accompanied the messenger. When the operation had been performed, they started home together, both being on horseback; but when they reached the road, Dr. Cossitt turned and [p. 161] said to his companion: "Sir, the dignity of my profession will not allow me to ride abreast with you into the town; please follow a short distance behind." The other physician, not wishing to create any disturbance, accordingly fell behind, and they rode into town in that order, Dr. Cossitt ahead, and the other following like a lackey. DR. A. ANDREWS settled in New Castle in 1834. He practiced here for some years, when he finally removed to Mahoningtown, where he shortly afterwards died. He was known as a zealous churchman, and left the greater part of his property to the Episcopal church in this city. He was followed by DR. BARLOW, who opened a drug-store in connection with his practice. DR. WILLIAM WOODS practiced in Pulaski at an early date, and successfully through a long period of years, and enjoyed, in a marked degree, the confidence of the community in which he resided. He died in 1862. DR. ISAAC COWDEN practiced for many years in New Wilmington; in fact, the name of Cowden may be called a medical one in this and adjoining counties, and has furnished more physicians, if we except the name of Cunningham, than any in this part of the State. He was followed by Dr. Donahue, who afterwards removed to New Brighton, Beaver county. DR. SETH POPINO, a student of Dr. Cowden's, graduated at Cleveland, and settled in New Wilmington, where he remained practicing his profession successfully until his death, which occurred during the Winter of 1875-6. He was universally respected, apart from his medical abilities, as a man of honor, and his word was known literally to be as good as his bond. He was always to be found at his post, rarely absenting himself, even for a day, from the duties of his profession. DR. WILLIAM SMITH removed from Beaver county to the lower part of Lawrence county in 1853, and settled near Moravia. He at one time represented the former county in the State Legislature. He soon enjoyed all the advantages and disadvantages of a large country practice, and rode extensively all over the lower part of the county. He changed his location to Enon Valley in 1872, but shortly afterwards his health began to give way, and he died in the latter place, July 5, 1873. Dr. Smith was a man uinversally liked and respected for his many good qualities and his genial, whole-souled manner. DR. J. B REINHOLDT was born in Lawrence county, in the year 1837. He graduated at Jefferson College, Philadelphia, in the year 1862. He immediately entered the army as volunteer surgeon, and remained until the close of the rebellion. He then settled in Muscatine, Iowa; but in 1868 returned to his native county and resumed the practice of his profession. He practiced with honor, and attained success chiefly as a surgeon, but his health failing, he took a trip to Minnesota, in the hope that a complete change of climate would effect a cure, but returned in the Fall with his health still impaired, and wholly unfit to resume the practice of his profession, and, in spite of all medical treatment, continued to fail until death came to his relief. Dr. Reinholdt was a man of more than ordinary ability, and won not only many professional, but personal friends, by his many good qualities, which always marked him as a gentleman of honor. He died March 31, 1873, at the early age of thirty-six years. DR. A. P. DUTCHER practiced for some years in Enon Valley, this county, but afterwards removed to Cleveland. DR. WILCOX practiced for some years in Mount Jackson. His health giving way under the arduous duties of his profession, he opened a drug store in New Castle, but shortly afterwards removed to California, where he is now practicing the healing art. This rapid and incomplete sketch brings us to the living physicians of Lawrence county. We are confident that some names have been omitted that should have been mentioned, and many worthy physicians have been passed in silence, for we could not burden these pages with mention of those who had practiced in the county only for a short time, or of transient ones who soon removed to other spheres. As the object of this article is not to be a medical directory, but a short medical history of the county, its continuance is a matter of much difficulty and delicacy, but the county is so new, and the lives of so many of the present physicians are so blended with the past, that the history would not be complete without the mention of some, at least, of the leading ones of the present day, and we will endeavor to give a short sketch of each, as near as possible in the order of their residence. DR. GEMMIL is probably the oldest of the living physicians who have practiced in Lawrence county, and belongs, in fact, to the early day, being contemporary with Doctors Shaw, Cowden, Woods and Cossitt. He practiced most successfully in New Castle for a long period of years and rode from one end of the county to the other, being at the same time in the drug business. He afterwards removed to Cincinnati, but returned in a few years. After practicing in this part of the county for some time, he became interested in the oil business in Slippery Rock, and this after everbody had abandoned the business as a failure; but, with the energy which marks all his actions, he persevered in his efforts, and after a long series of years of patient labor, his efforts are, we believe, crowned with success, and the doctor has obtained oil in paying quantities?a well which we sincerely hope will repay all his toils. DR. DANIEL LEASURE graduated at Jefferson Medical College in 1846. He settled in New Castle in 1849, and practiced in the city successfully until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he organized two military companies in the vicinity. He was shortly afterwards promoted to a colonelcy, and served with distinction during the entire war, at the close of which he was breveted brigadier-general. He then practiced a few years in this city, removing, in 1870, to Allegheny City, where is now an active practitioner; his family, however, residing in his native place, to which he weekly returns. DR. J. H. M. PEEBLES graduated at Jefferson College in 1850, and immediately afterwards settled in New Castle. He soon took a front rank among the physicians of the county, and practiced successfully until 1860, when he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, remaining there but a short time. He returned to New Castle and resumed the practice of his profession in the latter place. Dr. Peebles has always, in a marked degree, enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the community. During the war he was appointed examining surgeon of the county, and at present is president of the Select Councils of the city. DR. J. M. WALLACE graduate at Jefferson Medical College in 1846. He practiced a few years in Darlington, Beaver county, but settled in New Castle in 1850. He was elected to Congress in 1860, and took part in that Congress which directed the movements of the war. After serving his term, he was appointed paymaster, which position he held until 1865, when he returned to New Castle and resumed the duties of his profession. In 1874 he was re-elected to Congress. DR. JAMES J. WALLACE graduated at Jefferson Medical College in 1851, and the same year settled in New Castle, and has been in continuous practice ever since that date, with marked success, and has always been a great favorite throughout the rural districts, his practice being a very arduous one, as it extends over the whole county. DR. R. D. WALLACE graduated in the Cleveland medical College in the year 1853, after which he joined the tide of emigration west-ward and settled in California. He returned to the East in 1856, and settled in New Castle the same year. The doctor enjoys, in a marked degree, the confidence of his professional brethren, and is known not only as a successful practitioner, but a close and conscientious student in everything pertaining to the art of medicine. DR. M. P. BARKER graduated at the Cleveland Medical College, and subsequently attended a course of lectures at the University of Pennsylvania. He settled in New Wilmington in 1859, and practiced his profession there until 1861, when he returned to New Castle, where he has enjoyed a successful practice ever since. Dr. MITCHLETREE has been practicing a series of years in Edenburg, and has a large and successful business in that part of the county. DR. E. BRUGH graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1851, and for a short time was resident physician to the Philadelphia Hospital. He practiced for a while in Steubenville, Ohio, but located in Wilmington in 1861, where he has resided ever since in active practice of his profession. DR. JOHN WOODS is a graduate of the Cleveland Medical College, and afterwards attended a course of lectures at the University of Pennsylvania. He first settled in Greenfield, Mercer county, but subseqently located in New Wilmington. Remaining there a short time, he returned to New Castle, and, after practicing here for some years, again settled in New Wilmington, where he is at present practicing his profession with the success that has always attended his efforts. He is known as a close student. DR. SILAS STEVENSON has been practicing for some years in Bedford, lecturing there upon the departure of Dr. Alex. McClure. Dr. Stevenson is very popular in the western part of the county, and enjoys a very extensive practice. DR. C. K. RILEY settled in Pulaski in 1861, at the earnest solicitation of Dr. Wm. Woods, whose health at that time was failing. He has remained there in continued practice ever since, with the exception of a few months, when he was appointed contract surgeon during the rebellion. But having to abandon the service on account of ill health, he again settled in Pulaski. [p. 162] DR. D. CUNNINGHAM graduated at Jefferson Medical College, after an examination by the State Medical Board. He was appointed assistant surgeon, and remained in the service after the close of the war, after which he settled in Wurtemburg, and has remained in active and successful practice ever since, except in the Winter of 1870, when he attended a course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College. DR. THOS. MEHARD was a graduate of the Cleveland Medical College, and settled in Wampum in 187-. He immediately took a prominent rank among the physicians of the county, and succeeded to an extensive practice, embracing a large territory in the lower part of the county. DR. ZIMMERMAN located in Mount Jackson, shortly after Dr. Wilcox had removed, and has been in successful practice in that village ever since. DR. HALL has been practicing for a series of years in Harlansburg, and has lately opened a drug-store in connection with his profession. DR. M. P. ROBINSON is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College. He first settled in the northern part of the county, but in a short time moved to Mahoningtown, where he rapidly gained the confidence of the community, and established himself in a large practice. DR. PETIT, has been practicing in New Wilmington for some years with a great degree of success. DR. THOS. BLACKWOOD is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College. He settled in East New Castle in 1872, and has remained in successful practice ever since. DR. JOHN C. MCKEE graduated at Miami Medical College in 1873. He immediately located in Princeton, which, on account of the failing health of Dr. Cowden, needed a physician. He rapidly became known as a successful practitioner, and has thoroughly established himself in a large and increasing business. DR. JAMES K. POLLOCK graduated at Miami Medical College in 1873. He at first settled in New Castle, but shortly afterwards changed his location to Virginia. He remained there a short time, when he returned to Lawrence county, and settled in Harlansburg, where he is now successfully following his profession. DR. MONT LINNVILLE graduated at the Jefferson Medical College in 1873, and in the Spring of the same year settled in New Castle. He had formerly practiced a few months in Princeton. He soon established a reputation, and acquired a large practice. DR. H. P. PEEBLES graduated at Miami Medical College in 1873, and immediately settled in New Castle, practicing for some time in partnership with his father, Dr. J. H. M. Peebles. DR. DAVID P. JACKSON graduated at Miami Medical College in 1874, and the same year settled in New Castle. Having paid especial attention to ophthamology, he rapidly attained a practice in that specialty. DR. W. D. SMITH is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, and settled in Eastbrook in 1876, where he is establishing himself in a large practice. DR. RHODES settled in Chewton in 1876, and has already acquired quite an extensive practice. DR. BRITTIAN settled in Moravia in 1876, and is meeting with success. DR. TRUESDALE is a graduate of Cleveland Medical College, and located in Mount Jackson in 1876, where he has been practicing since with marked success. DR. MEALLY removed from West Virginia to Wilmington, where he is successfully practicing. DR. NYE settled in Enon Valley during 1875, and has been since practicing successfully in that part of the county. DR. J. Q. McKEE graduated at Miami Medical College in 1876, and immediately after settled in New Castle. The latest recruit to the medical ranks in Lawrence county is DR. ROBERT WALLACE, who graduated at Miami Medical College in 1877, and is at present practicing with his father, Dr. J. J. Wallace. The homeopathic school in this county is represented by DR. N. WHITE and DR. W. F. HOCKING. Dr. White has been practicing in this city and county for a number of years, and is regarded very highly by those who favor the doctrine of homeopathy, and is recognized in the community as a man of merit. Dr. Hocking has been here but a few years, but in this time has fully established himself in practice. DR. ELIJAH DEVOE is an independent practitioner, not following the dictates of any school of specialists. He has taken regular courses of lectures in each of the three systems?allopathic, botanic and eclectic?and has also given considerable study to the homeopathic school. He commenced practice in Chautauque county, New York, and afterwards practiced for many years extensively in the city of Buffalo, and in Erie and Cattaraugus county, New York. He afterwards practiced in Meadville, Pa., for seven years. He came to New Castle in December, 1871, where he has since followed his profession with eminent success, having treated over ten thousand cases since his location here. His practice is mostly confined to the office. MISS MARMORA DEVOE, daughter of Dr. E. Devoe, graduated at the Cleveland Medical College; and also at Ann Arbor, Mich., in the homeopathic branch of the profession. She has an office with her father, and has practiced with success for about three years. MISS EUGENIE SHEETS is a regular graduate of the Philadelphia Female College of the class of 1876, and has established herself in New Castle for the pratice of her profession. Lawrence county, for several reasons, has never proved a good soil for the growth and maintenance of a Medical Society, and it is but recently that one has been formed that gives any promise of future life and activity. In 1854 the Medical Society of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio (in which Lawrence county took part) was organized. It maintained a precarious existence for a few years, and then was abandoned. In 1857 the first county organization took place. It flourished for one or two years, and then died of general apathy. About 1864 a meeting was held of all the physicians of the county, of which Dr. J. H. M. Peebles was chairman. It consisted of regular and irregular allopaths and homeopaths, and was called, not to form a County Society, but to regulate professional fees and to establish a standard of medical charges. About 1869 another attempt was made to form a regular County Society. Dr. J. H. M. Peebles was elected president; Dr. M. P. Barker, secretary, and Dr. J. B. Reinholdt, treasurer. But, like its predecessors, in a short time it died of general inanition. In 1876 another attempt was made, and the efforts of the regular physicians seemed at last to be crowned with success. In the first of its existence, Dr. R. D. Wallace was chosen president; Dr. E. Brugh, vice president; Dr. M. P. Barker, secretary; Dr. H. P. Peebles, treasurer; Dr. Woods, Dr. Blackwood and Dr. Pollock, censors. The officers for the year 1877 are: president, Dr. E. Brugh; vice president, Dr. W. D. Smith; secretary, Dr. H. P. Peebles, and treasurer,. Dr. R. D. Wallace. The society is at present in a flourishing condition, and its meetings have accomplished much good, both in promoting a friendly feeling among its members and in disseminating needful medical knowledge. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ History of Lawrence County Pennsylvania, 1770 - 1877, by S.W. and P.A. Durant. THE BENCH AND BAR OF LAWRENCE COUNTY. BY COLONEL R. B. M'COMB. GEORGE P. SHAW was the first lawyer in New Castle. He was connected with the publication of a newspaper along with David Crawford. This was in 1826 or 1827. N. TYLER was in New Castle about 1831 or 1832, and removed to Meadville prior to 1833, where he died. Samuel Sample, son of the Rev. Robert Sample, afterwards married his widow. HENRY E. WALLACE came to New Castle from Philadelphia in 1835, He remained in New Castle about one year, when he returned to Philadelphia, where he has been practicing his profession ever since. He has for many years been connected with the publication of the Legal Intelligencer. JAMES ALEXANDER settled in New Castle in 1837 or 1838. He lived in what was known as the "Old Pokeberry," and had an office in the residence of the Rev. Robert Sample at the corner of Washington and Mill streets. SAMUEL SAMPLE was born in Beaver county; studied law, and was admitted to the bar in Mercer in 1840. He was a son of Rev. Robert Sample. After practicing law for two or three years he removed to Meadville, Crawford county. L. L. McGUFFIN was born in Wilmington, Del., came to New Castle in 1833, was admitted to the bar in Mercer in 1843. In 1864 he was appointed President Judge in place of Agnew, elected to the Supreme Bench, and afterwards elected to the same office, which position he held till the 1st of January, 1875. JOHN KNIGHT was born in Beaver county, on the Slippery Rock, at what was known as "Knight's Mills." He studied law in Beaver county, and came to New Castle in 1843, remained but a short time, and removed to Wabash, Indiana. [p. 163] COLUMBUS LANCASTER came to New Castle from Michigan in 1843. He immediately took an active part as a citizen in all that pertained to the interests of the place. He acquired some distinction as a lawyer in prosecutions for violations of the license laws. In 1845 he was appointed by the President one of the Judges of the Territory of Oregon, which office he held during the administration of James K. Polk. He was afterwards elected to Congress as a delegate from Washington Territory. Mr. Lancaster was a man of very superior acquirements and great energy. He, his wife and child, crossed the plains to Oregon in a wagon fitted up with a bed, stove, and other conveniences. He is yet in Washington Territory. N. M. BARUS came to New Castle from Butler county, and opened an office over Cochran's store, at the corner of Washington and Mill streets. He remained in New Castle two or three years, and removed to Kansas. JONATHAN AYRES came to New Castle from Butler, in the year ___. In 1850 he associated himself with Lewis Taylor, of Beaver, making the firm of Ayres & Taylor. He acquired a good practice, and was esteemed a good lawyer. He died in New Castle in the year ___. ALEXANDER ROGERS was born in Mercer county, Pa. He had an office in New Castle for a short time. He afterwards removed to Bedford, this county, where he practiced law a few years, and then removed West. JOHN M. CRAWFORD was born in Norristown, Pa., studied law with J. Fornanse, and was admitted to the bar about 1845 or 1846; came to New Castle soon after, and opened an office at the corner of Old Canal and Jefferson streets; retired soon after from the practice, and entered the iron business. D. C. COSSITT was born in Mercer, Pa. He spent several years at Yale college, where he studied law. He was admitted to practice in Mercer county in 1847. He removed to New Castle, and entered into partnership with R. D. Hartshorn, and continued here for some years, then removed to Pittsburgh, Pa. R. D. HARTSHORN was born in Beaver county, studied law in New Lisbon, Ohio, and came to New Castle in 1848. He and D. C. Cossitt formed a partnership. He afterwards removed to Pittsburgh. J. NAFF McGUFFIN was born in Newville, Cumberland county, Pa., and removed to New Castle with his parents in 1833. He was admitted to practice in the year 1847, and immediately associated himself with his brother, L. L. McGuffin, constituting the well-known firm of L. L. & J. N. McGuffin. He took a very active part in all matters pertaining to the interests of the county. He was an active, earnest Democrat, and an able stump-speaker. In 1858 he was the Democratic candidate for Congress, and was beaten by William Stewart, of Mercer. He died on the 3d day of February, 1859. G. N. SCROGGS was born in Beaver county. His father at one time represented that county in the State Senate. He came to New Castle in 1846, having previously been admitted to practice in Beaver. Before the organization of Lawrence county he removed to Buffalo, where he has continued to reside and to practice his prifession. He is a man of fine acquirements, and a good lawver. J. K. BOYD opened an office in New Castle some time between the years 1844 and 1846. He was here until 1849. JAMES W. JOHNSTON removed to New Castle from Indiana county in 1849, and in 1853 formed a copartnership with S. W. Dana; was appointed Paymaster in the army in 1863. He afterwards settled in Tennessee. WILLIAM P. BUCHANAN moved to New Castle from Beaver county; was appointed by Governor Johnston first district attorney of Lawrence county, which he held until the election the next year (1850). He and David Craig, Esq., were in partnership for a short time. He afterwards removed West. JOHN D. HOFFMAN came to New Castle from Centre county, where he had previously been admitted to practice law. In 1853 he was elected register and recorder of Lawrence county. At the expiration of his term he retired from practice, and opened a book-store on Washington street. DAVID CRAIG was born in Washington county, where he studied law in the office of the Hon. T. J. McKennon. His father had filled many public offices, and was in the convention to revise the State Constitution in 1838. David Craig came to New Castle in 1849. He was elected district attorney, and twice to the Legislature. In 1873 he was chosen a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and died before the convention had completed its labors. But few men in Western Pennsylvania sustained a higher character for ability and integrity than Mr. Craig. GEORGE W. WATSON came to New Castle from Centre county in 1849. He had been admitted to the bar in Bellefont. He remained in New Castle for a few years, and removed to Illinois. LEWIS TAYLOR was admitted to the bar in Beaver county. He was appointed District Attorney of that county by Governor Shunk. In 1849 he removed to New Castle, and entered into copartnership with Jonathan Ayres, making the firm of Taylor & Ayres. He retired from the practice some years since. Mr. Taylor stood second to no lawyer in Western Pennsylvania. He was not only a sound lawyer, but an able and eloquent advocate. DAVID B. KURTZ was born in Chester county, Pa. He studied law with Joseph Casey, and was admitted to the bar at Union county, Pa., February, 1849. He came to New Castle the same year, and commenced the practice of law with the organization of Lawrence county. Mr. Kurtz and Judge McGuffin are the only members now practicing in Lawrence county who were at the bar when the county was organized (D. C. Cossitt having long since retired). It is worthy of notice that during the long career of Mr. Kurtz at the Lawrence county bar he has never been absent from court a single term. His untiring devotion to his profession and his ability as an advocate have put him in the front rank of lawyers in Pennsylvania. SAMUEL HOLSTEIN was admitted to the bar of Lawrence county at its organization. He had for many years been a member of the Mercer bar, and was esteemed one of its ablest advocates. He died in New Castle some years since. D. S. MORRIS was born in Meadville, Pa.; graduated at Allegheny College in 1846. He studied law with the Hon. H. L. Richmond, and was admitted to the bar in Meadville in 1850. He soon after removed to New Castle, where he opened an office and succeeded to good practice. His ability and long standing at the bar have made him eminent as one of its ablest lawyers. JAMES POLLOCK came to New Castle in 1850; was elected assistant district attorney in 1852, which office he held for three years. After the expiration of his term he removed West. ROBERT GILLELAND was born in Allegheny county, Pa. He was admitted to the bar in Lawrence county in 1853, having studied with D. B. Kurtz. In 1862 he was elected district attorney. R. B. McCOMB was born in Mercer county, studied law with D. B. Kurtz, and was admitted to the bar in March, 1853. (See biography.) SAMUEL W. DANA was born in Massachusetts. He was admitted to the bar in Warren county, Pa., in June, 1853, and soon after removed to New Castle, where he became a partner with J. W. Johnston, Esq., under the title of Johnston & Dana. In 1863 the firm of Johnston & Dana was dissolved, Mr. Dana continuing the practice alone until September, 1875, when he associated with him Scott D. Long, making the firm of Dana & Long. Mr. Dana's close attention to his profession, together with an accurate knowledge of the practice, have made him eminent among the best members of the bar. HON. MILO McGLATHERY was born in Lawrence county, in 1834. He studied law with the Hon. L. L. McGuffin; afterwards graduated at the Union Law School of Ohio; removed to West Union county, Iowa in 1856; was elected district attorney of that county in 1858, and filled that office with much ability for eight years. He was elected judge of the tenth judicial district, in which capacity he served with great acceptance for eight years more, and held that position at the time of his death. BENJAMIN NICKLIN studied law with D. B. Kurtz, Esq.; was admitted to the bar in 1856; served in the late war, after which he settled in Chattanooga, Tenn., where he continued the practice of law until his death in 1875. THOMAS B. MORGAN was born in Pittsburgh, studied law with D. B. Kurtz, Esq., and was admitted to the bar in 1856. He enlisted in Knapp's Battery in 1861, and continued in the army until the close of the war, after which he opened an office on Washington street. He was elected the first mayor of New Castle. At the expiration of his term he retired from the practice of law. D. W. HOUSTON studied law with D. B. Kurtz, Esq., and was admitted to practice in 1857. He practiced one year in the office of R. B. McComb. He afterwards removed to Kansas. During the war he commanded a regiment of cavalry. He also held the office of United States marshal for one of the districts of that State. JOHN S. KING was born in Cambria county; studied law in Gettysburg, Adams county; removed to Lawrence county in 1859, and associated himself with R. B. McComb. In 1861 he received an appointment as captain in the regular army. DAVID WAUGH studied law with D. B. Kurtz, and was admitted to the bar in 1857. [p.164] JOHN P. BLAIR came to New Castle in 1857, from Indiana county. 1860 he was elected district attorney, which office he held until the organization of the 100th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, when he enlisted and was made lieutenant of one of the companies. At the close of the war he returned to Indiana county. He was afterwards elected judge of that district, which office he now holds. B. B. PICKETT came to New Castle shortly after the organization of the county. He was elected district attorney in 1857. After the expiration of his term of office he removed to Meadville, Crawford county. CRAWFORD STEWART was born in New Castle. He studied law with D. B. Kurtz, Esq., and was admitted to practice in 1859 or 1860. He enlisted in a Michigan regiment at the beginning of the war, and was killed at the first battle of Bull Run. JOHN McMICHAEL was born in Crawford county, Pa. Graduated at Westminster College, New Wilmington, in July, 1857. Read law with Hon. H. L. Richmond, Esq., of Meadville, Pa., and was admitted to the bar in 1861. He soon after came to New Castle, and practiced law in the office of Hon. L. L. McGuffin. In 1863 he opened an office by himself, and continued the same until October, 1876, when he associated with him Malcolm McConnell. In 1874 Mr. McMichael was nominated as a candidate for law judge in the district composed of Butler and Lawrence counties, and was beaten by the Hon. E. McJunkin, of Butler. Mr. McMichael's ability as a lawyer, and industry, energy and honesty have established his position amongst the leaders of the Lawrence county bar. J. SMITH Du SHANE read law with L. L. McGuffin. During the late civil war he served in the lOOth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (Roundheads). He was admitted to the bar in September, 1864. Was elected district attorney in 1865, and served until 1868. J. ALVAN EUWER was born September l2, 1836, at New Castle, Pa. Graduated at Jefferson College with the class of 1859. Studied law at New Castle with Robert Gilleland, and at Pittsburgh with Hon. Thomas Williams, and was admitted to practice September term, 1865, at New Castle, Pa. E. T. KURTZ, the junior member of the firm of D. B. & E. T. Kurtz, was born in Juniata county, Pa. He came to New Castle in March, 1865; was admitted to the bar in May, 1865. In April, 1867, the well-known firm of D. B. & E. T. Kurtz was established. JAMES G. ELLIOT, born in Worth township, Butler county, Pa. Graduated at Jefferson College, Pa., read law with J. McMichael, Esq., in New Castle, and was admitted to the bar in 1865. Commenced to practice in Petroleum Centre, Venango county, Pa., in 1866. Came to New Castle in 1868, and entered into partnership with Daniel Craig, Esq.; continued with him about two years. He then removed to Sharon, Mercer county, Pa., and opened an office, where he still continues. JAMES M. MARTIN was born in Lawrence county in 1843. He graduated at the Ohio State and Union Law School in 1867, and was admitted to practice in the several courts of Lawrence county the same year. Since then he has continued his profession in Lawrence county, and has acquired a good practice. GEORGE E. TREADWELL was born in Maryland in 1842. He graduated at Yale College in 1865, and studied law at the Yale Law School in 1867. He came to New Castle in 1869, where he has continued the practice of law. He has established a reputation as a successful and reliable lawyer. THOMAS HENRY was born in Beaver county. He graduated at the Beaver Academy, and studied law with Judge Agnew. He was admitted to the bar in Beaver county in 1867. He removed to New Castle the same year. Major Henry enlisted in the 9th Pennsylvania Reserves as a private, and served for two years. In 1862 he was captain in the 140th regiment, and in 1864 he was promoted to the rank of major. DAVID M. KESSINGER was born in Cumberland county, Pa.; graduated at the Columbia Law School in Washington, D. C., in the class of 1868, and was admitted to the bar there in the same year. He came to New Castle in 1869. SCOTT D. LONG was born in New Castle in 1847. He studied law with D. B. Kurtz, Esq., and was admitted to the bar in May, 1869. Soon after he was associated with S. W. Dana, constituting the firm of Dana & Long. MOSES B. WELSH removed to New Castle from Beaver in 1870. He was afterwards elected mayor of New Castle. After serving his term, he retired to his farm in Pulaski township. G. D. KUESTER was born in Mercer, Pa., 1838. In 1856 he edited the Lawrence Journal, New Castle, Pa.; studied law with Hon. David Craig; was admitted to practice in 1870; removed soon after to Chicago, Ill., and entered upon the practice of the law. In 1872 he returned to New Castle and published the Lawrence Journal until 1873. After which he practiced his profession. SAMUEL FOLTZ was born in Butler county, Pa.; studied law with Charles Sullivan, Esq., of Butler, Pa.; was admitted to the bar in said county in 1852; commenced the practice in New Castle in 1872, with George Treadwell as partner, under the firm name of Treadwell & Foltz. J. K. WALLACE was born in Lawrence county, Pa.; read law with R. B. McComb of New Castle, Pa., and was admitted to the bar of that county in 1872. B. A. WINTERNITZ was born in New Castle, Lawrence county, Pa.; graduated at Westminster and Iron City Colleges; studied law with Colonel O. L. Jackson, and was admitted to the bar in May, 1872. JOHN G. M'CONAHY was born in Lawrence, Pa.; studied law in the office of John McMichael, Esq., and was admitted to the bar in September, 1872. He received a liberal education at the State Normal School, Edenboro, Erie county. B. W. ALLSWORTH was born in Lawrence county in 1851. He received a collegiate education at Westminster College, New Wilmington; studied law in the office of R. B. McComb, and was admitted to the bar in September, 1874. MALCOLM McCONNELL was born in Wilmington township, Mercer county, Pa., December 13th, 1850; studied law with R. B. McComb, Esq., New Castle; Pa.; admitted to the bar December 14, 1874; commenced the practice of law as the partner of his preceptor, R. B. McComb; opened a law office by himself, 1876. On October 24, 1876, he associated himself with John McMichael as the firm of McMichael & McConnell. ROBERT MACKWOOK was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1838; graduated at the Rochester University; studied law with J. H. Osmer, Esq., of Franklin, Venango county, Pa., and was admitted to the bar of Venango county in 1868; came to New Castle in August, 1875, where he practiced his profession in partnership with J. T. Butler until September, 1876, from thence entered into partnership with B. W. Allsworth, Esq. J. T. BUTLER came to New Castle in 1875 and practiced with Robert Mackwook as Mackwook & Butler. WILLIAM M. BROWN was born in Greenville, Mercer county, Pa.; moved with parents to Jackson county, Iowa, in 1856; from thence to Webster county, Iowa, in 1864; came to Warren, Ohio, in September, 1870, and thence to New Castle in December of same year; commenced to read law with John McMichael in 1873; was admitted to the bar of Lawrence county in 1875; was commissioned notary public for the county of Lawrence, April 21, 1874. S. WOODWARD CUNNINGHAM was born in New Castle, Lawrence county; studied law with D. B. Kurtz, Esq.; was admitted to the bar September, 1875, afterwards removing to Pittsburgh, where he still continues to practice. J. SCOTT IRVIN was born in Lawrence county in 1851; graduated at Westminster College 1873, with the degree of A. B.; entered the western Theological Seminary in the Fall of 1873, but abandoned the study of theology, and entered the law office of Dana & Long the same year; was admitted to the bar of Lawrence county, February, 1876. J. L. MONTGOMERY was born in New Castle, Lawrence county, Pa.; read law with D. B. & E. T. Kurtz, Esq.; was admitted to the bar in February, 1876. JAMES N. GARDNER was born in Butler county, Pa. Entered the United States army, during the late rebellion, as a private in Battery "B," 1st Light Artillery, Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps (Captain J. H. Cooper), served throughout the entire war in said battery, and was promoted during service to first lieutenant. Studied law with John McMichael and J. M. Martin, Esq., of New Castle, and was admitted, December 16, 1876, to practice at this bar. JOHN J. SAMPSON was born in Wilmington township, Lawrence county, in 1844. He studied law with O. L. Jackson, and was admitted to the bar in 1877. He was appointed United States commissioner for the Western District of Pennsylvania in 1876. A. L. HAZEN has been practicing law in Lawrence county for some years. He has been twice elected district attorney, and twice city solicitor. ROBERT I. BRECKENRIDGE was admitted to the bar in Lawrence county, but soon after retired from the practice and settled upon a farm. ------------------------------------------------------------------------