Local History: XLIII - Part III : Davis's 1877 History of Northampton Co, PA

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                                  HISTORY

                                    OF

                       NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.


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160 (cont.)


              XLIII.   THE BOROUGH OF EASTON.  PART III.



                               FLOOD OF 1862.

  In June, 1862, the valleys of the Delaware and Lehigh were visited with 
another of those sudden and destructive freshets, to which the Lehigh, in 
particular, is so liable. Although occurring in summer, without the 
auxiliaries of melting snows in the mountains, and loosening ice in the 
rivers, it wrought even more ruin than did the winter flood of 1841. At 
night, on Tuesday, the third of June, the rain began to fall steadily and 
very rapidly, and this continued during the whole of the succeeding day and
night, so that by the middle of the forenoon of Thursday, the Lehigh had 
been swollen to a roaring torrent, which swept all before it. The Free 
Press, of June 12th, in relating the facts and incidents of the great 
disaster, said: "The rise of the water was equal to that on the eighth of 
January, 1841.  In some positions it is reported as being a few inches 
less, in others a few inches more, than on that memorable occasion. The 
destruction of property at this time is, however, infinitely greater than 
it was then. This difference arose, first, from the large amount of 
improvements made in the valley since then; and, second, from the saturated 
and soft condition of the ground. During Wednesday night and Thursday 
morning, consternation, excitement, lamentation, and distress reigned among 
the whole valley. Early on Thursday morning, the river was discovered to be 
literally covered with floating timber, boats, houses, stables, bridges, 
furniture, and articles of every kind used in civilized society. All the 
bridges between Easton and Mauch Chunk are, either wholly or in part gone. 
The canal boats, loaded and unloaded, are nearly all carried down the 
stream. The houses along the canal, and on the level flats along the river, 
though nearly all ruined, or swept away. Residents on the banks awoke in 
time, only to save themselves, but leave all their goods at the mercy of 
the destroying element. Horror and dismay, terror and destruction, and 
darkness was all around. Daylight only served for reveal that which made 
the heart sick, and brought sadness and sorrow to the beholder. The 
earnings that had been gathered slowly by year, of hard toil and economy,
were swept away in a few hours, and the man, who felt that he had made some 
provision for the future, was poor, penniless, and without means. No pen 
can describe the amount of misery produced during that fearful night. In 
the immediate vicinity of Easton, Messrs. Deshler, Day & Woodring, McKean, 
Yohe, Rodenbough & Brother, and others, have lost heavily in lumber. 
Colonel Yohe, however, sustained also a heavy loss at his sawmill in the 
swamp, so that his whole loss may reach six thousand dollars. James McKeen 
suffered loss at South Easton, and also in the swamp, so that his loss is 
very heavy, amounting, perhaps, to twenty or thirty thousand dollars. Day & 
Woodring had a large quantity of sawed lumber in their yard; their loss 
must be great, but at what it is estimated we cannot tell. In short, the 
whole valley is almost completely cleansed of sawed lumber and saw logs. In 
this respect, the loss is very severe. Many of the poor boatmen have passed 
through Easton, homeward bound, some bare footed, without coats, and in a 
very destitute condition, having lost their all in a few hours. This want 
of transportation in coal will affect the whole community in the line of 
fuel.  About a hundred and fifty or two hundred tons of coal was swept away 
from Michler's coal-yard, and what was left was literally covered with mud. 
Near the Lehigh Bridge, in Easton, the water came through the streets, tore 
up the pavements, and carried away the brick and ground to the depth of two 
or three feet. The brick wall at the end or the bridge was carried away. 
Of the bridge, the lower or floor timbers are gone, with the flooring, and 
also some of the arch timbers, but most of these remain. Some of the posts 
and braces are broken, but most of these, with the top plates and roof, are 
still in their position.


161

  The test upon that structure was very severe, but it remains in part, and 
has already been made passable for foot, passengers. The houses along the 
river were all filled with water and mud. The fish market, near Mr. 
Sletor's hotel, was carried away, and so was Mr. Sletor's carpenter-shop. A 
large stable was carried away from Snufftown, Wolverton &, Walter lost, 
perhaps, a thousand dollars, in having grain spoiled. Drake & Hulick will 
lose, perhaps, ten thousand dollars, in boats, injury to goods, and various 
other ways.  The number of dead bodies found up to this time is already 
quite large; we suppose it cannot be much less than fifty, and doubtless 
there will be many more discovered when all the rubbish along the river 
shall be cleared away. In cases, whole families are gone, so that there is 
none left to sorrow for the rest. The heart sickens at the recital of this 
terrible catastrophe that has befallen the beautiful valley of the Lehigh."

  The Lehigh Bridge-built by Chapin, in 1841 although greatly damaged, was 
not wholly destroyed; and was, as seen above, at once repaired, so as to 
allow the crossing of foot passengers.  Proposals were also received by the 
Commissioners for rebuilding on the old plan, but these were rejected, and 
it, was decided to build a substantial one of iron. The work was commenced 
and prosecuted without unnecessary delay; and in due time was completed the 
present Third Street Bridge. It is two hundred and seventy-three feet in 
length, in two spans, each one hundred and twenty-seven feet, six inches, 
clear, with a centre pier of eighteen feet in thickness.  It has two 
foot-walks, and two carriage-ways, each ten feet wide, over which have been 
laid the tracks of the street-railway connecting the borough with South 
Easton. It is confidently believed that this bridge will be able to 
withstand the fury of even a higher flood than those of January, 1841, and 
June, 1862.


                            THE NEW COURTHOUSE

  A century after that bitter strife which existed between the people of 
Easton and its tributary country, on the one part, and the western and 
northwestern portion of the county, on the other, as to the location of the 
old Court House, there sprang into being another contest on the same 
subject, the location of a Temple of Justice; to be a successor to the old 
edifice, which still stood off its ancient site in the Public Square, but 
antiquated, timeworn, and wholly inadequate to the increased and increasing 
necessities of the county business.

  This time, it was not a war between Easton and the remote parts, of the
county, for none proposed to remove the buildings from the old shire-town:
nor was it a question whether to build or not to build, for it was 
admitted, with considerable unanimity, that, a new court house was 
indispensable; but, the point at issue was that of fixing upon a proper 
place on which to erect it. By some, the old site in the Square was 
considered as being the most central and easy of access, and 
consequently, the best; while others believed that the selection of higher 
add more spacious ground, would be in better accordance with the principles 
of modern progress. And so the contest was wailed with much warmth of 
feeling between the advocates of the different, locations. The 
Commissioner, at that time, were David Hillegass, Samuel Saeger, and Jacob 
Houck. Probably before they finished this business of locating and 
building, they had nearly as hot an experience as had Thomas Craig and his 
associate Trustees, during the old court house war which ran through the 
twelve years succeeding the erection of the county, in 1752.

  The preponderance of public sentiment proved to be against the selection 
of the Public Square, as being too contracted in space, as well as 
objectionable in other particulars.  This much being conceded, it soon 
became evident that the county had no need to incur any expense to the 
purchase of land on which to erect its buildings, for offers of gratuitous 
transfer of eligible lot, were received from several individuals, among 
whom were Hon. D. D. Wagener and James Thompson.

  Through the action of the Court of Quarter Sessions, and of two 
successive Grand Juries, of Northampton county, the Commissioners were 
invested with legal authority to proceed in the purchase of land and 
erection of a building for County purposes. Acting under this authority, on 
the twenty-third of May 1860, they revoked all prior resolves, touching the 
matter, and decided to purchase the land offered by Wagener, for a 
consideration of one dollar, and to build a court house upon the same. This 
decision was reached by the voices of Commissioners Saeger and Houck; 
Hillegass declining to record himself for, or against it.

  The lot of ground purchased of Wagener, upon which the county buildings now 
stand, is situated in the Sixth Ward, fronting on Walnut street; being 
otherwise bounded-west by Seventh, east by Taylor, and South by Lehigh 
street; lying on what may properly be called the highlands of the borough 
of Easton.

  The architect employed was C. Graham, Esq., whose plans of the proposed
building were submitted to the Commissioners, and by them approved. On
the fifteenth of June, the commencement of excavation, for the foundation, 
of the building, was made, under the supervision of the Commissioners 
clerk; but a few days later-on the twenty-first-the work was placed in 
charge of R. H. Horn, as superintendent; and, on the same day, Mr. Wagener 
formally transferred the land to the county.

   The work appears to have been prosecuted with diligence, for on 
February 1st, 1861, invitation was extended to the judges and members Of 
the bar, to inspect the interior of the building, although it was still 
very far from completion. It was not until the twenty-second of October, 
that S. Trumbore was directed to take out certain gas-fixtures., and other 
movables, from the venerable building in the Square, and place them in the 
new edifice; which, a mouth later, was ready for occupancy, and on the 
eighteenth of November, 1861, the first term of court was held within its 
walls.

  The cost of the Court House was about $53,000, It is a fair-looking  
brick building, one hundred and twenty-four by sixty feet, outside 
measurement, with six heavy fluted columns in front, and surmounted by a 
rather unsymmetrical steeple, which towers one hundred and fifty-five feet 
above the foundations, and forms it prominent object in a view of the town. 
The grounds are terraced in front, and generally well kept.

  Many thought that, when the courts were once fairly domiciled and fit 
working order, in the new building, the displeasure, which was felt at the 
location, would grow less and finally disappear, but such was not the 
result. On the contrary, it seemed rather to increase, it was quite 
noticeable among members of the bar, who thought it a hardship to have 
their business taken away from so convenient a point, as the Public 
Square, and permanently established at a place so remote and inaccessible.

  It seems that, of the three Commissioners, Mr. Houck was the most, blamed 
in the matter, and some satirical lines, reflecting on him were written, at 
the time, by Alexander E. Brown, Esq., a very prominent member of the bar. 
His effusion was entitled: "THE HOUSE THAT HOUCK BUILT," The concluding 
portion is given below.

These are the wise men who showed their skill 
By planting this nuisance on top of the hill,
Regardless of safety, regardless of time, 
Or the neck of the people compelled to climb;
For when Court was called it was all the same-
The old or the young, the halt or the lame-
The must mount with lawyers who climb up the hills,
To visit the clerks with their awful long bills,
Who wrote in the house that Houck built.

These are the people who footed the bill
For planting this humbug on top of the hill,
With steps so steep that he who must climb
Must take heed of his neck in slippery time;

When they have climbed to the court-room with trembling and fear
The devil can any one hear,
For this Great Bungle is built on the plan
To annoy the People as much as it can-
To do the least good at the greatest expense,
In defiance of Decency, Prudence, and Sense
For when Court was called they all most climb
To the top of the hill regardless of time:
They must mount up those steps out of the town,
And those may get, up who don't tumble down, 
For, parties, jurors, witnesses, all
Must climb up that steep at the criers call;
They must scratch up the steps with grunt and groan, 
And a bitter curse on every stone,
And mount with the lawyers  who climb up the hills,
To visit the clerks with their awful long bills,
Who wrote in the house that Houck built."

  Nor has the feeling of dissatisfaction even yet become extinct. In cold
windy weather, and particularly when the earth has taken on its covering
of snow and ice, one call hardly visit the halls of justice without hearing 
expressions condemnatory of the inconvenient location.  But, whether good 
or bad, it is now a permanency; and the litigants, the judges, the lawyers, 
and the people, may console themselves with the thought that their Court of 
Easton.


162


                          THE THIRD COUNTY PRISON.

  Soon after the occupation of the, new Court House, it was found that the 
jail of 1851 was no longer sufficient for the needs of the county.  At the 
November session in 1866, the Grand Inquest-whereof Samuel Garis was 
foreman-represented to the Honorable, the Judges of the Court of Quarter 
Sessions of Northampton county, that, they found the jail unsuitable, and 
in bad condition; that the Sheriff wits obliged to confine vagrants in the 
lower part of the jail, which was a great nuisance; that they recommend the 
building of a new jail, to accommodate the wants of the county, and to 
employ the prisoners; they regretted that prisoners sentenced by the Court 
for violation of the Sunday Liquor Law, were only nominally confined; and 
that, while close confinement could not be expected, on account of narrow
they condemned the laxity with which the sentences were executed. "At 
present", they represented, "with almost full liberty except of openly
walking the streets, the fulfillment of their sentence is a farce. The 
triumphal entry of some of the prisoners on the evening of their 
commitment, with music and banners, after a boisterous parade of our 
principal streets, was an open insult to the Court and the community; and 
we would ask the animadversions of the Court upon this disgraceful and 
lawless proceeding. We have also noticed the aforesaid prisoners being 
supplied with lager beer, and allowed its free use; hold nightly carousals 
in the jail, and thus practically rendered their sentences a mere nullity, 
turning their punishment into a triumph, and insulting the law which would 
inflict it."

  The action of the Grand Juries and of the Court, having clothed the 
Commisssioner-Messr. Charles Kern. Simon Buss, and Jesse Ruch-with the 
necessary powers, they proceeded to the erection of a new prison, upon 
the county's land adjoining the Court House. Edward Haviland was employed 
as architect. His plans were at once submitted to the Deputy Inspector, and 
received his signature of approval March 11th, 1868. The Commissioners then 
contracted with John Biglin, of South Easton, and John Lee, of Easton, as 
the firm of Biglin & Lee, for the construction of the prison; the contract 
price being $139,000.

  The job was a heavy and an extensive one, and, although it was, pushed by 
the contractors with reasonable diligence, it was act until 1871 that the 
jail was occupied. Although the contract price was, as has been stated 
above, the total cost of the prison has not fallen much-if any-short of 
$200,000.

  The size of the prison building is 180 x 60 feet, and the walled 
enclosure is 220 x 150 feet. The wardens department is 50 x 85 feet in 
dimension, embracing, on first floor, parlor, dining-room, kitchen, office, 
storerooms, and washrooms. The present warden is Theodore Whitesell.


                              THE IRON BRIDGE.

  Across the Bushkill, at Bushkill street, was completed in 1873. The old
Stone bridge crossing at Fourth Street, and built in 1792, had become 
dilapidated, and it was necessary that it new one should replace it, The 
first proposition was to rebuild in the same place, but this was afterwards
abandoned, is being less convenient than Bushkill street.  The abutments
and pier were built by Jacob F. Rafferty, at a cost of $4,530, and the iron
superstructure by William H, Law. The cost of the latter was $4,850. The 
bridge is one hundred and thirty-one feet in length, in two spans, each
span having two wrought-iron arches, connected on the centre pier, and each
end testing on expansion rollers upon the abutments, The floor-beams are
fourteen in number, of the Phoenix pattern, nine inches deep, and 
twenty-eight feet in length. On these are placed longitudinal stringers, 
laid two feet apart, and cross-planked with three-inch thick white oak 
flooring. It is warranted sufficiently strong to safely bear a load of one 
gross ton per linear foot. On its completion the old bridge at Fourth 
street was discontinued, and demolished.


                               POPULATION.

  The population of the borough of Easton has increased more than a 
thousand per cent since the commencement of the century. The following 
figures show the population at the end of each decade, to the year 1870
Population in 1800,                               1,045
              1810,                               1,657
              1820,                               2,370
              1830,                               3,529
              1840,                               4,865
              1850,                               7,250
              1860,                               8,944
              1870,                              10,987

If the rate of increase in the ten years from 1860 to 1870 has been 
continued till the present time, Easton has now  (1877) it population of 
considerably more than 13,000.


                         MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.

  Below the briefly noticed such of the business enterprises of the borough
of Easton its may be classed strictly under the title of manufacturing 
industries, the prosperity of which is more or less closely identified with 
the prosperity of the town.

  Foundry and Machine-shop of Young & Schlough -These works are situated on 
Perry street, occupying Nos. 222, 224, 226, and 228. They were established 
many years ago by Butz & Hayden, and, after many vicissitudes, were 
purchased in 1859 by the present proprietors, who greatly enlarged their 
capacity, and by their business tact and superior management placed them on 
their present successful career.

  The buildings, are built substantially of brick, and comprise machine-
shop, blacksmith-shop, and foundry, complete in their various departments, 
The machine-shop is 40 x 60 feet in size, and three stories high. Here will 
be found all the most approved laborsaving machinery for iron working, 
embracing lathes, drills, planes, &c. The second story of this building is 
devoted to pattern-making, The firm has facilities for making patterns of 
every description, and likewise employs its own designs. It employs
thirty-five men.

  The Delaware Foundry, located on Delaware street and the river, above the 
mouth of the Bushkill, was started in July, 1868, by the present 
proprietors, Messrs. J. Wilson & Brother, with it capital of $5,000; their 
consumption the first year being one hundred tons, which has steadily 
increased, until now they are running five hundred tons. The main edifice 
is 24 x 52 feet in size, and two stories high. The second floor is the 
pattern-shop, where patterns of all kinds are made promptly to order. 
Adjoining this is a building 40 x 50 feet in size. Another structure, 25 x 
35 feet, is used for engine-room and other matters; while there is still 
the carpenter-shop, where the cores, flasks, &c., are made. This is 20 x 20 
feet, with an addition for cleaning castings, &c., 15 x 15 feet, so that 
the establishment is complete in all its departments, including moulding, 
casting, pattern-making, machine-shop, &c., with advantages second to none. 
The business of the firm is general iron casting in all its branches, for 
which they have ample room, and every facility. The line of their work 
embraces rolling-mill castings of every description, and ploughs, sled 
shoes, sash-weights, cellar grates, stove grates, barn door rollers and 
hangers, railings, building crests, hinges, hangers for shafting, &c., but 
they make a leading specialty of rolling-mill work, for which they have a 
high reputation. Their father, who died in 1871, had started the same 
business at Williamsburg, Upper Mount Bethel township, about 1836, of which 
the Delaware Foundry is really a continuation. Power employed twenty-five 
horse; number of hands, fifteen to twenty.

  Easton Sheet-iron-works, located on north bank of Lehigh River, nearly on 
a line with Thirteenth street. Was established in February, 1871, by Simon 
Oliver & Son. Upon death of senior, the firm name became Oliver
Co., who are the present proprietors. The works employ about thirty hands.

  Easton Lock-works, located on Peach street, near the Lehigh river. 
Erected as a glue factory by Flemings & Sants, in 1853. Afterwards carried 
on as it sad-iron works, by J. J. & W. H. Hauck and also by E. H. Everman. 
Still later used in manufacture of locks, not now in operation. 

  Easton Brass Works-Established, 1871, by William Young. Business 
exclusively brass-founding, and the manufacture of wrought-iron, rubber-
coated, brass cylinder, lift and force pumps. When in full three employs 
eight men. Location corner of Church and Sitgreaves streets.

  The Easton Cordage-factory, owned by Jacob Rinek's Sons, is one of the 
finest and best arranged cordage-factories in the United States. It is the 
result of the constant growth of a third of a century. The enterprise was 
started in 1840, in quite a modest way, by Mr. Jacob Rinek. All his 
operations were carried on by hand labor, with the assistance of a few 
persons, but such was the excellence of his cordage, that his orders 
increased, kind he was obliged to add to his resources until the 
establishment became one of very large dimensions. In 1863, his three sons, 
who had been brought up to the business, were admitted to the firm, which 
then became J. Rinek & Sons. The father died in 1868, when the three 
brothers, Thomas, John, and Henry, continued the business, and have 
successfully conducted it ever since, maintaining the credit of the 
establishment, and constantly increasing the trade, while they have 
improved its capacity and made the concern one of the most noteworthy 
industrial establishments in the vicinity. The younger and only remaining 
brother became it member of the firm, the beginning of the year 1874.

  The works are situated on Bushkill Creek, about, one-half a mile from 
Easton. The factory proper, where the hemp is prepared and spun, is a 
Substantial brick structure, especially adapted for the purpose. It is 
filled with the most improved labor-saying machinery, driven by 
steam-power, furnished by a one hundred horsepower Corliss engine, supplied 
with steam from two large boilers. Much of the most valuable machinery was 
invented by the proprietors especially for their own use. Their productions 
have a high reputation and find a ready market in all parts of the United 
States. The capacity of the works is about 1,000 tons of rope per annum, 
worth at least $300,000, and their operations give employment, when working 
on full time, to nearly one hundred hands.


163


  Lehicton Paint-mills. C. E. Hecht, Agent and Superintendent. These mill, are 
located on the Bushkill Creek (called originally by the Indians, Lehicton). 
The power is furnished by the creek upon a fifty-horse American Turbine 
Wheel, The building is 30 x 50 feet, three and one-half stories high, The 
capacity of the works is about 1,000 tons of paint per annum. The principal 
product of the works is paint for coal and freight cars, bridges, barns, 
dwelling-houses; while colors of every shade and variety are manufactured 
to oil, japan, and spirits of turpentine.

  In addition to the paint business, there are soapstone and talc quarries 
oil the property, which are being largely operated. The stone is very 
finely ground, and belted and shipped in car leads to the cities. An 
inexhaustible bed of the pure white stone is lying just below the, surface; 
and from it can be taken slabs and masses of almost any size.

  There is also on this property a bed of beautiful green Serpentine stone; 
and one of pure white hard stone resembling granite in general character. 
Both these last are merely uncovered enough to show their existence. But 
from present indications they are likely to very soon be fully developed.

  The property called "Lehicton" is within the borough limits: being 
bounded by Wood street, on the south; Thirteenth street, on the east; and 
the borough lines on the north and west.

  For a long while after the making of whiskey ceased to be profitable, the
property looked deserted. But since the erection of the Lehicton Paint,
Works on the site of the old distillery, and the improvements to the flour
mill and dwelling houses new life, and thrift are apparent everywhere.
With these and the quarries in full tide of successful operation, the north
west corner of Easton bid, fair to see a good degree of prosperity.

 Easton Paint and Mining Company-The works of this company, erected
for the manufacture of dry paints, are located on the north bank of the
Bushkill Creek, about a mile above the centre of the town, and nearly 
opposite the cemetery. The company manufactures upwards of eight hundred
tons of dry paints annually.

  The Limestone Quarry, of J. & J. Smith, known as the old "Wagener 
Quarry," situated in the northwestern part of the Borough of Easton, on the 
north side of the Bushkill Creek, opposite the line of Eighth street, is 
one of the best in the State. A very superior quality of lime is 
manufactured from the stone used principally for building purposes, and a, 
beautiful stone is also quarried here for curbs, doors, windows, etc.

  Butz's Saw-mill, is on Bushkill above the iron bridge, owned by Michael 
Butz. Precise date of erection not known. It is unfavorably situated, as 
regards the procuring of logs, and its business probably not extensive.

  Uhler's Saw-mill, located on Delaware River at Front and Bushkill 
streets. Erected in 1869, by Peter Uhler, the present owner. When in 
operation (which it is not, at present) it is stocked by logs floated down 
the Delaware.

  Lehigh Steam Saw-mill, located on Lehigh River, Dock street, between
Fourth and Fifth Property owned by Henry Green and Jesse Lines. Mill 
operated by Rapp & Mitchell, saws principally hemlock lumber. Employs about 
ten men, capacity, 2,000,000 feet per annum.

  Keystone Planing-mill, located at No, 22 Lehicton street, north side of
Bushkill Creek, above the iron bridge. Erected in 1875, by J. E. Stair.
Manufactures doors, sash  etc., Employs twelve to fifteen men.

  Butz's Planing-mill, located on the north side of the Bushkill, to the bend
of the stream above the iron bridge, on the same site where Peter Kichline
built the first gristmill in Easton, more than a century ago. After the 
death of Colonel Kichline, the mill property was owned by his son Andrew, 
who, in the year 1800, sold it to Christian Butz, father of Michael Butz, 
the present owner. The original Kichline mill was replaced by another (also 
a flouring-mill), which was destroyed by fire, and a planing-mill was 
erected on the site. This was also burned in 1870, and replaced by the 
present mill. Its business is the same as is generally done by similar 
establishments.

  Planing-mill, of George Hensel, located on the Lehigh River, in Sixth 
Ward was established by Deshler & Rinek, in 1851. Class of Work, same as is 
usually done in similar establishments.

  Butz's Flour and  mill, situated on Bushkill Creek above the Bushkill 
Street Bridge, was built by Captain Daniel Butz, in 1837, and was first, 
used as a woolen-mill, but after about five years was changed to a 
grist-mill, and has so continued till the present time. It is owned by 
Michael Butz, Esq., and stands on the premise, purchased by his father, 
Christian Butz, of Andrew Kichline, in the year 1800. The mill does an 
extensive business.

  Lafayette Flouring-mills, situated on corner of Third and Delaware 
streets, First established on this site in 1789, by Prutzman & Herster, 
Present proprietors, Mann & Allshouse. Have capacity for flouring 63,000 
bushels annually.

  Mount Jefferson Flouring-mill, owned by Adolph Groetzinger. This stands on 
the site on which Peter Kichline built the first saw-mill in Easton. It was 
afterwards a fulling-mill, and still later, an oil-mill. It, is located on 
the south side of the Bushkill, opposite "Goose Island," Mr. Groetzinger 
grinds nearly 30,000 bushels of grain annually.

  Lehicton Flour-mill, on Bushkill Creek, north side, near the Thirteenth 
Street, Bridge, and adjacent to the Lehicton Paint-mills, is owned and run 
by Peter K. Snyder, who is a veteran in the manufacture of good family 
flour. The mill is a favorite among the farmers, and other people of the 
neighborhood, and does a good business.

  The Herster Flourmill is propelled by water of the Bushkill Creek, its 
location being at, Fifteenth street, just inside the borough limits. It is 
a stone mill, built in the year 1826, The first miller was Daniel Roth It 
is owned and operated by Messrs. Pafer & Nolf, in whose hands it is doing 
an excellent business.

  Easton Tannery, situated on North Third street, was built in 1863, by 
J. S. Lehn, at a cost of $15,000. Its capacity is 8,000 hides per annum. 
Not at present in operation.

  Carriage-shop of O. L. Godfrey, situated at the corner of Front and 
Spring Garden streets, Established in 1869, by present proprietor, Business 
about, $15,000 per annum.

  The Carriage-factory of Albright &. Co., is located at No. 26 North 
Fourth street. The business was started by Mr. Ludwig, about 1840. In 1850, 
it was purchased by J. Albright, who carried it on alone, until 1866, when 
A. Albright and E. B. Oberly were admitted as partners to the present firm. 
They manufacture all styles of carriages and spring-wagons. Yearly sales, 
about one hundred carriages, and more than sixty sleighs. Number of hands 
employed, eighteen.

  Easton Marble Company Elisha Allis, B. M. Klein, D. H. Schweyer, 
L. H. Liess. Mill erected in 1873. Employs four men. Power, twenty-five 
horse. Runs two gangs, and three rip-saws. Has facilities for sawing from 
7,000 to 8,000 cubic feet of marble per annum. Receive the marble from West 
Refined, Vermont, and from other parts of that State. Marble, which is sawed 
to suit the demands of the market.

  Easton Coal Oil Works-Located on Lehigh River, at foot of Sitgreaves 
street. Proprietor, John Semple. The business was established by Heath, 
Fagboner & Clay, about the year 1861. The buildings are furnished with 
every facility for the refining of petroleum. Capacity, about one hundred 
and twenty-five barrels per week.

  The Wagener Oil-mill, located on the north side of the Bushkill, above the 
Cemetery Bridge, was built by Judge Daniel Wagoner, many years ago for the 
purpose of manufacturing linseed-oil. An addition was made to it, in 1865, 
to put in machinery for the grinding of paint. The site is one of the very 
best oil the Bushkill, being capable of yielding fully one hundred 
horse-power, but the mill is not in operation at the present time.

  Three other mills have been built in that vicinity, at different times, 
by members of the Wagener family. The one below the oil-mill-the ruin, of
which may still be seen-was built by Judge Wagener, in 1792. It was called 
the Spruce Hill Mill, and was used for flooring. In 1845, it was remodeled 
by Hon. David D. Wagener, and was then considered the best merchant mill in 
this, section. It had three run of stones, and manufactured fifty barrels 
of flour, or ninety barrels corn meal per day.  In 1870, it was changed to 
a mill for grinding Mineral paints. Was burned down April 12th, 1872, then 
rebuilt and again destroyed by fire in May, 1875. The cause of these fires 
was thought to be the great friction of grinding the hard, gritty material.

  On the opposite side of the creek, the old flour and corn-mill-ruins yet 
visible-was built by Frederick Wagener, in 1775. The old saw-mill-also-on 
the side of the creek towards the cemetery-he also built about the same 
time. It stood until the year 1845. Judge Daniel Wagener rented and run the 
old grist-mill, when only nineteen years of age.

  Brush Manufactory-There is but one establishment, in this line in Easton. 
It was established in 1834, by Mr. John Pollock, the present proprietor. 
The location is at No. 222 Northampton street, with working rooms on Church 
street. When working at full capacity, Mr. Pollock employs about fifteen 
hands. Nearly every variety of brush is manufactured here, for the markets 
of New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.


164


  Glanz & Kuebler's Brewery is properly one of the industries of Easton, 
though located across the Lehigh, in Williams township. It stands on the 
West bank of the Delaware, and was erected in the year 1854. Capacity, 
7,000 to 8,000 barrels annually. Owned and operated by Messrs. Glanz & Kuebler.

  Seitz Brothers' Brewery, located at the corner of Second and Ferry streets 
two hundred and twenty feet on Second and one hundred feet on Ferry-was 
established by Frederick Seitz, Sr., in 1821. Its capacity then was ten 
barrels per day. Present daily capacity, eighty barrels ale, and sixty 
barrels beer. Main bidding, brick and stone, five stories high, fills whole 
of the Ferry street front, one hundred feet. Three other buildings, each 
three stories, of brick, 40 x 60 feet. The bottling establishment and 
cellars, are at the corner of Front Old Bushkill streets. There are five 
cellars, with storage capacity of 10,000 barrels. The site of the bottling 
houses and cellars was purchased by F. Seitz, Sr., of Peter Miller, in 
1853. The present firm is composed of H. W. Seitz, William A. Seitz, and 
John A. Seitz. They employ, in the summer season, fifty men and boys, and 
pay out $25,000 annually for labor. Their business is very large, 
exclusively wholesale, and they have agencies at Mauch Chunk, Allentown, 
and Newtown, Pa, and Somerville and Plainfield, N. J.

  Viele's Brewery is located on Locust street, north of Pearl. It was 
established in 1835, by Mr. Xevier Viele, who still owns it.  It is devoted 
entirely to the manufacture of lager beer, and has a capacity, when in full 
operation, of forty barrels, per day. The lot is eighty feet front on 
Locust, extending back all the way to Seventh street. The brewery is of 
brick, 40 x 80 feet, and two stories in height, with vaults capable of 
storing 2,500 barrels of beer. The engine used is of eight horsepower. 
Sales are principally in Easton.


                          THE EASTON GAS COMPANY

  Was incorporated March 14th, 1850, with a capital of $40,000-which, by 
supplements to the charter, is now increased to $200,000. The par value of 
stock is fifty dollars, of which 3,000 shares have been issued, making 
present working capital $150,000. By supplement, approved April 12th, 1851, 
Section 10 of the original Act, giving the borough corporation the right to 
buy out the company, is repealed.

  On the second of May, 1850, commissioners, under the charter, held their 
first meeting at the office of M. H. Jones, when a question arose in regard 
to the kind of gas-works most likely to prove satisfactory-that is, whether 
rosin or coal works would be preferable.

  Theodore R. Sitgreaves, and the late Judge McCartney, were appointed a
committee, June 13th, 1850, to visit Reading and other places, in order to
obtain information on the Subject. Mr. Sitgreaves declined serving, and 
M. H. Jones was substituted in his place. This committee made report, on 
the sixth of September 1850, in which, after enumerating various facts on 
which they based their opinion, they said "In conclusion, your committee is 
decidedly of, the opinion that coal is the only reliable source of gas, and 
that any other work would only be an experiment."

  The first election under the charter was held at the public house of Mrs. 
White, on the fifth of May, 1851, when 
M. H. Jones
J. M. Porter
W. McCartney
P. H. Mattes
Jacob Weygandt
George W. Barnet
Thomas Deshler
Traill Green
Jacob Rader, were chosen directors. 

The Board was organized by electing 
President, H. H. Jones
Secretary, W. McCartney
Treasurer, P. H. Mattes

  On the nineteenth of May, 1851, several proposals were offered for 
building the works, and the contract was given to Philip P. Deilly, for the 
sum of $40,500.

  On the sixth of December, 1851, the By-Laws were adopted, and at the same 
meeting Charles E. Weygandt was elected superintendent.

  The works went into operation, and the borough was lighted up on 
Thanksgiving night (November, 1851). The number of street lamps was 
nineteen; the price for gas, four dollars per thousand feet. The average 
nightly consumption was 4,100 cubic feet.

  The works have been in operation, without intermission, since 1851, and,
although for the first few years great embarrassment with loss was 
experienced, they are now in good condition and successful operation, the 
buildings are substantial and well located, on Front street, from Bushkill 
street to the Creek.

  The works consist of three tanks and gas-holders, retort house with eight 
benches, new purifying house, with capacity to purify 125,000 cubic feet 
per day of twenty-four hours, with exhauster sufficient to pass that 
amount, blacksmith-shop, workshop, office, coal-shells, etc. The large tank 
was built in 1872, size seventy-eight feet two inches in diameter, and 
thirty feet deep.

  Gas-holder constructed by Morris, Tasker & Co., of Philadelphia. The 
three gas-holders will store 190,000 cubic feet.

  The street mains now extend through Phillipsburg to the Andover Furnace; 
also to South Easton; and in the borough of Easton as far as Thirteenth 
street, west; and over College Hill, north.

  From 4,100 feet per night at the commencement, the consumption has 
increased so much, that over 80,000 feet has been consumed in a single night.

  The real estate owned by the company is adequate for all uses, consisting 
of the several purchases since 1851. Title for which is on record. It is as 
follows:

  1851  First purchase        J. Gangwer                  consideration $1,000
  1853  Second  purchase      J. Gangwer                  consideration  2,000
  1852  Third purchase        Marbacher                   consideration  1,850
  1867  Fourth purchase       Seitz (Women's property)    consideration  2,600
  1869  Fifth purchase        Assignee of Geo. Seitz      consideration  3,050
  1873  Sixth purchase        Wilson, admr. Of Gangwer    consideration  8,400

  The present Board of Directors and officers are:
President, M. H. Jones
Treasurer, Thomas Sletor
Secretary, H. D. Maxwell; and Jacob Rader, 
Samuel Boileau
Edward Hilliard
William H. Lawall
Stephen Deshler 
and William A. Bush
Superintendent, Samuel Trumbore
Clerk, Samuel M. Cummings, elected May 7th, 1857
Foreman, Valentine Weaver


                      PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND INSTITUTIONS.

                              THE WATER SUPPLY.

The Easton Water Company was incorporated, by Act of Assembly, 
March 24th, 1817-

President, George Wolf

Directors
Nathaniel Michler
John Herster
John Green
James Hays
William Barnet
Philip H. Mattes

  The water was carried in wooden pipes from a spring, on Chestnut Hill, to 
the reservoir, upon the high ground at Sixth street; and thence distributed 
to a few hydrant, in different parts of the town, the inhabitants, however, 
being still under the necessity of relying principally on their wells and 
pumps, as the supply was wholly inadequate. On this account, in 1840, the 
company erected new works on the Delaware, above the mouth of Bushkill, 
whence, by means of steam-power, they forced the water to the reservoir on 
College Hill, northwest of the college buildings, from which it was 
distributed to the town; and as the supply was now sufficient, the street 
pumps and hydrants were all removed, to force the people to have the water 
led to their dwellings.  But although the supply was ample, the pressure, 
could not overcome the elevation necessary to supply the west ward, and So 
the WEST WARD WATER COMPANY was incorporated, May 4th, 1854, for the 
purpose of supplying the inhabitants west of Sixth street. The president 
was Henry Keller. A supplement to this Act of Incorporation was passed May 
5th, 1855, giving the company the right to supply the inhabitants of the 
whole borough.

  The Lehigh Water Company was chartered, in 1860, with a capital of $200,000. 
President, Charles Rodenbough
Secretary, Henry Green
This company purchased the franchises and property of the West Ward 
Company. The steam pumping works are located on the Lehigh, at Spring 
street. The water is taken from that river, and raised two hundred feet, to 
the reservoir, on Fifteenth and Northampton streets, outside of and joining 
the borough line. The supply is now ample for every necessity, and the head 
is so great that it can be carried over the tops, of the buildings in the 
lower portions of the town.


                            FIRE DEPARTMENT

  Organization for the extinguishment of fires in Easton, dates back to 
the establishment of the Easton, Humane Fire Company, in 1797.  It was 
furnished with an engine of the manufacture of Mason, of Philadelphia. It 
was, of course, a hand-engine, and was filled for use by means of buckets.
After the establishment of the reservoir, at Sixth street, by which the 
town was supposed to be supplied with water front Chestnut Hill, a hose 
company was started, under the theory that, with the great head and fall, 
fires could be extinguished without the aid of forcing apparatus, which, 
indeed, would have been true as regarded the lower parts of the town, 
provided the new waterworks had supplied a sufficiency of water; which, 
unfortunately, did not prove to be the case. The company was called the 
VIGILANT HOSE COMPANY, and was instituted August 4th, 1820. It, motto was:

                   "Prodesse Civibus"

  The object of the organization was set forth in the Constitution, as 
follows: "Having oftentimes the same view, before us, and not infrequently 
the same objects to attain, as members of a community desirous to discharge 
our duty, we hold it right, and deem it beneficial, that each one should 
assist the other. When society is thus disposed, and men, possess such 
feelings, there is always a satisfaction consequent upon misfortune, that 
all human aid was lent; all the affections were enlisted; and what appears, 
at first sight, the circumstances of accident, results in the decree of 
inevitable fate. With such views we have organized this association, 
impressed with the importance of life and the valve of property, as men, 
subject to calamity, but willing to avert it."


165

The following was the scale of fines imposed on members of the company
for various shortcomings:

"For neglecting to equip themselves,              25     cents 
For nonattendance at fires,                       25     cents
For neglecting to appear with badge,               6 1/4 cents
For leaving the stations assigned them at a fire, 25     cents
For neglecting to assist in conveying the hose to 
and from a fire or alarm                          50     cents
For nonattendance at roll call,                    6 1/4 cents
For absence during a meeting,                      6 1/4 cents
For withdrawing from a meeting without permission 
from the President                                 6 1/4 cents
For disorderly conduct at a meeting or at a fire, 25     cents

  "All lines and forfeiture shall be for the use of the company, who shall 
have the power of affixing such other penalties as they may think proper 
for offences provided for by the constitution."

  By the year 1830, the number of companies had increased to five viz., the 
Humane, Phoenix, Neptune, Columbia, and Northampton. These did good service 
in the "lumber fire" of Thursday evening, April 14th, 1831, This was 
supposed to have been the work of incendiaries, as fire after fire had 
followed each other, in quick succession, for several weeks previously. 
This fire was in Church alley, and burned the property of Kutz, Meixell, 
and others. The hose of the Humane Company was entirely destroyed at this fire.

  The increased supply of water, introduced in 1840, revived the old idea 
of extinguishment without force, relying alone on the pressure given by the 
great height of the reservoir; and so we find, about that time, that every 
company in town was a hose company. But the introduction of steam apparatus 
has changed all that, and nothing short of steam-power, for extinguishment 
of fires, is now considered to be reliable.

  Up to the commencement of the present year, the Fire Department of Easton 
has been under charge of a Chief Engineer, but that office is now 
discontinued. The last person holding it was Major George Finley, whose 
term expired December 31st, 1876.  The companies composing the Easton Fire 
Brigade are as follows:

  Humane Fire Company, No. 1.- This company was organized February 22d, 1797, 
Its first officers were the following: 

President, Abraham Horn, Sr.
Secretary, Christian J. Hutter
Treasurer, Jacob Weygandt

Engine Directors
Napthali Hart
William Barnet

Inspector, Nicholas Troxell

The present organization was incorporated May 7th, 1870. The number of 
active members is forty-five. The present officers are:

President, W. H. Werkheiser
Vice-President, Frank Shuler
Recording Secretary, E. H. Hamman
Financial Secretary, William Pohl
Treasurer, Wm. E. Hammann

Trustees

J. J. Smith
George Snyder
E. H. Hammann

Librarian, George Freyberger

  The company own a second-class "Clapp & Jones" steam fire-engine, valued 
at $4,000; eight hundred feet of base; one handsome parade carriage, valued 
at $2,500, and a service carriage valued at $750; also a full parlor sett, 
estimated at $1,500, The company is located in a three-story brick building 
fit the southwest corner of Centre Square.

  The Phoenix Fire Company, No, 2, was instituted January l7th, 1824, being 
the second engine company formed within the Borough of Easton. The first 
officers were:

President, Alexander E. Brown
Secretary, T. Quintus Hutter
Foreman, Andrea H. Reeder

The present officers are:

President, A. F. Heller
Vice-President, Joseph S. Osterstock
Secretary, John Cummings
Assistant Engineer, Solomon Strauss

  The engine house is situated on Ferry street, below Sitgreaves. The company 
has three horses, and an Amoskeag engine. Value of their property, about $15,000.

  Washington Fire Company, No. 33, was instituted January 25th, 1840, with 
the following officers:

President, W. L. Sebring
Secretary, C. R. Lane
Treasurer, John Awalt

  The hand-engine and hose formerly belonging to Columbia, No. 2, was used by 
them until September 15th, 1869, when they purchased a steam fire-engine. 
The property of the company, at present, is one Amoskeag engine, costing 
$4,250; one Amoskeag hose carriage, $700; one alarm weight, (1,073 pounds), 
$350; other property, $2,200.
 The present officers are:

President, John Dachrodt
Vice-President, D. T. Lerch
Secretary, H. A. Seibel, Jr.
Treasurer, Nelson Bishop
Engineer, Nelson Bishop
Fireman, Henry A. Seibel

The company number, twenty-five active members, and the engine house is 
located on Sixth street, between Northampton and Pine streets, in the Sixth Ward.

  Keystone Fire Company, No. 5, was organized June 2d, 1857, with forty 
members. The furniture and building were formerly the property of the Union 
Hose. Company, consisting of a four-wheeled hose carriage, built by Charles 
Dudley, in 1852; also one double-deck hand-engine, the latter being one of 
the first, engines in Easton. In April, 1861 all the members, except three, 
volunteered for the three months-service. In August, they re-enlisted, and 
placed over the door of the building the words, "All gone to the war,"
February 4th, 1807, they took possession of their present house,, on 
Bushkill street, between Third and Fourth. Having received a second-class 
steam fire-engine, of the manufacture of Cole Brothers, Pawtucket, R. I. 
they equipped themselves by purchase of their first, team of horses, 
November 1871. The value of the company property is $7,000; present number 
of members, sixty-two.
 The officers are: 

President, James K. Dawes
Vice-President and Treasurer, G. M. Oberly
Secretary, C. M. Porter
Assistant Secretary, G. H. Lesher
Chief Director, John Stonebach. 

The company has fifty-two active members.


Lafayette Hose Company, No. 6. This company was instituted
January 11th, 1872. The first officers of the company were 
 
President, Theodore Schug
Vice-President, E. Bauer
Secretary, Amandus Schug
Assistant Secretary, Nelson Hester
Treasurer, Amandus Steinmetz.

  The company is located in a two-story brick building on New street,
Hill. Their property-hose carriage and hose-is valued at about $1,000.
The number of active members is, at present, fifty-two. Tho officers are:

President, Henry Steinmetz
Vice-President Edward Dietrich
Recording and Financial Secretary, Theodore Schug
Treasurer, Amandus Steinmetz,
Foreman, Joseph H. Laros
Assistant Foreman, Thomas F. Burley

Trustees

Daniel Brinker
Charles King
William Brinker

Librarian, Edwin Sandt


  Southwork Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, was instituted (as Southwark Hose 
Company) August 5th, 1856. 

The first officers were: 

President, Thomas Dawes
Secretary, William Osmun
Treasurer, William Barnet

Reorganized under its present name, September 12th, 1869, with the 
following officers:

President, Max Gress
Vice-President, William H. Troxell
Secretary, William P. Horn
Treasurer, William  H. Drake

The company is located in a two-story brick building, on Lehigh street,
between Third and Fourth. They have a hand truck, seven ladders, with
the other necessary apparatus. The number of active member, is thirty-four. 
The, officers, at present are: 

President, William Troxell
Vice-President, Howard Naylor
Secretary, Albert Gosner
Treasurer, John Bullman

Foreman, Samuel Vanuorman

First Assistant, Charles Genther

Second Assistant, Robert Abbott

Trustees

Roseberry Seip
William Troxell
George Leidy

Librarian, Elisha Johnson


                 HISTORY OF THE EASTON POST OFFICE.
                     By JAMES K. DAWES, ESQ.

  The Post Office was established at Easton, Northampton, county, Pa.,
March 20th, 1793. Prior to that, date, it is probable that, the residents 
conducted their very limited correspondence by sending their letters to 
Philadelphia or New York, by the not very frequent travelers, to those 
cities.

  On February 20th, 1792, the Congress of the United States passed an "Act 
to establish the post office and post roads within the United States," 
which, receiving the approving signature of George Washington, President of 
the United States, became a law. It established a post route from 
Wiscasset, Maine, to Savannah, Georgia, passing through Portland (Me.), 
Portsmouth (N. H.), Boston (Mass.), Hartford (Conn.), New York (N. Y.), 
Newark, Elizabethtown, and Trenton (N. J.), Philadelphia and Chester (Pa.), 
and so on to Savannah (Ga.) This was the post route of the United States, 
and from this were a few cross-routes, among them, one from "Philadelphia 
to Bethlehem," "Bethlehem to Easton and Sussex Court House," and one from 
"Sussex Court House to Elizabethtown," intersecting there the "post road." 
This was the first Act passed under the Constitution of the United States, 
establishing a postal system in this country. It went into effect, in 
accordance with its provisions on June 1st, 1792.


166 


  In 1792, there was established a line of stages between Bethlehem and 
Philadelphia, and in 1796, between Easton and Philadelphia, or perhaps it 
were more proper to call it a stage line, as probably but one stage was 
required, a round trip being made only twice a week in summer, and once a 
week in winter. It may not be amiss to here note the rates of postage first
established in the United States; the weight seems to have been allowed as 
one-quarter of an ounce avoirdupois to each letter; the rates of postage 
varied with the distance, viz:

under thirty miles, six cents
from thirty to sixty miles, eight cents
sixty to one hundred miles, ten cents
one hundred to one hundred and fifty miles, twelve and one-half cents
one hundred and fifty two hundred miles, fifteen cents
two hundred to two hundred and fifty miles, seventeen cents; 
two hundred and fifty to three hundred and fifty miles, twenty cents; 
three hundred and fifty to four hundred and fifty miles, twenty-two cents
over four hundred and fifty miles, twenty-five cents. 
Newspapers were carried at the rate of one cent for a distance not 
exceeding one hundred miles, and one and one-half cents if over one hundred 
miles; each publisher of a newspaper could send every other newspaper 
publisher one copy of his paper free of postage.

  The passage of the Post Route Bill, and the establishment of the line of 
stages, seems to have had an influence on the residents of: Easton, for in 
the following spring, to wit: "March 20th, 1793," we find from the records 
of the Post Office Department, that "the Post Office, at Easton, Pa., was 
established."

  Since the establishment of the Easton Post Office, the Borough has had 
sixteen Postmasters, as follows, viz:

  The first Postmaster was Henry Spering. He was a scrivener, and one of 
the most prominent citizens of the county at the close of the last century; 
he filled all the county offices-Prothonotary, Recorder, Register, and 
Clerk of the Sessions and was general official of the town. It is most 
probable, though not absolutely certain, that during his term, the Post 
Office was located in the southwest portion of the Public Square, in a 
frame building, on the lot where the First National Bank is now erected. He 
was appointed during the term of President Washington, March 20th, 1793, 
and held the office a little over four years.

  The second Postmaster was Hon. John Ross, who was appointed during the 
term of President John Adams, October Ist, 1797. He was one of the leading 
lawyers of that day, and afterwards, became a member of Congress, a Judge 
of the District Court, and also of the Supreme Court of this State. He only 
held the office about nine months, and during his term the office was 
located in the northeast corner of the Public Square, in the same building, 
and in one of the same rooms now occupied by the Post Office.

  The third Postmaster was Thomas B. Dick, who was appointed 
July 1st, 1798, during the term of President John Adams, and held the 
office nearly four years. He was a lawyer of prominence and an inveterate 
practical joker, the legends of the bar yet telling of some of his 
pleasantries at the expense of his fellow practitioners. During his term, 
the office was located, most probably, in the stone building at the 
southwest corner of Northampton and Fifth streets, now occupied by W. B. 
Lane, as a fancy goods store.


       (See Illustration of Lane's Fancy Goods Store, Easton)


  The fourth Postmaster was Hon. George Wolf, who was appointed 
April 1st, 1802, during the term of President Jefferson; he retained the 
office, however, only one year; he was a, lawyer of great prominence, was 
Clerk of the Orphan's Court, a member of the Legislature, a member of 
Congress for three terms, and Governor of the State twice, Comptroller of 
the Treasury, under President Van Buren, and Collector of the Port of 
Philadelphia. During his term, the Post Office was probably located at the 
northwest corner of the Public Square and Pomfret (N. Third) street, in the 
building now the office and residence of Drs. Henry and John J. Detweiller.

  The fifth Postmaster was John Knauss, who was appointed April 1st, 1803, 
during the term at President Jefferson, and held the office a little over 
ten years, during the remainder of Jefferson's term, and a part of 
Madison's. He was by business a harness-maker and saddler, and kept the 
Post Office in an old stone building on the north side of Northampton street, 
between Fourth and Fifth, on the lot where Aaron Serfass, Esq., now resides.

  The sixth Postmaster was Philip H. Mattes, who was appointed 
May 8th, 1813, during the term of President Madison, and held the office 
sixteen year, during the terms of Presidents Madison, Monroe, and John 
Quincy Adams, he was a prominent citizen, a scrivener of note, and for many
years Cashier of the Branch Bank of the State of Pennsylvania, and 
afterwards Register of the County, and for many years Actuary of the Dime
Savings Bank. During his term, the Post Office was located in the building
at the southeast corner of Centre Square and Northampton street, in the
room now occupied by Adam T. Drinkhouse's hat store, the room then being
divided into two, the Post Office being the eastern one thereof, fronting 
on Northampton street.

  The seventh Postmaster was Abraham Horn, who was appointed
 March 9th, 1829, during the term of President Jackson, and continued in 
office for ten years, during the Presidency of Andrew Jackson and Martin 
Van Buren, until his death. He was by business, a carpenter and builder. In 
the War of 1812, he was captain of a company raised in this county, in 
which company, by the way, Captain Horn had six brothers and a 
brother-in-law; he was also a member of the Legislature; he first had the 
office on the south side of Northampton street above Fourth, a few doors, 
below the Franklin House, then the "Green Tree Hotel," in the room now 
occupied by R. B. Mack as a stove store; about four years after he removed 
the office to the north side of the same street, almost directly opposite 
the former location, to, the room now occupied by Daniel L. Kutz, as a 
saddlery findings store; and afterwards to the frame building on the same 
side of the street, a few doom above Bank street, where now is the dry 
goods house of Rader & Co., where it was located at the time of his decease.

  The eighth Postmaster was Abraham Coryell, son-in-law of Captain Horn, 
the late postmaster, who was appointed May 21st, 1839, during the term of 
President Van Buren, and who held the office a little over nine years. 
Mr. Coryell is, by business, a marble worker. During his term the office 
rose to the dignity of a Presidential office, i. e., an office where the 
postmaster is appointed, not by the Postmaster-General, but by the 
President, and confirmed by the Senate. This change occurred
February 10th, 1840, and Mr. Coryell, being the then incumbent, was 
recommissioned, by President Van Buren, February 10th, 1840, served during 
the balance of his term, during the term of President Harrison, and in part 
of President Tyler's, who reappointed him June 12th, 1844, and he continued 
to hold the office during the balance of President Tyler's term, and the 
greater part of President Polk's. During his term as postmaster, the office 
was located in a frame building, in the southeast part of Centre Square, on 
the lot where the First National Bank now stands.

  The ninth Postmaster was John J. Herster, who was appointed by President 
Polk, June 12th, 1848, and held the office about eleven months. During his 
term the office was located in the old stone building of Mrs. Peter Pomp, 
on the south side of Northampton street, below Fourth, on the lot where 
Able's Opera House now stands, and about where Shimer & Frankenfield's 
clothing store is situated.

  The tenth Postmaster was Benjamin F. Arndt, who was appointed by 
President Taylor, May 9th, 1849, and held the office during Taylor's and 
Fillmore's administrations, until April, 1853. He was a soldier of the War 
of 1812, and afterwards Clerk of the Orphans Court of this county, and for 
many years a Justice of the Peace. During his term the office was located 
on the west side of South Third street, between Ferry and Pine, where now 
is Glanz & Kuebler's lager beer saloon.

  The eleventh Postmaster was John J. Herster, who had been in office, 
previously to Esquire Arndt, for a period of eleven months. He was 
appointed April 4th, 1853, by President Pierce, and held the office until 
April 20th, 1857. He kept the office on the south side of Northampton 
street, between Sitgreaves, street and Centre Square, in the room now 
occupied by W. H. Hazzard, as a paperhanging store.

  The twelfth Postmaster was Colonel William H. Hutter, who was appointed 
April 20th, 1857, by President Buchanan, and held the office until 
March, 1861. He was, for a long series of years, Proprietor and Editor of 
the Easton Argus, and is now Cashier of the Northampton County Savings 
Bank, and President of the Board of Prison Inspectors. During his term the 
office was located in the stone building on the north side of Northampton 
street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, opposite the Franklin House, in 
the room now occupied by Charles Crozet as a paperhanging store.

  The thirteenth Postmaster was Dr. Charles C. Jennings, who was appointed 
by President Lincoln, March 27th, 1861, and held the office until 
March 20th, 1865. He was a prominent physician of large practice. During 
his term the office was located in the brick building at the northeast 
corner of South Third and Pine streets, in the room now occupied by Solon 
Phillipe as a sportsman's emporium.

  The fourteenth Postmaster was Captain John J. Horn, a schoolteacher and 
land surveyor, who was a gallant soldier during the Rebellion, serving as 
Captain of Company "E," 41st Regiment (twelfth Pennsylvania Reserves). He 
was appointed by President Lincoln, March 20th, 1865, and held the office 
until his death, in the spring of 1869. He retained the office at the same 
place in which it was located during Dr. Jenning's incumbency. Captain Horn 
died while in office, and he and his uncle, Abraham Horn, are the only 
postmasters who have died while occupying the office. During the term of 
Captain Horn, the Money Order business was extended to Easton.


167


   The fifteenth Postmaster was James L. Mingle, a Telegrapher and 
Superintendent of Telegraph Construction, who was appointed by President 
Grant, April 20th, 1869, and held the office until November, 1871, He kept 
the office at the same place as under the two preceding postmasters.

  The sixteenth Postmaster, and present incumbent, is James K. Dawes, a
lawyer and the publisher of the Free Press, who was appointed by President
Grant, November 16th, 1871, and reappointed by the same President, 
December 15th, 1875. Shortly after his appointment, he removed the office 
to the northeast corner of Centre Square, at the corner of Hays place, to 
the room now occupied by it, and probably the identical room occupied by 
the office, in 1797, eighty years ago. During his term of office, 
December 1st, 1873, Easton was designated as a Free Delivery or Letter 
Carrier Office, the Post Office at South Easton being discontinued, and the 
limits of the "Easton" office extended so as to include Easton, South 
Easton, and Glendon.

  The extension of the Free Delivery System to Easton has, undoubtedly,
been one of the most important events in the history of the Borough, and
has proved an almost indispensable convenience to the citizens, and they
have so generally availed themselves of its use as to win, for Easton, the 
reputation, in the Post Office department, of being "the Boss Letter 
Carrier Office of the United States," out of the very large population of 
the three towns in its limits, there, being only six parties who retain 
their boxes in the post office, all the rest having their mail matter 
delivered by the Carriers. The service is performed by six Carriers, who 
make twenty-nine deliveries and forty-six collections of letters daily, the 
first at five o'clock in the morning, and the last at half-past seven in 
the evening. At convenient locations, throughout the town, eighty-four 
letter-boxes have been placed for the reception of mail matter; among these 
boxes are four very ornamental ones, on iron posts, from which collections 
are made every hour, that fact being announced by gilt inscriptions on the 
box in seven different languages, viz.: English, French, Spanish, Italian, 
German, Russian, and Chinese; these boxes were erected as a memorial of 
"The Centennial," having been used during the Great Exhibition in the Main 
Building, and being sent to Easton at the close of the Centennial, as a 
memorial thereof, through the kindness of Hon. George W. Fairman, then 
Postmaster of Philadelphia; of these boxes Easton is justly very proud, no 
other city, save Philadelphia, being the fortunate possessor of like 
reminder of the Centennial Anniversary of the Nation.

  As in perusing the present history of this county it has been found of
interest to note the size and commercial standing of Easton at the birth of
the Nation, it is deemed proper to give here such notes as will show to 
those who may read this fifty or an hundred years hence, what the amount of
postal business done at Easton at present is, and who the residents are 
connected therewith during the Centennial year, ending December 31st, 1876.
There were delivered by the carriers, 732,561 letters; 61,977 local 
letters; 132,437 postal cards, and 364,326 newspapers, a total of 1,291,301 
pieces; and there were collected, during the same time 620,649 letters; 
125,127 postal cards, and 427,803 newspapers, a total of 1,173,579; or a 
total of letters collected and delivered of 2,464,880. There were issued 
3,027 money orders, amounting to $41,520.95; and were paid 2,556 orders, 
amounting to $42,358.24, a total of order, issued and paid of 5,583 in 
number, an $83,879.19 in amount. The total monetary transactions of the 
office for the year, were $129,194.79. This, in connection with the fact 
that fifteen mail route agents have Easton as a terminal office, will be, 
to future readers, of this history, one of the very best proofs of the 
business relations and commercial importance of Easton. The officials 
connected with the office are as follows (April 1st, 1877):

Postmaster, James K. Dawes
Assistant Postmaster, William Fleming
Cashier and Money Order Clerk, Wilking B. Cooley
Stamp Clerk, Samuel V. Bonstein
General Clerk, C. Jacob Mixsell
Mailing Clerk, William H. Stultz, Jr. 
Distributing Clerk, Lawrence F. Kingkinger
Assistant Distributing Clerk, James Ballantyne
Watchman, Edward M. Slawson.

  Of the sixteen Postmasters who have filled the office since its 
establishment, only four are now living, viz.:

Abraham Coryell
William H. Hutter
James L. Mingle
James K. Dawes

  For assistance extended the writer of this article, and valuable 
information furnished, we are indebted to A. D. Hazen, Esq., Chief of the 
Stamp Division, Post Office, Department, Washington, D. C., himself a 
native of this county, Lower Mount Bethel township; and to Mr. Abraham 
Coryell, ex-Postmaster, and Hon. John Shouse, of Easton.


                               NEWSPAPERS.

  The Easton Sentinel was established July 1st, 1817, and has been 
regularly published, without intermission or interruption, from that date 
to the present time. In consequence of the earlier files having all been 
destroyed or lost, the present proprietor can give but little information 
concerning its early history. The office came into the possession of its 
present proprietor on the nineteenth of December, A. D. 1851, who has 
controlled and managed it up to the present time. In politics it has always 
been Democratic, and has, for many years, enjoyed the confidence and 
support of the party whose principles it has sustained, and advocated.

  The Northampton Correspondent. -This journal, printed in the German
language, is published at Nos. 530 and 532 Northampton street, by Messrs.
Cole & Morwitz, who also publish the Easton Argus, an English weekly
newspaper. The Correspondent was started in 1800 by Colonel Christian J.
Butter, a vigorous writer, and a man wielding great influence in the German
speaking sections of Pennsylvania. The Correspondent was originally a
diminutive sheet, but is now one of the largest German newspaper in
America. In 1833, the establishment passed into the hands of Major F. W.
Muller, and several years afterwards again became the property of Colonel
Hutter. In 1839, Colonel Hutter disposed of his office to A. S. Senseman,
and retired from active life. In 1861, Josiah Cole, who was then printing
a rival newspaper the Unabbaengige Demokrat-purchased Mr. Senseman's
office, and consolidated the two journals, under the name of the 
Correspondent and Demokrat. In 1866, Dr. E. Morwitz purchased an interest, 
and since then the business has been conducted under the firm title of Cole 
& Morwitz. In 1875, upon the occasion of renewal of the type of the 
establishment, the old name, given the paper by its first publisher, was 
resumed. The Correspondent is the only German newspaper published in 
Northampton county. Notwithstanding the exclusion of German from the public 
schools, it has regained a hold upon the popular confidence. It will 
compare favorably, both in its contents and its typographical appearance, 
with any German newspaper published. It is solely under the control of 
Josiah Cole, of the publishing firm. In its political tone it is Democratic.

  The Easton Daily Express, published every afternoon (Sunday excepted), is 
the oldest daily paper in the county; in fact, was the first daily paper 
published in the State north of Philadelphia. It was established in 1855, 
by William L. Davis and William Eichman. In 1864, Mr. Eichman disposed of 
his interest to Mr. Davis, who continued its publication until his death, 
l870, when the present editor and proprietor, George M. Reeder, purchased 
it, together with the building, No. 15 and 17 Bank street, in which it is 
published. He immediately improved the paper, not only in appearance, but 
especially in the quality aud quantity of reading matter, and it soon 
became known as one of the best inland daily papers in the State, and at 
the, present time is considered the most influential paper in the county. 
The Express ignores politics entirely; depends upon no political party for 
patronage or support, is independent in its views on all subjects, and by a 
bold and consistent course has won the respect and patronage of both the 
intelligent, wealthy, and working classes.

  The Easton Argus. In 1826, at the time of an active political canvass, 
the Democrat and Argus, was brought into the field as an advocate of 
General Jackson's election to the Presidency, by Jamb Weygandt and 
Samuel Innes. In a few years the partnership was dissolved, and the 
business continued by Mr. Innes, a writer of more than ordinary talents, 
and under his management the paper rapidly won a front rank among country 
journals. He was also a poet, and the files of the paper preserved show 
that in this respect his columns were out neglected. Upon the death of Mr. 
Innes, in 1841, the business was taken in charge William and John A. Innes, 
the former the father, still the latter the brother, of the deceased.  
This firm continued its publication until 1844, when Colonel William H. 
Hutter, then a young man of but nineteen years, was installed a editor and 
proprietor. He at once enlarged his journal, and otherwise improved it. He 
also dropped the word Democrat from its title, retaining only that of 
Argus. For twenty-five years, Colonel Hutter devoted himself to the 
publication of this newspaper, and by his ability as a political writer, 
and industry as a collector of news, largely increased its subscription 
list, and gave it a Statewide reputation as a foremost exponent of 
Democratic principles. In 1869, the establishment was sold to 
Mr. James F. Shunk, who, in partnership with Mr. William Eichman, 
conducted the business until December, 1870, when Mr. Eichman
retired from the firm, and Cole & Morwitz, then publishing The 
Correspondent and Democrat, secured an interest, the business being under 
the firm title of Cole, Morwitz & Co., and Mr. Strunk assuming the editorial 
management of the two journals. A year later (in December, 1871), Mr. 
Shunk's business demanding his attention elsewhere, the remaining partners, 
purchased his interest, and have continued the business to this day.  The 
Argus is now the largest weekly publication in the county. The publication 
office is at Nos. 530 and 532 Northampton street, The Argus has always 
upheld the principles that induced its founders to commence its 
publication, and it is a welcome weekly visitor in all parts of the county. 
Especial attention is paid to the collection and preparation of local 
intelligence, and this feature has added much to its circulation. The 
business and conduct of the Argus is solely in the hands of Josiah Cole, 
the senior of the publishing firm.


               (See Illustration of Easton Argus Office.)


168


                          THE EASTON FREE PRESS
                  Nos. 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66, Centre Square.

Weekly, Estab. 1852. -J. K. DAWES, Editor and Proprietor. -Daily, Estab. 1866.

  In 1852, during the memorable Pierce-Scott Presidential campaign, Manning 
F. Stilwell came front Belvidere, N. J., to Easton, with the determination 
to start a Whig paper, to represent the ideas of the more progressive and 
aggressive leaders of that party. "The Easton Whig," Josiah P. Hetrich, 
was then the only Whig paper published in the county, and on August 4th, 
1852, Mr. Stilwell sent forth the first issue of the new claimant for 
public favor. It was called "The Northampton Farmer," was issued once a 
week, on Wednesdays, the subscription price being one dollar and a half per 
annum; the size about that of the present Daily Free Press. Mr. Stilwell's 
office was first located in the frame building on the south side of Church 
street, between Second and Sitgreaves streets, now John Pollock's brush 
manufactory, and was afterwards removed to a frame building on the southwest 
corner of Centre Square, about where H. A. Sage's liquor store now is.

  In the fall of 1854, Benjamin F. Stern became associated with Mr. 
Stilwell, under the firm name of Stern & Stilwell, and soon after commenced 
publishing "The Daily Farmer," in connection with the Weekly: the same 
being furnished to subscribers for six cents per week; the office was, 
about this time, removed to the frame building on the east side of South 
Third street, below Pine, now occupied by David J. Howell's marble yard and 
works, and which had been especially erected for the use of "The Farmer."

  In April, 1855, Mr. Stilwell sold out his interest in the establishment 
to Mr. Stern, who continued the publication of both papers until the close 
of the Presidential contest of 1856-Buchanan, Fremont, Fillmore-when he 
suspended the publication of the Daily, continuing the Weekly.

  In January, 1857, Mr. Stern associated with him Wm. H. Brown, of 
Philadelphia, and the publication of the paper was continued under the firm 
name of Stem & Brown.

  On August 5th, 1857, the came of the paper was changed to  "The American 
Free Press and Northampton Farmer."

  August 12th, 1858, the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Stern retiring, and 
the business was continued by Mr. Brown.

  On December 24th, 1857, the words "and Northampton Farmer" were dropped 
from the title.  In the spring of 1859, Mr. Brown became financially 
embarrassed, and the publication of the paper was suspended from 
March 3d, 1859, to June 2d, 1859, when it was resumed, by Lewis Gordon, who 
continued its publication, Mr. Stern being in charge of the editorial 
department. Mr. Gordon, on April 10th, 1862, moved the office to the Old 
Courity House, on the southeast corner of Centre Square, where the 
residences of Mrs. David Garis and Mrs. James Dinkey now stand. At this 
time the Free Press was a twenty-eight-column paper, and was published at 
the rate of one dollar and a half per annum.

  On May 1st, 1866, Mr. Gordon associated with him James K. Dawes, and on 
September 25th, 1866, the Daily Free Press was started by Gordon & Dawes; 
it was a twenty-four-column paper, price ten cents per week.

  On September 3d, 1867, the establishment was sold to Messrs. J. Whit Wood 
and Henry L. Bunstein, who continued the publication of both papers, under 
the firm name of Wood & Bunstein. April 1st, 1868, the office was removed 
to the second-story of Chidsey's iron-front building, on the south side of 
Northampton street, between Second and Sitgreaves streets, the building now 
occupied by Joseph S. Osterstocks' stove establishment. On June 4th, 1868, 
the Weekly was enlarged to thirty-two columns, and the price raised to two 
dollars per annum.

  On February 28th, 1870, Mr. Burnstein retired from the firm, and the 
business was continued by Mr. Wood.

  August 1st, 1871, Mr. Wood sold the office to James K. Dawes, one of the 
founders of the paper, who April 1st, 1872, removed the office to its 
present location, in the northeast corner of Centre Square, Nos. 62, 63, 
64, 65, and 66, corner of Hays place.

  August 1st, 1872, the Daily was enlarged to twenty-eight columns, and 
April 13th, 1874, the Weekly was changed to a quarto, forty-eight columns, 
and the Daily to twenty-four columns, the price of the latter being reduced 
to six cents per week, which price was raised May 14th, 1876, to eight 
cents per week.

  The circulation of the Daily Free Press, from about four hundred, in 1871, 
has steadily increased until it reached nearly 3,000, by far the largest 
circulation ever reached by any Daily paper in the county. The Weekly 
circulation also kept pace with the increase in population and intelligence 
of the county, and its circulation increased to over 1,700. The Free Press 
is the only Republican paper in the county, and has exercised no little 
influence upon public affairs in the same.

  American Mechanics Advocate. -This paper, now owned and published by William 
H. Schultz, at the southwest corner of Centre Square and Third street, was 
started in 1869, by the firm of Snyder, Wylie & Snyder, in Lancaster; but 
was purchased from them by the present proprietor, and removed to this 
borough, in the year 1873, since which time it has been published under the 
supervision of Mr. Schultz. As its name indicates, it is devoted to the 
interests of the Order of American Mechanics. At a meeting of the National 
Council, held at Newark, N. J., September 8th, 1870, it was recognized as 
the official organ of the society, and since that time by all the State 
organizations. The Advocate is an eight-page paper, published every month, 
and devoted to society interests.

  The Council Brand. -This is the title of an organ of the "Independent Order 
of Red Men," published by T. D. Tanner, at Nos. 5 and 7 Bank street, It was 
started in September, 1874, since which time its circulation has increased, 
until at the present time, it finds its way into nearly every State in the 
Union. It is issued monthly.


                              RAILWAYS.

  Lehigh and Susquehanna. -This is the only line of steam railway, whose 
tracks lie in the borough of Easton, although the town is excellently 
accommodated by three other roads, the Belvidere Delaware, across the 
Delaware Bridge; the Lehigh Valley, across the Lehigh; and the New Jersey 
Central, which connects with, and operates the Lehigh and Susquehanna 
under lease.

  The Lehigh and Susquehanna railroad, extends from Easton to Green Ridge, 
two miles above Scranton. It enters Easton, running along the Lehigh River, 
and its station is near the foot of Fourth street. The roundhouse and other 
erections of the company, are farther up, on the north bank of the river.
The first charter of a portion of this road-Wilkesbarre to White Haven was 
obtained as early as, 1837, but a charter for the entire length, was not 
secured until 1863. The road was completed to a connection with the 
Central of New Jersey, in 1865, and opened for business in November of that 
year. It was leased to the New Jersey Central Railroad Company, March 31st, 1871.

  The Easton and South Easton Passenger Railway Company, was incorporated 
in 1866, with an authorized capital of $75,000.
 The first President was William H. Thompson
Secretary and Treasurer, Edward H. Green. The length of the company's 
tracks, is one and three-eighths miles-gauge five feet and two inches. The 
company owns twelve horses and five cars, employing only $29,562.50 of its 
authorized capital. The present officers are: 

President, Henry A. Sage
Secretary and Treasurer, H. W. Cooley

  Easton and Phillipsburg Passenger Car Company.-Authorized stock, $50,000. 
Paid in $28,000.

 President, Lewis C. Reese
Secretary and Treasurer, James W. Long

Directors

Lewis C. Reese
James W. Long
Samuel Boileau
James C. Kent
Daniel Runkle
John Tendall
William Dale

The route of this railway, is from Centre Square to Phillipsburg, across 
the old Delaware Bridge.


  West Ward Passenger Railway Company. -Chartered May 5th, 1871. Authorized 
capital stock, $25,000, Paid in, $10,325.

President, Jacob B. Odenwelder
Secretary and Treasurer, Edward H. Green

Directors:
Matthew Hale Jones
Robert C. Pyle
James Hess
Theodore R. Sitgreaves
Owen Reich 

The company's route extends from Centre Square to the Forest House, in 
Palmer township.


                       TELEGRAPH OFFICES.

  Western Union Telegraph. -Manager at Easton, John Saylor. This is the lineal 
descendant of the first telegraph established here in 1848. Has seven 
wires; employs one assistant operator and two messengers. Office, S. E. 
corner Centre Square and Third street.

  Philadelphia, Reading, and Pottsville Telegraph. D. P. Smith, Manager. Was 
established in Easton, August 26th, 1875. It is carried on by the Reading 
Railroad Company. Office, No. 13 Centre Square.


169

                             EASTON GRAYS.

  The rapid growth of militia organizations in our country, and the 
interest of military men in the success of that branch of the service, will 
warrant some special attention to a company which is growing in public 
favor, and which has received many complimentary opinions from army 
officers.

  "The Easton Grays, known on the muster rolls of Pennsylvania, as Company 
F, Fourth Regiment, is composed of voting gentlemen of social standing, and 
of influence in their respective business callings. Gentlemanly conduct, 
good physique, and a proper esprit de corps, are the qualifications for 
membership. In July, 1873, the company was reorganized, and became the 
successor of the old Easton Grays, whose life began early, and whose ranks 
were broken by drafts for death, and volunteers for the late war. Frank 
Reeder, now commanding a brigade, P. N. G., was the first captain. He was 
succeeded by F. A. Stitzer, first sergeant, who, as the present commandant, 
has reflected great, credit upon himself. The company occupies a very fine 
armory. Its walls are richly frescoed, and the room is well-lighted and 
ventilated, and sufficiently large for company movements. During public 
drill, of each week, the company has become a favorite resort for the 
friends of the corps, and the ladies are foremost to their applause and 
appreciation of the soldier, of peace. The enthusiasm of each member has 
been amply rewarded by the progress; of the company, until it ranks as one 
of the best drilled and equipped military companies, in the State, Its 
participation in many of the large parades, and an annual encampment at 
some of the favorite summer resorts, has enlarged the acquaintance of the 
company, and placed it prominently before the public. At the parade in 
Philadelphia, on the opening of the Centennial, the company was greatly 
admired, and the uniformity of its marching and excellence of it, 
discipline, were frequently applauded. The movements by company and platoon 
front were judged by army officers to have been admirably executed, and 
certainly placed them foremost in the line of the rivals for popular favors 
that day At home the Grays are great favorites. They are invited on all 
festive occasions, and it seems are surrounded with supplies; for every 
probable want. The company can scarcely fail in becoming an ornament to its 
arm of the service, and the pride of the citizens of Easton."

  The armory of the Grays, is in the second story of Able's Opera, House, 
They are armed with the Springfield breech-loading rifle. The present 
commissioned officers, of the company are: 

Captain, Frank A. Stitzer, commissioned July 29th, 1874

1st Lieutenant, Nelson P. Cornell, promoted from 2d Lieutenant, July 27th, 1874

2d Lieutenant, Joseph H. Brensinger, commissioned December 4th, 1874.


                      EASTON GRAY CADETS.

Organized July 15th, 1876; is composed of Scholars of the Easton High 
School. Commissioned officers at date of organization :

Captain, Rufus W. Miller

1st Lieutenant, B. Rush Field

2d Lieutenant, Edgar M. Green

Present officers: Captain, Rufus W. Miller

1st Lieutenant, B. Rush Field

2d Lieutenant, John S. Green

 The company numbers fifty members; they occupy the Armory of the Easton 
Grays, Captain Frank A. Stitzer, of the Easton Grays, being their instructor.


                     EASTON UNION GUARDS.

  In former years, and particularly after the conclusion of the last war 
against England, the military spirit iu Easton was very active; much more 
so than at the present tirne. Below is given the muster-roll of one (the 
principal one) of the two companies, of volunteer infantry which were in 
organization in Easton at that time (1824): besides which there were 
Captain Sitgreaves  Artillerists," and a troop of cavalry. The old roll 
cannot fail to be of interest to those who recollect the company, and 
particularly to the surviving members:

                 MUSTER ROLL-1824.

Captain, David D. Wagener

First Lieutenant, P. S. Michler

Second Lieutenant, Samuel Snyder

Ensign, Robert Wallace

Sergeants John Cooper, Jr., 1st S.

John Lowry, 2d S.

Thomas Arnold, 3d S.

Charles J, Ihrie, 4th S.

Corporals 

John Oliver, 1st C.

Lewis Reichardt, 2d C.

George Shick, 3d C.

Michael Butz, 4th C.


Fife Major, George Straub.

Drum Major, Charles Horn.

Drummers 

John Finley

L. Batt

Fifer, Charles Hartman,

Bass Drummer, John Reichardt

Band

Hiram Yard, clarionet

William Warman, clarionet

George Cole, clarionet

Samuel Troxell, clarionet

S. Gross, clarionet

T. Vandyke, clarionet

Henry Hutter, clarionet

William Hutter, clarionet

John Stewart, clarionet

Peter Tilton, bassoon

William Hensing, serpent

Philip Reichardt, horn

Philip Mattes, horn

John Kessler, cymbals

John Mixsell, triangle

Thomas Heckman, flute

Charles Menner, flute

Wm. White, flute

Privates

Robert Arnold

John Awalt

Benjamin F. Arndt

Jacob Able, Jr.

George Arnold

Peter Bishop

Thomas S. Bell

John Bell

Henry Barnes

John Bachman

Nicholas Best

William Berlin

James Black

Joseph Bigelow, Serg.

Samuel Bachman

John D. Bowlby

Jacob Boreman

Jacob Best

Isaac Carey

William Carey

Jacob Coryell

John Cook

Charles Carey

Wm. Clouse

- Coleman

Charles Crowell

William Garis

Sidney Down

Geo. W. Deshler

Abraham Dehart

George Dingier

William Doran

Joseph Dietrich

Valentine Diley

Henry Drinkhouse

John Dehart

Samuel Dingler

A Dreisbach

William Eichman

William Everhart

Jacob Everhart

Jacob Focht

Simon Frantz

C. Focht

Charles Geuther

William Gardner

Thomas Garoty

William Gwinner

William Garron

J, P, Hetrich

Conrad Heckman

Abraham Heckman

George K, Howell

Ezekiel Howell

Charles Hay

Melchoir Hay

George Heigle

Jacob Hartman

Joseph Horn

Charles Heckman

Peter Hawk

George A. Heist

George Hare

John Hay

J. Hagerty

John Herster

William Ihrie

Francis Jackson, Serg.

Phineas Kinsey

John Kutz

Abraham Ketter

Jacob Kisselbach

George L. Kerhart

Samuel Kutz

Jonathan Kinsey

George Kessler

George Kutz

Henry Kessler

Thomas Kreidler

William Kern

W. H. Keiper

Jacob Killpatrick

John Leidy

Henry Leidy

George Lattig

William Lynch

Frank Leidy

Jacob Lattig

Jacob Ludwig

Jacob Lesher

Jacob Mettler

David Mettler

Samuel Mellick

Philip Mixsell

Powell Moser

F. W. Mueller

John Moore

-Messinger

Eli Mettler

Isaac Meyen

David Mixsell

William Mixsell

Andrew M'Clay

Samuel Moore

Peter Moore

John Nouck

Charles Nicholas

Jacob Noll

William Nagle

Michael Otto

Peter Odenwelder

Charles Rohn

George Shewell

Jacob Shuck

Charles Snyder

Jacob Shipe

J. A. Patterson, Corp

George Bruch

John Bruch

James Pritchard

Daniel Phillippe

Nathan C. Price

John Price

George Ross

Abraham Rohn

Solomon A. Rogers

Frederick Rouse

Samuel Shick

Jacob Shick

Samuel Snyder

Daniel Stidinger

Charles Snyder

John Snyder

William P. Spering

- Skillman

Alexander Shick

Daniel Stem

Daniel Snyder

Thomas Shank

Wm. Shick

John Simon

William Snyder

George Tailor

William Troxell

John Troxseder

Joseph Troxell

Michael Trittenbach

Lawrence Titus

John Titus

Andrew Shewell

Fred. Sparygenburgh

William Ward

Jacob Weaver

Chas. Ward

George Weaver

William Woodring

Joseph Wykoff

William Yates

Robert G. Youells



  Of these members, the following still survive, viz.:

John Awalt,

Jacob Till

Sydney Down

Josiah P. Hetrich

William Ihrie

Abraham Keiter

William Gwinner

Jacob Lesher

Eli Mettler

Samuel Moore

Michael Tittenbach

Lawrence Titus

Charles Relic

Michael Butz

John Stewart

Thomas Heckman

  For years prior to the opening of the Rebellion, Easton boasted four 
volunteer military companies, viz.:

the Easton Artillerists

Easton Jaegers

National Guards

National Grays

  The Jaegers and the Artillerists were commanded respectively by Captains 
CHARLEES GLANZ and JACOB DACHRODT; the, same officers, who, afterwards, as 
Colonel and Lieutenant-Colonel of the ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THIRD Regiment, 
led that, command in the blood), battle of Chancellorsville.

  The National Guards were commanded by Captain FERDINAND W. BELL, who, as 
captain of "B" company, of the FIFTY-THIRD, Regiment, was killed in the 
assault on Marye's Heights, Fredericksburg, December 13th, 1862.

  The captain of the National Grays was CHARLES HECKMAN, who afterwards won 
the stars of it general officer in the war of the Rebellion.

   By reference to the old muster-roll, it will be seen that Captain 
WAGENER'S company was well supplied with music, in accordance with the 
prevailing taste of the day. At that time, the Artillerists Band, of which 
John D, Weis was leader, and Peter Pomp conductor, was an organization of 
which Eastonians were proud. The number of members was twenty-six. Its name 
was, in 1833, changed to that of Citizens Band, under the leadership of 
Peter Pomp. Eleven years later, the wooden instruments were superceded by 
brass, and the organization was then named the Easton Brass Band, with 
William H. Pomp as leader, and Peter Pomp conductor. Again, in 1852, German 
silver instruments were substituted, and the name again changed to that of 
Pomps Cornet Band, under Pomp, leader, and Coates, conductor. At present 
there is no hand in Easton, but Professor Coates is about forming gone, 
which will doubtless attain excellence.


170


                       EASTON BASE BALL CLUB.

  Among the organizations in Easton is one known throughout the entire 
United States, the Easton Base, Ball Club. It was a continuation of the 
Neptune, which was organized in 1866, when the great National game was in 
its infancy, the club had a nine among the best in the State, during each 
succeeding year. In 1872, the name "Easton" was adopted, and the club 
entered for the State championship in that and the following year, but 
failed to Parry off the honors. In 1874, the club entered for the amateur 
championship of the State and the United States, in the, both of which they 
succeeded, defeating every amateur club of note in Pennsylvania, as also 
the professional Athletic and Philadelphia; the professional Atlantic, of 
Brooklyn; and the several amateur clubs of New York, who took part in the 
tournament for the amateur championship of the United States, at Watertown, 
N. Y. The prosperity of the club was mainly due to the munificence of 
George M. Reeder and W. H. Hulick. 

  The "champion" team was composed of the following named gentlemen
George W. Bradley, pitcher

Thomas J, Miller, catcher

John Abadie, 1st base

John Banker, 2d base

F. W. Wadsworth, short stop

William Hauge, 3d base

William R. Parks, left field

Charles Waitt, centre field

Arthur Allison, 1st base

J. J. Smith, captain, change pitcher, and right field. 

  The celebrity gained by the club in winning the championship in 1874, was 
the cause of the above players, afterwards being engaged by the Managers of 
the celebrated professional St. Louis, Washington, Boston, Chicago, and New 
Haven Clubs, to strengthen their respective organizations.

  The Easton Club is still in existence, and is recognized as one of the 
leading exponents of the great National game in Pennsylvania.


                       ABLE'S OPERA HOUSE.

  Location, south side Northampton street below Fourth. Front, 50 feet; 
depth, 220 feet Exhibition room in rear of building, reached by wide 
passage, extending from front entrance; size of exhibition room, 50 X 80 
feet-including stageheight of ceiling, 47 feet; front hall in second story, 
intended for balls and festivals, 50 x 80 feet, beight of ceiling, 23 feet; 
front hall in third story, 50 x 80 feet, ceiling, 17 feet. Built in 1876 
Cost, $100,000.


                          MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS.

                 (Hall N. E. corner of Third and Ferry streets)

Easton Lodge, No 152, F. & A. M. warranted May 13th, 1817, A.L. 5877 meeting 
first Thursday after full moon.
 
Christian J. Hotter, 1st W. M.

George Wolf, 1st S. W.

John Erb, 1st J. W.

Officers for 1877, A. L. 5877

George Miller, W. M.

John B. Murray, S. W.

William H. Werkheiser, J. W.

Dallas Lodge, No. 396, F. & A. M., warranted June 6th, 1867, A. L. 5867,

James L. Mingle, 1st W. M. 

James J, Cope, 1st S. W.

George Finley, 1st J. W.

Officers for 1877, A. L 5877

John A. Weaver, W. M.

Samuel S. Yohe, S. W.

Clinton Hillard, J. W.


Easton Chapter, No. 173, H. R. A. M., warranted April 14th, 1853; An. Ind.

James M. Porter, M. E. H. P

Jesse Lines, M. E. King

Daniel Thomas, M. E. Scribe


Officers for 1877, An. Ino. 2407.

Rev. George P. Wright, M. E. H. P;

John A. Weaver, M. E. King

John B. Murray, M. E. Scribe

Pomp Council, No 20, R. S. E. & S. Masters, warranted June 14th, 1864, AD  Dep 2864. 

Abraham Miller (C), T. I. G. M.

James M. Porter, Jr., D. L. G. M.

Francis V. Barnet, P. C. of W.

Officers for 1877, An. Dep, 2877,Theodore Oliver, T. I. G. X; Frederick
Hill, D. I. G N. L.; A. S. Deichman, P. C. of W.


                  ORIGIN of ODD FELLOWSHIP IN EASTON.

  In the summer of 1840, Dr. C. C. Field (who, during his medical studies 
in Philadelphia, had become a member of the order, by joining Friendship 
Lodge, No 23, in that city, and who had passed the chairs there, and was a 
Past Grand), believing that the establishment of an Odd Fellows Lodge in 
Easton would bear good fruits, published a call in the Easton Argus, 
calling on any Odd Fellows in the vicinity who might read the same to meet 
him at his office, which was at that time in the frame building on North 
Fourth street, next south from the White Horse Hotel. The call brought to 
the Doctor's office, George Mowry, and they learning that several other Odd 
Fellows were at that time working in the iron ore mines in the northwestern 
part ofthe county, rode thither and found there three members of the order.

  The number requisite to start a lodge (five) being secured, a charter 
obtained, and PEACE AND PLENTY LODGE was established. The first meeting 
took place in a small back room of the brick building on the southeast 
corner of Northampton and Fifth streets. The first Noble Grand was
Dr. C. C. Field. The lodge was, after a short, time, removed to the Old 
Court House in Centre Square. It was afterwards removed to the third story 
rooms of the building owned (and until lately occupied) by. Jacob Hay, 
Northampton street below Fourth, north side. The lodge was subsequently 
removed to the new hall on the corner of Third and Ferry streets, the 
corner Stone of which had been laid with ceremony June 12th, 1847. Odd 
Fellows Hall (now Masonic) is at present owned by T. Sitgreaves & Co. From 
the small and difficult beginning above noted, Odd Fellowship in this 
region sprung; the Easton Lodge having organized lodges in Bethlehem, 
Allentown, Mauch Chunk, and in all the surrounding counties.

I. O. OF O. F. Peace and Plenty Lodge, No. 69.-This, the oldest Odd Fellows 
lodge in Northampton county, was instituted August 14th, 1841. The building 
known as the Masonic Hall was erected by this society, but financial 
embarrassment followed, and they were obliged to sell it.  Soon after, in 
1851, the lodge ceased to exist, but was reorganized, in 1869, and is now 
in a prosperous condition. Number of members eighty-five, Amount of funds, 
$575.94. Meets Monday evenings, in Drake & Hulicks building.

Fatherland Lodge, No. 111, was instituted May 3d, 1845, with twenty-five members. 

First officers were :
 
Joseph Huff, N. G.

Wm. Stilgenbauer, V. G.

Gen. P. Bertrand, Sec.

Val. Faulstich, Ass't Sec.

John Bauman, Treas.

Works in the German language. Present members, two hundred and five. Value 
of property, $3,900. Meets Saturday evenings, at Daley's building, Third 
and Ferry streets.

Charity Lodge, No. 3, Degree of Rebekah.-Instituted November 26th, 1869.
 
First officers:
 
L. D. Seipel, N. G.

Mrs. M. J, Gulley, V. G.

Theo. Schug, Sec.

Mrs. Harriet Flad, F. Sec.

Mrs. M. Fourgisson, Tress.

Number of members, eighty-six. Value of property, $688.


Lehicton Lodge, No, 244,Instituted June 11th, 1847 

First officers.

J. M. Stem, N. G.
Wm. Ricker, V. G.

George Field, Sec.

John Pugh, Ass't Sec.

C. W. Lawall, Treas.

 Number of members, two hundred and eighty-seven. Amount, of funds, 
$8,71739. Meets Tuesday evenings, in Drake & Hulicks building.

  Elon Lodge, No. 604.-Instituted May 23d, 1867 

First officers: 

J. S. Cook, N. G.

J. P. Ricker, V. G.

C. L. Hemmingway, Sec.

J. Ward, Ass't Sec.

C. Kroehl, Treas. 

  Number of members, one hundred and one. Valuation of lodge, property, 
$2,295.28. Meets Thursday evenings, in Drake & Hulicks building.


  Valley Union Encampment, No. 138.-Instituted January 12th, 1866, 

First officers: 

John Stotzer, C. P.

Henry Hill, H. P.

Jacob Wilhelm, S. W.

Joseph Flad, J. W.

J. Fly, Scribe

Wm. Sigman, Treas. 

Number of members, one hundred. Value of property, $2,627,40. Meets 1st and 
3d Friday evenings, in Drake &, Hulicks building.


                     GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.

  "Bell" Post, No. 129, Department of Pennsylvania, Grand Army of the 
Republic, is named after Captain FERDINAND W. BELL, 518th Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, who was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg, 
December 13th, 1862.

  The Post was chartered May 15th, 1868, with the following charter members, viz.:
 
H. J. Reeder
F. Shelling
P. K. Campbell
Gen. W. Thatcher
Wm. Miller
S. D. Crawford 
D. L. Nicholas
Fred C, Mattes
Wm. P. Horn
John E. Titus
Frank Keller
H. G. H. Tarr
W. H. Diehl
Edward Kelley
R. M. Burrell
C. H. Muller
James Comiskey

  The Post Commanders are as follows, given in the order of their election, 
viz.: 
H. J. Reeder
H. G. H. Tarr
Frank Reeder
Geo. W. Thatcher
Frank Reeder
A. B. Howell
Samuel S. Lesher
Jos. H. Bensinger
Andrew J. Force
Wm. M. Shultz

  It was, in 1870, very strong in numbers, heving on its rolls five 
hundred and nine members, a greater number than has ever been claimed by 
any other Post in Pennsylvania. It has also furnished two Department 
Commanders, H. J. Reeder and General Frank Reeder.


          ORDER OF UNITED AMERICAN MECHANICS.

Warren Command, No. 2, Knights of Washington, instituted December 6th, 1875. 
First officers were:

W. M. Shultz, C.

Gen. Finley, V. C.

S. V. Bonstein, A.

E. R. Reich, Q. M.

C. F. Bealer, P.

J. F. Cole, S.

D. W. Wolf, Chaplain

Meets every 2d and 4th Tuesday evenings, in Jones building, southwest 
corner Centre Square.


171


Columbia Council, No. 13- Organized May 21st, 1846, 
First officers, as far as can be obtained:

David Cowden, C.

Thos. Keller, V. C. 

Present number of member, four hundred and twenty-one.  Meets Friday 
evenings, in Semples Hall, corner of Bank and Northampton street.


                (See illustration of Semple Building)


Lenni Lenape Council, No. 87-instituted September 27th, 1865. 
First officers were :

W. N. Scott, C.

H. A. Pohl, V. G.

J. J. Carey, R. 

J. Horn, A. K. S.

J. J. S. Bonstein, F. S.

G. F. Kimball, Treasurer

T. J. Bishop, Jr. Ex.

S. Frauenfelter, I.

H. Bachman, I. P.

J. H. Rowley, O. P. 

Council numbers, one hundred and fifty-three members. Meets Monday 
evenings, in Jones building, southwest corner of Centre Square.


Tatamy Council, No. 159 Instituted May 28th, 1868. 
First officers were:
 
M. W. Rohn, C.

J. R, Carroll, V. C.

W. M. Shultz, H. S.

M J. Rateder, A. K S.

J. P, Correll, F. S.

James Rothrock, T.

J. H. Wendling, I.

J. H. Wilking, Ex.

O. H. Rohn I. P.

D. F. Lerch, O. P.

 Meets Wednesday evenings, in Jones building, southwest corner of Centre Square.


JUNIOR ORDER U.A. M. No. 26-Instituted June 10th, 1868 

List of first officers: 

E. H. Harriman, C.

E. H. Shawde, V. C.

A. P. Hineline, R. S.

W. Lerch, A. R. S.

B. Keller, F. S

A. Gosner, L. S.

John O. Montanye, O. S.

J. Thume, Con.

U. Fackenthal, War.

T. F. Harriman, Treas.

Wm. M. Shultz

E. N. R. Ohl

J. J. S. Bonstein, Trustees

A. Stover, Jr. P. C. B. 

Present list of officers:

W. H. Warner, C.

E. A. Weaver, V. C.

W. Fleming, R. S.

G. P. Rader, A. R S.

G. A. Rinek, Con.

C. Snyder, War.

Joseph Derr, I. S.

E. N. R. Ohl, O. S.

D. H. Hammer, F. S.

M. F. Hamman, Treas.

J. O. Montanye

H. H. Mier

W. Fleming, Trustees

J. Ackerman, Jr., P. C.

Meets every Thursday evening, in Jones' building, southwest corner of 
Centre Square.


                     ORDER OF RED MEN.

Delaware Degree Council, No. 5.-Instituted in 1872.
The present Chiefs are:

C. Klechner, P.

J. S. Carty, S.

Charles Feltic, S. S.

E. L. Snyder, J.  S.

J. D. Smith, C. R.

W. L. Zanes, K. of W.

Meets second and fourth Saturday, in Grand Army Hall.


Tah-yah-jute, Tribe, No. 217, was Instituted June 17th, 1874, 
with the following Chiefs

S. D. Bortell, S.

John Coyle, S. S.

T. Woodring, J. S.

J. H. Kneer, C. R. 

E. N. R. Ohl, K.W.

 Meets Saturday evenings, at Sample's building.


Saranac Tribe, No. 84, wits organized, in Easton, on the eighteenth day of 
March, 1868. There were forty-one charter members. 
The first officers were its follows: 

E. N. R. Ohl, S.

Charles Rinker, S. S.

William L. Zane, J. S.

Thos. D. Tanner, P.

John J. S. Bonstein, C. R.

James D. Smith, A. C. R.

Henry C. Ashmore, K. W.

The Tribe kindles its council-fires at Draker & Hulick's building, off South 
Third street, Easton.


                  HEBREW SOCEITY.

Judge Lodge, No. 30, I. O. B. B. Institute October 27th, 1856.
 
Officers

Felix Weil, P.

Samuel Moses, V. P.

Moses Stern, Sec.

Nathan Hellman, Treas.

L. Kahr, A. M. 

M. H. Strauss, I. G. 


Levi Worthington, O. G.

Number of members, forty-five. Meets in hall of M.H. Strauss Hotel.


                       KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

Amana Lodge, No. 77, was instituted May 25th, 1868, when the following 
officers were installed: 

John Stelzer, V. P.

John P. Richer, W. C.

James Ward, V. C.

Samuel Phipps, W G

Philip Dolan, W. B.

John S. Bachman, W. R. S. 

Ruben Slawbach, W. F. S.

B. F. Reich, I. G.

Peter Garrecht, O. G.

The present officers are:
 
Thos. F. Siegfried, P. C.

Wm. Smith, C. C.

Wm. F. Reily, V. C.

Lewis J. Beitel, P.

B. M. Sigmund, K. of R. and S.

Allen M. Hamman, M. of F.

Sol Straus, M. of E.

F. M. Lawson, M. of A.

Wm. J. Davis, I. G. 

Alfred Randal, O. G.

 The society now has sixty-five active members. Hall of Meeting, corner of 
Third and Ferry streets.



               KNIGHTS OF FRIENDSHIP.

Easton Chamber, No, 14, was instituted September l4th, 1874, with 
seventy-one charter members.

 The first officers were  R. P. James, P. S. K. M.

L. F. Bonstein, S. K. M.

C. F. Nightingale, S. Ch.

J. E. Stark, J. Ch.

P. T. Grubs, M. R. 

T. D. Tanner, Rec. Sec.

William M. Shultz, Treasurer

S. W. Sine, Chaplain

Meets in Grand Army Hall, on the second and fourth Friday of each month.


                  MYSTIC BAND OF BROTHERS.

No. 10, was instituted by George W. Crouch, Deputy Great Chief,
November 2d, 1871, with twenty-seven charter members.

The first officers were:

J. D. Seipel, W. C.

Robert T. Horn, D. C.

Uriah Palmer, Sec.

Robert E. C. Fourgisson, Treas.

Theodore Schug, C.

Lorenzo Kichline, W.

This Council meets in the Odd Fellows Hall, Easton, on Wednesday evenings.


                            BANKS.

  The Easton National Bank, incorporated in 1814[1] as THE EASTON BANK, 
Samuel Sitgreaves, President; Thomas MeKeen, Cashier. The Successive 
presidents, from the time of Mr. Sitgreaves until the present, have been 
Thomas McKeen, David D. Wagener, John Davis, and William Hackett, who still 
holds the office. On the passage of the National Bank Law, the bank was 
changed from the State to the National system, under its present name. In 
1873 its capital was increased from $400,000 to $500,000, its present 
amount. The banking rooms are located on the south side of Northampton 
street, between the Square and Bank street.

  The First National. This bank was chartered in the year 1851, under the 
name of THE FARMERS AND MECHANICS' BANK OF EASTON. Capital, $400,000. 
Peter S. Michler, President; McEvers Forman, Cashier. Mr, Michler resigned 
the presidency in July, 1861, and was succeeded By Mr. John Stewart, who 
resigned in January, 1875, and the vacancy was filled by Mr, Forman. The 
cashiership, made vacant by his promotion, was filled by Mr, John Gwinner.

  From the time of its incorporation in 1851, until 1864, the bank did 
business under the State charter, but in the last-named year it became a 
National Bank, under the general National Banking Law, and with its present 
name. Its banking-house is on the Centre Square, one door west of Third street.

The Merchants' Bank of Easton. The Merchants Bank of Easton, Pa., was 
established March l4th, 1871, and business commenced May l5th of the same 
year. The charter allowed a capital of $400,000 divided into 16,000 shares, 
of twenty-five dollars each, of which 12,507 shares have been sold. Upon 
these has been called in fifteen dollars per share, making a paid-up 
capital of $187,605, to which must be added a surplus of $30,000. It is a 
notable fact, as showing the confidence felt from the first in this bank by 
the community, that the entire $120,000 first offered, was oversold some, 
$5,000 within less; than half an hour from the time the sale commenced, 
find a meeting of the stockholders was necessary to legalize the over-sale. 
The business, from the first, tins been conducted in the present building, 
No. 4 Centre Square, The officers have remained the same, viz.: 
President, John Knecht
Cashier, H. W. Shouse
Teller, F. S. Copp
The business of the book has been prosperous, the stockholders having 
realized a regular dividend of ten per cent from the first, with one 
exception of eight per cent.  The charter, while liberal in it franchises, 
and giving every facility for doing a large business, is stringent in the 
safeguards provided for the interest of depositors and those doing business 
with file bank. The stockholders are personally liable to double the amount 
of their stock. The officers and directors are among the most substantial 
citizens of the place; and that all interested may  be kept fully informed 
of the condition of the, bank, a statement is made every week. The credit 
of the institution is thus of the highest character, and the Merchants Bank 
of Easton has become one of the permanent financial concerns of the State.

___________________________________________________________________________

1. Mr. John T. Kachline has in his possession a sample of old paper 
money, purporting to have been issued, in 1816, by the Easton Bank, though 
not signed by its officers. Mr. Kachline received it from his father, who 
had also received it from his father. The paper is something similar to the 
bank note paper of the present day, and is well preserved, though much 
yellowed by age. It is printed as Fellows:


                (See illustration of fifty cent note)



172

Northampton County Savings Bank. This institution was established 
March 22d, 1869, with a capital stock of $50,000, which was divided into 
shares of five dollars each.

President, Joseph Laubach
Vice-President, Henry Green
Cashier, W. H. Huffer. 

The bank has a surplus of $20,000, exclusive of lot and banking-house, which 
the latter cost $12,000. It is situated on Northampton street, below Fifth.

Dime Savings Bank of Easton. -Incorporated May 7th, 1855. President, Edward 
Hillard Actuary, B. R. Swift. Banking-rooms, No. 13 North Third street.


The Phillipsburg  National Bank.-Although located on the east side of the 
Delaware, is almost as much an institution of Easton as of Phillipsburg; 
having a wide circle of customers and correspondents on the west side of 
the river, while Northampton county is represented in the bank offices, and 
on the Board of Directors.


            (See illustration of Phillisburg Bank)


  The bank received its charter as a State institution, under the name of 
The Phillipsburg Bank, in the year 1856, with so authorized capital of 
$200,000, which, however, was not all called in, until 1865, when it was 
changed to a National Bank under its present name.

The first officers of the bank at is incorporation were: 

President, Charles Sitgreaves
Cashier, L. C. Reese

  Both of these gentlemen have held their honorable positions continuously 
until the present time. The banks affairs have been liberally, and yet 
safely, conducted, as is evidenced by the fact that it now has a surplus of 
nearly forty-three per cent., an unusually large one to say the least.

The banking-house is the property of the institution, and is most favorably 
located at the cost end of the Delaware Bridge, in the immediate vicinity 
of the Belvidere Delaware Depot, and very accessible to both Easton and 
Phillipsburg. It was built in 1858, of brick, with an iron front, three 
full tories in height, 23 x 57 feet in size. Cost, $12,000.


             FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY.

Incorporated March 12th, 1830.
The corporators were:
 
James M. Porter

John Green

Owen Rice

John Stewart

Daniel Stroud

Philip Mixsell

Anthony McCoy

Peter S. Michler

Christian J. Hotter

Matthias Riegel

Geo. Barnet

The present officers are:

 President, John Maxwell

Secretary and Treasurer G. W. Stout

The company is on the mutual principle. Its officies are located at No. 57 Centre Square.


           THE NORTHAMPTON MUTUAL LIVE STOCK INSURANCE COMPANY

Was chartered by the Court of Common Pleas, of Northampton county, on the 
28th day of April, A. D, 1869. The officers of the company now are: 

John A. Seitz, President (who has filled the Presidency ever since its organization)

L. M. Tell, Vice-President

Wm. C. Edelman, Secretary and Treasurer.

The home office is at the corner of Fourth and Northampton streets, Easton.


                 NORTHAMPTON COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

  The following account of the origin and progress of the society is taken 
from the Address of Dr. Seip, on the occasion of his retirement from its presidency:

  In June, 1849, nearly twenty-eight years ago, a notice written by Dr.
Green was published in the borough papers, inviting the members of the
medical profession of this county to meet in the armory in Easton, on 
Tuesday, July 10th, at 3 P. M.  In accordance with the above invitation, 
twenty-two of the most prominent members of the profession in the county, 
met at the time indicated, for the purpose of forming a county medical 
society; being one of the first auxiliaries to the State Medical Society.
 
Dr. R. E. James, of Upper Mount Bethel, was elected President
Dr. S. E. Cook, Vice-President
Dr. Traill Green, Secretary

  After several preliminary meetings to complete its organization, the 
society commenced its work by holding regular meetings, reporting medical 
cases, epidemics, etc., electing new members, and looking after such 
matters as might interest the profession and the community at large.

  The society kept growing in interest and membership; interesting and 
valuable papers were read at its meetings, and discussions held upon 
medical topics until 1854. From this time, but little appears to indicate 
much activity in the society, and by death and resignation together, with 
removal from the county, the membership was reduced considerably. During 
the war, it was still further reduced by member, entering, the army or navy 
or otherwise serving their country.

  At the May meeting, in l863, it was announced that Dr. James had passed 
from his earthly labors, and resolutions were adopted expressive of the 
esteem and high regard for the late President of the Society, who had for 
many years presided over their meetings.

  Since 1867, new members have been added at nearly every meeting, until 
now the society stands second to none in the State. 
The present officers are as follows:
 
President, Dr. Samuel Stoudt, Easton

Vice Presidents, Dr. J. Gruver, at Portland
   Dr. Joseph P. Engelman, of Cherryville 
Secretary, Dr. Charles McIntyre, Jr., Easton
Corresponding Secretary, Dr. S. Laubach, Easton
Treasurer, Dr. Amos Seip, Easton.


  The physicians of Easton, are as follows:

                    Allopathic

Dr. C. C. Field

Dr. Traill Green

Dr. J. M. Junkin

Dr. Samuel Sandt

Dr. Amos Seip

Dr. E. C. Swift

Dr. Joseph Meixsell

Dr. James Moore

Dr. Stephen Laubach

Dr. Isaac Ott

Dr. Solomon Bachman

Dr. Charles McIntire

Dr. John Sandt

Dr. David Engleman 

Dr. G. A. Lachenour

Dr. Joseph P. Nevin,

Dr. R. A. Martin

Dr. J. Hunt

Dr. Peter F. Arndt

Dr. James Cavanaugh


                            COUNSELLORS AT LAW.

  Below is given a list of members of Northampton County Bar, at present 
residing in Easton, and the dates of their admission to practice:

Matthew Hale Jones                  Admitted           August 22, 1883
John Shouse                         Admitted           November 20, 1838
Benjamin F. Fackenthal              Admitted           November 21, 1846
Henry M. Mutchler                   Admitted           August 22, 1848
Henry Green                         Admitted           September 17, 1849
Oliver H. Meyers                    Admitted           November 19, 1849
Valentine Hilburn                   Admitted           May 28, 1849
Edward J. Fox                       Admitted           August 15, 1853
W. W. Schuyler                      Admitted           August 23, 1854
Abraham S. Knecht                   Admitted           January 26, 1855
James M. Porter                     Admitted           January 31, 1855
Elisha Allis                        Admitted           November 18, 1856
Uriah Sandt                         Admitted           November 15, 1858
Calvin G. Beitel                    Admitted           November 16, 1858
James W. Lynn                       Admitted           January 25, 1862
William Beidlemen                   Admitted           November 25, 1868
Robert J. Jones                     Admitted           April 24, 1865
William C. Edelmen                  Admitted           April 24, 1865
S. V .B. Kachline                   Admitted           August 21, 1865
James K Dawes                       Admitted           October 5, 1865
William S. Kilpatrick               Admitted           October 5, 1865
W. Gibson Field                     Admitted           November 21, 1865
Beates R. Swift                     Admitted           January 17, 1866
Howard J. Reedeer                   Admitted           January 21, 1867
John C. Merill                      Admitted           January 21, 1867
Henry W. Scott                      Admitted           April 29, 1868
William Mutchler                    Admitted           June 23, 1869
Frank Reeder                        Admitted           1869
A. B. Howell                        Admitted           January 24, 1870
George V. Wallace                   Admitted           May 5, 1871
Francis H. Lehr                     Admitted           August 29, 1871
Robert E James                      Admitted           November 20, 1862
C. M. Anstett                       Admitted           August 19, 1873
A. T. Smith                         Admitted           January 20, 1874
F. W. Edgar                         Admitted           September 12, 1874
Jacob S. Stewart                    Admitted           December 8, 1874
Richard Broadhead                   Admitted           August 16, 1875
C. Albert Sandt                     Admitted           August 31, 1875
P. C. Evans                         Admitted           February 16, 1876
H. T. Buckley                       Admitted           February 26, 1876
Quintius F. Ealer                   Admitted           September 4, 1876
Lloyd P. Appleman                   Admitted           December 13, 1876
E. S. Barrick                       Admitted           March 5, 1877