Local History: XLIII - EASTON - Part IV : Davis's 1877 History of Northampton Co, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Susan Walters USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. HTML Table of Contents may be found at http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/northampton/davistoc.htm _______________________________________________________________________ HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. ††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† 173 LAFAYETTE COLLEGE. The first movement towards the establishment of this Institution was made on the twenty-seventh of December 1824, at a public meeting which was held at Whites Hotel, on the Centre Square, at Easton. The object of the meeting, was to recognize the influence of liberal education in promoting prosperity and moral advancement, and in the perpetuation of National freedom, and to consider the practicability of founding, at or near Easton, a Seminary of learning, by means of which, such liberal education should be made accessible to the rising generation. Of this meeting, Colonel Thomas McKeen was made Chairman, and Mr. Jacob Weygandt, Jr., Secretary and, after an exhaustive discussion of the question it was resolved: "That it is expedient to establish, at this place, an institution of learning, in which the dead languages, and the various branches of education and science usually taught to colleges together with the French and German languages, civil and military engineering, and military tactics, shall be taught, and "that as a testimony of respect for the talents, virtues, and signal services of General Lafayette in the great cause of freedom, the said institution be named LAFAYETTE COLLEGE." The name was the more readily suggested, from the fact that La Fayette was at that time revisiting the United States, after more than forty years absence; and was being received at, even, point with demonstrations of extreme enthusiasm. Hon. James M. Porter was the chief mover-in fact, the father-of the enterprise; and to him was given the chairmanship of the committee for drafting a memorial to the Legislature, asking an act of incorporation, and legislative aid. At that time, the doors of Dickinson College, at Carlisle, had been closed by financial pressure, and this left the University at Philadelphia as the only chartered college in Pennsylvania, east of the Alleghenies. Its location in the great city, involving, as it did, danger of the corruption of students morals, and a greatly enhanced cost of living, was considered so great a disadvantage, that to avoid it, young men were frequently sent to more remote colleges in Other States. In contradistinction to these, the memorialists enumerated the advantages of a location at Easton; among which was healthiness, cheapness of living, absolute freedom from immoral temptation, and the excellent opportunity offered for research to mineralogy and botany. Their loan embraced the reaching of military tactics, but it was said that these, instead of interfering with the usual college course, would rather be an aid to its efficiency by filling the hours of the students' leisure, with healthful and invigorating exercise. There was also contemplated a preparatory course, to which student, would be received, if possessing only the simple requirements, of a rudimentary English education. Most noteworthy is the opinion they expressed, of the necessity that more attention should be given to the critical study of the, English language. They said: "An addition will he made to the language course usually adopted. In this branch, students commonly limit their attention to the dead languages this is to be regretted. The living languages certainly have some claims to attention which the dead have not. Particularly is it to be regretted that, after acquiring the Latin, the Romanic dialect, of modern Europe, should not receive that small portion of time which is necessary to acquire them. But the language most neglected in our seminaries of learning is the English. It is, we think, one of the follies of the learned, to expend time, and toil, and money, in the minute investigation of the languages of other time and other people, at the expense of omitting the equally curious, and more useful, investigation of their own. The Anglo-Saxon, the German, the Danish, the Swedish, etc., ought long since to have been made a part curbs education of our Youth. Lest we should be thought to prescribe a course impracticable within a reasonable time, we will add that the period usually allotted to the Latin and Greek merely, would be, under a proper method of instruction, amply sufficient for the acquirement of all we have mentioned." To that clause of their memorial which affirmed that the living languages have claims to their attention which the dead have not, "there was one in that assembly, a dear friend to the purely practical in education, who gave his audible and unqualified assent. It Mr. Heston -a-member who said, upon the floor of the House, that "a knowledge of the dead languages adds no more to scientific knowledge than the croaking of frogs". But whether, of the living languages, his preference was for pure English or for the local Pennsylvania dialect, does not appear. The College charter was granted March 9th, 1826 The Trustees named were: Robert Patterson John Hare Powel Peter A. Browne Andrew M, Prevost Benjamin Tilghman Silas E Wier, and John M. Scott, of Philadelphia Samuel Sitgreaves Thomas McKean Peter Miller Philip Missell Jacob Weygandt, Jr. John Bowers James M. Porter Christian J. Hotter Jacob Wagner George M. Barnet John Carey William Shouse Peter Ihrie, Jr. J. Worman Joel Jones J. R. Latimore Thomas J. Rogers Joseph K. Swift George G. Howell Peter S. Michler Jesse, M. Howell Philip H. Wattes George Hess, Jr. Jacob Kerr George Weber, and Anthony McCoy, of the county of Northampton Walter C. Livingstone, of Lehigh county William Long, of Bucks. Of all these men there now survive only General Robert Patterson, of Philadelphia; George G. Howell and William Shouse, Esq., of Easton, The Trustees met, in accordance with the provisions of the charter, on the fifteenth of May, 1826, and elected James M. Porter, President Joel Jones, Secretary Thomas McKeen, Treasurer The Board was now organized, but the Institution had no President or Faculty; no buildings in which to commence operations, nor funds with which to erect them. The Legislature had given them no pecuniary aid, and the contributions were very few. But Mr. Porter, and his associates in the enterprise, did not despair, though the prospects often looked the very reverse of encouraging. They asked the American Classical Military Lyceum, at Mount Airy, to join hands with them, but the Lyceum very promptly declined the proposition to merge its many names in a single one, even if as, illustrious as that of LAFAYETTE! In the year 1828, the Trustees elected, as President, Professor List, of Reading. He declined, on the ground of prior engagement, but recommended Dr. Jaeger, a recently-arrived German Professor. He, too, declined, in view of the superior inducement of a chair at Princeton. In 1832, however, the labor of the Trustees were crowned with success. They at that time offered the Presidency to the REV. GEORGE JUNKIN, A. M. who was then in charge of the Manual Labor Academy of Pennsylvania, at Germantown. He came to Easton, and, after investigation, accepted the place, on condition that the military requirement of the charter should be stricken out. A supplemental Act of Legislature, effecting this change, was passed April 7th, 1832, and upon this, Dr. Junkin became the first President of LAFAYETTE COLLEGE. The next thing necessary was building accommodations, and the Trustees procured these, temporarily, by leasing, for the term of two years, the premises of Christian Midler, on the highland, to the southward of the present site of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Station, in South Easton. These premises comprehended a main two-story building, 30 x 50 feet-two-thirds log and the rest frame-and also a farm of something more than sixty acres; in the manipulation of which, Dr. Junkin proposed employing his students, on the principle of manual labor. He arrived in March, accompanied by several of his young men from Germantown, who worked at, fitting-up the old place, with such a will that the Doctor was enabled to open College exercises on May 9th 1832, with forty-three students-a number which was increased to Fifty-seven before the close of the year. The location, south of the Lehigh, on Midlers farm, was never intended to be other than temporary; and so, on the twelfth of April, 1833, the Trustees purchased, from William Snyder and John Shick, for the consideration of $1,400, a tract of about nine acres, lying on the highlands, north of Bushkill Creek opposite Third (then Pomfret) street, Easton; and upon this ground, the cornerstone of the original college building was laid, on the Fourth of July, 1833. So energetically was the building pushed, that it was read for occupation the next spring; and it was dedicated by the inauguration of the President and Faculty, May 1st, 1834. They were: Rev. George Junkin, A. M., President, and Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy, Logic, Rhetoric, and Evidences of Christianity Charles F. McCay, A. B., Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy James J. Kuhn, A. B., Professor of the Latin and Greek Languages Samuel D. Gross, M. D., Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Botany. Being a warm advocate of the principle of manual label, for the students, President Junkin continued it at the new building and grounds, without the least doubt of success. Another feature which he proposed to add, as part of the college curriculum, was a "teachers' course," by which young men might be fitted for the profession of teaching; and also a Model School, in which the theory might be illustrated by practice. But the students who looked forward to teaching, as a life profession, proved to be few; still so the teachers course, and the Model School were, after a time, dropped. Later on, the manual labor system was found to be impracticable, in connection with the College course; and upon this, the President sadly recommended that his favorite project be abandoned; which was accordingly done in 1839. 174 On the twenty-fifth of December, 1840, Dr. Junkin resigned the Presidency, to accept that of the Miami University, in Ohio. During the nine years of his administration, the College had been, peculiarly, the reverse of prosperous; its income falling far short of the amount of the necessary expenditure; but this deficit was, during all that time, made up by Dr. Junkin, out of his own individual means. He even purchased the ground for the Model School building, and erected the house thereon; and for both land and building he paid from his private funds. Eventually these expenses were reimbursed, though nothing looked more unlikely, at the time they were, incurred by him. His whole soul was in the success of the Institution, and he labored to that end, unceasingly, and under the most discouraging prospects, for many years. After the resignation of Dr. Junkin, the Trustees elected Dr. Alexander T. McGill, of Carlisle, to fill the vacant place. He declined, and the Presidency was then offered, With like result, to Rev. James W. Alexander, D.D., of Princeton College. The choice next fell on Rev. John W. Yeomans, D.D., of Trenton, N. J., who accepted, and was inaugurated August 18th, 1841. He filled the Presidential chair until September 7th, 1844, when his resignation was accepted; and, on the same day, Dr. Junkin was notified, by letter, of his reappointment as President of Lafayette, and was earnestly requested to accept, he at once replied: "Most gladly I accept the appointment to which the kind partiality of your Board has called me." He returned to the head of the Institution, and remained there until September 19th, 1848, when he again resigned, to accept the same position in Washington College, at Lexington, Virginia. After Dr. Junkin, came Rev. Charles W. Nassau, D. D, He was elected President, March 13th, 1849, and acted in that capacity-though never inaugurated-until September, 1850, when he resigned. The affairs of the College never looked more discouraging than at this time. The number of students, in the four classes, had fallen, from a maximum of eighty-two, to twenty-five. The income of the Institution was thus greatly reduced, and, to add to the gloom of the situation, some of its crediton began to take legal measures for the collection of their claims; so that it began to seem as if the project must, after all, be definitely abandoned. At this stage of its affairs, the College was, on the application of the Trustees, formally taken under the "care and patronage" of the Presbyterian Synod of Philadelphia, in the year 1850, by which it became avowedly, what it had before been, really a-Presbyterian Institution-and the charter was ammended in accordance with the change. Every appointment made by the Trustees had now to receive the approval of the Synod, but otherwise, the change was not a marked one. Although nominally sectarian, the government of the College was, and is unaggressive and liberal; students being allowed to attend the churches of their choice-attendance at some service being alone compulsory. The first President, under the new order of things, was Rev. D. V. McLean, D. D., who was elected October 18th, 1850, and inaugurated early in 1851. He undertook to raise an endowment of $100,000, by the sale of scholarships, at one hundred dollars each; the certificates to be transferable, but not valid until the whole amount was subscribed. This result, however, was reached by the close of the year 1853, and on New Year's day, 1854, the gratifying event was enthusiastically celebrated by the student. Of course, the attendance now became large-reaching one hundred and six, in the year 1856,and, equally of course, the current income of the College was cut off; while its expertise were largely increased. Many of the subscriptions could not be collected, and of the amounts which did come to hand, a very considerable proportion was expended in the payment of the old debts of the Institution: so that the result of the scheme was the cutting off of the tuition fees, with little compensating advantage in the way of endowment. Discouraged by the prospect, Dr. McLean resigned in 1857, and was succeeded by Rev. George W. McPhail, D. D., who was elected October 27th, 1837. The financial affairs, of the College steadily grew worse; and at the breaking out of the rebellion, its ruin seemed inevitable; for so many of the students entered the National service that, particularly after Lee's, invasion of 1863,the halls were almost deserted. It is not improper to say in this place, that, during the war, there were two hundred and twelve graduates and students of Lafayette, who served their country in the army and navy. Of those in the military service, six were generals, seven colonels, five lieutenant-colonels, eight majors, twenty-nine assistant surgeons, fifteen chaplains, twenty-three captains, twenty-three lieutenants, twenty-three noncommissioned officers, and sixty-seven privates; and in the naval, was one lieutenant-commander, one professor of mathematics, one paymaster, two assistant surgeons, and one volunteer lieutenant. President McPhail resigned in August, 1863. The time was indeed dismal. A special meeting of the Trustees was held to consider "the propriety of suspending operations, under increasing embarrassments." But they did not suspend. A conference was held with Professors Coffin, March, and Coleman, which resulted in the announcement to the Board, that the professors would, at all events, stand to their posts for at least another year and receive such compensation-if any-as the Trustees were able to give them. And the Synod declared, by unanimous vote, that the College halls were not to be closed. Then the Trustees turned to a former Professor in Lafayette (but then Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church at Harrisburg), Rev. William C. Cattell, and to him they cordially tendered the Presidency. (See Illustration of William Cattle.) He accepted, and was inaugurated July 26th, 1864. The Trustees and the Synod had made a most fortunate selection. He brought great ability, and as great energy to the work, and from the very first, it was evident that the darkest days for Lafayette had passed. Governor James Pollock, in his address pronounced at the inauguration, said, in allusion to the new President: "We present him to you is the scholar and the man-the highest style of man-the Christian gentleman, and one who combines, in a remarkable degree, the quiet dignity of the Christian minister, the accomplishments of the Scholar, and the no less important qualifications of ail administrative officer." There can be no better verification of the Governors eulogium, than a view of the results of President Cattell's administration, as seen in the greatly increased attendance, and consequent prosperity of the Institution. The number of students in attendance each year, from the commencement of his Presidency until the present time, is as follows: In 1864, 46 In 1865, 51 In 1866, 115 In 1867, 101 In 1868, 128 In 1869, 145 In 1870, 188 In 1871, 233 In 1872, 222 In 1873, 243 In 1874, 280 In 1875, 319 In 1876, 335 Of those eminent scholars who constituted the Faculty of Lafayette during Dr. Junkin's presidency, are now living only the following: Dr. Traill Green, LL.D., Dean of the Pardee Scientific Department Lafayette College Rev. Robert Cunningham, of Scotland Rev. James C. Motffat, Theological Seminary, Princeton Rev. David X. Junkin, D.D. Rev Wm. Henry Green, D.D., LL.D., Professor Hebrew and Oriental Literature, in the Theological Seminary at Princeton. The present Faculty of LAFAYETTE is as follows: WILLIAM C. CATTELL, D.D., President, and Prof. Of Mental and Moral Philosophy TRAILL GREEN, A. D., LL.D., Dean of the Pardee Scientific Department, and Professor of General Chemistry. F. A. MARCH, LL.D., Professor of the English Language and Comp. Philology JOHN LEAMAN, A. M., M.D., Professor (Emeritus) of Human Physiology. LYMAN COLEMAN, D.D., Professor of Latin and Biblical Geography. THOMAS C. PORTER, D.D., Professor of Botany and Zoology. ROBERT B. YOUNGMAN, A.M., Professor of Greek. AUGUSTUS A. BLOOMBERG, P.H.D., Professor of Modern Languages. FREDERICK PRIME, JR., A.M., Professor OF Metallurgy and Mineralogy. E. H. BARLOW, A.M., Professor of Rhetoric and Elocution. R. W. RAYMOND, PH. D., Lecturer on Mining Geology. SELDEN J. COFFIN, A. M., Hollenback Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy. J. W. MOORE, A.M., D.D., Professor of Mechanics and Physics. J. M. SILLIMAN, M.E., Markle Professor of Mining Engineering and Graphics. JOSEPH G. FOX, C.E., Professor of Civil Engineering. THOMAS M. DROWN, M.D., Adamson Professor of Analytical Chemistry. A. BALLARD, D.D., Douglass Professor of Christian Greek and Latin. A. I. BAKER, C. E., Adjunct Professor of Civil Engineering. JOSEPH J. HARDY, A. M., Adjunct Professor of Mathematics. DAVID B. KING, A.M., Adjunct Professor of Latin. WILLIAM B. OWEN, A. M., Adjunct Professor of Greek. JOHN MEIGS, A.M., Adjunct Professor, of Modern Languages. A. M CAUGHEY, A.M., Adjunct Professor, of Ancient Languages. WILLIAM S. SWEENY, A. M., Tutor in General Chemistry. J. G. IHEFENDERFER, C. E., Tutor in Mathematics. WILLIAM H. SCHUYLER, A. B., Tutor in Modern Languages. JOSEPH R. SHIMER, M.E., Tutor in Metallurgy. EDWARD HART, B. S., Tutor in Analytical Chemistry. The College grounds, originally nine acres in extent, have been enlarged by successive purchases, until now, their area is about thirty-three acres; they have been as much beautified as extended. 175 But it is in the matter of buildings erected on these grounds, that the transformation has been most complete; seeming, in fact, almost marvelous. As late as 1865,there, were upon the grounds, only the original College building and the small one standing to the westward of it, built, by Dr. Junkin for his Model School. This last, was afterwards entirely refitted, and known as WEST COLLEGE. The first floor is used for the Treasurers offices and the College Archives, while the second embraces Professor March's lecture-room and private, study. The original edifice, known as SOUTH COLLEGE, now bears very little resemblance to the plain old building of twenty years ago. It has a Mansard roof in place of the original hip, and imposing wings have been added at both ends. THE EAST WING is 35 x 66 feet, embracing in its two stories, Eastoian Hall, which is in use as a reading-room; and there are few-if any-in America, which are more commodious, Or better appointed and supplied. The cost, of this Wing was $23,400. THE WEST WING is 44 x 84 feet, Its first story, twenty-six feet in height, is occupied by the new chapel, while above, are the lecture-room of Dr. Porter, the College herbarium, the botanical laboratories, and Museum of Natural History, Its costs was $33,800. Both the wings are of brick, rough-cast, with brown-stone trimmings-The West, at its connection with the main building, is surmounted by a clock-tower and spire, one hundred and twenty-five feet in height; while a bell-tower, rises eighty feet above the corresponding portion of the East Wing. THE ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY is a solid building of blue limestone. It was erected at a cost of $15,000, a gift to the College, by Dr. Traill Green. JENKS PHYSICAL HALL, so called in honor of the donor, stands to the southward of the last named, and within a short distance of South College. It is also built Of limestone, seventy-five feet deep, and sixty-four feet front, approximating to the shape of the letter T. It comprehends a recitation-room, laboratories, large lecture-room, apparatus-room, professors' study, physical laboratory, microscopic-room, and Hall of the Society of Physics and Engineering. Its cost was.$32,000. Flanking the campus, to the northward, are five commodious dormitories, or "Students' Homes." They are named in honor of their respective founders: POWELL HALL MARTIN HALL MCKEEN HALL NEWKIRK HALL BLAIR HALL While farther to the eastward is another of the same character, named EAST HALL. They are plain brick houses, with the exception of McKEAN, which is much larger than the others, and has trimmings of brown-stone, roof a balustrade, and ornamented cornice. If measured by the amount of his donations to the College, Mr. ARIO PARDEE, of Hazleton, has been by far its greatest benefactor. His first gift to the Institution was $20,000, and this he has supplemented by others, which reach the magnificent total of half a million dollars. PARDEE HALL, the most splendid structure upon the grounds, was entirely built and equipped by his liberality, and received its name in his honor. Its site was fixed on the campus, a little to the southward of its centre; decidedly the best location (as is proper it should be) in the grounds. It was commenced in 1871, and completed in less than a year and a half. Mr. Pardee then expended $50,000 on a scientific equipment, and, on the twenty-first of October 1873, passed all to the possession of the College; handing the keys to President Cattell in presence of ten thousand people of Easton and vicinity, who had closed store and shop, and left their vocations, to be present and witness the ceremonies. PARDEE HALL "consists of one centre building, five stories in height, fifty-three feet front, and eighty-three feet deep; and two lateral wings, one on each side of the centre building, measuring sixty-one feet in length, and thirty-one in width; four stories in height, including a Mansard roof; the whole terminating in two cross-wings, forty-two feet front, and eighty-four feet deep, and four stories in height. The entire length of front, in a straight line, is two hundred and fifty-six feet. The material is Trenton brownstone, with trimming of the light Ohio sandstone. It is heated throughout by steam, and lighted by gas." It is devoted to the uses of the Scientific Department. Along the eastern border of the grounds, stands the dwellings of the President and Professors. Several of them are new and handsome structures, and all are in good repair. The College grounds have, been improved in every part. Handsome carriage and footways have been laid out and graded, terraces constructed, and trees, shrubbery, and hedges planted, while everywhere, over lawn and slope and terrace, is spread the soft covering of the green grass. Standing on the verge of the declivity, below the original College edifice, and, in all exact line from the centre of its main entrance, to the fountain in the Public Square of the town, is the SOLDIERS' MONUMENT. It is of cut granite, and stands on a circular base of undressed blue-stone. Surmounting it, is the granite figure of a sentinel, with military dress and musket. Oil the west face of the stone is cut the inscription: ERECTED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. On the north and east faces are inscribed the Alma Mater, who laid down their lives for their country in the war of Rebellion, viz: On the North face: CLASS OF 1836 RICHARD A. OAKFORD SIDNEY M. LAYTON CLASS OF 1837 DANIEL J. CAREY. CLASS OF 1840 HORATIO S. HOWELL CLASS OF 1852 WALTER SCOTT BRIGGS CLASS OF 1856 ROBERT M. McCORMICK CLASS OF 1859 JOSEPH CASTLES On East Face CLASS OF 1860 JOHN R. HILTON CLASS OF 1861 WILLIIAM H. ALEXANDER EDWARD S. CARRELL LUTHER DAVIS ROSWELL S. PARKER CLASS OF 1862 JOHN M. ANNAN ROBERT M. MANN CLASS OF 1863 JOHN H. BUCKLEY CLASS OF 1864 HENRY B. HOWELL In doffing the student's dress to put on the garb of the soldier, they missed the distinction of pulpit, bench, or bar, which might have been in store for them; but if they had lived to be eminent judges, divines, or senators there could have been inscribed above their ashes, no prouder epitaph, than that which stands out in bold granite letters from the southern face of the shaft: THESE DIED FOR THE UNION ___________________ EASTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS-THE EASTON LIBRARY BY W. GIBSON FIELD, ESQ. It requires but a short residence in Easton to enable once to become acquainted with the excellence of her public schools-one of the best grounds of her local pride, and of her hope for a future shaped by her own intelligent sons and daughters. While she can boast of a George Taylor, who nobly did his part toward freeing from oppression the infant colonies, so she can plume herself a George Wolf, who effectually gave his, effort toward breaking the chain of ignorance with which the people had been bound, and who, its Governor, is looked back to as one of our most upright and capable executives. He it was who inaugurated, in our State, the Public School System. From his thought-as Minerva, from the brain of Jupiter-sprang the practicable conception of those peoples colleges that are universally recognized as being of and for all the people. Be the circumstance, of a youth ever so lowly, the public school system is the lever by which he can lift himself to a level with his more fortunate brother; and the latter, in turn, though surrounded by pride-inspiring circumstances of birth or social eminence, finds in the former one with whom he can honorably strive. Such a leveling school system, while it is in wise accord with our Democratic institutions, instills mutual respect, and fosters laudable ambition in those who are to become fellow-citizens and the healthy life-blood of the nation. In the public school, no sect is held up as the standard of religious belief, and incentive, to patriotism take the place of politics. To quote from an address, made at the Centennial Banquet of the High School Alumni: "While in other places there have been dissensions in and with regard to the Schools, arising from sectarian influences, in Easton all has been harmony, unity, co-operation-everything has helped forward the public schools on the high road of their destiny." Should not, in every way, the public school system be fostered and cherished? Who can afford to remain without the benefit of its privileges and advantages? The parent who, out off, mercenary spirit, denies his children these, and prefers, too soon, to traffic by means of them in this worlds goods, blinds himself to their greater good, and is an enemy, not only to them, but to himself and to the whole community. If the poor feel themselves, in mind and station, exalted by the system, can the well-to-do neglect such great opportunity? Many practical lessons, much valuable knowledge of their future fellow-citizens and of themselves, they can learn in jostling, shoulder to shoulder, with them in the public schoolroom; and many good and sterling qualities they can discover that they had never imagined to exist. If, neglecting the opportunities afforded by wealth, they ignore also public school facilities, what surprise can reasonably overtake them if they find themselves less capable of intelligent effort than those who have utilized the advantages afforded by a wisely graded course, that leads the scholar on and on, until at length, emerging from the High School, lie has become endowed with the capacity for that usefulness by which he is to Peek to repay the State, for her paternal care. Northampton being the Dative county of the founder1 of the Public School System of the State, we have declared it proper thus to introduce a notice of the schools of the county-seat. _________________________________________________________________________ 1. Governor George Wolf was been in Allen township, Northampton county, August 12th, 1777. Studied law under the direction of Hon. John Ross, while he was acting as clerk in the Prothonotary's Office, at Easton. President Jefferson appointed Mr. Wolf Postmaster at that place, Governor McKean appointed film Clerk of the Orphans Court, which position he held until 1809. In 1814 he was elected to the State Senate, and in 1824 to the United States House of Representatives. In 1829 without having, aspired to the honor he was elected Governor, and afterward reelected, serving from December 15th, 1819. to December 15th, General Jackson appointed him First Comptroller of the Treasury of the United States, and President Van Buren gave him the Collectorship of the port of Philadelphia. He died March 11th, 1840, as we learn from "Armour's Lives of the Governor of Pennsylvania," very suddenly, while yet in the vigor of manhood, in the sixty-third year of his age. 176 The public schools of Easton are under the government of a Board of Control, composed of twenty-one directors. These are chosen at a general election, for three years-one annually from each ward. The regular meeting, are held on the first Thursday in each month. Wm. W, Cottingham, A. M. has been Superintendent of the schools for nearly twenty-four years leaving succeeded Rev. Oliver St. John 1-and in that position has well answered every desire and expectation of the citizens. Charles F. Chidsey, Esq., is President of the Board of Control Wm. H. Rinek, Secretary and Clerk, and John Bitters, Treasurer. The public school buildings are commodious, constructed in modern style, and are, in all respects, well adapted to their use. That in the First War is located at the corner of Fourth and Ferry streets. It is a handsome structure of brownstone, with Ohio white-stone trimmings, and Mansard roof. It stands on a lot, 220 x 88 feet, the building being 80 x 60 feet. The cost of both aggregates $120,250. The building contains ten schoolrooms and five recitation-rooms, and is heated by steam beaten. Two grammar, three primary, and six secondary schools occupy it, with an aggregate of fourteen teachers. The cornerstone of this building was laid, with much ceremony June 30th, 1871, and the structure completed June 26th, 1873. Not only were the schools granted a holiday during the ceremony of laying the cornerstone, but the scholars of all of them, in holiday attire, and begirt with flowers, attended, and occupied platforms around the main stand that had been prepared for them. The main stand was occupied by State School Superintendent Wickersham, Superintendent W. W. Cottingham, A.M., the Board of Control, and invited guests, including President Cattell of Lafayette College. In an address, made by the State Superintendent, on the occasion, he declared, with much earnestness, to tire large assembly of citizens present, that the public schools of Easton were unsurpassed in the state. The Second Ward buildings stand on a lot 230 x 300 feet, bounded by Second, Church, and Green streets. Those here grouped together have a historic interest. The lot was set apart, prior to the year 1800, by the Penns, Proprietaries of Pennsylvania, for school purposes; and, by virtue of subsequent deeds of confirmation and Acts of Assembly, has been vested in the Board of Control of the Easton School District, in trust, the same to be used for public school purposes. PICTURE OF SCHOOL APPEARS HERE The building on the hill, toward the north, was erected in 1794, by the Trustees of the Union Academy, to be used, according to the charter, for the same end. This was probably the first public free school building erected in Pennsylvania, and around it cluster the affections, and in it centres the interest of a large number of our citizens who have been scholars within its walls. It is constructed of stone, roughcast, 60 x 35 feet, and cost £702, 10s. 6d., which sum was obtained by the voluntary contributions of the citizens of the town. It contains four schoolrooms, heated by stoves, and is used by secondary schools. The building between the last mentioned and the High School building, is of frame, 26 x 62 feet, and contains two rooms, heated by stoves. This building is occupied by primary schools. South of the building last mentioned, is that of the Easton High School, the pride and glory of the public schools of Easton. It was erected in 1856, and is 48 x 75 feet. The material of it is brick, rough-cast, and its cost $20,185. It contains eleven schoolrooms, and is heated by hot air furnaces. The second and third stories are occupied by the Male and Female High Schools, and the first story by primary and secondary schools. There are three primary schools-one being a school for colored children, all grades-and five secondary schools, with an aggregate-High Schools included- of sixteen teachers. The Easton High School is deservedly popular, its graduates-now numbering over three hundred-holding creditable positions in the various professions and occupations in which they have seen fit to engage, as well as socially. Those who have entered Lafayette College have reflected honor on the school, and one at least is a member of the Faculty." 2 The College has taken marked official notice of the High School, giving it the benefit of scholarships, one of which, in due form, is presented yearly to the member of the graduating class meriting the honor, on the Commencement stage. The curriculum of the school fits its scholars to enter the Freshman or Sophomore Class of the College. Of late years the Commencements have been held in Able's elegant Opera House, and the overflowing attendance, oil each occasion of the kind, has been an unmistakable index of the popularity of the institution. The Commencement efforts of the graduates have always been subjects of merited praise, and the floral and other tributes, that never fail to be bestowed, amount to an ovation. The fame of the school has drawn scholars to it from neighboring towns, who, upon payment of a tuition fee of fifty dollars, are admitted to the enjoyment of its privileges, A few words with regard to the inception of an institution, the merits of which are thus appreciated, and concerning their relation to which Eastonians are so keenly alive, will he read with interest, and should appear upon the record. April 2d, 1850, an Act of Assembly was passed for the erection of a High School in the Borough of Easton. The passage of this Act was effected mainly through the efforts of Hold. Washington McCartney, an active member of the Board of Directors at the time. The Board, as then constituted, consisted of the following members, viz.: President, Dr. Samuel Sandt Secretary, Hon. Washington McCartney Edward F. Stewart, Esq. Aaron Seip John J. Horn Charles P. Emmons No action was taken with reference to the organization of a High School, under this Act, until February 28th, 1852, when Washington McCartney, Esq., and Dr. Charles Innes, were appointed a committee to report a plan for organization. February 19th, 1853, the committee reported a scheme which, however, was not put into operation. March 10th, 1853, the Board resolved to establish a High School, in the Female Seminary Building, of which forcible possession was taken for the purpose. In April following, an organization, called a High School, was effected in this building, but consisted of pupils who were classed rather according to size than attainments. The catalogue of the High School, issued as a prospectus of the same, in June, 1854, exhibits a list of twenty-six pupils, who, as stated, were considered as probationers, to be admitted after successfully passing the required examination, into the first regularly organized class of the institution, at the opening of the term, in the following September. January 25th, 1854, the plan of the present High School, together with the systematic arrangement and classification of the subordinate schools as at present constituted, was framed and presented in detail to the Board of Directors, by Superintendent W. W, Cottingham, A.M. The plan of the superintendent was adopted throughout, and put into operation at the opening of the schools, September 1st, 1854, From small beginnings, the High School went forward until it reached a status of acknowledged excellence. So small in number were the first graduating classes that their commencement exercises had to be supplemented, in order that they might occupy the ordinary time; now so large are the classes, that the Board of Control is compelled to determine by a comparison of grades, who are to represent each class on the Commencement. The graduates of the High School have organized an Alumni Association, which is allowed representative oil the Commencement stage. In July, of the Centennial year, the Association held a grand banquet in Able's Opera House. The first President of the Association, in welcoming, on that ___________________________________________________________________________ 1.Rev. Oliver St. John was appointed to Inspector of Schools in the month of August 1849 and continued in office until August 1st, 1843 when he was succeeded by the present superintendent, who was duly elected, and has filled the position continually until the present time. 2. Professor James W. Moore 177 occasion, the newly graduated class of 1876, said, among other things: "The public schools speak for those who have devised them, just as the beautiful statues and Pictures at the Centennial Exhibition speak for the sculptor and the artist." Proceeding now to notice the remaining schools, we come to those located in the Third Ward, on a lot 137 x 76 feet. The size of the structure is 40 x 56 feet. It was completed September 1st, 1875; the cost of the building and lot being $8,650. It was constructed, according to a plan published in the periodical entitled Pennsylvania School Architecture, and contains two main school-rooms, and four recitation-rooms, heated by hot-air furnaces. It is occupied by one primary and one secondary school, each with one teacher. The buildings in the Sixth Ward are of brick. The main structure is 61 x 41, and the lesser one 32 x 72, both built on a lot 272 x 106 feet, The former was erected in 1854, and the primary hall in 1860. The lot is valued at $6,000 The cost of the main building was $6,000, and that of the primary $1,770. The main building contains seven school-rooms, and one recitation-room, heated by hot-air furnaces, and is occupied by primary and secondary, schools. Primary hall contains three school-rooms, heated by stoves, and is used by primary schools. There are eleven schools, with twelve teachers. The Lehigh School is located in the Seventh Ward. It is a frame building, 25 x 40 feet, and cost $1,329. It contains one room; is heated by a hot-air furnace; is occupied by primary and secondary schools (mixed grade), and has one teacher. The Seventh Ward school is situated on the southwest corner of Perry and Twelfth streets. It is built of brick, 80 x 50 feet, in height two-stories, and stands on a lot 94 x 118 feet it has just been finished (1877). The cost was about, $10,000. The building is commodious and well arranged. It contains five general school apartment, with recitation-rooms attached, and is heated by hot-air furnaces. On September 1st, 1877, it will be occupied by primary and secondary schools. There are, at present, four teachers in the Seventh Ward. All the subordinate schools constitute one gradual and continuous course to the High School, with reference to graduation from which the scholars in each are supposed to strive. By means of Teachers Meetings and Institutes, all the teachers are kept up to he required standard of efficiency. Much as we value our public schools, we cannot too highly appreciate agencies that, by affording general mental discipline and wide-spread diffusion of knowledge, strengthen, develop, and inform the common mind; more than ever awaken its reason and conscience; and create and increase respect for law, religion, and all the humanities. They constitute one of the mast striking expressions of the spirit and genius, of our free institutions, that make the highest privileges the common heritage of all. The advantages of the Easton Public Schools being confined in the past mostly to the children of residents, their reputation, for the most part, has been necessarily local. The late Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia, however, and the invitation extended to the schools of the State to exhibit scholars work thereat, afforded opportunity for a display of the same that elicited prompt and hearty recognition from the United States Centennial Commission. Mr. Superintendent Cottingham, A.M., secured specimens of work from all the schools under his care; in addition, he carefully, and with much patient, labor, devised and drew up a skillfully conceived plan, by which lie illustrated the public school curriculum ass it now exists in Easton; with these, he sent photographic views of the school buildings, &c., to the Centennial Exhibition, The following acknowledgment has been received: INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, PHILADELPHIA, 1876. The United States Centennial Commission has examined the report of the Judges, and accepted the following reasons, and decreed an award in conformity therewith: REPORT ON AWARDS. PHILADELPHIA, November 8th, 1876 Product-Pupils work, photographic views, plans, & c. [Names and addresses of exhibitors: Board of Education of the City of Easton, Pa.] The undersigned, having examined the products herein recited, respectfully recommend the same to the United State Centennial Commission for awards, for the following reasons, viz.: For the creditable character of the pupils work, and other evidences of efficiency in management. For the Chairman: (Signed) JOHN W. HOYTT A true copy of the record, (Signatures of the Judges.) Approval of Group Judges. (Signed) FRANCIS A. WALKER, Chief of the Bureau of Awards. Given or authority of the United States Centennial Commission: (Signed) A. T. GOSHORN, Director General. J. E HAWLET, President {SEAL.} J. L. CAMPFIELD, Secretary. As an indication of the favorable impression made by the exhibits above alluded to on the Foreign Commissioners-, the representative of Brazil specially expressed his gratification thereat, and made a request for a copy of the plans, etc., that had been on exhibition, and the same were furnished him for transmission to Brazil. THE EASTON LIBRARY. Hon. Samuel Sitgreaves,1 an intelligent and enterprising Eastonian of his time, was the moving spirit in the establishment of the Easton Library. The building is on the west side of Second street, bounded on the south by Church, and facing toward the High School building, The front addition to the present structure, 20 x 25 feet, was erected in 1811. The institution was started by stockholders, January 16th, 1811, the original number being ninety-four, It was continued in operation for a number of years, but not being a paying investment, the building was abandoned, and became dilapidated, and the books received little, if any care. The Library being in a moribund condition, the only hope for continued existence lay in a change. It was accordingly deeded to the School Board, on the fourteenth day of July 1864, the Board agreeing to keep the building and books in repair, and to pay up, each year, for each subscriber in good standing, a subscription of two dollars. There being forty stockholders, eighty dollars per year is deposited by the Board in the Library fund. This amount annually is devoted exclusively to the purchase of books. The Library is composed of about 5,000 volumes, mostly historical. The High School scholars, teachers, member-, of the Board of Control, and stockholders, have access, to the Library books without fee, while all others, are required to pay at the rate of two dollars per annum, The High School has also a library exclusively its own, which has been deposited in the Library building, and is subject to the same rules as the books of the Library proper. Immediately after the transfer above mentioned, the Library passed under the control of Superintendent W. W. Cottingham, A.M., then, also, Secretary of the Board of Control, who classified the books according to the now observed system. His official duties, however, engrossing his attention, those, relating to the Library were afterward performed by the late Samuel H. Knowles, who was succeeded by Theodore F. Hammann. The present librarian, William H. Rinek, like each one of his predecessors, is a careful, efficient, and obliging officer, The Easton Library is the depository of some notable curiosities, and files of newspapers published in Easton and Northampton county in former times. UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE. Commenced in Easton, November 3d, 1873, by Prof. Thomas H. Stevens A. M. and James T. Knauss, designed to furnish to both sexes the means of thorough theoretical and practical commercial education. Instruction is given in Commercial Arithmetic Correspondence, Commercial Geography, Penmanship and Telegraphy. Four hundred and fifty students have received a commercial education in this institution, of whom many are now filling profitable and responsible positions. On February 22d, 1877, Prof. Stevens interest was sold to Professor Knauss, who thus became Principal Of the Institute. As a teacher of commercial science he has few equals, and as, a professor of practical and ornamental penmanship, he has no superior, as may be seen by any who examine the specimens from his pen, on exhibition at the Institute. It is the only purely commercial educational institution in the county, and deserves well or the citizens. TRACH'S ACADEMY This Academy was permanently established on the 3d of April, A. D 1872, and commenced its first sessions with twenty-six students, in a small room on Northampton street. Its increased popularity soon necessitated a removal to more commodious quarters, which were secured in Hays, new building, between Centre Square and Church street, and the Academy was formally opened to the public January 26th, 1874. The present apartments present every advantage to the student: spacious room, good light, admirable ventilation, and the very best furniture and school apparatus. The rooms are so located as to be entirely free from the noise and confusion of the business thoroughfares. The prosperity of the Academy was never more marked than in its history of the past year, as, exemplified both in the number of students, and in the steady and unmistakable growth of confidence through an extensive patronage at home and abroad. The Academy is organized in three divisions-the Academic School, the Normal Department, and the Commercial Department. The aim of the Institution is to furnish a thorough course of instruction, adapted to the wants of young in men, ladies, boys and girls, who wish to become qualified for a collegiate course or prominent positions in business or society. ___________________________________________________________________________ 1.Father of T. R. Sitgreaves, Esq., of Easton. 178 THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN SCHOOLS. In the report of the Northampton County Superintendent of Schools for the year 1859, is a section entitled, "Progress of the English Language," which is given below, verbatim, as the clearest and best statement of facts, as they then existed, which could be written in relation to the subject. He says: "The whole number of pupils on the list, for the school year ending June 1st, 1858, was 9,004; of these, 1,318 could speak English only; 4,537, German only; and 3,149 could speak both languages. Thus it will be seen by the last years report that there were still 4,537 children going to school, or more than one-half the whole list of pupils, who had no knowledge of the English language. And this is still the great stumbling-block in our way. But the difficulty lies not therein, as some superficial observers seem to think, because our children speak German, but because they do not speak English. It is not the presence of the German language which causes the difficulty, but the absence of the English. The annexed table will exhibit a some-what different state of things: Speak Speak Speak Gain and English German English TOTAL loss during only only and German past year. For year ending June 1, 1859 1288 3964 4748 10,000 +1599 For year ending June 1, 1858 1318 4537 3149 9,004 +576 "It will be seen by this table that the number of pupils on the list was increased during the past year, from 9,004 to 10,000, a difference of 996. The families out of which these children entered the schools, being as little acquainted with the English language now as they were two years ago, it is reasonable to suppose that at least six hundred out of the nine hundred and ninety-six were entirely German when they entered the schools. That during the same time, at least, three hundred pupils who had acquired a knowledge of the English language, left the schools, cannot be reasonably doubted. As already stated, the whole list of pupils for the present year is exactly 10,000, yet, notwithstanding this increase on the list, the number of pupils who spoke German only has, within the past year, been reduced from 4,537 to 3,964; while, at the same time, the number of those who speak both languages, has been increased from 3149 to 4,748, a gain from the former of 576, and to the latter of 1,599. Add the six hundred from the increased list, and the three hundred which have left the schools, and you have the total of 3,075. This gratifying result has been brought about by the laudable efforts of the teachers of the county, and that number of children has, in a single year, been raised from a condition in which it was not possible for them to be educated, into one in which they can receive the benefit of an education. Had the undersigned commenced to urge the course now pursued but one year earlier, he is satisfied that, by the first of June, 1860, all but those pupils who would enter the schools directly from German families, would be able to speak English. He candidly admits and regrets the error. Apprehensions that too funny innovations introduced at that early period might affect the office of the County Superintendency injuriously, as well as that of striking the prejudices of the people too harshly, must serve as his apology. However, the services which the undersigned has already thus been able to render to the children of this county, as well as those which he may yet be able to render them, before the expiration of his term of office, will ever be, contemplated by him as one of the most gratifying acts of his life. How intelligent teachers, for a period of more than sixty years, could persist in the absurd system of teaching children out of English books, of which they, in many instances, did not understand a word, is scarcely possible to conceive. The absurdity is so gross, that even a moments reflection, it would seem, ought to detect it. Every dollar paid by parents to teachers under these circumstances, might as well be thrown into the Lehigh or the Delaware." From it perusal of this paper, it would seem that it might, with more propriety, have been entitled the introduction, of the English Language into the Schools, for it is plain that such in reality it was; and that to VALENTINE HILBURN, Esq., of Easton, the (then) County Superintendent, was, in very great degree, due the credit of its accomplishment. One of the first steps taken by him towards that end, was the introduction into the school, of a little book, of his own authorship, called the Youths Translator (German to English), precisely like the phrase-book with which travelers equip themselves when journeying to a country of whose language they are ignorant. This little book did all that was expected of it, and may be said to have marked the first practical introduction of the English language into the public schools. Why it had never been done before, was, and is, a mystery. CHURCHES. THIRD STREET REFORMED CHURCH. [Extract from an historical sketch of the origin and growth of the Third Street Reformed Congregation, and of the founding of its church building, prepared and read at the Centennial Celebration, held in the church, July 4th, 1876, by REV. JOHN BECK, D.D., Pastor.] Historians tell us, that the beginnings of the history of all tribes and nations, is enshrouded in more or less mist and obscurity; whether this is true as a general fact, I am not competent to affirm, but I can testify after much labor and research that the beginning of the history of this Reformed tribe of Israel in Easton, is enveloped in mist and obscurity so dense, that it is utterly impossible to discover it. It most certainly bad it beginning, or it would not be now existing; but when and how this beginning took place, no annals nor records tell, and we can only trace it faintly and approximately by inference. Immigration from Germany, whence were originally by far the largest portion of fathers and founders of the (German) Reformed Church in the United States, began to flow into the, then, Province of Pennsylvania as early as 1681. The main stream of this immigration, however, seems to have begun to flow about the year 1720, and was composed chiefly of families from the Palatinate, a beautiful and fertile country on the Rhine. These immigrants were chiefly fugitives from political tyranny and religious persecution in their native land, and came hither not only to better their temporal condition, but to find a home, and a place-a sanctuary and a refuge-in this new country where they might worship God according to the faith and customs of their fathers, without-suffering persecution and martyrdom either from King or Pope. Many of these early German immigrants of the Reformed Church, found a new home for themselves in what was then Bucks county, which at that time not only included what is now called; Northampton county, but also what is now Lehigh, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Wayne, and Susquehanna, and part of Wyoming, Luzerne, Schuylkill, Bradford, and Columbia. From 1725 to 1740, there was another great influx of Germans of various religious opinions, more than 1,000 families of which, settled in Northampton county. In 1752, the population of the county numbered between 5,000 and 6,000 persons, and of these 5,000 or 6,000 inhabitants, eight hundred are reported as inhabiting the Forks of the Delaware, which is now Easton, and several of the surrounding townships. Easton proper containing at this time but eleven families-about forty men, women, and children. In 1763, it contained a population numbering about two hundred and fifty, the most of these are reported to have been Germans, of the Reformed or Lutheran confessions. These Germans, we have said, were immigrants for "conscience sake," They fled from home and country for the sake of their religion. Many of them are said to have been truly pious, and though not able to bring their ministers, brought with them their catechisms, hymn-books, and other devotional books, and in some cases, also pious schoolmasters. "This being the religious character of these first German settlers of Easton, it is not surprising to find a movement inaugurated here so early as 1755, to raise money by subscription to erect a building to be used as a school house," and also, "to be used occasionally as a church for any Protestant minister." This movement was successful, and in 1755, a log building was erected on the northeast corner of, what is now, Church and Sitgreaves streets, as I have learned from reliable authority, and was used both for school and church purposes. Here we have then, so far as I have been able to discover after much research, the first building erected in Easton for church uses; and there is no doubt in my mind, that in this log building erected in 1755, our German Reformed forefathers first worshiped after the faith and order of the (German) Reformed Church. In these early years, ministers of any denomination were very few in number in the Province of Pennsylvania, consequently, pious members of our church were compelled to depend upon themselves for religious edification, and rather than forego all religious services, they accepted these from the schoolmasters, who, by singing, reading, prayers, and sermons, made up for the people what they could, the want of regular church ministrations, I have not been able to find in all the records and histories which I have been able to consult, that a regular Reformed minister of the gospel was located in Easton before 1760; but I think the records and circumstances will warrant us to speak of an organized congregation as existing between the years, 1745-50. There is no record anywhere of the place and date of the organization of a congregation, but, nevertheless, we have found several records and a few well-authentic facts, which point to this period as that during which the heretofore scattered members of the German Reformed Church of Easton, and vicinity, were organized into a church. 179 Rev. Michael Schlatter was by the Synod of Holland, in 1746, to this country, for the purpose of visiting and gathering together the scattered members of our church, to organize congregations, and to be over them as a superintendent or bishop. He spent the years from 1747 to 1750, in serving the Race Street Reformed Congregation, in Philadelphia, and in visiting the congregations in the interior of the State, and in Maryland and Virginia. In 1750, he was appointed by the Synod to visit Europe. Having arrived in Holland, he drew up and published an appeal in which, among other things, he mentions the congregations in Pennsylvania which he had visited during, the years 1747-50. Among these is mentioned the congregation at the Forks of the Delaware, by which name Easton win, known at that time. Now if Schlatter visited Easton some time between 1746-50, he either found a congregation already organized, or if not, he very probably organized one then; for to do such work was one of the objects had in view by him in all his missionary journeys. Another proof that this congregation was organized at some time between 1745-50, is furnished by this old German Bible here lying before us. On the fly-leaf of this venerable Book, is inscribed this record in German and Latin, which we translate into English as follows: "Biblia Sacre, or the Holy Bible, presented by Mr. Michael Schlatter, V.D.M. (Minister of the Word of God), and Inspector of the Liberties at Philadelphia, to Reformed Church and Congregation, at I(E)aston, with the earliest request that the Elders and Deacons, and their successors, be properly concerned; that this Bible continue to be used by the Church at its public divine worship. Glory to God alone in the highest, Glory alone to God." From this inscription it appears, first, that Rev. Michael Schlatter presented this Bible to this Congregation when he was pastor of the church in Philadelphia; secondly, that when he presented it there was existing a congregation with elders and deacons. Now it is known, from the life of Schlatter, that be ceased to be pastor of the congregation, in Philadelphia, in 1755. Consequently, he must have presented this Bible in that year, or at an earlier day, probably not long after his return from Europe, which occurred in 1752. These facts prove, we think, that this congregation was organized at some date between 1745 and 1750, and it is probable that its organization was effected by Schlatter himself -this Bible being a gift in remembrance of that fact. The record bearing the oldest date is that of a baptism, and is as follows: "Anno 1700, September 28th, was born a son, and was baptized November 5th he received the name of Ludwig His sponsors were Philip Gress and Anna Margaret, his wife. His parents were Ludwig Knaus and Elizabeth, his wife." But it must be remarked, in regard to this record, that, it stands isolated and alone in the book, and that it is evidently in the handwriting of Rev. John William Ingold, who was not pastor of the congregation until 1775. He may, perhaps, have learned of this baptism, and recorded it some years after it took place. A similar isolated and detached record, or rather memorandum, is to the effect that the Cretus or Synod, met in Easton in 1768. The imperfect character of the early records is evident also, from this fact, that the name of the first regular pastor of the congregation is, mentioned only incidentally in them, and that we must go to Dr. Harbaugh's "Lives of the Fathers of the Reformed Church," to learn move about him and his conjunction with the congregation. This first regular pastor was Rev. Dr. Casper Deitrich Weyberg, and who, Dr. Harbaugh says, took charge of the congregation, at Easton, in the early part of the year 1763. The church records make only incidental allusion to him in this way. There are nine baptisms recorded us having taken place in 1763, The person who makes this record, evidently not Dr. Weyberg himself most probably Rev. Frederick L. Henop, as the handwriting shows, says that these names were left behind, by Dr. Weyberg, on slips of paper, the sponsor, or the children who were baptized, the writer was not able to tell. At this time-1763-Easton, in connection with Greenwich, N. J., Dryland, and Plainfield, constituted a pastoral charge. These congregations seem to have been served in an irregular way before this time, by some self-appointed preachers. But in 1763, as said, Rev. Dr. Weyberg became the first regular pastor of the charge, with the approval of the Synod. The congregation, in Easton had, at this time, no place of worship. For want of more suitable accommodations, it is said, he preached in the then newly-erected court house, and in the country around, in barns, or wherever room could be found to shelter tile assembly. He was, however, pastor of the Congregation only for six months, when he was called to Philadelphia. After the departure of Dr. Weyberg, there followed a vacancy which continued until the beginning of 1766, when Rev. Frederick L. Henop became pastor of the congregation. He seems to have commenced the record of baptisms performed by him, February 23d, 1766, and continued it until October 8th, 1769, a period of about three years and eight months, then resigned, and removed to Frederick, Maryland. The record of his baptisms is the only thing that remains to tell he was pastor of the congregation, and we would not even be certain of that fact, were it not for the very brief notice of him in Harbaugh's Lives of the Fathers, etc. From the Rev. Henop's hand we have the first record of the existence of a consistory and the names thereof it bears the date of 1768, and states that the Elders, were Ludwig Knaus Philip Odenwelder Deacons John Gettert Henry Schneider. This consistory record is then interrupted, and is not resumed until January 5th, 1777, and is then continued, annually, until 1795, when a schism again occurs, which extends to 1808. Rev. Henop was succeeded, in 1796, by Rev. Pithon, of whom it is said, that he was conditionally received into the Cretus, or Synod, and located, on trial, in Easton, Dry-land, Plainfield, and Greenwich. At the next meeting of the Synod, in 1770, complaints were made against, turn, but on his confessing his faults and promising to do better, he was permitted to preach in his charge awhile longer. He did not, however, hold by his promise long; and in 1771, he, with some difficulty, was compelled to resign and remove. Thus again, in 1771, the pastorate, became vacant, and remained so until 1776. It was during this vacancy that the congregation, in union with St. John' Lutheran Congregation, began to take measures for the erection of a church. As we have seen, the Reformed Congregation began to worship in the then newly-erected court house, in 1763. We have not been able to learn, from any records or history, that it worshiped in any other place until this building was erected, St. Johns Lutheran Congregation had worshiped, from 1763, in the second-story of a stone building on South Third street. Both these congregations now felt the need of having a more permanent and suitable place of worship, and they joined together to secure this for themselves. Honorable John Penn, of Stoke Poges, in the county of Bucks, in the Kingdom of Great Britain, and Honorable Richard Penn, Of Queen Ann street, west, in the parish of St. Mary Le Bone, to the county of Middlesex, in the Kingdom of Great Britain, who were descendants and heirs of William Penn, and Proprietaries of Pennsylvania, donated to the two congregations-for the nominal sum of ten dollars-three parcels of ground-one of which was that on which this building now stands. This grant was confirmed and conveyed, by deed, November 27th, 1800, to Peter Snyder, Nicholas Troxell, and Nicholas Kern, Trustees for the German Reformed Congregation, and Jacob Weygandt, William Roup, and Conrad Bittenbender, Trustees for the German Lutheran Congregation, of Easton, for the nominal sum of ten dollars. The joint congregations having thus come into possession of an eligible location, proceeded to build the church, whose walls are, still standing. PICTURE OF REFORMED CHURCH APPEARS HERE. The corner-stone was laid June 8th, 1775, and the church was consecrated to the service of the Triune God, November 17th, 1776. The internal arrangement and appearance was originally somewhat different from what they are at present; Of the church consecrated in 1776, only the tour walls remain-the vestibule and steeple being additions which were made in 1832-33. The internal arrangement was somewhat as follows, as I have been able to gather it from persons, still living, who frequently worshiped in it: the entrance to the church was by three doors, one of which was on Church street, behind the present pulpit, and the two others on Third street side, facing west. On the north side, facing south, and on the south side, facing north, cut by aisles running north and south, east and west. The galleries run along the north, south, and west, sides of the church, to which access was had by two stairways. The one ascending from the southwest corner, and the other from the northwest corner of the building, The organ was on the west side gallery, and was built in 1775, by Dannaker. The pulpit was on the east side of the building, was of the wine-glass or goblet style, having a large sounding-board over it. Beneath the pulpit was an altar-the one before us here today-which was surrounded by a railing. The ceiling was dome-shape in form, was ornamented with figures in oil, and still exist above the present ceiling. 180 The pews were of the high-backed, narrow-seated style, not made either to lounge or sleep in, but to keep their occupants upright and awake, as worshipers always ought to be. Diligent research has failed to give us the name of the architect of the building, the committee of the Reformed Congregation, or the cost of the building; from still living witnesses, we have learned that the mason work was done by Mr. Philip Meixell, grandfather of the late Charles Meixell, Esq. It is said, that he received his pay for his work in Continental money, which, when he came to use it several years after, had depreciated so much in value, that for the whole of it he was only able to buy a bag of wheat, or ten bushels of potatoes. From the original size, materials, and general internal arrangements and appointments of the building, we are warranted to infer, that it must have cost what was then a large amount of money, and when we consider the then social state of the community, the limited pecuniary means of the wealthiest, the uncertain political state of the country, the building was not only a worthy monument of the piety and liberality of the fathers who built, but also a speaking witness of their courage and faith. The vacancy that occurred in the pastorate of the congregation, by the removal of Rev. Pithon, in 1771, was not supplied until 1776. Some time during the first half of that year, probably June or July, Rev. John William Ingold became pastor, and though the records are silent on the point, yet being pastor at the time, it is reasonable to conclude that be took part in the consecration of the church, November 17th, 1776, in connection with Rev. Christian Streit, who was then the pastor of St. Johns Lutheran congregation, Rev. Schwarbach, of the Lutheran Church, also assisting. His first baptismal record bears the date of August 25th, 1776, and he continues this record uninterruptedly and carefully to February 14th, 1786. He makes one record of special interest, which we here translate from the German, viz: Easton, November 22d, 1776, the following young persons were confirmed in the presence of the congregation, on the Saturday after the Sunday on which the church was consecrated: Ludwig Knaus, age fifteen years Frederick Gebhard, sixteen years Peter Riebel, fourteen years Frederick Hess, sixteen years John Jacob Everiz, sixteen years Frederick Lerch, of Saucon, seventeen years Jacob Oberle, of Saucon, seventeen years Elizabeth Dengler, fifteen years Magdalene Becker, sixteen years Susannah Kachline, fifteen years Elizabeth Drumheller, sixteen years Christian Meixell, seventeen years Rosina Odenwelder, fifteen years Margaret Best, sixteen years Christian Busch, fifteen years Elizabeth Odenwelder, thirteen years Elizabeth Hess (married), eighteen years Anna Hess, sixteen years Elizabeth Everiz, seventeen years Susannah Lair, seventeen years Elizabeth Lair, sixteen years Magdalene Meixell, sixteen years Elizabeth Gress, sixteen years Anna Margaret Everiz, fourteen years Anna Maria Lerch, of Saucon, fifteen years Susan Elizabeth Laubach, of Saucon, sixteen years altogether, twenty-six. Some of these names are still borne by present members of the congregation. The congregation was not permitted to worship continuously and uninterruptedly on alternate Sundays, in this building, after it was consecrated, and during the pastorate of Rev. Ingold, on the twentieth of January 1777, Hons. George Taylor and George Walton, commissioners appointed by Congress, to be present and preside at the Indian treaty to be holden in Easton, met the Indians in this church, and according to the report which they made to Congress, "after the shaking of hands and drinking of rum, during which time the organ was played, they proceeded to business." Again, during the war of the Revolution, from 1776 to 1780, the church, which was then one of the two largest buildings in Easton, the court house being the other, was frequently used as a hospital, and was often crowded with sick and wounded soldiers, during which time the congregation was compelled to worship elsewhere, if at all. The congregation, in connection with St. John's Lutheran Congregation, in these early days, also labored under another oppressive burden in the shape of a church debt of four hundred pounds, an ecclesiastical evil which still afflicts churches. In 1796, the trustees of the two congregations, petitioned the Legislature to permit Mr. Hellick to collect the amount of the debt throughout the State by subscription, which was granted, and we hope he succeeded in soon collecting the money. Rev. Ingold was succeeded, after an interval of but a few months, by Rev. Lebrecht Frederick Hermann, D.D., who became pastor of the congregation, in connection with the congregation at Plainfield, Dry-land, and Greenwich, in the fall of 1786. Dr. Hermann was a man of ability and culture, having studied six years in the celebrated school connected with the Orphan Home, at Halle, in Germany, and then took a course of three years, in theology, in the University of that city. The labors of the charge were too severe for his strength, and, after serving the congregation only about four years, he resigned October 1790. It was during the ministry of Dr. Hermann, that the first recorded donation for charitable purposes was given to the congregation. It is thus recorded in the Church Book: Anno, 1788, April 6th, Mrs. Catharine Opp, wife of Michael Opp, presented the Reformed Congregation with a gift of five pounds. This sum of five pounds shall be constantly invested, and the interest derived therefrom shall be used for the German education of a poor child of the congregation. Thus early was some regard had for the poor and destitute children (it may be orphans) of the congregation. The removal of Dr. Hermann, was followed again by a vacancy, which continued until August 1793, when Rev. Dr. Jacob Christian Becker, and grandfather of Mr. Thomas H. Becker, at present an elder of this congregation, became pastor. He was a man of extraordinary eloquence, "and in preaching was frequently caught up into a most overwhelming overflow of impassioned eloquence and tender feeling. He would at times sway a congregation as a wind moves a forest of pines, so that the stoutest would bend to the power that breathed upon them." The congregation, by whom he was much beloved, was permitted to enjoy the ministry of this gifted, eloquent, and pious father, only for a short time. After he had preached here eighteen months, "he received a call from Lancaster, Pa., which, after much reflection and considerable reluctance, he at length accepted, and retrieved from Easton, March, 1795. Dr. Becker was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Nicholas Pomp, the only son of Rev. Nicholas Pomp, who was one of the four missionaries sent to this country in 1760, by the Reformed Church of Holland. Father Pomp took charge of the congregation, in July 1796, and continued to be its pastor for more than half a century. He labored with untiring zeal, universal acceptance, and great success in the congregation, and in the other three associated with it, being so devoted to his holy work, that he only ceased from it, when compelled to do so by the infirmities of old age. Up to 1830, the church had been owned and occupied jointly, by the Reformed and St. John's Lutheran Congregations. In 1831, the Lutheran Congregation separated from the Reformed, built a church for themselves, and sold their interest in this church to this Congregation, for $1,600. At a congregational meeting held January 2d, 1832, Peter Shnyder, Philip Odenwelder and Daniel Butz, were appointed a committee to whom was entrusted the whole matter of reconstructing the church, and at a meeting held on the twenty-first of the same month (January), it was resolved to build the steeple on the north side of the church, the whole building being rough-casted, and the building committee were instructed to proceed at once to make contracts for lumber etc. The contract for the work was given to Mr. Clark Lowry, and the building was reconstructed into its present form, and all ready except the steeple, for consecration, in November, 1832. Accordingly, on Sunday the twenty-fifth of November, 1832, it was reconsecrated with appropriate service. The Rev. Dr. Theodore L. Hoffelitz, preached the dedicatory sermon, in German, in the morning the Rev. Samuel Hess, preached German in the afternoon Rev. Dr. Bernard C. Wolff, English, in the evening. The services were continued during the following Monday, when Rev. Dr. Benjamin S. Schneck preached German in the morning Rev. Dr. B. C. Wolff, English again in the afternoon Rev. Dr. John Gray, of Easton, also English, in the evening. The steeple was not finished until 1833 -The whole cost of the reconstruction was about $25,000. The German was the language in which the worship of the congregation was conducted from the beginning of its history, and continued to be so used until 1831. Then there seems to have existed in the congregation a want and demand for some services in English, which Father Pomp and the consistory sought to provide for by the adoption of the following resolution. "Inasmuch as the English language is becoming more and more prevalent in our country, so that it may be necessary to have English divine services, therefore it is permitted to have English services on the alternate Sundays, or on the afternoons on which German services are held. Provided that, as the charter requires, the preacher who conducts the English service be a member of the German Reformed Synod of the United States, or at low must have his call to this congregation confirmed by the Synod." The way being thus opened for the introduction of English services, proceeded to supply its want in this regard, but did not succeed in. doing so until December 12th, 1832, when Rev. Dr. Bernard C. Wolf was elected "as assistant minister, to preach in the English language," The call, which in pursuance of this election was extended to Dr. Wolff, was accepted by him, and on Sunday, April 7th, 1833, he preached his introductory sermon. Father Pomp and Dr. Wolff labored in peace and harmony to the great satisfaction and prosperity of the congregation, for a period of about twelve years. 181 In December, 1844, Dr. Wolff received a call front the Third Reformed Church, in Baltimore, Md., which be felt constrained to accept accordingly, he resigned his co-pastorate of this congregation, and removed from it in February, 1845. The vacancy thus made, in the English co-pastorate (Father Pomp still continuing as senior German pastor) was supplied, in April 1845, by Rev. Dr. J. V. A. Bomberger, accepting a call thereto. The consistory at a meeting held June 13th, 1846, resolved, that the semi-Centennial Anniversary of Father Pomps pastorate, be properly celebrated, and proceeded to make the necessary arrangements to do so. This celebration took place on Sunday, July 19th, 1846. The services consisted of a brief statistical report of his labor for fifty years, by Father Pomp, and a commemorative sermon by Rev. Henry Bibighaus, of Philadelphia, in German, in the morning in the afternoon, Rev, Dr. J. L. Hoffelitz, and Rev. Dr. I. C. Becker, delivered addresses also in German, the latter presenting in the name of the congregation, a beautifully bound copy of the Bible to Father Pomp, who was so overcome by his feelings, that he could only respond in the melting language of tears; in the evening, Rev. Dr. B. C. Wolff former associate pastor, preached an appropriate historical sermon, in English. The whole occasion was one which was as gratifying to him, whom it was designed to honor thereby, as it was creditable to the congregation. Dr. Pomp retired from active service April 19th, 1850, still retaining, however, his official relation as pastor, with salary. Four years later, in the early morning of April 22d, 1852, death gently released him from all his earthly labors, and trials, "in the eightieth year of his age, the sixtieth of his ministry, and the fifty-seventh of his pastorate at Easton." In 1846, the congregation fell heir to a legacy of $1,000, which had been bequeathed to it by Jacob Arndt, Esq., in 1833, the legacy not, being available until after the death of his wife and brother Abraham. When Father Pump withdrew from active service, a vacancy was made in the German pastorate; at the request of the consistory, Dr. Bomberger, much against his will, consented to become a candidate therefore, and was unanimously elected. The services in the two languages were thus united in one person, and Dr. Bomberger, the sole pastor of the congregation, continued to be such, officiating in both German and English languages, with great acceptance to the congregation, and with encouraging success until August 1854, when he resigned and removed to Philadelphia. In May, 1850, the congregation received a legacy of eight hundred dollars from the estate of Mr. David Meixel, which was bequeathed by him, on the condition that only the interest thereof be used to repair and ornament the graveyard of the congregation. In July, of the same year, the Female Benevolent Society of the congregation received a legacy of $5,000, from the estate of Peter Miller, Esq., the interest of which was to be used by them for the benefit of the poor of the congregation, and of the Sunday-school. During the fall and winter of the same year, the session-room was built, and during the summer of 1852, the church was frescoed, and gas was introduced into it. During the fall and winter of 1852-53, the present parsonage was built, the old parsonage having been sold September 25th, 1852. Dr. Bomberger was succeeded in the pastorate, in September 1854, by Rev. Dr. John Beck. In the summer of 1865, the church was repainted, calcimined, and somewhat repaired, and put into the condition and order in which it still is. In July (19th), 1869, the congregation received a legacy of ten shares of Phillipsburg Bank Stock, from Mr. Anthony Loudenbury, of Phillipsburg, N. J., to be used for the education of poor young men for the ministry of the Reformed Church. By the death of the older members of the congregation, and by the prevalence of the English language in the community, the need for the use of the German, in the public worship of the congregation, grew less, and less, at length, in the fall of 1871, and since then the public services of worship have been conducted exclusively in the, English language. One statement more deeds to be made to complete this hasty sketch. This church and congregation stood alone in this town and vicinity, in 1776, Now, one hundred years after, in 1876, at least six additional flourishing congregations are existing on the same territory, and this congregation is the Mother of them all. End of Part IV