LOCAL HISTORY: Mifflin, Borough of Lewistown - Part 2; Ellis, Franklin, ed. 
History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata Valleys embraced in the 
counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder.  Philadelphia, 1886. 

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MIFFLIN COUNTY.  513

the inhabitants of Lewistown, opposing the settlement of Mr. Simpson among them 
for any term of time whatever; also a remonstrance from Derry and Wayne, against 
his settlement among them. The following action was taken by Presbytery in view 
of these remonstrances: 'Whereas, insinuations have been made by remonstrances 
handed into Presbytery by a commissioner from the congregations of Derry and 
Wayne, injurious to Mr. Simpson's moral character, the Rev. Messrs. John 
Johnston, John Coulter and William Stewart, with Messrs. David Riddle and David 
Caldwell, elders, were appointed a committee to meet at the house of Mr. Casper 
Dull, in Waynesburg [McVeytown] on the 15th clay of this month [October], and 
inquire into the foundation of these insinuations and the truth of the reports 
said to be in circulation; and to send for those persons who have, either in 
writing or otherwise, circulated them. And if, after inquiry being made, it 
appears that they arc without foundation or cannot be supported, the stated 
clerk is ordered to furnish Mr. Simpson with proper credentials, he being about 
to travel out of our bounds.'

"At an adjourned meeting of the Presbytery, held in November following, the 
Committee reported 'that having examined witnesses on oath, brought before them 
by Mr. Simpson's accusers, they found nothing sufficient to condemn him or 
deprive him of his credentials.' The minutes of the committee were submitted to 
the Presbytery, read, and their proceedings approved. However, at the stated 
meeting of the Presbytery, April 2, 1802, a paper was presented to Presbytery, 
signed by three respectable church members, pledging themselves to prove some 
aggravated charges, as to moral delinquency, against Mr. Simpson. Upon which, 
Presbytery appointed an adjourned meeting to be held at Lewistown the third 
Tuesday in June following, and cited Mr. Simpson to appear and answer to the 
charges exhibited against him by these persons. At the time appointed the 
Presbytery met to try the charges brought against Mr. Simpson, heard the 
witnesses on the part of his accusers and on the part of Mr. Simpson (it appears 
that there was no church building then in Lewistown, so they met in the court-
house). The Presbytery considered that the charges were fully substantiated and 
suspended him from the ministry.

"As this may appear inconsistent with the report of the committee sent to 
inquire into the reports injurious to Mr. Simpson's character a short time 
before, and the approval of their proceedings in the case, the following action 
was immediately had by the Presbytery at the conclusion of Mr. Simpson's case, 
viz.: 'Whereas it has been intimated to Presbytery at our last Spring meeting, 
and there now appears some reason to suspect that the committee appointed to 
meet at Waynesburg in October last, to inquire into the truth and grounds of the 
insinuations that had been made injurious to the character of Mr. Simpson, did 
not transact that business altogether consistently with the instructions of 
Presbytery. Resolved, that citations be issued to those persons who were members 
of that committee, and also to Judge Oliver and Gen. John Bratton to attend our 
next fall meeting at East Kishacoquillas.' At the fall meeting, as cited, the 
committee being present and being heard in explanation of their proceedings, the 
following minute was made: 'Upon hearing the committee appointed on Mr. 
Simpson's case, the Presbytery are of opinion that any impropriety that took 
place in that transaction proceeded from inadvertency and not from design.' At 
the same meeting Mr. Simpson applied to Presbytery to be restored to his former 
ministerial standing, professing sorrow for the crime of intemperance and other 
irregularities, but denying the most aggravated charge brought against him and 
asking Presbytery to be permitted to bring forward some evidence which had been 
obtained since the last meeting, which he supposed would invalidate the 
testimony then given as to that part of the charge. Presbytery consented to hear 
said witnesses, but after hearing, did not see cause to modify their verdict or 
restore Mr. Simpson.

"At the meeting of the Presbytery in April, 1803, Mr. Simpson applied again to 
be restored, professing the deepest penitence and humiliation for his past 
conduct, particularly for those irregularities which were the cause of his 
suspension; at the same time expressing his acquiescence in the proceedings of 
Presbytery in his case, and acknowledging the justice of the sentence passed on 
him, which he admitted to be unavoidable from the evidence which appeared, 
although his conscience (he said) would not permit him to acknowledge real 
guilt, in regard to the more aggravated charge. He also expressed deep sorrow 
for his disorderly conduct since, particularly for continuing to preach, in open 
contempt of the authority of Presbytery, and on these professions asked to be 
restored to the exercise of his ministry. Presbytery approved of Mr. Simpson's 
professions of penitence, but could not see the way clear to restore him until a 
correspondent reformation evinced the sincerity of that repentance, which he 
himself acknowledged to be very recent. On the refusal of the Presbytery to 
remove his suspension, Mr. Simpson 'snatched' the paper containing his 
confession from the clerk's desk, treated the authority of Presbytery with 
marked contempt and gave to every member present ocular evidence that the whole 
of his solemn professions were fallacious and hypocritical. Whereupon it was 
resolved (in view of the whole case - his conduct in times past, and what 
occurred immediately before the Presbytery) that Mr. Simpson be deposed from the 
ministry; and he was accordingly deposed.

"Mr. Simpson gave notice of appeal from the judgment of the Presbytery, and the 
clerk was ordered to furnish him with a copy of the proceedings in his case. 
Whether this appeal was ever presented before

514  JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.

the higher courts, the writer has no present means of ascertaining. One thing is 
certain: the sentence of deposition was never reversed, the minutes of that year 
being reviewed by the Synod, and no exception taken, but to a few verbal 
inaccuracies. Of Mr. Simpson no future mention is made in the proceedings of the 
Presbytery. What became of him afterwards, there may be those living who could 
give some account, but it is not important. From all that is recorded of him, it 
may be reasonably inferred that he was a man of good education, classical and 
otherwise, possessing considerable popular talent as a preacher and plausible 
address; for as soon as he had any connection with the Presbytery, applications 
were made from important congregations for his services and the Presbytery, at 
his reception as a probationer from a foreign land, expressed entire 
satisfaction with his examination."

The congregation was without a pastor for several years. In March, 1805, a call 
was extended to the Rev. John Hutchison, which was not accepted, as he became 
pastor of the Lost Creek and Mifflinburg congregations. In 1810 the Rev. William 
Kennedy was called and accepted, at a salary of four hundred and eighty dollars 
per annum, two-thirds of his time to be given to the church at Lewistown and 
one-third to the West Kishacoquillas Church. He was ordained and installed at a 
stated meeting of the Presbytery held at Lewistown. He served the congregations 
until the year 1822. The following is from the minutes of the Presbytery:

"About the close of the year 1821 reports injurious to the character and 
usefulness of the Rev. William Kennedy, pastor of the church at Lewistown, were 
brought to the notice of the Presbytery. In particular and specially he was 
charged with the intemperate use of ardent spirits. Temperance had not in that 
day attained the point or status of total abstinence. A committee was appointed, 
to meet at Lewistown on a designated day, to investigate the ground for these 
reports and to take testimony. At the stated meeting of Presbytery, April, 1822, 
the committee reported. An adjourned meeting was held in May following, with a 
view to the formal issuing of this case. At that meeting, after hearing all the 
witnesses that could be made to appear, Presbytery passed unanimously the 
following minute, viz.: 'Although the testimony received against the Rev. 
William Kennedy is not of such a clear and specific nature as to subject him to 
the high censure of suspension, yet, in the opinion of Presbytery, his conduct 
has not always been so circumspect, in the case in which he is charged, as it 
ought to have been, and he is hereby warned to be more watchful in future, so as 
to prevent any ground of suspicion, and that he guard against every appearance 
of evil.'

"In the mean time Mr. Kennedy had resigned the pastoral charge of the 
congregation at Lewistown, and at the conclusion of his trial requested leave to 
travel out of the bounds of Presbytery till the next meeting.

"Mr. Kennedy's troubles, as well as those of some other of his brethren, 
resulted from the common and universal use of intoxicating liquors in that day. 
. . . At the time of the investigation Mr. Kennedy denied the charge in mild and 
humble terms, - 'I am not conscious of having acted improperly.' His 
contemporaries believed him to be a good and godly man, and his subsequent 
lengthened ministry in a neighboring Presbytery was without reproach or 
suspicion. October 1, 1822, Mr. Kennedy was, at his own request, dismissed to 
the Presbytery of Erie, but ultimately settled in the bounds of the Presbytery 
of Clarion, where he continued to labor until his death."

At a meeting of the Presbytery held at Lewistown, November 24, 1819, James S. 
Woods, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New Brunswick, appeared with proper 
testimonials and was received under care of the Presbytery. He received a call 
from the Waynesburg congregation for one-half his time, which was accepted. In 
April, 1823, soon after the resignation of the Rev. Mr. Kennedy, the Rev. James 
S. Woods was appointed stated supply of the Lewistown congregation for one year, 
and April 28, 1824, was installed as pastor for one-half his time. He remained 
in this connection until 1837, when, upon a call from the congregation of 
Lewistown for all his time, he resigned the charge of the Waynesburg 
congregation and continued as pastor of the Lewistown congregation until his 
death, in 1862.

REV. JAMES STERRETT WOODS, D.D., was born in Dickinson Township, Cumberland 
County, Pa., April 18, 1793. He received his literary and collegiate education 
at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. After graduating at Dickinson College he 
entered the Theological Seminary at Princeton, New Jersey. He was licensed to 
preach the gospel by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, N. J., in October, 1818, 
and was received as a licentiate by the Presbytery of Huntingdon, Pa., November 
24, 1819, having accepted a call from the Congregation of Waynesburg (now 
McVeytown) for one-half of his time, at a salary of four hundred dollars a

MIFFLIN COUNTY.  515

year. He was ordained and installed as pastor April 5, 1820. In April, 1823, he 
was appointed stated supply of the congregation at Lewistown and was installed 
as pastor for one-half his time April 28, 1824, at a salary of three hundred 
dollars a year. He served both those congregations until 1837, when both gave 
him a call for all his time. He accepted the call from the Lewistown 
congregation, at a salary of six hundred dollars per annum. He continued the 
pastor of this church up to the day of his death, which took place suddenly June 
29, 1862. In 1850 he was honored with the title of Doctor of Divinity by the 
College of New Jersey, at Princeton. He was married to Marianne, youngest 
daughter of Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, one of the signers of the Declaration of 
Independence, by whom he had nine children - six sons and three daughters. The 
eldest son, John Witherspoon Woods, died January 7, 1839. James S. Woods, his 
fourth son, was a lieutenant in the regular army, and was killed in the war with 
Mexico, at the battle of Monterey, September 21, 1846. Three of his sons -  
Samuel S. Woods, David W. Woods and William H. Woods - studied law and were 
admitted to practice. Samuel S. Woods was elected, in 1860, president judge of 
the judicial district composed of the counties of Mifflin, Union and Snyder. He 
died February 5, 1873. The youngest son, Alexander M. Woods, studied theology 
and became a minister of the gospel in the Presbyterian Church, and is now 
pastor of the church in Mahanoy City, Schuylkill County. His daughters were 
Frances, Marianne, Ann E. and Margaret J. Woods. Dr. Woods was a sound, clear 
and practical preacher. His ministry was a successful one, and he was 
instrumental in building up a strong church in Lewistown. He was an exemplary 
pastor and greatly interested in the young people, not only of his own church, 
but of the whole community. He was very fond of and popular with the children, 
and took great pains in their religious training. He was hospitable to an 
unusual degree, liberal and generous to a fault, and his memory to this day 
remains fresh, green and precious with all who knew him.

At the October meeting of Presbytery after the death of the Rev. James S. Woods, 
in 1862, the Rev. O. O. McClean was received by certificate from Cedar Rapids, 
Iowa, and a call from the Lewistown congregation, placed in his hands, which he 
accepted. A committee from Presbytery was appointed, and he was installed as 
pastor of the congregation, and continued until October, 1884, having served 
twenty-two years. The congregation was without a pastor for one year, and on the 
1st of October, 1885, the Rev. John Gourley, formerly of Indiana County, Pa., 
assumed the duties of the position and is now officiating. The church reports a 
membership of three hundred and fifty.

A lot was purchased by the society about 1820, on the corner of Third and Brown 
Streets, and a stone church edifice was erected thereon, and used until the 
erection of the present church building.

The old stone Presbyterian Church of Lewistown was taken down, and the new brick 
church now standing on the same lot was erected during the summer and fall of 
1855. The building stands on the southwest corner of Third and Brown Streets, 
fronting fifty-six feet on Third Street and ninety feet on Brown Street.

June 12, 1856, the new church edifice, having been completed some weeks 
previously, was dedicated to the service of Almighty God. The services at the 
dedication were as follows: 1st, an appropriate anthem of praise, "I was glad," 
etc., by the choir; 2d, hymn of praise; 3d, prayer by the Rev. Dr. Rogers, of 
Philadelphia; 4th, hymn of praise; 5th, a brief history of the church and 
congregation by the pastor, the Rev. James S. Woods, D.D.; 6th, sermon by the 
Rev. Dr. Rogers; 7th, the dedicatory prayer by the Rev. Dr. Plumer, of the 
Theological Seminary, Allegheny City, Pa.; 8th, hymn; 9th, the benediction by 
the Rev. Dr. Rogers. Previous to the dedication sufficient money was subscribed 
to free the church from all indebtedness. The cost of the church edifice was 
twelve thousand dollars, and the ladies of the congregation expended the sum of 
one thousand dollars in carpets, cushions and furniture.

LUTHERAN CHURCH.*  - The Lutheran Church
_____ 

This sketch is taken from historical discourse by Rev. J. M. Reimensnyder.

516  JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.

of Lewistown dates back to 1796, when Rev. Fisher preached in the old log jail. 
However interesting might have been the doings of these early days, our fathers 
have left no record. The services evidently were few and the number of 
worshippers equally so. In 1814, on the 3d day of January, the Lutheran and 
Reformed congregations bought lot No. 119, on the south side of West Third 
Street, for the purpose of erecting a house of worship and of burying their 
dead. For this lot they paid the odd sum of $66.55. The names of the Lutheran 
trustees mentioned in the deed are Andrew Keiser and John Ort. This lot was 
purchased of Peacock Major. The Lutherans held services at different times 
during these years in the old jail and court-house, but have left no record 
until ten years after the purchase of this lot, when we find the following 
interesting account of the corner-stone laying of the first church, which took 
place on the 29th day of July, 1824. These proceedings were recorded in an old 
book in German and a German and English copy were filed with the church papers. 
We give the paper in part, - 

"ZION'S CHURCH.

"In the name of God the Father, the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Be it known 
unto all men that this building in the borough of Lewistown, county of Mifflin 
and State of Pennsylvania, which shall be called Zion's church, and into which 
walls we this day, the 29th day of July, in the year of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ one thousand eight hundred and twenty-four, lay the corner-stone in 
the name of the Holy Trinity. The German Evangelical Lutheran and the German 
Evangelical Reformed members have commenced to build this house in common and 
will also finish it in the same way, and it shall from this time and forever, as 
long as the world stands and the sun and moon run their course, be used as a 
house for worship by the German Lutheran and German Reformed congregations. The 
gospel shall be preached in its purity in this Evangelical Christian Lutheran 
and Reformed church, so that it may be in accordance with the constitution of 
both synods. This lot on which we have commenced to build and also intend to 
finish this Zion's church, was bought from Peacock Major and his wife Martha, in 
the borough of Lewistown, the 3d day of January, in the year of our Lord one 
thousand eight hundred and fourteen, by Andrew Keiser and John Ort, as trustees 
of the Lutheran congregation of Lewistown and neighborhood, and Christian Gro 
and Isaac Spangler, trustees of the Reformed congregation of Lewistown and 
neighborhood, for the sum of sixty-six dollars and fifty-five cents. The deed 
dated on the above date will also show that the above four named trustees or 
guardians of the said Lutheran and Reformed congregations have bought the said 
lot of Peacock Major and his wife Martha for both congregations as aforesaid, 
for their descendants, their heirs and assigns, and that the above said 
congregations shall together forever have equal rights to the same. The lot 
itself on which this Zion's church is to be erected and in which walls we, the 
trustees or guardians of the Lutheran and Reformed congregations, do lay the 
corner-stone in the presence of the different members of both congregations, as 
also in presence of all men which are assembled here, is situate on the south 
side of Third street, in the borough of Lewistown, bordering on lots No. 118 and 
120, and in the plan of said borough known as lot 119. If it should happen that 
in the course of time the members of both congregations as aforesaid should 
become so numerous that there should not be sufficient room for all the members 
of said congregations on usual days of divine service in this Zion's church, 
then shall the members of both congregations have a right to do with said church 
as they in their best opinion would think proper. That is, to tear down said 
church and build a larger one jointly or one or the other, or one of either 
congregations (no difference whether the Lutheran to the Reformed or the 
Reformed to the Lutheran), may sell said church and give up all their right and 
title of said church for the share which by right and according to deed belongs 
to them, as also their share for building said church, and then said 
congregations have full right and privilege to build a new or other church for 
themselves in their own name. But such a separation and sale should never be 
done with displeasure and by no means with unchristian feeling and discord, but 
in union and Christian love, as true Christians and sincere followers of Jesus 
Christ should do.

"And all that we will yet lay into this corner-stone for the memory of our 
descendants of the German Evangelical Lutheran and German Evangelical Reformed 
Zion's church, is a Lutheran and Reformed Catechism, as also the following coins 
of the United States, namely: One copper coin, worth one cent; one silver coin, 
worth one-half dime; one dime, one five-dime piece, or half-dollar, and one ten-
dime piece, or a whole dollar. And now we put, as all good Christians do, or at 
least should do, all our trust in God, who has created the heavens and the earth 
and all that is therein out of nothing, with the full confidence that he will 
bless and prosper our children and all our descendants from one generation to 
another of both these congregations, as well in relation to their spiritual 
endowments, which all true Evangelical Christians are most in need of, as also 
in relation to their bodily wants. We all know that on

MIFFLIN COUNTY.  517

God's blessing everything depends, and if the Lord will not preserve this church 
which we are about to erect, all man's trouble and labor will be in vain; 
therefore let us in our silent prayers entrust this building to Him in the name 
of the holy trinity, and after it is finished we shall with His blessing 
consecrate it to be a temple of God. He says My house shall be a house of 
prayer; in the name of God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. Written on 
the day and in the year first above mentioned, to which we, the trustees of this 
common Zion's church, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, and in 
the presence of these witnesses, have hereunto set our hands and seals.
      "JOHN ORT [Seal].
      "DANIEL RAUCH [Seal].
      "CHRISTIAN HOOVER [Seal]. 
      "GEORGE BECK [Seal].

"Witness:
"F. O. MELSHEIMER.

"I. W. SCHMIDT, Evangelical Lutheran, in Union County.
"JOHN FELIX, Evangelical Reformed, in Union County.

"DANIEL RAUCH,      )  Builders." 
"CHRISTIAN HOFFMAN, )

This church, built jointly by the German Lutheran and German Reformed 
congregations, was completed in less than one year, and was dedicated on the 
12th day of June, 1825. Rev A. H. Lochman and Rev. D. Weiser were the 
officiating clergymen. This fact is the first item recorded in a regular church 
record. From this time forward we have landmarks leading us in the way of our 
fathers. From this date the Lutherans continued to increase in number: and 
prosperity. The two congregations were incorporated on the 9th day of July, 
1827, under the title of the Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed United Church of 
Zion. From these records we find that the first church was called Zion's Church. 
On the 10th day of June, in the same year, we have the first list of 
communicants. There were ninety communed and fourteen confirmations. It is 
further recorded that of this number, thirty-eight attended the preparatory 
service. It is hardly likely that all of these were Lutherans, but more likely 
composed of the members of both congregations. The Reformed denomination, 
however, must have been very weak, as they had no pastor of their own, and are 
not mentioned in the proceedings of the congregation later than 1828.

At a meeting of the councils of the two congregations, held at the house of 
Henry Eisenbise, on Wednesday evening, the 4th of April, 1827, a constitution 
was adopted, which we still have. The only thing peculiar about this document is 
that it was copied from the formula for the government of the Lutheran Church, 
as adopted by the General Synod, and that the copyist omitted the name of the 
Reformed in it from one end to the other. He evidently was a Lutheran. This 
error was corrected afterward with a lead-pencil. In the back part of this old 
constitution book are a few resolutions which complete the history of this early 
period,

"First. None but the members of the Lutheran and Reformed congregations who 
contribute regularly to the church shall have privilege to bury in the Lutheran 
and Reformed burying-ground.

"Second. Respectable members of other congregations, by paying three dollars, 
shall have privilege of a grave, unless two-thirds of the council object to it.

"Third. The church council shall have power to admit respectable poor persons 
who have not been able to contribute anything to the church."

Three names are found connected with all the business of the church in those 
days, - appearing on every page. They were the pioneers and are given now that 
they may be handed down to succeeding generations. They are John Ort, Sr., 
Christian Hoffman and F. A. Melsheimer, and also that of Henry Eisenbise.

"Aunty Marks" appears among the faithful ones recorded in the earliest list of 
communicants. This church building is still standing, situated on the south side 
of West Third Street. It is now known as the Henderson fire engine house. It is 
even yet quite a respectable structure, and was, at that early day, a very good 
church. The graveyard lot in the rear of the old building is still the property 
of this congregation. It has not been used as a place of burial for many years. 
Nearly all the bodies interred there were removed to the present Lutheran 
Cemetery some years ago. This church building and this burying-ground were used 
by the congregation for a period of twenty-six years.

A few items will close this period and bring the history down to 1849. The first 
church was not frescoed, but the walls were kept pure

518  JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.

and clean. This resolution was passed by the council February 25, 1844, - 

"Resolved, That the walls of the church be whitewashed preparatory to the next 
communion."

There were some progressive movements in those days. L. McIlwaine was employed 
by the council to give the choir one quarter's singing. The salary of the sexton 
was raised from nine dollars to twenty five dollars. The pastor's salary, or 
rather the part paid by Lewistown, which was nearly all of it, was three hundred 
dollars. A resolution to raise it to three hundred and fifty dollars failed. 
This, however, was apparently based upon the unpopularity of the pastor. A 
balance due the pastor of eighteen dollars at the end of the church year proved 
quite a trouble. A subscription started in the council resulted in raising six 
dollars, each member giving fifty cents. Finally a committee was appointed to 
solicit subscriptions in the country. March 14, 1847, Rev. Flint preached a 
sermon which greatly disturbed the peace of the congregation, and he felt 
necessitated to hand in his resignation, which was at once unanimously accepted. 
The subject of the sermon is not recorded; but some whose memories extend to 
that day say it was "Temperance." During the next pastorate the salary for 
Lewistown was increased to four hundred dollars. During all these years there 
was a steady increase of membership. Protracted meetings, catechetical classes 
and confirmations are regularly recorded, the number of additions running up at 
times to twenty-seven. We now lay aside the old book, with its occasional and 
brief records, and take up one which introduces a period more familiar to all. 
The services of Colonel John Hamilton (deceased) date from this period, being 
secretary of the council nearly all the time until the middle of the present 
pastorate. Colonel Hamilton, long known as an active member of the congregation, 
kept a careful record of all the important transactions of the congregation. He 
was always interested in the past history of the church. This latter period is 
so full of doings that it will be impossible to do more than mention the 
specially important transactions. The very first record of this book, under date 
of October 20, 1849, is a resolution to build a new church. A building committee 
was appointed at that same meeting, consisting of Rev. John Rosenburg, James L. 
Mcllwaine, David Bloom, John Hamilton, Jonathan Yeager and John Ort, Sr. Henry 
Dubbs was instructed to procure a plan. The building of the church was first let 
to Isaiah Coplin for three thousand seven hundred dollars, being the lowest 
bidder. Articles of agreement were signed January 10, 1850. He, however, having 
taken the church too low, afterwards declined undertaking it.

The lot on which this building stands was purchased May 27, 1850, and was known 
in the plan of the borough as lot No. 152. The chain of title is traced back to 
1792, there being a deed in our hands of that date.

The congregation was incorporated by an act of Assembly approved May, 1850, 
under the title of "St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lewistown, Pa." 
This act of incorporation took the place of the old incorporation, under which 
the two denominations were bound by one title. It invested all the rights of the 
old property in the Lutheran Church, and specified the right to sell or tear 
down or use the material in the old building. December 2d of this year John Ort 
and Daniel Fichthorn were appointed to fill vacancies in the building committee. 
Up to this time over two thousand dollars had been paid to Coplin, when the 
building committee took the church in their own hands. It was given to George 
Carney, December 21st, to complete upon his bid of one thousand seven hundred 
and fifty dollars. Mr. Carney, however, refused to sign an agreement, when the 
specifications were read, and it was finally let to John R. Turner for one 
thousand nine hundred and twenty-five dollars. The old church was sold to Joseph 
F. Yeager, April, 7, 1851, for four hundred dollars. April 21, 1851, the council 
held a meeting in the lecture-room of the new church. This is all the record we 
have of any meeting held in the new church, which was now rapidly nearing 
completion. About ten o'clock on the night of January 28, 1852, the new church 
was discovered to be on fire and an alarm was immediately made. It appears that 
the fire was discovered very soon after it

MIFFLIN COUNTY.  519

had commenced, and could easily have been extinguished had there been a supply 
of water. It seems there had been a misunderstanding for some time between the 
borough officials and the water company as to the obligation of the latter to 
furnish a sufficient supply of water as a protection against fire. No effort was 
made to remove articles from the building, as all confidently hoped the fire 
could easily be controlled. After the hose companies appeared and made
the fatal discovery that water was wanting, the fire had gained such headway 
that only a few benches were saved. The beautiful structure, much the finest in 
town, was soon a mass of smouldering ruins - nothing but the bare walls 
remaining. This was the saddest night in the history of the thriving 
congregation.

As no fire had been at any time about the building, the fire commencing in the 
steeple and the night being calm, the opinion has always prevailed that the fire 
was the result of a willful act. True to the spirit of their fathers, a meeting 
was held the next morning, January 29, 1852, at the home of F. Swartz, where we 
find the following action:

"Whereas the new Lutheran church was consumed by fire last night, by the hands 
of some incendiary unknown to the church, the church being almost finished by 
the contractor, John R. Turner. Therefore,

"Resolved by the Trustees and Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Congregation of the borough of Lewistown and its vicinity that we will proceed 
to rebuild the Lutheran church."

Resolutions of sympathy were passed by all the churches of the borough, and each 
one kindly offered the use of their church for one Sabbath service. The building 
had been insured for three thousand dollars. The trustees had considerable 
difficulty in securing this money.

At one time a resolution was passed to bring suit against the company. A 
compromise finally was made in which the council agreed to settle for fifteen 
hundred dollars. April 26, 1852, the building committee were authorized to 
receive proposals to rebuild the church, and the name of Jacob Ort was added to 
the committee. Through the confusion and misunderstanding between the insurance 
companies and the contractor, the lot and ruins were sold by the sheriff, but 
were purchased by Daniel Fichthorn, well known to the older members of our 
congregation, and were repurchased by the congregation June 21, 1852, for 
$451.50. The rebuilding of the church was finally given to William McClure for 
thirty-three hundred dollars, to be built on the old walls.

The old bell was purchased at Harrisburg for $186.50, and weighed five hundred 
and twenty-nine pounds. Rev. C. M. Klink preached the first time in the present 
lecture-room January 16, 1853. The congregation was now in straitened 
circumstances. A mortgage for one thousand dollars was given, which increased to 
fifteen hundred dollars before it was removed. The congregation would certainly 
have failed at this time had it not been for a few persons who made great 
sacrifices. The old church, which had again passed into the hands of the 
trustees, was sold to the African Methodist congregation. The trustees evidently 
were in doubt as to the financial ability of their colored brethren, from the 
conditional clauses found in the agreement. The colored friends, too, felt 
uneasy under these shackles, and after paying one hundred dollars asked to be 
relieved, which was promptly done and the money paid by them refunded. The 
building was finally sold to the borough and used by it as a hose-house.

Dr. F. W. Conrad, editor of the Lutheran Observer, preached the sermon when the 
church was dedicated, May 15, 1853. The amount of money subscribed that day was 
$719.19. During this year the present parsonage was built and the salary raised 
to six hundred dollars, and that of the sexton to fifty dollars. Daniel 
Fichthorn was the contractor for the building of the parsonage. In 1856 the 
salary was raised to eight hundred dollars, and steps were taken to aid the 
Jack's Creek congregation to secure a pastor, so that the pastor could confine 
his labors to the Lewistown congregation. During this prosperous year in the new 
church eighty-five members were added. In addition to all the expense of this 
and the past year, gas was introduced into the church, and the pulpit and other 
fluid lights presented to the Jack's Creek congregation.

In 1858 a mortgage was entered against the

520  JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.

new parsonage for fifteen hundred dollars, which by considerable effort was 
raised by subscription in 1860. It was to remove this mortgage that part of the 
present cemetery lot was sold.

In 1865 the pastor, having received and accepted a call to another field, 
thought it a good opportunity to give the council a plain talk as to their duty 
and neglect of duty, whereupon a member of the council returned the favor by 
giving the retiring pastor a few hints as to his duty and neglect of duty. They, 
however, parted on good terms. April 9, 1865, Rev. J. B. Reimensnyder, D.D., now 
pastor of St. James Lutheran Church, New York City, and brother of the present 
pastor of this church, was unanimously elected pastor of this congregation. 
During the next pastorate the salary was raised to one thousand dollars, and 
that of the sexton to one hundred and twenty dollars. The church building was 
extensively repaired, at a cost of over three thousand dollars. The gallery was 
removed, and the choir changed to their present position near the pulpit. The 
lecture-room was also remodeled; the audience-room was frescoed and the present 
stained glass windows purchased.

The pastorate of J. H. Brown was especially a prosperous and happy one for both 
pastor and people. The congregation had increased largely in its membership and 
usefulness. It was only ended by his death, on Monday morning, September 14, 
1874. Pastor Brown had won the affection and esteem of the entire community, and 
was held in high regard by his brethren. This was the second time that death had 
deprived them of a pastor, Rev. Koch having been killed by being thrown from his 
horse in the Long Narrows. On February 7, 1875, the present pastor, Rev. J. M. 
Reimensnyder, was unanimously elected. He took charge on the first Sunday of 
March of the same year. The present pastor has resided in Lewistown nearly four 
years longer than any former one, having entered upon his ninth year the 1st of 
March. During this time the church and parsonage have been improved at various 
times. The spire carried away by the tornado of July 4, 1874, was replaced by 
another which was completed July, 1876. A new bell, weighing with the frame over 
one thousand pounds, made of pure bell metal, was purchased at a cost of over 
three hundred and fifty dollars. In 1882 repairs were made at a cost of over two 
thousand three hundred dollars. The church was reopened with appropriate 
services and a sermon by Rev. M. Valentine, D.D., September 24, 1882. The 
beginning of the present pastorate was marked with the addition of seventy-five 
members within the first year. During the entire eight years the increase of 
membership had averaged thirty-six. The benevolent operations of the 
congregation have more than doubled that of former periods. A young people's 
religious society was formed by the pastor in 1875, which has been of great 
service. The congregation today numbers three hundred and thirty-eight regular 
communicants, and the Sunday-school three hundred and fifty scholars. The 
history of the congregation is concluded with the names of all who have served 
it as pastor, -

Revs. Fisher, Koch (killed by being thrown from his horse in the Long Narrows), 
Gensel, Schnepach, George Hime, William Hime, John Smith, A. H. Lockman, 
Nicholas Stroh, J. Ruthrauff, George Yeager, Charles Weyl, C. Lepley, S. 
Schmucker, Thomas M. Flint, John Rosenberg, C. M. Klink, Henry Baker, H. R. 
Fleck, J. B. Reimensnyder J. B. Baltzly, J. H. Brown (died at the parsonage 
September 14, 1874), J. M. Reimensnyder.

ASSOCIATE REFORMED CHURCH. - The old brick building standing on Third Street, 
now used as a dwelling-house, is said to have been the first house of worship 
erected in Lewistown. It was built by members of the Associate Reformed 
congregation, of whom but little is known. It has been used by different 
congregations of the town at various times. The Rev. John Elliot preached in the 
house to a New School Presbyterian Society which did not form an organization as 
a church. It was sold to the Baptist Society about 1847-48, who kept it a few 
years and conveyed it to the original owners. Later it came into possession of 
General James Burns, who converted it into dwelling-houses.

THE FIRST METHODIST SOCIETY. - The first Methodist in the town of Lewistown was 
Charles Hardy, as is clearly shown in the let-

MIFFLIN COUNTY.  521

ter given in the history of the early settlement of the place. He evidently 
prevailed on preachers to come there, as services were held in the old log jail, 
which was torn down in 1802-3. The Rev. Mr. Davis and the Rev. Mr. Gilwal 
visited the place before 1812, and in May of that year the Rev. Mr. Stevens 
preached. On the 5th of January, 1815, the Rev. Mr. Buck held service, and in 
that year the Methodist Society in Lewistown was formed and placed in charge of 
the Aughwick Circuit, Rev. Tobias Reilly, pastor, and Rev. Jacob Gruber, 
presiding elder.

The first person who united with the Methodists in Lewistown was Mrs. Jane 
Gillespie, who was soon followed by a number of others, when a class was 
organized and. Peter Smelker appointed the first leader. The names of the 
members of this infant organization, as far as can now be ascertained, were John 
Gillespie, Jane Gillespie, Charles Hardy, Minnie Hardy, Henry Butler, Rachel 
McCord, Jane McCord, Margaret McCord, Mary McGinness, Rachel Worley, Experience 
Row, Nancy Row, Samuel Martin, Jacob Wonder, Hannah Wonder and a Mr. and Mrs. 
Graham.

For some time the Methodists, as well as the Presbyterians, worshipped in the 
old court-house. Subsequently the former occupied the old stone school-house in 
the rear of the long brick school-house building on West Third Street. In 1815 a 
small brick edifice was erected on East Third Street, midway between Brown and 
Dorcas Streets, and was occupied as a place of worship until 1830, being the 
same building subsequently used by the Baptist denomination, and owned by the 
heirs of General Burns. Early in the year 1816, Elizabeth Keiser (now familiarly 
known as Mother Stoner) joined the struggling band, and one of her fist acts of 
benevolence was to collect seventy dollars to pay for the plastering of this 
antiquated structure. In 1830 a larger church building was erected on the corner 
of Dorcas and Third Streets, and this becoming too small for the rapidly-
increasing congregation, galleries were added about the year 1844. In this shape 
it was used until the pastorate of the Rev. D. S. Monroe, 1867-69, when it was 
remodeled and enlarged as it now stands.

Lewistown remained a part of Aughwick Circuit until the close of the Conference 
year 1833, when it was set apart as a station, and the first stationed preacher 
was Rev. S. Kepler, who served the charge in 1834. But few are now living who 
united with the church previous to this time. In 1874 but six are among the 
membership who were in the society before Lewistown became, a station, - Nancy 
Row, Mrs. Stoner, Mrs. John C. Sigler, George Wiley, and Mr. and Mrs. John 
Evans, all of whom are still quite active in the church. Many of precious memory 
who identified themselves with Methodism here during the earlier periods of its 
history have passed away - such as Andrew Keiser and wife, Mrs. Dr. Ard, Mrs. 
George Green, James McCord and wife, Joseph Martin and wife, Jane McCormick, 
Henry Stoner, Mrs. William P. Elliott, Elizabeth Clark, Margaret Hardy and 
others.

The foregoing sketch was written in 1874, and as it contains all the material 
history to the present time, it is here given. The following is a list of the 
ministers who served this charge when it was on the Aughwick Circuit and after 
it became a station, until now:

In 1815, Jacob Gruber was presiding elder on the Aughwick Circuit, whose term 
ended with 1817. The preachers were in 1815, Tobias Riley and William Butler; 
1816, Thomas Larkin and Jacob L. Bromwell; 1817, Samuel Davis and James Wilson.

1818-21, --- ---, presiding elder. 1818, Thomas Larkins and William Hamilton; 
1819, Gideon Lanning and Jacob Larkin; 1820, Robert Cadden and Banj. Barry; 
1821, Robert Cadden and William P. Poole.

1822-25, --- --- ---, presiding elder. 1822, Thomas McGee, Jacob R. Shepherd and 
N. B. Mills; 1823, Thomas McGee and John Bowen; 1824, Robert Minshall and John 
A. Gear; 1825, David Steele.

1826-29, --- --- ,presiding elder. 1826, Joseph White; 1827, Joseph White; 1828, 
Jonathan Munroe; 1829, Amos Smith.

1830-33, David Steele, presiding elder. 1830, Amos Smith; 1831, Samuel Ellis and 
Josiah Forest; 1832, Henry Taring and Peter McEnally; 1833, Henry Taring and 
Thomas Larkin.

1834-37, R. E. Prettyman, presiding elder. 1834, Samuel Kepler (Lewistown became 
a station); 1835, Tobias Riley; 1836, Henry Taring; 1837, Henry Taring.

1838-40, John Miller, presiding elder. 1838, Joseph Merrikin; 1839, Joseph 
Merrikin; 1840, John S.

522  JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.

Martin; 1841, David Thomas (George Hildt, presiding elder, 1841).

1842-45, Henry Furlong, presiding elder. 1842, Thomas Myers (great revival); 
1843, G. G. Brooks; 1844, G. G. Brooks; 1845, George Guyer.

1846-49, John Miller, presiding elder. 1846. George Guyer; 1847-48, Mayberry 
Goheen; 1849, S. V. Blake.

1850-53, T. H. W. Monroe, presiding elder. 18501 S. V. Blake; 1851-52, James H. 
Brown; 1853, Benjamin H. Creaver.

1854-57, A. A. Reese. presiding elder. 1854, Benjamin H. Creaver; 1855, G. W. 
Cooper; 1856, William Wickes; 1857, Joseph A. Ross.

1858-61, John A. Gere, presiding elder. 1858. Joseph A. Ross; 1859-60, Samuel 
Kepler; 1861, J. S. McMurry.

1862-54, George D. C. Chenoweth, presiding elder. 1862-63, John Guyer; 1864, 
Samuel Barnes.

1865-58, Thomas Barnhart, presiding elder. 1865-66, Wilford Downs; 1867-68, D. 
S. Monroe.

1869-72, B. R. Hamlin, presiding elder. 1869, D. S. Monroe; 1870-73, John Thrush 
(died July, 1872). 

1873-76, Milton K. Foster, presiding elder. 1873-75, W. G. Ferguson; 1876, G. T. 
Gray.

1877-80, Thompson Mitchell, presiding elder. 1877-78, G. T. Gray; 1879-80, 
Samuel Sears. 

1881-84, Richard Hinkle, presiding elder. 1881-83, Thomas Sherlock; 1884, John 
J. Pearce (present pastor).

1885, Jacob S. McMurry, presiding elder.

ST. MARK'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH. - The first clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church to hold service in this section of country was the Rev. Charles Snowden, 
who, in 1820, preached in the old court-house, that then stood in the Diamond. 
He soon after was rector of an Episcopal Church that was organized in 
Thompsontown, now Juniata County. In the spring of 1823 the Rev. Norman Nash, a 
missionary of the church, sent out from Philadelphia, visited the town and 
organized the parish, the members of which elected a vestry. Late in the same 
year application was made to the Legislature for a charter of incorporation, 
which was granted January 2, 1824. The following were constituted as 
corporators: Adam Strode, James Kellogg, Jr., John Hoyt, Sr., Elias W. Hale, 
Christopher Marks, David W. Hulings, William P. Elliott, William A. Patterson 
and Robert Buchanan.

The parsonage adjoining the church was the gift of the daughters of Elias W. 
Hale to the congregation. The addition of fifteen feet to the rear of the church 
building and the stone front were made under the pastorate of the Rev. Thomas 
Martin. The chapel was erected under the care of the present rector. Soon after 
the society was incorporated a lot was secured on Main Street, and in the same 
year the present brick church building was erected, and consecrated in the fall 
of the same year by Bishop White.

The Rev. Mr. Nash, who remained with the society for a year or two, was 
succeeded by the Rev. Robert Piggott, D.D. (afterwards rector of Holy Trinity 
Parish of Sykesville, Md.). The following is a list of his successors:

1828, Rev. John P. Robinson; 1832, Rev. Corry Chambers; 1835, Rev. T. M. 
Whitesides; 1836, Rev. J. T. Hoff, D.D.; 1839, Rev. J. B. Noblitt; 1840, Rev.
W. T. Brown; 1840, Rev. W. W. Bronson; 1843, Rev. H. T. Heister; 1849, Rev. T. 
B. Lawson, D.D.; 1853, Rev. George B. Hopkins; 1854, Rev. J. T. Hutchinson; 
1855, Rev. W. Bowers; 1860, Rev. John Leithead; 1865, Rev. Edward Hall; 1868, 
Rev. Thomas Martin; 1874, Rev. W. Henry Platt; October 1, 1883, Rev. B. F. 
Brown, the present pastor.

CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART. - At the time the Juniata Canal was building, many 
Catholics were among the workmen, and Father Millaly was placed in charge of 
members of the Catholic faith in this region. Services were held at different 
places along the line. Lewistown was a central point, and it was deemed 
desirable to locate a church edifice at the town. In accordance therewith, the 
Right Reverend Henry Conwell, D.D., Roman Catholic bishop of Philadelphia, 
purchased, April 14, 1828, of William Moore, of the borough of Lebanon, a lot of 
land in Lewistown, sixty by two hundred feet, fronting on Third and extending 
back on Dorcas Street. On this lot a chapel was built and a brick parsonage. The 
chapel was used until the completion of the present brick church, in 1870. The 
congregation was in charge of the Pittsburgh Diocese and was served from 
Huntingdon and Bellefonte until 1868, when it was attached to the Harrisburg 
Diocese, then just formed. In 1872 it became an independent station and was 
placed in charge of the Rev. T. J. Fleming, who remained two years. He was 
succeeded by Father Galvin, who was followed in 1875 by the Rev. P. A. McArdle, 
who re-

MIFFLIN COUNTY.  523

mained in charge until 1880, and on July 29th of that year the present pastor, 
the Rev. T. F. Kennedy, assumed the pastoral charge of the congregation, which 
now contains two hundred Souls.

FIRST REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH. - This church was organized, with eleven 
constituent, members, September 21, 1840 - William M. Jones, David Hough, Sabra 
D. Weekes, James Barnard, Catharine Swartz, Sarah A. Boner, John R. Weekes, 
James Brenner, Emily Souls, Phebe P. Weekes and Isabella Barnard. John R. Weekes 
was chosen deacon. Aid was asked from the Missionary Society of Philadelphia to 
assist them in the support of a minister. A number of ministers were called, and 
remained but a little while, for various reasons. The first was the Rev. 
Alexander Gamble, who was ordained in January, 1846, and preached his farewell 
sermon April 19th the same year. December 3, 1848, the Rev. David Williams was 
called to preach to them one-fourth of the time, and the church was incorporated 
January 1, 1849. The church edifice of the Associate Reformed Society, on Third 
Street, east of Brown, was purchased some time previous and used. The society 
was not able to keep the property, and returned it to the Associate Reformed 
Society, and rented the building until April 16, 1851. A call was extended to 
the Rev. Joseph Sharpe, of Philadelphia, which he accepted October 7, 1849. He 
preached his first sermon October 28th following, was ordained January 16, 1850, 
and resigned in June following. The Rev. David Williams succeeded from December 
24th, having also Lockport and other congregations in charge. The Rev. David 
Hunter served in the summer of 1852. The Rev. Amos B. Still served from March, 
1853, to October of the same year, during which time the association met with 
the church, services being held in the Lutheran Church. The Rev. William B. 
Harris became pastor, and served one year from April 21, 1854. From 1859 
services were held at various times in the town hall and Apprentices' Hall. The 
Rev. David P. Philips preached in 1862, '63 and 64. The church from this time 
was almost without organization until 1871, having only occasional service. 
December 6th, in that year, a meeting was called, trustees were elected, and the 
Rev. W. Z. Coulter was called as pastor, and served about two years. He was 
succeeded by the Rev. D. W. Hunter, who began October 5, 1879. On December 21, 
1879, the church adopted new articles of faith, and on the 18th of February, 
1850, reorganized and was constituted with twenty-one members, retaining the 
Rev. D. W. Hunter as pastor, and with A. Ridlen, deacon. Apprentices' Hall was 
rented, and service was held in that place until the present edifice was in 
readiness. The McCord lot, on Third Street, was purchased in 1881, and the 
present neat brick chapel was erected upon it, which, with the lot, cost three 
thousand five hundred dollars. It was dedicated, free of debt, December 16, 
1883. The Rev. D. W. Hunter resigned in the summer of 1885, and the church is at 
present without a pastor.

EVANGELICAL CHURCH. - The society was organized about 1876 by the Rev. Samuel 
Seibert, who was succeeded by the Rev. --- Senger, Charles Finkbinder and Robert 
Runyon, who is the present pastor. The society purchased a lot on Logan Street, 
opposite the Presbyterian Cemetery, and in 1882 erected a brick chapel at a cost 
of two thousand dollars.

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. - The first society of this church in 
Lewistown was organized in 1816 by the Rev. Richard Allen and Bishop White, of 
the Protestant Episcopal Church. The Rev. Richard Allen became the pastor, and 
remained until 1831. In 1840 the Rev. J. S. Griffith moved to Lewistown, and has 
been in charge of the church to the present time. In 1873 a lot was purchased on 
Juniata Street, and the present church edifice erected at a cost of one thousand 
eight hundred dollars. The society has about twenty-five members.

The second African Methodist Episcopal Church Society was organized in 1872 by 
the Rev. Mr. Torry, who remained about two years. Under his charge the present 
church edifice was erected on Third Street. The Rev. Mr. Torry was succeeded by 
the Rev. Solomon Whiting, Rev. Mr. Trimble and the present pastor, the Rev. J. 
Pendleton.

524  JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.

CEMETERIES. - The first cemetery, and the only one for many years, was situated 
on the corner of Water and Brown Streets. It was laid out for that purpose at 
the time of laying out the town, and was deeded to the county of Mifflin by 
Samuel Edmiston, January 14, 1802, and were lots Nos. 15 and 16, as marked on 
the general plan of the town. They were placed under the care of the borough of 
Lewistown. The borough ordinance here given shows the care taken of the grounds 
in an early day, - 

                                                               "March 20, 1820.
"That whereas the Grave Yard in the Borough of Lewistown is Publick property and 
under the care of the officers of said Borough. Be it enacted by the authority 
aforesaid, that the said Grave Yard be repaired by rebuilding and roofing the 
wall, and by putting up the Gate. . . . and that a partition fence of boards and 
posts be made between said Grave Yard and the adjoining Lot . . . and that the 
Chief Burgess take the necessary measures to carry said ordinance into effect 
immediately by selling the said work to the lowest bidder."

The grounds are still in charge of the borough, but are little used, as other 
cemeteries are better adapted for burial purposes.

The burial-place, known as Henderson's, on Third Street, was part of the church 
lot purchased by the Lutheran and German Reformed congregations January 3, 1814. 
It was used as a burial-place until 1854. On the 10th of May in that year the 
society purchased two and a quarter acres of land, on the canal-bank, of John A. 
Sterrett, for use as a burial-place. It was at once fitted up and the remains of 
those buried in the Henderson yard were mostly removed to the new grounds. A 
small addition has been made and the whole is neatly inclosed and is used at 
present as a burial-place by the congregation.

The grounds of St. Mark's Cemetery are beautifully located on the east bank of 
the Kishacoquillas Creek, adjoining the borough of Lewistown. The society under 
whose management they are was incorporated April 1, 1845, and received of George 
D. and Caroline Morgan a tract of land for burial purposes. In 1872, Mr. R. B. 
Ellis, many years a member of St. Mark's Church, bequeathed to the society a 
tract of laud adjoining the first for the same purpose.

The grounds at present embrace about fourteen acres and are finely and neatly 
arranged.

The Methodist Society purchased of Isaac Wiley, September 14, 1831, three-
quarters of an acre of land on the bank of the canal for a burial place, and on 
March 19, 1850, two acres and sixty-five perches on the west side of the 
original purchase of John A. Sterrett, and soon after a lot adjoining on the 
east, thirty by thirty-three feet, of Daniel Fichthorn. This ground is used by 
the society and is kept in good order as a cemetery.

The Presbyterian Society purchased of James Milliken one acre of land, on Logan 
Street, January 4, 1842, which was arranged as a burial-place and is still used.

The African Cemetery was opened about 1837 on the bank of the canal and is still 
used.

LODGES AND SOCIETIES. - The first Masonic lodge in this section of country was 
No. 68, located at Mifflin. Its charter was dated March 21, 1796. Dr. Ezra Doty 
was designated as Master. It remained in force for eighteen years and on the 4th 
of April, 1814, the charter was vacated.

Jackson Lodge, No. 203, also located at Mifflin, was chartered June 6, 1825. 
Soon after that time the anti-Masonic excitement broke out, and the lodge had 
for years a feeble existence and finally was removed to Lewistown, where it was 
reorganized with the same number, and is at present Lewistown Lodge, No. 203, 
the date of its reorganization being May 27, 1845.

The first officers under the new organization were Francis McClure, W. M.; John 
R. Weekes, S. W.; Christian Ritz, J. W.; John Kennedy, Treas.; John A. Sterrett, 
Sec.

Meetings were held in the stone building at the foot of Main Street for several 
years, a short time in the old Jacobs house, on Market Street, and for many 
years past, as at present, in the upper floor of Odd-Fellows' Hall.

The present officers are H. M. Vanzandt, W. M.; W. Irwin, S. W.; Frank. J. 
Zerbe, J. W.; D. E. Robeson, Treas.; C. A. Zerbe, Sec.

The following is a list of Past Masters living: J. A. Wright, John Davis, Isaiah 
McCord, William Willis, John A. McKee, Riley Pratt, Joseph 

MIFFLIN COUNTY.  525

F. Mann, J. B. Selheimer, Jacob C. Blymyer, Oliver O. McClean, Joseph M. 
Selheimer, C. A. Zerbe, Robert H. McClintic, David E. Robeson, Rev. William 
Henry Platt, R. H. McClintic, Joseph H. Alter, Samuel Belford, Dr. A. H. 
Sheaffer, S. McClay Brown, S. A. McClintic, Robert P. McMonigle.

Lewistown Chapter, No. 186, F. and A. M., was constituted June 23, 1856, with 
the following officers: C. M. Klink, M. E. H. P,; John A. Wright, King; George 
V. Mitchell, Scribe; H. J. Walters, Sec.; H. W. Junkin, Treas.

The chapter contains sixty-three members. The present officers are as follows: 
George E. Heimback, M. E. H. P.; L. C. Heskitt, Sr., King; William Irwin, 
Scribe: D. E. Robeson, Treas.; C. A. Zerbe, Sec.

The following is a list of the Past High Priests who are living: J. A. Wright, 
I. H. McCord, William Willis, H. J. Walters, John A. McKee, J. B. Selheimer, J. 
C. Blymyer, George Macklin, W. H. Swanzey, J. F. Mann, John Davis, J. M. 
Selheimer, Charles A. Zerbe, D. E. Robeson, A. H. Sheaffer, W. H. Platt, Henry 
R. Zerbe, H. M. Vanzandt.

Lewistown Lodge, No. 255, K. of P., was chartered June 2, 1870, and was 
organized in Odd-Fellows' Hall, where their meetings have since been held. The 
membership is at present one hundred and nineteen.

A charter was granted for Ougpatonga Tribe, No. 6, Improved Order of Red Men, on 
the Seventh Sun of the Buck Moon, G. S. D. 376. It has at present eighty 
members. The present officers are William Hall. S.; H. H. Matter, S. S.; William 
C. Davies, J. G.; C. C. Secrist P.; Orrin Braman, C. of R.; Joseph H. Allen, K. 
of W.

Lewistown Lodge, No. 97, I. O. of O. F., was created by a charter bearing date 
August 19, 1844, and mentioning the following persons as officers: John 
Hamilton, N. G.; L. J. Eberly, V. G.; A. W. Groff, Sec.; Joseph Sourbeck, Asst. 
See.; William Yerger, Treas. A stock company was organized in 1844 of members of 
the lodge, who purchased a lot on the corner of Market and Dorcas Streets, and, 
in 1845, erected a brick building at a cost of six thousand dollars, with lot, 
fitting the second and third floors for lodge and society-rooms. After a few 
years the building passed entirely to Lodge No. 97, who now own it. The lodge 
has a membership of one hundred and sixty-five. The present officers are as 
follows: William Smith, N. G.; James Smith, V. G.; A. T. Hamilton, Sec.; W. S. 
Settle, Treas.

Lewistown Encampment, No. 256, I. O. O. F., were chartered September 13, 1881, 
and holds its meetings in Odd-Fellows' Hall. It has sixty-five members. George 
S. Hoffman, Sec.

Bell Lodge (Rebecca Degree), No. 141, I. O. of O. F., holds a charter bearing 
date May 12, 1884, and has at present fifty-two members. Its meetings are also 
held in Odd-Fellows' Hall.

Juniata Lodge, No. 270, K. of P., was chartered October 26, 1870, and was 
organized in the Davis House, where meetings were held for about two years. 
Arrangements were then made for the use of Odd-Fellows' Hall at the present 
place of meeting. The lodge has a membership of one hundred and thirty-five, 
commanded by the following officers: John Mertz, C. C.; Jefferson Sheesley, V. 
C.; George W. Goddard, K. of R. of S.; A. T. Hamilton, M. of F.; W. W. Trout, M. 
of E.

COLONEL HULINGS POST, NO. 176, DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA, G. A. R. - This post
was organized December 10, 1868, as Post No. 176, in the hall of the 
Apprentices' Library Society, by a committee from Post No. 58, of Harrisburg, 
Pa.

The following officers were elected at the time: Commander, John P. Taylor; 
Senior Vice-Commander, Robert W. Patton; Junior Vice-Commander, A. J. Hiland; 
Adjutant, C. J. Arms; Quartermaster, F. H. Wintz; Surgeon, A. T. Hamilton; 
Sergeant-Major, Michael Hiney; Quartermaster-Sergeant, C. M. Shull.

The post adopted the name of Colonel Hulings Post, No. 176, in January, 1870, in 
honor of Colonel Thomas M. Hulings, who was a member of the Forty-ninth Regiment 
of Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was killed at Spottsylvania May 10, 1864.

The minutes of August 31, 1871, show that that was the last meeting under the 
original

526  JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.

organization. It was reorganized in April, 1880, by Junior Department Commander 
Burchfield and a large deputation from Post 62, of Altoona. Forty-six recruits 
were mustered, and C. G. Marks was elected commander and was succeeded in the 
order named, - W. W. Trout, 1881-82; Thomas M. Strang, 1883; Henry T. Mitchell, 
1884; William H. Felix, 1885; William M. Bobb, 1886.

The post is in a flourishing condition and has a membership of one hundred and 
eight.

MIFFLIN COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION. - An Agricultural Society was formed before 
1850, which, after a few years, was disbanded. The one above named was organized 
November 19, 1874, with a capital stock of six thousand dollars. A tract of 
twenty-one acres of land was purchased of William R. Graham, lying east of the 
borough of Lewistown. In the summer of 1875 the grounds were fenced, a half-mile 
track was graded, two buildings, forty feet by sixty, and a grand stand one 
hundred feet in length, were erected, and a fair held in the fall of that year, 
and fairs continued to be held until 1879, when the association was abandoned, 
the last meeting being held in February of that year.

The presidents of the society were J. Ritz Burns, David Muthersbaugh, W. R. 
Graham and W. C. Bratton.

Albert Hamilton and C. S. Marks, were the secretaries of the association.

                             BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

                                ARTHUR B. LONG.

Arthur B. Long, the son of James Long, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., on the 
5th of November, 1806. He received a common-school education in his native 
county, and early deciding to become master of a self-supporting trade, served 
an apprenticeship with his uncle to that of a wagon-maker. On seeking a suitable 
location for business, his steps were directed towards Lewistown, where he at 
once began the pursuit of his trade. The following year he purchased property, 
including a shop and lot, erecting on the latter a comfortable dwelling. On the 
1st of December, 1829, Mr. Long married Anna Eliza Shaw, granddaughter William 
Shaw, of Northumberland County, and daughter of William Shaw and Catherine 
Watson, whose father emigrated from Ireland and settled near Philadelphia, where 
he was united in marriage to a Miss Corey.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Long are William James, married to Margaret 
Albright; Robert Watson, deceased; George Henry, married to Kate Scheller; Mary 
Catherine, wife of Dr. Charles S. Hurlbut; John Shaw, married to Kittie Rosa; 
Anna Mary, deceased; and Albert Buchanan, married to Sarah Chesney.

Mr. Long followed his trade successfully for four years, and in 1833 began a 
remarkable business career, which, though interrupted by singular reverses and 
vicissitudes of fortune, eventually led to the accumulation of a large and 
valuable estate. In the year above mentioned, in connection with his father-in-
law William Shaw, he built the Mount Rock Flour Mills, located in the suburbs of 
Lewistown which were successfully operated for a period of ten years. During 
this time he embarked in the manufacture of threshing-machines, which proved so 
lucrative as to induce him to dispose of his interest in the flouring-mill. Soon 
after he purchased, for six counties, the right to manufacture the Hathaway 
stove, and erected for the purpose a foundry at Lewistown. These stoves were 
conveyed by teams to various portions of the territory, and permission asked to 
place them in the houses of the residents. Their purchase soon after was a 
matter of little question, the enterprise proving exceedingly profitable to the 
manufacturer. In 1846, Mr. Long, in connection with a partner, erected the 
Isabella Furnace at Lewistown, and later rented the Hope Furnace in Mifflin 
County. This project proved disastrous, and wrecked the fortune he had 
accumulated by years of industry. Nothing daunted, and with an ambition and 
recuperative power rarely manifested in the face of reverses, he at once laid 
the foundation for a larger fortune. Repurchasing, at sheriff's sale, the 
Isabella Furnace, he began the manufacture of iron used for railroad 
construction, and at the same

                             A. B. LONG [portrait]

MIFFLIN COUNTY.  627

time filled extensive railroad contracts. While thus engaged, he purchased 
timber lands in Clearfield County, Pa., which, on being cleared, were found to 
contain valuable deposits of coal. These lands were subsequently leased at a 
stipulated royalty for thirty years. Mr. Long then purchased an extensive tract 
in Michigan and embarked largely in lumber interests near Grand Rapids, in that 
State, meanwhile constructing a railroad from the mills to the latter city. This 
interest is now managed by his son, George H. Long. Although Mr. Long was, 
during his active life, devoted to business pursuits, he was nevertheless active 
and interested in public affairs. He was early a Whig and afterwards a 
Republican, but never sought nor held political office. He was for many years a 
member, and held the office of deacon, of the Presbyterian Church of Lewistown, 
in which he organized the first choir, and was active in promoting the musical 
interests of the church. The death of Mr. Long occurred on the 23d of June, 
1884, in his seventy-eighth year.

                                DAVID REYNOLDS.

David Reynolds, who was an associate judge of the Mifflin County Courts for 
several years, haying previously held some of the most important of the county 
offices, was born in 1774 in Cecil County, Md., being the son of Benjamin 
Reynolds, a Quaker, whose ancestor of the same family name was a preacher of the 
Society of Friends, who, in 1682, came with William Penn to Pennsylvania, but 
soon afterwards settled in Maryland.

David was the youngest of the six sons of Benjamin Reynolds, the others being 
named, respectively, Isaac, Levi, Jesse, Stephen and John. After the death of 
Benjamin Reynolds, their mother married a Mr. Bryson, a man of good family, and 
both remained in Cecil County until their death. John Reynolds also lived and 
died in Maryland, but all the other sons of Benjamin removed to the Juniata 
Valley, in Pennsylvania, about the close of the last century, and settled in 
Mifflin County. Jesse and Stephen became farmers in that part of Mifflin which 
was afterwards taken to form the county of Juniata, and there they lived and 
died. Isaac emigrated from Mifflin County to the West, and became a resident of 
the State of Indiana, where he died. He had one son, Major Levi Reynolds, who, 
in his boyhood, had been reared by his uncle, Judge David Reynolds, at his home 
in Mifflin County, and who afterwards was a resident of Chester, Pa. He became 
widely known as a public man, was superintendent in the construction of the 
Delaware Breakwater and canal commissioner of the State. David Reynolds early 
became associated with the public offices, and was one of the most prominent men 
of Mifflin County at the beginning of the century.

In 1809, at which time David Reynolds had been for twelve or fifteen years a 
resident of Mifflin, Governor Simon Snyder divided the principal offices of that 
county between Mr. Reynolds and William P. Maclay, commissioning the former as 
register of wills, clerk of the Orphans' Court and recorder of deeds, and giving 
to Mr. Maclay the offices of prothonotary and clerk of the Quarter Sessions and 
of the Oyer and Terminer. The offices were held as thus divided until 1816, 
when, on the election of Mr. Maclay to Congress, the offices which he had held 
were transferred to Mr. Reynolds, while the offices thus vacated by the latter 
were filled by the appointment of David Milliken as his successor. The office of 
prothonotary was afterwards filled by David R. Reynolds (nephew of Judge David 
Reynolds), who held it for two terms in the administration of Governor George 
Wolf.

Under Governor J. Andrew Shultze (1823-29), David Reynolds was appointed and 
commissioned associate judge of the courts of Mifflin County, which office he 
continued to fill honorably and acceptably to the time of his death, in 1839. He 
was a Jeffersonian Democrat and an active politician through all the mature 
years of his life. His business was that of canal contractor and general dealer 
in merchandise, grain, and other products, which, at that time, were brought in 
large quantities from the surrounding country to Lewistown, to be shipped thence 
by boats on the Juniata in times of high water. Among the buildings which he

528  JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.

erected and owned in Lewistown was the residence which is still standing on the 
south side of Market Street, at the head of the Juniata Bridge, and the large 
brick building which occupies the north corner of Market and Main Streets, on 
the "Diamond," and which was for some years used as a hotel, but is now occupied 
by the offices of the Gazette, the Adams Express and for store purposes. Both 
the buildings mentioned were, at different times, occupied by Judge Reynolds as 
his residence.

Judge David Reynolds was first married to a daughter of Colonel Purdy, of 
Mifflin County. Their children were John Purdy Reynolds, who was killed at the 
massacre of the Alamo, in the Texan Revolution of 1836; Benjamin Bryson 
Reynolds, who settled in La Salle County, Ill., but died in Texas; and Mary Job 
Reynolds, who became the wife of John Christy, a farmer of Juniata County. The 
mother of these children died at Lewistown. The second wife of Judge Reynolds 
was Eleanor, daughter of John Moore, of Cumberland County, to whom he was 
married in 1813. She died in 1849, leaving an only child, Eleanor Moore 
Reynolds, born in 1815, and married, in October, 1839, to Dr. John C. Reynolds.

Dr. John Cromwell Reynolds was a son of Reuben Reynolds, of Cecil County, Md. At 
a very early age he became a pupil of the Nottingham Academy, of West 
Nottingham, Cecil County, under Dr. McGraw, and at the age of twelve years he 
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Pa., where he was graduated with honors 
at sixteen years of age. He began the study of medicine under Dr. Nathan Smith, 
a distinguished surgeon of Baltimore, and had the advantage of practice in the 
hospitals of that city. He afterwards prosecuted his studies in Washington, D. 
C., and received the appointment and commission of surgeon in the United States 
army. His first active service was in the Seminole War in Florida. Afterwards he 
served in the war against the Cherokees, and took part with General Hunter in 
the treaty with that tribe at Washington, and in their removal to the 
reservations assigned to them west of the Mississippi. Later, he served under 
General Scott, in the Mexican War of 1846-48. From the time of his marriage Dr. 
Reynolds made his home chiefly at Lewistown, though for a period of about three 
years he resided at McVeytown. He died on the 20th of February, 1849, aged 
thirty-eight years, in the house before mentioned as having been built by his 
father-in-law, Judge Reynolds, at the head of the Juniata Bridge, in Lewistown. 
His widow, Mrs. Eleanor Moore Reynolds, who still survives him, is a lady of 
refinement and culture, who, though she has spent many years of her life abroad, 
yet retains a lively interest in her native village, Lewistown, and it is from 
her that the main facts in the preceding sketch were obtained.

                        GENERAL JAMES BURNS. [portrait]

General James Burns was of Scotch-Irish lineage, his grandfather having been 
'Squire James Burns, who resided in Derry township, Mifflin County, where he was 
the owner of an extensive tract of land. His children were James, Robert, Hugh, 
Samuel and three daughters. James Burns, the eldest of these sons, was born on 
the 21st of May, 1772, on the homestead, where during his lifetime he pursued 
the occupations of a farmer. He was united in marriage to Mary Dixon, of the 
same county, whose children were Martha, born May 3, 1800; James, July 4, 1802; 
Mary, June 13, 1804; Eleanor, December 17, 1806; Washington, March 2, 1808; 
Robert, May 3, 1810; Sarah, December 23, 1813; and Dixon A., August 12, 1815. 
The birth of James Burns, Jr., the subject of this biographical sketch, occurred 
at the home of his parents in Derry township, Mifflin County, where he remained 
until his majority was attained. His education, being confined to such 
opportunities as the neighborhood afforded, was therefore necessarily limited, 
though quick perceptive faculties and a remarkably clear and comprehensive mind 
made, in a great degree, amends for the lack of early attainments. Having been 
made familiar with the labor connected with farming, he, before the age of 
twenty-two, left the homestead behind and rented a farm in the vicinity, which 
was cultivated for two years.  He was, on the 13th

MIFFLIN COUNTY.  529

of June, 1823, married to Miss Cartes Steely, daughter of Lazarus Steely, of the 
same county. The children of this marriage are Elizabeth Margaret (Mrs. James 
Allison); Mary Jane (Mrs. Montgomery Morrison); Ann Brown, deceased; Caroline S. 
(Mrs. Peter Spangler); and James Ritz, deceased, married to Ellen E. Ritz.

General Burns continued at farming after his marriage until his removal to 
Lewistown, which borough became his residence on his acceptance of the agency 
for the Pioneer Line of Packets and Stages, which he held for a period of ten 
years. His active mind then sought a wider range, which was opened in the 
business of contracting, the field of operation not being limited, but extending 
throughout the State. He was chiefly occupied in the building of locks and the 
construction of tunnels, one of his most important enterprises being the 
completion for the Pennsylvania Railroad of a tunnel through the Allegheny 
Mountains. Many other important works were executed under his personal 
direction, both for the State and for private corporations, which brought him 
into close business and social relations with the prominent and representative 
citizens of the commonwealth and made his name an influential one in business 
and political circles. General Burns subsequently engaged in other enterprises 
connected with the government, in all of which be was successful, his contracts 
having been filled with the most scrupulous integrity. He was a skillful 
political worker, wielding an extended influence both in local and State 
politics. A stanch exponent of the Democracy of the day, he represented his 
constituents for two successive terms in the State Legislature, and was for four 
years a member of the State Board of Canal Commissioners, a portion of which 
time he was its president. His private business influenced him to decline 
further political honors other than

530  JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.

that of treasurer of Mifflin County. He was largely identified with the business 
interests of the borough and was president of the Mifflin County National Bank; 
he was also a leading spirit in the organization and construction of various 
railroads throughout the State. General Burns, though not connected by 
membership, was a warm supporter of the Presbyterian Church, His death occurred 
at his home, in Lewistown, on the 26th of October, 1879, in his seventy-eighth 
year.

                             JOHN DAVIS. [portrait]

John Davis is of Welsh descent, his grandfather, Richard Davis, having been a 
resident of Port Clinton, Schuylkill County, Pa., where he was an enterprising 
farmer. His children were Reuben, Richard, Thomas, John and Hannah, wife of 
George Mauser. John Davis was born on the farm, in Hamburg, Berks County, owned 
by his father. On attaining a suitable age he learned the trade of a hatter in 
his native town, and subsequently removed to McCainsburg, Schuylkill County, 
where he continued the business in which he had by practice become skillful. 
Pottsville, Pa., afterward became his residence and the scene of his labors. Mr. 
Davis married Susanna, daughter of Jacob Lindenmuth, whose children are Mary, 
wife of John Cooper, of Pottsville; Catherine, wife of John M. Crosland, also of 
Pottsville; John; Susanna, wife of --- Gager, of Pottsville; Sarah, wife of 
Edward Jennings, of Lancaster; Hannah, wife of Henry S. Kepner, of Tamaqua, Pa., 
and two who are now deceased.

John Davis, the subject of this biographical sketch, was born on the 9th of 
January, 1817, in Hamburg, Berks County, Pa. His mother having died when the lad 
was but ten years of age, he was taken by his maternal uncle, George Lindenmuth, 
to learn the trade of a saddler and harness-maker.

Being very desirous of attaining greater skill than was possible under his 
uncle's instruction,

MIFFLIN COUNTY.  531

at the age of nineteen he repaired to Pittsburgh, and there completed his trade, 
mastering it in all its branches, and becoming especially proficient as a 
saddler. He then chose Hollidaysburg as a favorable point for business, but soon 
after removed to Lewistown, where a more advantageous business connection 
awaited him, his first employer being James McCord, with whom he remained one 
year. He then formed a co-partnership under the firm-name of Osborn & Davis, 
which, at the expiration of the first year, was dissolved, and Judge Davis 
continued the business alone. He was, on the 2d of August, 1840, married to Jane 
A., daughter of Gershom and Nancy McCallister, of Lewistown. Their two children, 
Ellen and Annie, are both deceased. Their home is, however, brightened by the 
presence of an adopted daughter, Clara M. C. Davis. Judge Davis is a Republican 
in politics, and has been for years one of the influential members of his party 
in the county. He has served in the Borough Council, was for six terms chief 
burgess of Lewistown, for three years coroner, and was by Governor Hoyt 
appointed to fill an unexpired term as associate judge of Mifflin County, to 
which office he was afterward elected. He has been identified with the progress 
of Lewistown, and was for ten years president of the Lewistown Building and Loan 
Association. He is, as a Free and Accepted Mason, connected with Lewistown 
Lodge, No. 203, and with Lewistown Chapter, No. 186. He is also a member of 
Lewistown Lodge, No. 197, of I. O. O. F. He is a supporter of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, in which his family worship. Judge Davis is from choice still 
an active worker at the trade he learned in youth.

                         GEORGE S. HOFFMAN. [portrait]

George S. Hoffman, of Lewistown, has been prominently identified with both 
municipal

532  JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.

and county affairs. He is of German descent, his great-grandfather having 
emigrated from Hesse Cassel to America. Among the children of the latter was 
Christian Hoffman, who resided in Lewistown, to which borough he removed from 
Carlisle, Pa., having, during his active life, followed the trade of a 
carpenter. His children were William B., Christian J., Frederick J. and one 
daughter, who died in childhood. Christian Hoffman evinced his patriotism by 
participating in the War of 1812. His son, William B., born in Carlisle, Pa., 
removed to Lewistown, with his parents, in 1824. He chose the trade of his 
father, which was finally abandoned for active business as a grain and coal 
dealer. He married Frances, daughter of George Strunk, of Granville township, 
Mifflin County, to whom were born children, - Henry C., now residing in Milroy 
and married to Hattie N. Blymyer; George. S.; William H., of Lewistown; and 
Ellen M. (deceased).

William B. Hoffman was an enterprising citizen and much interested in public 
affairs. He filled the office of chief burgess of the borough of Lewistown, was 
a member of the Town Council, and a school director. His death occurred on the 
14th of May, 1872. His wife survives him. His son, George S., was born January 
4, 1843, in Lewistown, which has been the scene of his business and political 
activities. His education was obtained at the public school and the Lewistown 
Academy, after which he effected an engagement as clerk with his uncle, F. J. 
Hoffman. After an experience of six years in that capacity, he embarked, with 
his father and brothers, in the coal business, under the firm-name of Hoffman