Local History: XLIX - Townships of Upper & Lower Mount Bethel and Hanover: 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. ††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† 252 (cont.) UPPER MOUNT BETHEL TOWNSHIP-1787 THIS township is bounded on the north by Monroe county on the east and south by the Delaware River, separating it from the State of New Jersey on the south and west by the townships of Lower Mount Bethel and Washington. It was erected a township, in 1787, from the territory of old Mount Bethel, which was originally a township of Bucks county, before the erection of Northampton. This was one of the oldest Settled portions of Northampton county, including in its limits the old Hunter Settlement, founded by the Ulster-Scots, about 1730; and it was by this name that it was only known for some seventeen years thereafter. But, on the eighth of June, 1746, the inhabitants living on the main branch of the Delaware, embracing the Hunter Settlement, and other immigrants who had settled there subsequently, namely Peter Senors Jonathan Miller Arthur Coveandell Thomas Ready Joseph Woodside George Bogard James Anderson David Allen James Simpson Peter Mumbower Jonathan Garlinghaus Jonathan Carmichael Richard Quick Joseph Funstin Thomas Silliman Lawrence Coveandell Jeremiah Best Manus Decher Joseph Jones Alexander Hunter James Bownons Jacob Server Joseph Coler James Miller Joseph Quick Joseph Ruckman Thomas McCracken Thomas Sillman Collins Quick Joseph Corson Edward Moody Conrad Doll Thomas Clark Jonathan Rickey James Quick Patrick Vence Robert Liles, petitioned the Court of Quarter Sessions to lay off into a township a district of country, with the following boundaries: From the mouth of Tunami's Creek, up the north branch of said creek, upon the west side of Jeremiah Bests to the Blue Mountains, and thence, by said mountains, to ye north branch of said river, and thence, and thence by said branch, to the mouth of said Tunami's Creek again. The Court ordered the petitioners to produce a draft of the township, at the next term. This resulted in the organization of old Mount Bethel township; upon which the original name of Hunter Settlement passed into disuse. Among the names of the first settler, in Mount Bethel we find that of La bar; three brothers, by the name of Peter, Charles, and Abraham, who immigrated from Fraces to this country, before 1730. Landing at Philadelphia, they at once started out in pursuit of a home. Making their way up the Delaware, much of the way through dense forests, they finally reached the southern base of the Blue Mountains, where, believing they had penetrated beyond the bounds of civilized man, they located a tract of land, reared a log cabin, and settled on the place now owned by Mr. Samuel Pipher, about half a mile southwest of the present village of Slateford. Here the three brothers commenced the hardships of a pioneer life, They were the first who cleared land on the Delaware, above the mouth of the Lehigh. They had been in their new home but a short time, when their tawny neighbors began to manifest a friendly feeling, and evinced an inclination to become acquainted. This feeling bring reciprocated by the new pioneers, it was not long before amicable relations had been established between the brothers and the curious red men, then numerous at this point, near the Water Gap. This friendship greatly promoted the safety of the brothers, and enabled them to procure from the Indians a supply of corn, which, in those days, must be pounded in a mortar, by hand for there was no grist-mill. At this time, the young pioneers were progressing favorably, and they began to look about them. They soon found that they were not the only whites, in this region, for just north of the Blue Mountain they found Nicholas Depui, who was then quite an old man, and settled at a place called Shawanese, on the Minisink lands, one of the first settlements made in the State. Not long after, they found another small settlement; probably that part of the Hunter Settlement planted at Williamsburg. During this brief period, the three pioneers had obtained considerable knowledge of the Forks region; and the friendly intercourse they had established with the Indians, had enabled them to learn considerable of the Indian language. While at this place, the La Bar brother, married; and soon afterwards removed north of the Blue Mountain, into what is Dow Monroe county, where they permanently settled. A few year, subsequently, a son of Peter, by the name of George, moved south of the mountain, and settled near the original La Bar cabin, where he raised a large family. He lived to the age of one hundred and six years, and his son-also named George-died in 1874, at the age of one hundred and eleven, years and nine months. There are now many of the La Bar descendents living in Mount Bethel township, and in the lower part of Monroe county. It may truly be said, they have fully obeyed the Divine injunction, to increase and multiply. The first elections of the settlers in the Mount Bethel region were held at Easton, but, as new settlers were added to the sparsely populated township, Richmond, since in Lower Mount Bethel, and now in Washington township, became the voting place. This remained the voting place until the division of the old township, March 17th, 1787. Williamburg then became the voting place for Upper Mount Bethel township, and there the elections were held until 1874, when the township was divided into two voting districts, namely, Williamsburg and Delpsburg, at which places the elections have since been held. SLATEFORD Is a small cluster of houses, most of which were erected by Hon. James M. Porter, who owned and opened the slate quarries at that place, about 1805. The houses were built for Mr. Porter's employees in the slate quarries. Some time since there was a small tavern built, and a post, office established here. The Porter Slate Quarry, about half a mile northwest of the village, is considered one of the best in the township, and is now owned by Mr. J. L. Williams, who also has a factory near the quarry, where he manufactures school-slates. About one mile north of the village, formerly stood the, old Gap Tavern, built by Samuel Pipher, about 1790. It was demolished some years ago and a stone building erected in its place. This is now occupied, a dwelling house. Half a mile north of this and contiguous to the Water Gap, is a passage in the loose rock at the base of the mountain, from which constantly issues a current of cold air. Formerly it was thought by many that a cave existed there, and that the current of air probably came from a large subterranean channel of water running under the mountain. The truth or falsity of this theory has never been proved. Slateford Creek rises about three miles west of the village, and flowing east, falls into the Delaware, just south of the village. EAST BANGOR Is a small collection of houses, with a post office since 1856, It was founded by Andrew Delps, and was known for a number of years by the name of Delpsburg. It now contains one church, one store, one tavern, blacksmith- shop, and several substantial dwellings. It is here that the greater Portion of slate quarried in Upper Mount Bethel is obtained. Large quantities of slate, for roofing and school purposes are being taken from six quarries, and others will soon be opened. The slate business is believed, by the heaviest producers, to be yet in its infancy, and destined to become one of the great business interest of the country, as the use of slate becomes better known. 252 JOHNSONVILLE. Another small post village, formerly known as Roxburg, founded by Mr. Gilbert Johnson, from whom it derived its present name, is situated about two milies northwest of Williamsburg. Mr. Alexander Campbell was the first owner of the land on which the village now stands, and on this same tract was the large and spring, from which flowed Campbells Creek, now known by the name of Jacobus Creek. The first log building, where the village now stands, was erected by John Strouss, about 1818. The next settler was a Mr. Keller, who started a pottery about 1830. The first store was kept in the place by Mr. Jacob Houser. Following Mr. Keller, was a Mr. William Mann, who erected a small frame tavern, also a store building, about 1832. The village now contains one store a post office one hotel one carriage-shop one hub and spoke-factory one blacksmith-shop one cabinet-shop one pottery several neat dwellings Jacobus Creek rises about one mile west of the village, and flowing east about seven miles, falls into the Delaware at Portland. This creek, though small, burnishes a good water-power, there being four flouring-mills, two saw-mills, three slate-factories, and one foundry, supplied with water by it, It is clear spring water, and the early settlers found it well stocked with speckled trout, but at the present time they have nearly all disappeared. CENTREVILLE Was formerly known by the name of Brandy-Hook, and is situated on the old stage road leading front Easton to Milford, two and a half miles southwest of Williamsburg. It contains several neat frame dwellings three churches a post office one store one hotel one tannery one cabinet-shop one blacksmith-shop a public hall, erected and owned by the "American Mechanics." The Post Office is named Stone Church, after the old stone church erected here in 1794, which dates the commencement of the present village. During its primitive days , before it had received a name, it was the custom of a number of the surrounding settlers to assemble at the old tavern, and indulge in a social glass of brandy, which was then in pretty general use at this place. At one of these reunions, the question arose, what should the name of the place be? It was remarked by Mr. Joseph Wallace, that it was easy to find a name, the only thing necessary was to make the hook, and its there was plenty of brandy, then let it be called Brandy-Hook. The suggestion was acted on, and the place was afterwards known by that designation until about 1830, when it took its present name of Centreville, The first early settler in this locality, of whom any record remains, is a Mr. Jacob Peck, who located about one mile east of the present village, about the year 1870; a descendant is now living at, or near, the same place, bearing the name of John Beck, the original letter P having been changed to a B. Mr. John Weidman, who gave his attention chiefly to hunting, settled at an early day about one mile north of the village, locating on a very uninviting lot of land, a portion of the tract being in it swamp, and the balance being extremely rocky and uneven. Mr. Conrad Keyser, settled near Mr. Weidman, about the same time on the farm now owned by Mr. Joseph Beck. WILLIAMSBURG. This village was one of the three points of the location of the Hunter settlement, and was subsequently known for some time as Rum Corner. It has since become a place of considerable enterprise, resembling much in appearance the neighboring villages in this township. Its general improvements may be classed as follows Post office two churches one hotel two stores, and several manufacturing establish merits, among the most important of which are the carriage works of Mr. Frank Hagerman, who erected them in 1847, and has since carried on a flourishing business; then there are, the cigar manufactories, of which eleven are now in operation. The government revenue, from the cigars made in this village for the year of 1874, exceeded six thousand dollars, and the estimated valuation ofthe cigars produced the same year, was $341,000. Unfortunately, the earliest records of Williamsburg have been lost or destroyed, which leaves much of its early history only traditionary. It is known, however, that the first log church was erected here, and was used for school, as well as for religious purposes. This must have been erected before the Revolution, and the old graveyard adjoining it, was still older, for there is in it an old tombstone, with the date of a death in 1750. It was a Union church, built by the Lutherans and German Reformed, who also held the burial-ground in common. THE FIRST SCHOOL Was taught in this old log church, Mr. John Over was the first teacher known to have taught there. It was it German school, and only maintained a few month in winter. It is said that Williamsburg also had the first tavern, but no one, now living there, knows at what time it, was opened. It is quite sure, however, that the old tavern, which has long since disappeared, was built before 1787, when Williamsburg become the voting place. The oldest residents, now living there, remember of seeing an old log tavern standing near the site of the present hotel. The old minute-book informs us the first town meetings were held at William Labar's house, and it is said the first meetings were held at this tavern. Thus, we may presume, that William Labar was the landlord there, in 1787. The tavern also served the purpose of a post office. It is told that, in Revolutionary times, there were several tories in this locality, two of whom lived about one mile north of Williamsburg, where they had a place of concealment, to which they could retire in case of danger. Subsequent to this (about 1800) Mr. Jacob Dietrich erected the first store in the village, near where now stands Mr. Gruver's store. It was at the raising of the store, that the place received the name of "Rum Corner," from one "Andy" Collins, who broke his bottle on the frame, and shouted forth the name, after the manner of ships christenings. This name was retained until 1815, when the name of Williamsburg was given it, in better of Mr. William Landers, the owner of the land on which the village was built, and who then commenced selling of town lots. Among the names of those who settled at, or near this village, is that of Robert Foresman, who settled on the place now owned by Mr. Kunsman. Mr. Foresman erected THE FIRST GRIST-MILL in the township, at a place about half a mile northwest of Williamsburg (precise date not known) but very probably prior to the Revolutionary War. It was built of logs, and contained one run of stores. Previous to the erection of this mill, the inhabitants of Mount Bethel, were obliged to go to Stroudsburg (then Fort Hamilton), north of the mountain, for their milling. The old log mill has long since been demolished, and a substantial and commodious frame mill erected in its stead, in 1840; its pond of about twenty acres, being supplied with water from the Jacobus Creek. The mill property is now owned by Mr. Samuel Naylor. THE OLD FULLING-MILL Stood about three-fourths of it mile west from the old Foresman mill, and was built by Richard Jacoby, about 1790, he soon afterwards sold it to Mr. Abraham Long, who carried on the business some time, and finally sold to one of his sons, Mr. John A. Long, who continued the fulling for a few years, when he converted the old mill into a woolen-factory, which business he followed about twelve years, and then sold it to one of his sons, who is now using it for a school-slate factory. Half a mile further west, on Jacobus Creek, now stands the flour-mill erected by Mr. Joseph Beck, about 1840, and still west of this mill, stands a small slate factory, built a few years since, and operated by Mr. Joseph Coffin. Peter Frutchy, another of the pioneers at Williamsburg, settled near where now stands the hotel; the same property, is at present owned by Mr. Philip Correll. Mr. Krotzer settled in what is now the eastern part of the village, the property since being sold for town lots. Mr. Stem settled in the (now) western part of the village. As soon as the inhabitants became sufficiently numerous, they erected a school-house, for the [letter accommodation of their children than the old log church afforded them. This was THE FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE in the township, and as near as can be ascertained, was erected about 1790, and a Mr. Laughlin is supposed to have been its first teacher. He is said to have had some peculiarities, among which was that of indulgence in periodical intoxication, during which, teaching would be suspended, but after which, the school exercises proceeded us usual. 253 The old log building stood, near where now is Mr. Eilenbergers stable. In those days a winter school of two or three months, was all that could be afforded, and it was not an unusual thing for boys arid girls to have to walk two and three miles, for the little instruction the school-room afforded them, and there are residents still living in this vicinity, who received what little schooling they have ever had at this place. It was one term in the winter, of about three months, but, as the country advanced and the need of more schooling was felt, the school term was often extended by subscription. Such was the case when the project of THE WILLIAMSBURG ACADEMY Was conceived by a few of the citizens of the town. The Rev. Gershow Goble, was especially active in the Matter, and it was acted upon so energetically that late in April 1853, a very comfortable academy building had been erected. Upon its completion Mr. Jonathan Moore, immediately took charge of the school as preceptor, which position be very efficiently filled for twelve years. This school was the opening of a higher and much needed course of education, and many who received the benefit of its intellectual training are now filling honorable positions. The township of Upper Mount Bethel advanced in population from the commencement of the century, until 1850, as follows: In the year 1800 it contained 1,098 inhabitants in 1810, 1,495 in 1820, 2,182 in 1830, 2,241 in 1840, 2,643 in 1850, 2,855 In the last named year the number of families was five hundred and twenty the dwellings numbered four hundred and ninety farms, one hundred and ninety-six amount of wheat produced was 11,736 bushels of rye, 34,632 bushels of corn, 50,243 bushels of oats, 16,920 bushels of potatoes, 1.2,112 bushels of buckwheat, 2,223 bushels of butter, 84,900 pounds of hay, 3360 tons The statistics of the township assessment of 1853, were, as follows: Valuation of Real Estate, 23,795 Acres, at $33.23 per Acre, $791,846 Valuation of Occupations and Professions, 55,548 Excess of, ditto, 750 Moneys at interest, 96,691 Valuation of 488 Homes and 883 Cows, 34,598 Valuation of Stocks of Banks, 3,540 Valuation of 196 Pleasure Carriages, 6,698 Excess, Of Furniture, 350 ______ Total amount of valuation, $990,021 ________ ________ State Tax, $ 2,796 21 County Tax, 2,427 22 Road Tax, 1,200 00 School Tax, 1,160 00 _________ $7,583 __________ __________ Taxable Inhabitants, 774 Schools, 18 Teachers, 18 Scholars, 777 At the last census (1870) the population of the township had increased to 3,764. PORTLAND Which was first known as Dill's Ferry, later as Columbia Station, and now recently incorporated a borough under its present name, is a thriving business centre, twenty miles north of Easton by rail, and four miles south of the noted Delaware Water Gap, and is the largest town in Upper Mount Bethel. It contains two churches three hotels three general stores one hardware store one drug store four confectionery store two millinery stores one jewelry store one bakery a telegraph office an art gallery, printing office and several manufacturing establishments From the printing office is issued the Portland Enterprise, a weekly paper, first published April 24th, 1874, by Mr. L. G. Raymond, who was succeeded January 22d, 1876, by Mr. J. J. Meads, the present editor and publisher. The Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad enter, the township from Warren county, N. J. about two miles south of Portland Station, running north along the west bank of the Delaware it enters Monroe county, at the Water Gap. The road was completed at this point, and the first train passed over it to the summer of 1856. The first station house was erected at Marshfield, about one mile and a half south of the present station, and was occupied one year. In 1857, there being a strong contest in the matter of locating the first station, a subscription was raised among the citizens of Portland, resulting in the erection of the present depot building. The ground on which the Borough of Portland now stands was chiefly owned by Mr. Enos Goble, through whose energy the present railroad station was established, and who became the first agent at this place, being succeeded in 1855 by Mr. Jonathan Moore, the present agent. From the railroad Portland largely derives its business importance, it being thus made the shipping point, of the great quantities of slate from the quarries of Upper Mount Bethel and Washington townships. During the greater part of the year, from eight, to ten car loads of roofing slate are, daily shipped from this station, and from eight to ten thousand cases of school-slates are annually shipped. The Columbia and Delaware Bridge Company erected, in 1869, a wooden arch bridge, across the Delaware, a few rods north of the depot. This also furnishes another business inlet to a considerable number of inhabitants living on the opposite aide of the river. The bridge is even hundred and ninety-six feet long and eighteen feet wide in the clear, inside, constructed in four spans of about two hundred feet each, supported by three stone piers, standing twenty-seven feet above low water mark, and the whole costing about $40,000, of which $37,550 is capital stock, a little more than two-thirds of which is held on the Pennsylvania side. For many years previous to the erection of this bridge the inhabitants crossed the river by the ferry, a few rods north of where the bridge now stands. It is said that a Mr. Smith owned the first ferry right at this place, but there are no records to corroborate this statement. Mr. Dill was probably the first ferryman, about 1780. About this date he had erected a log tavern on the hill opposite the ferry. This has long since been demolished. The subsequent ferrymen at this place have been as follows: Alexander Decker Jacob Lamb James Decker Michael Weller George Decker John Ott, who relinquished the ferry at the completion of the Delaware Bridge, in 1869. The Weiss, Brothers here, carry on an extensive lumber business, receiving their logs, by raft on the Delaware, sufficient to keep two saw-mills in operation. The same gentlemen also have in operation a planing-mill, in connection with which they manufacture window-sash, blinds, doors, etc. There are also a large number of superior school-slate manufactured annually in Portland, at the shops of Major F. Ames and Mr. John Gardner. In connection with the last named shop, a small iron foundry is in operation, where light mill-castings are made. An excellent flouring-mill is also in operation, erected by Mr. Robert Butz, in 1815, and now owned by Mr. Peter Frutchy. The tannery erected by Mr. George Fulmer, in 1861, has been abandoned; Mr. Fulmer having found a more remunerative place to carry on his business, in the State of New York. There are several lime-stone quarries working in the town, which have been opened from 1830 to 1850. Among the most valuable of which are the Whiten quarries; besides these are those of Mr. Nelson Labar. Just above the Whiten quarries can be seen what is left of the old burying ground, which has been sadly desecrated by the quarrying of lime-stone underlying it. Among the inscriptions yet distinguish able upon the remaining stones, may be seen some of 1764, 1772, and 1778,which still mark the testing places of old pioneers. PORTLAND ARMORY Was erected in 1875, used as an arsenal and for drilling purposes, by the militia. It also contains a hall, where meetings are held by the societies. Tatamy Lodge, No. 370, K of P., instituted June 28th, 1872. The I. O. & of A., instituted July 10th, 1873 Junior, O. U. A. M. instituted August 2d, 1870 LODGES. Mount Bethel Lodge, No. 732 I. O. OF O. F., of Mount Bethel, instituted by Henry R. Smith, D. D., Grand Master, on the fifteenth day of October, 1870, with twenty-one charter members. First officers: Dr. Jacob F. Raub, Noble Grand J. M. Gulick, Vice Grand Irwin Ever, Secretary P. H. Nelson Assistant Secretary Reuben Hester, Treasurer Present number of members, one hundred and eight; valuation of Lodge property, $1,949.00; meets on Saturday evening. Stone Church, Encampment, No. 216, was instituted at, "Stone Church," (Centreville) by Robert T. Horn, D. D., Grand Patriarch, with eight charter members, December 29th, 1871. The first, officers were Jacob Mann, Chief Patriarch Joseph A Long, High Priest Dr. A. K. Seem, Senior Warden George E. Beck, Junior Warden George W. Weaver, Scribe Lorenzo Pearson, Treasurer SCHOOLS. There are but two schools in Portland, (common and higher English) both taught in the same building; a one-story wooden structure, which stands just west of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The public school buildings, of the township, are twenty-two in number, of which seventeen are wooden structures, four brick, and one stone; in these twenty-five teachers are employed, with an average salary of from thirty-five to forty-five dollars per month. The Board of Township School Directors is as follows: President, William J. Oyer Secretary, Abraham Schmell Treasurer, Theodore Ott Directors- Harrison Schoch W. G. Stier Hiram Zetter. 254 CHURCHES. CHRIST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN, OF CENTREVILLE The precise time when this congregation was organized is not specified in any of its records. In the year 1774, several baptisms are recorded, and among them, those of John and Anna Margaret, son and daughter of Daniel and Anna Margaret Langer-born March 6th, 1774. On the same day there were forty-five persons present at confession or preparatory services. Judging from the number of communicants, it would seem that the congregation had been in existence for some time. The land on which the first church stood, was obtained from a Mr. Datesman, and contained two acres, three rods, and six perches. The church was a log building, 24 x 38 feet, with a ceiling eight feet high, was lighted with three very small windows, and was furnished with seats made of slabs. The church was entirely surrounded by it large grove. It was located two miles north of the present church, at Williamsburg, where the first old graveyards till may be, seen. The house becoming inadequate to the wants of the two congregations, (Lutheran and Reformed) articles of agreement were entered into by them on the twenty-ninth of May, 1794, to build a stone church in Centreville, on lands donated to them by Mr. Jacob Emerich, "for church, burial and school purposes." It was erected a short distance, north northeast from the present church, in the old grave yard, and the school house was built about the same time it the extreme lower part of it, and the next school house, which supplied the place of the first one, stood still lower down below the graveyard. This last one was, sold by the two congregations on the twenty-fifth of August 1860. The Evangelical Lutherans became the owners. The old log church had also been used for school purposes, which plainly shows that the early inhabitants were not only concerned for a place of public worship, but, also for the education of their children. In the year 1830, October 26th, steps were taken by the two congregations to build the third, or present large brick church. For this purpose an acre and a half of additional ground was purchased, the one hundred dollars per acre, from Mr. Abraham Depui, and the cornerstone of the church laid, May 6th, 1832, and on the eleventh and twelfth of November, in the same year, it was dedicated to the service of the Triune God. On the twentieth of March, 1833, the old log church and ground on which it stood, were sold to Mr. Conrad Frey, who took down the building, and, with the material, built the house now owned by Mr. Joseph G. Ross, at Williamsburg, on the same church lot. Who the first ministers were in the log church, at the organization of the congregation, is not known. The oldest records inform us that the Holy Sacraments of baptism, and the Lords Supper, were administered more than one hundred years ago; twenty-fourth Sunday after Trinity, 1774. There is nothing mentioned by whom they were administered. The first ministers, names, on the church records, are Rev. Carl Benjamin Dana, September 17th, 1786, The Rev. Friedrich Niemyers' name appears next on record, from April 12th, 1786, to October 27th, 1792. For the next sixteen years, there appears no ministers name, although, it is said by some of the oldest members that, during that period, they were ministered to by Rev. Friedrich and Rev. Schmidt (doubtless Rev. Henry Augustus Schmidt, who was pastor at Easton, from 1799 to 1801). On Good Friday, April 12th, 1805, the Rev. Christian Endress, as pastor, administered the Lords Supper. In the following year, April 4th, 1806, the name of Rev. F. C Dill, appears as pastor. How long he continued his labors in the congregation, is not mentioned. On Good Friday, 1818, it is stated, the Rev. Carl Wilhelm Colson, publicly examined a class of catechumens, in the doctrines of the Evangelical Lutheran religion, or church, and confirmed them, and administered the Holy Communion to one hundred and eleven communicants. At that time, one hundred and twenty-five persons communed at the Lords table, In the next place appears the name of Rev. John Augustus Brobst, May 22d, 1819, who was a man of eminent learning. He preached in Saucon, Forks, Plainfield, and in Mount Bethel. This was his first and only pastoral charge, which he served almost twenty-five years. He died on the tenth of March, 1844. On the tenth of August 1844, the Rev. Marcus Harpel was elected pastor. He preached his introductory sermon, October 27th of the same year. After having served the congregation between two and three years, he sent brother Jeremiah Harpel, to serve the congregation in his place, which he did between three and four years. But as he was not a member of the Synod of Pennsylvania, to which the congregation belonged, according to its charter obtained in 1819, through the departed Rev. J. A. Brobst, he was removed as the regular pastor of this congregation, after which his friends and followers, built for themselves, the church at Roxburg, in the year 1849. On the twenty-seventh of August 1850, the Rev. G. A. Wenzel was elected, who during the short time of his ministry, labored with success. He resigned on the seventeenth of April 1853. Rev. William Gerhard was elected, and after only a little more than one years successful labor, he resigned in August of the following year. On the eleventh of November 1854, the Rev. Jacob Albert was elected, who entered upon his duties as pastor, January 1st, 1855, During his first year, on the eleventh of August 1855, the initiative steps were taken to buy or build a parsonage. On the seventeenth of April, in the following year, the house and lot adjoining the church property on the north were purchased from Mr. William Dutt, and wife, Catharine Ann, for said purposes, for the sum of five hundred and twenty-five dollars. In the year 1859, during Rev. Albert's pastorate, a congregation was organized, and a church built at Fleckville, five miles west from this, its mother church. Rev. Mr. Albert resigned as pastor October 1st, 1859. On the twenty-ninth of June, 1860, Rev. Nathan Zeagar was elected, who served the congregation until July 1st, 1863, when Rev. Ernst Lubkert, of Rondout, N. Y., became his successor. His labors as pastor ceased September 1st, 1864. The present pastor, Rev. B. F. Apple, who had been unanimously elected October 15th, 1864, moved into this field of labor December 1st, in the same year, and found it in a very sad and ,scattered condition. During his pastorate of twelve years, he has added to the membership of the pastoral charge, by confirmation at Centreville, two hundred and ninety-five at Fleckville ninety at Lower Mount Bethel fifty-two total additions in twelve years, including those who were received by certificate and otherwise, four hundred and sixty-one. REFORMED CONGREGATION IN UPPER MOUNT BETHEL. The first meetings of the pioneer members of this congregation, were held jointly with members of the Lutheran Church, in private houses, where Williamsburg now stands, in 1772 and 1773. They jointly erected a small log church at the same place, about 1774 said 1775. It stood opposite to "the old graveyard," located at the southern end of the village. In those times, the men went to church with guns in their hands, to guard from Indiana. Years afterward, a stone church was erected in the village, of Centreville, also jointly by both congregations, Here they worshipped until 1831. Steps were then taken for the erection of the present large and commodious brick edifice, which was completed in 1832. When crowded, it will hold about 1,100 people, and is in a good state of preservation. It is still owned jointly by both the Reformed and Lutheran Congregations. It cost about $20,000. The names of a few of the first Reformed pastors are not certainly known. Rev. Father Vandensloot was pastor from about 1785 onward. He was succeeded by Revs. T. L. Hoffeditz Andrew Young P. S. Schorg I. K. Loos L S. Weiss Rev. W. D. C. Rodrock, the present pastor, who has served since the winter of 1873. The number of members is over three hundred, and the congregation is in a growing, prosperous condition. ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. Was organized at Centreville, February 11th, 1860. Rev. J. J. Burrell, as, its first pastor, entered upon his duties in April of the same year. During the summer of 1860, the congregation erected the church edifice in which they now worship. Rev. Mr. Burrell continued his pastoral charge until the summer of 1875, when he was succeeded by the Rev. H. & Fleck, the present pastor. The congregation now numbers, deducting losses by death, removals, etc., two hundred and thirty members. M. E. CHURCH OF PORTLAND. Mount Bethel Circuit was formerly included in the Richmond Circuit, which was an offspring of Stroudsburg Circuit. As early as 1825, Rev. Father Colbert, of Stroudsburg, preached in Millers school house, situated in Upper Mount Bethel, near where now stands McCracken's school house, a short distance from Dutot's Gap, of the Blue Mountains, and about three miles west of the Delaware, Father Colbert made an announcement to preach for Rev. Hevener, then the preacher in charge of the Stroudsburg Circuit. Rev. Hevener, preached in the school house after announcement, and continued to preach at regular intervals. Similar meetings were held in the school house at Williamsburg. Success attended the preaching of the Word, and a number were happily converted. The people flocked by hundreds to hear him, crowding the school house to overflowing. After a while they were refused the use of the school house, but nothing daunted, nor yet discouraged by this, they continued to hold their meetings in a small house belonging to Mr. Jacob Ott, and another one belonging to Mr. Joseph Ink, and when these became too small to accommodate the many who attended their meetings, Mr. Inks barn was substituted, and still later, his large workshop was used for some time as a meeting house. 255 Revs. Hevener, Gold and Chattle, successively ministered to this people from 1825 to 1829, when Rev. Samuel Grace was sent to the charge, with Rev. Andrews as his colleague. The first presiding elder here was Rev. George Banghart. The Methodists continuing to increase in number, year after year, the Deed of a proper and more commodious place for worship became necessary, and about 1834, they resolved to build a church. This resulted in the building of the "Williamsburg Chapel," which was finished and dedicated to God in 1835, under the name of the "Mount Bethel Chapel." This building is a neat frame structure, and used at the present time Mr. Joseph Ink, one of the pioneers in the cause, contributed largely, and superintended the building of the church. Rev. James Bissey was the preacher in charge, and Rev. George Jennings, his colleague. The first society, in Slateford, was formed by the Rev. J. Bissey about 1836. Meetings were held in the school house until 1860, when the Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterians, built a commodious frame church, which was dedicated November 24th, of that year, and is now owned by the Methodists and Baptists. From 1836 to 1844, a space of eight years no record can be obtained of the Methodists. In 1844, Rev. M, H. Sisty was sent to the charge, and remained two years Rev. Jay Ashton followed him in 1846, and was succeeded in 1848, by Revs. P. J. Cox and J. H. McFarland. These in turn, were followed by Rev. Valentine Gray, in 1850, he by Rev. T. W. Simpers, in 1852, who was succeeded by Rev. William Wood, in 1854, and Rev. Wood, by Rev. Edward Townsend, who was followed by Rev S. G. Hare, in 1858, and Rev. William Stevenson, his colleague. In 1859, there was a revival, which resulted in adding to the church over one hundred persons Rev. Hare was succeeded by Rev. J. M. Hinson, in 1860 Rev. Hinson, by Rev. R. Owens Rev. M. Barnhill, being his associate. These in turn, were succeeded by Rev. Joseph Cook, in 1863, followed by Rev. J. H. McLaughlin, in 1864 Rev. William T. Magee, took charge of the circuit in 1866, in which year, he organized a class at Portland. In 1866, Rev. K W. Sebring was on the circuit with Rev. Magee, and up to this time, this territory was part and parcel of Richmond Circuit. At the annual conference of 1868, Richmond Circuit was duly divided, Mount Williamsburg Circuit, which name it retained till February 22nd, 1869, when the quarterly conference changed it to Mount Bethel Circuit, its, present name. Rev. L. D. McClintock was the first preacher in charge of this circuit; Rev. Joseph Mason, presiding Elder Rev. William Cooper, succeeded Rev. Joseph Mason, as Presiding Elder; and Rev. L. B. Brown, succeeded Rev. L. D. McClintock Rev. Brown was succeeded by Rev. E. L. Martin, in 1871. Under his charge, the congregation purchase an eligible lot, and erected a substantial church edifice thereon. The corner-stone was laid July 4th, 1872. The church is a frame structure, 40 x 60 feet, with a spire, one hundred and ten feet high, and cost, $7,000. Rev. E. L. Martin was succeeded by Rev. Thomas, Harrison, in 1874, who was succeeded by Rev. H. T. Isett, in 1875, and Rev. Isett by Rev. I. T. Satchell, in 1876 the present pastor PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PORTLAND. The first records of this church being lost, but little of its early history can be given. It is probably of Brainerd origin, and connected, in its early history, with the church of Lower Mount Bethel, Oxford, and Harmony. Rev. H. Roseborough ministered here during the Revolutionary War. From that period to its connection with the Presbytery of Newton, little is positively known. Since then, its ministers have been: Rev. Benj. I. Lowe, from 1818 to 1823. Rev. J. Talmage, from 1823 to 1836. In 1836, a commodious brick church was erected in Williamsburg. Previous to this, they had held their meetings chiefly in Union churches. Rev. Mr. McCollough preached from 1836 to 1840 Rev. Andrew Tully, from 1840 to 1842. Up to this time, this church shared with Lower Mount Bethel church, in the services of the same pastors; thenceforth, Rev. Mr. Mack, from 1842 to 1846 Rev. Joseph Warrell, from 1846 to 1853 Rev. Gershon Goble, from 1853 to 1856 Rev. Smith Sturgis, from 1856 to 1857 Rev. P. W. Melick, from 1857 to 1862 Rev. S. McNair, from 1862 to 1864 Rev Theron Brittain, six months in 1865 Rev. Mr. Town, from 1866 to 1868 Rev. Mr. Darrach, from 1868 to 1871 Rev. Mr. Bridgeman, from 1871 to 1873, when the charge was assumed by the Rev. Andrew Tully, the present pastor LOWER MOUNT BETHEL TOWNSHIP-(1787). LOWER MOUNT BETHEL TOWNSHIP is bounded on the northwest by Washington township on the northeast by Upper Mount Bethel on the southeast and south by the Delaware River-separating it from New Jersey-and on the southwest and west, by Forks and Plainfield townships The township is diversified; some portions being hilly, and others quite, level, extending from Plainfield, line to the Delaware, at Belvidere, being, a part of the Kittatinny limestone formation, and is excellent farming land. The soil in the northern part is slate and gravel. This township is drained by Martins Creek and branches, and by Richmond Creek, which furnish power for grist and saw-mills. There is an iron-ore deposit near the Delaware, about two miles from Belvidere; and at Martins Creek, near the Delaware, the hydraulic cement stone makes its appearance. This township originally formed part of old Mount Bethel, and was formed by the division of that township, March 11th, 1787-confirmed by the court at the following September Term. The first permanent settlement was at Martins Crock, and was one of the three planted by Alexander Hurter, and his Presbyterian followers, soon after 1730. They settled in a fertile and heavily-timbered section, well adapted for farming purposes, which gave promise of the abundance which their descendants have so folk, realized. Among the names of the early settlers in Mount Bethel are, found those of Miller Moore Lockard Lyle Moody Martin Nielson-now written Nelson-Buckman Hutchison Ross McFarren McCracken Silliman Crawford Campbell Galbraith Boyd, and others. Soon after a settlement was made in Mount, Bethel, as it is well known, -the sainted David Brainerd broke the broad of life, to the untutored Indian, not far from the spot where Hunter settled. "These hills and ravine, witnessed his agonies of soul as be wrestled with the novel of the Covenant in behalf of the Indian, and have echoed the sound of the invitation, of the, gospel as they fell with so much unction from his lips, It was a source of much pleasure, to some of the older settlers, to say that they had heard David Brainerd preach." Brainerd's cabin, during his labors among the Indians, was located, by tradition, about a mile, north by east, from the mouth of MartinΉs Creek. He occasionally ministered to the Scotch-Irish settlers, in Allen township, as well as to those of Mount Bethel. In Brainerd's diary, for LordΉs Day, February 17th, 1745, the following record is found preached in the wilderness on the sunny side of a hill, to a considerable number of white people, many of whom came near twenty miles, from Kreidersville to Martin Creek, Discoursed to them all day from John vii:37. There were many tears in the assembly, and I doubt not but that the Spirit of God was, there convincing poor sinners of their need of Christ" In the year 1757, the whole tax of Mount Bethel township-which included the entire territory of the present townships of Upper add Lower Mount Bethel, and Washington-was nine shillings and sixpence. In 1763, there was no tax paid in the township; but, in 1773, the valuation of the township was £1,942, upon which the taxes amounted to £26 3s., 2d.; at that time it contained one hundred and fifty-three taxables, and twenty-five single men. At a comparatively early day after the settlement of Mount Bethel, the spirit of emigration began to manifest itself to a very considerable extent; and this has continued to prevail, to a greater or less extent, until the present time. This spirit seems to be characteristic of the Scotch-Irish people. It was manifested in their emigration to America in large numbers at an early day. One result of the working of this spirit of emigration in Mount Bethel was, that the names of some originally large families are no longer found in the township. Soon after the Revolutionary War several families emigrated from Mount Bethel to East Tennessee and formed a settlement there. Their names were as follows, as near as can be ascertained, viz: Anthony Moore James Galbraith Daniel Copland Alexander Gaston Thomas Wilson -- Martin Boyd Hutton A church was soon organized where they settled, which was called Mount Bethel, in remembrance of the church which they had left in Pennsylvania. Soon after this emigration to East Tennessee, a number of families removed from Mount Bethel to Western Pennsylvania. This emigration was at that time called going to Fort Pitt. 256 Among the names of families removing to Fort Pitt, were these of Moody Morris Miller McFarren Mason Neilson Beuward A little later several families, removed from Mount Bethel and settled along and near the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, in the region of Milton Pa. Among the families removing to this region were those of Marr Beard Silliman Scott Henderson Covert Moore Foresman One of the first settlers, in Mount Bethel, was Alexander Miller, who seems to have been a very prominent and influential man in the county, and one whose name is very often found in church history. He died in 1765 an extremely old age. His son, Alexander, was also a man of mark, and was elected captain of a company of men, raised in Mount Bethel and Easton, for Washington's Flying Camp, in 1776. In 1773, old Mount Bethel contained four saw-mills, owned by Elisha Barton Christopher Bowman John Herron John Johnson one oil-mill, owned by Henry Miller five grist-mills, owned by James Beard Robert Foresman L. Kern James Schook James Martin; this last being the first grist-mill erected in the territory of Lower Mount Bethel. The first carpenter and joiner in the township was Elias Scholl. It was said of him that during his life he made five hundred coffins to order. The business of blacksmithing wits first started by Henry Winters, who built his shop at Martin's Creek. The first store, was also at Martin's Creek, and kept by William Sherlock; and the first tavern was also opened at the same place by Mr. Airy. THE FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE In the township was built in 1803, as nearly as can be ascertained. It was erected on land owned by James Hutchinson, Dow the property of Elias Hutchinson. The school was, of course, taught by subscription, and embraced only a term of two or three months, in winter. From the time of the division of old Mount Bethel into the townships of Upper and Lower Mount Bethel, the increase, of the latter in population, up to the year 1850, was as follows: Population in 1790, 1,945 in 1800, 1,136 in 1810, 1,796 in 1820, 2,472 in 1830, 2,666 in 1840, 2,957 in 1850, 3,117 In the last named year, it contained 573 families 531 dwelling houses 259 farms The yearly production of wheat was 26,413 bushels of rye, 50,147 bushels of corn, 61,000 bushels of oats, 20,481 bushels of potatoes, 18,028 bushels of buckwheat, 22,222 bushels of butter, 100,000 pounds of hay, 3,360 tons The statistics of the township assessment of 1853 were as follows: Valuation of Real Estate, 25,292 acres, at av'g of $37.97 per acre, $960,069 00 Moneys at Interest, 63,570 00 Valuation of 649 Horses and 912 Cows, 36,243 00 Valuation of Stocks and Bonds, 11,600 00 Valuation of 235 Pleasure Carriages, 8,478 00 Valuation of watches, 315 00 State Tax 3,264 51 County Tax, 2,806 00 School Tax, 1,300 00 Road Tax, 1,300 00 ________ ________ Number of Taxable 800 schools, 18 Teachers, 18 Scholar, 794 The population of the township in 1870, as shown by the census returns of that year, was 3,641. There are two post offices in the township-Middaghs and Martins Creek and there are three hotels-one at Riverton, one at Sandts Eddy, and one at Martins Creek, by J. Smoker. The cotton factories at the mouth of Martins Creek are owned by David Howell, and are a great benefit to the town. There is within the township one Odd Fellows Lodge located at Martins Creek, namely MARTIN CREEK, LODGE, No. 145. It was instituted December 31st, 1870, with twenty-one charter members, The first officers were: Dr. A. K. Seem, N. G. Elias Shull, V. G. Jacob Manu, Sec. W. H. Vannatta, Asst. Sec. D. B. Price, Treas. Present number of members, eighty-four. Value of lodge property, $2,286.20. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LOWER MOUNT BETHEL. Early in the eighteenth century, a little band of devout worshipers sat together for the first time in a small building, of rude structure, standing in the graveyard, and there reverently worshipped the God of Israel. This, was the germ from which grew the Presbyterian Church of Mount Bethel (or as it was originally called, of the "Forks North.") The first building was a rude structure; small, and doubtless built of logs. This seems soon to have given way to a frame building. The time when this second edifice was erected cannot be definitely fixed. In September 1738, the Forks of the Delaware asked New Brunswick Presbytery for supplies, and the Rev. Gilbert Tennent was directed to go there in the fall, and to preach in both Hunters and Caig's settlements. It is probable that this church was organized about this time (1738), and the church is therefore about one hundred and thirty-mile years old. From 1742 to 1746, the church was supplied by members of Presbytery, conjointly with the church at the Irish Settlement. Among the persons supplying these churches during this time, were the Rev. William Dean (who afterwards became pastor of the Forks of Brandywine, and who died there July 9th, 1748), and the Rev. Charles Beatty, the grandfather of the Rev. Charles C. Beatty, D.D., of Steubenville, Ohio. Mr. Beatty was afterwards called to the Forks of the Neshaminy. At the request of the Forks of the Delaware the Rev. Daniel Lawrence was sent, May 26th, 1746, to supply them for a year, with a view to settlement. At a meeting of Presbytery, in October, 1746, a call was presented to Mr. Lawrence by the Forks of the Delaware, which he accepted, Mr. Lawrence was not a robust man, and was directed to spend the winter and spring of 1751 at Cape May, New Jersey. In his absence, these churches were supplied by Rev. Benjamin Chestnut, of Woodbury, New Jersey. Mr. Lawrence soon after settled at Cape May. From May, 1722, until August, 1761, the church was served by supplies appointed by Presbytery, among whom were Rev. Charles Beatty Richard Treat Benjamin Chestnut Andrew Hunter. At a meeting of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, August, 1761, the Rev. John Clark was received from the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and a call was put into his hands from "the Forks of the Delaware," which he asked and obtained leave to take into consideration. The reason of Mr. Clark's asking to hold the call for consideration seems to have been that opposition was made to his settlement. At the ensuing meeting of Presbytery held in November 1761, his friends, by permission of Presbytery, agreed to settle him without the aid of those opposing him, offering him a salary of eighty pounds sterling, and a parsonage. The parsonage was on the West Branch, or what is now called the Allen Township congregation. Mr. Clark signified to Presbytery his acceptance of this call, but in consequence of the existing difficulties in the congregation, he was not installed until October 1762. In view of the opposition manifested towards him, and on account of failing health, he asked to be released from his charge in November, 1767. Presbytery granted his request. Early in the summer of 1769, the Church of Mount Bethel began to be served for a portion of his time by Rev. John Roseborough. What proportion of Mr. Roseborough's time was given to Mount Bethel, or how long these services were continued, has not been ascertained. His residence was within the bounds of the Allen township congregation, to which he gave a portion of his time, and where be remained until shortly after the commencement of the Revolutionary struggle, and served for a time, as chaplain. He was killed at the battle of Trenton. In February, 1774, Mount Bethel and Oxford Churches united in calling the Rev John Debow. Mr. Debow accepted this call and was installed May 19th, 1775, but soon after he received and accepted a call from North Carolina, and settled there in 1776. For a time again Mount Bethel was dependent upon Presbytery for occasional supplies. On the second Tuesday of August, 1783, the Rev. Francis Peppard was installed pastor of the Mount Bethel Church for a part of his time, having preached, as it would appear, fur the congregation for some time previous to his installation. Precisely how long Mr. Peppard continued to serve the Mount Bethel Church does not appear. His pastorate, however, was a comparatively short one, the Rev. Asa Dunham being installed pastor of the Mount Bethel and Oxford Churches in 1787. Mr. Dunham was released from the pastoral charge of these churches September 18th, 1797. It was during the pastorate of Mr. Peppard, that the second (frame) church building was enlarged. This was done in a singular manner. It was sawed into two equal parts, and the parts were separated some twenty or thirty feet, and the intervening space filled up; the building being originally almost square. 257 Concerning the ground on which the church edifices of the congregation bad been built, the following appear to be the facts, as nearly as can be ascertained: In 1757, Thomas Ruckman purchased from William Allen, seven hundred acres of land lying along the Delaware River, from the mouth of Martins Creek, and extending four hundred rods up the river. This purchase included the church lot and burying-ground. In 1759 Mr. Ruckman sold two hundred acres of this tract, including the land above named, to Samuel Rea, Esq. and Mr. Rea sold the church lot to the congregation, in August 1803, and gave a deed for it in trust to Thomas Beard, Alexander Miller, and Peter Simanton. Previous to this time, the congregation had no title for the church lot, and held possession of it only by sufferance of its owners. At a meeting of the Presbytery of New Brunswick, held at Trenton, New Jersey, September 19th, 1799, calls from Oxford and Lower Mount Bethel churches were presented to the Rev. David Comfort, who was for many years pastor of the church of Kingston, New Jersey. Mr. Comfort, did not accept these calls, and Lower Mount Bethel was again supplied by Presbytery. The Rev David Barclay was called to Lower Mount Bethel, Knowlton and Oxford churches, and was installed pastor of the Mount Bethel Church July 19th, 1805. It is probable that Mr. Barclay preached at Lower Mount Bethel for dome time before he was installed pastor. During the ministry of Mr. Barclay the congregation was incorporated and a charter obtained front the Legislature of Pennsylvania (February 1809). The charter is signed by David Barclay, Minister David Ayres Robert Galloway Nathaniel Brittain Jeptha Arrison Ruling Elders; and by the following members of the congregation, viz: Joseph Bowman John Neilson, John Davison Samuel Gulick John Hutchison Peter Middagh Moses Ayres Robert Moody Peter Simanton Peter Jacoby Henry Winter Isaac Benward Samuel Rea John Galloway John Ross William Galloway John Neilson James Hutchison George Kennedy John McCrea William Hutchison Robert Kennedy Samuel Eakin Andrew Hutchison Thomas Middagh Alexander Lockard Robert Brittain, not one of whom now lives. The Trustees of the congregation at, that time, were William Hutchison Moses Wallace Samuel Loder John Jacoby David Beard Robert Kennedy. About eight years after the installation of Mr. Barclay, whispers, began to be heard, and at last serious charges made against him, alleging immorality on his part, and although no serious criminality was proved against him, the indiscretion of his conduct became so apparent to the Presbytery that he was restricted from preaching in Knowlton, Lower Mount Bethel, and Oxford, January 11th, 1814. The sympathy of the majority of the people, of Lower Mount Bethel Congregation seems to have been with Mr. Barclay, as among the files of New Brunswick Presbytery have been found three petitions from the congregation to that body, in one of which they Presbytery not to remove Mr. Barclay, and in the, other two to appoint him their supply for one-half his time. One of these petitions is as follows; To the Reverend Presbytery of New Brunswick: The Presbyterian Congregation of Lower Mount Bethel being informed that Rev. David Barclay, has desired leave to resign his pastoral charge, the session has consulted the members of this church and do find that they are, all unanimous and wishes that he may not be removed. We hope that it will not be taken amiss if we inform the Presbytery, that since he became our pastor, his conduct among us has been such as becometh a minister of the gospel of Christ, and that his labors, in many instances appear to have been crowned with success, and peace and harmony appears to prevail in this church. We therefore humbly request that Reverend Body take our case under consideration and if consistence to continue his labor among us. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray ROBERT GALLOWAY JEPTHA ARRISON NATHANIEL BRITTAIN JOHN HUTCHINSON SAMUEL GULICK DAVID AYERS Elders Done at Lower Mount Bethel, May 18th, 1812. From 1814 to 1818, we find only the name, of Jacob R. Castner mentioned as a supply, though there was preaching by others. Strenuous efforts were made to have Mr. Barclay returned but they were unsuccessful, until that time when he preached every third Sunday for a year. June 15th, 1819, Mr. Benjamin I. Lowe, a licentiate, was appointed to supply the church. Mr. Lowe's labors continued only about four years, but in this comparatively short time, a goodly number were added to the church. In October 1823 the Rev John Gray was appointed stated supply of the Lower Mount Bethel Church, for one service on alternate Sabbaths during the succeeding year, Mr. Gray continued to serve the church according to the arrangement probably until October, 1828, when he was installed pastor of the church of Easton. The Rev. Robert Love served both this and Harmony Church, as stated supply from October 1831, to April 1835. Mr. Love was installed pastor of the Harmony Church in 1836, and continued in this relation until his death, in 1838. Rev. John McCullough was stated supply of Upper and Lower Mount Bethel churches from October, 1835, to April, 1838. The present edifice was erected in the summer of 1838, at which time the Rev. Azariah Prior was stated supply, and its cost was $3,795.50. The site of the church was changed when the present building was erected, the old site being near the northern boundary of the graveyard. Rev. James Clark served as pastor from November, 1839, to April, 1840, and Rev. Andrew Tully was pastor front November, 1840, to October, 1851, Previous to Mr. Tully's pastorate the church had always been associated with some other church or churches in the support of a new pastor or stated supply. The Rev. Robert B. Forseman began his labors in the church on the first Sabbath of April 1854, and was ordained and installed at, a meeting of Presbytery held in the church May 30th, 1851 His pastoral relation to the church continued until the last Sabbath of December 1872. Very many changes took place during this pastorate a number of the aged and not a few of the younger members of the congregation, finished their work and ended their pilgrimage, among whom were four venerable and beloved members of the Session, viz: John Connelly John Rosenberry Morris Morris Merry Gulick. The present pastor of the Lower Mount Bethel Church, the Rev. Alpheus H. Holloway, occupied the pulpit for the first time on the 16th of March, 1873 administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, March 30th took charge of the church on the first Sabbath of April, and was installed June 18th, 1873. In the installation services the following persons took part: the Rev. Frank E. Miller preached the sermon the Rev. J. Thompson Ostler delivered the charge to the people Rev. James W. Wood charged the pastor. The earliest statistical report, of this church which had been found, was made to the Presbytery of Newton, in April 1821. The number of church members reported at that time was fifty-one. Twenty-two are reported as having been added to the church in 1821, which would seem to indicate a more than the usual degree of interest in the church. The largest number added to the communion of the church during any year of its history, was probably for the year ending April 1843, when sixty- seven were added to the church upon profession of their faith. The total number of communicants reported at that time was two hundred and eighteen. This large accession to the membership of the church occurred in the earlier part of the Rev. Andrew Tully's pastorate. Present Church Organization- Pastor, Rev. Alpheus H. Holloway Ruling Elders Joseph Calloway Wm. McIlhaney Morris Rosenberry Robert L. Ross Joseph Ross Succession of Pastors Rev. Daniel Lawrence, 1747 Rev. John Roseborough, from 1769 to 1777 Rev. Joseph Treat, 1800 Rev. David Barclay, from 1805 to 1811 Rev. Benjamin I. Lowe, from 1820 to 1823 Rev. John Grey, F. D., from 1824 to 1831 Rev. Robert Love, from 1832 to 1835 Rev. John McCullough, S. S., from 1836 to 1837 Rev. Azariah Prior, from 1838 to 1839 Rev. James Clark, S. S., from 1839 to 1840 Rev. Andrew Tully, from 1840 to 1853 Rev. Robert B. Foresman, from 1854 to 1872 Rev. A. H. Holloway, installed June 18th, 1873 pastor CEMETERIES. The oldest is that of the Presbyterians, at Church Hill. The oldest inscription that we have been able to find in the graveyard, is that which marks the resting-places of Mrs. Jean Miller, who died June 13th, 1763, in the twenty-seventh year of her age. It is probable interments were made in this, graveyard about the time Mr. Tennent first preached here - 1738. In the early time there were three, burial places in Lower Mount Bethel; one connected with the old church one on or near the farm now owned by Mr. Elias Hutchinson, on the old road leading from Marries Creek to Easton and another on the farm of Mr. John Young, about a mile south of the village of Ackermansville. This last was called Thompson's burying-ground, and was not as old as either of the others. Which of the other five is the older, cannot be stated with certainty. 258 It may be interesting to give some of the older inscriptions in the graveyard. "Robert Lyle, Esq., died December 9th, 1765, in the 67th year of his age." "Alexander Miller, died September 5th, 1765, in the 84th year of his age." He was perhaps one of the first settlers and not improbably a ruling eider. "James Martin died May 20th, 1767, aged 57 Years." He was also doubtless one of the original settlers. From his family Martin's Creek took its name. HANOVER TOWNSHIP-(1798). THE Township of Hanover is nearly in the form of a triangle, and is bounded on the north by East Allen on the east and southeast by Lower Nazareth and Bethlehem townships, on the southwest by Lehigh county. Its southeastern boundary is Monocacy Creek, which is its only stream large enough to be noticeable. Hanover was erected a township on the eighth of August, 1798; being taken from the territory of old Allen township, of which it was formerly a part. At that time it had seven hundred and thirty-six inhabitants; in 1810 it had eight hundred and fifty inhabitants, but in 1820 at the time of the erection of Lehigh county, the township was divided, the larger portion of the population was included in the new county, leaving but three hundred and fifty-eight inhabitants. From 1820 to 1830, the population decreased slightly, being three hundred and forty-eight in 1830 in 1840 it was three hundred and eighty-two in 1850, four hundred and twenty-eight in 1860 it was five hundred and seventeen in 1870 had fallen of eighteen, being four hundred and ninety-seven. The greater part is included in the 8,000 acre tract of the "Dry Lands or Manor of Fermor, which was composed of several tracts situated in the Forks of the Delaware, containing in all, together, about 23,000 acres. It was originally laid out for the particular use of the late Proprietaries of Pennsylvania, and when, during the Revolutionary War, they were divested of their estates, it was not included, being their own private property. The date of the first survey and division of the "Dry Land," is to us unknown. It is supposed to have been made either by William Parsons, or Nicholas Scull, during the years 1764-1767-1770. It was surveyed and divided by Jasper Scull, assisted by Lewis Gordon and John Moore, Most of the Manor Firmer remained in the possession of the settlers, or squatters, for a long time. From a letter of Anthony Butler, Esq., agent for the Proprietaries, it seems that the resurvey made by Jasper Scull, was inaccurate. Afterwards the settlers, at the instance of John Nicholson, determined to contest the right of property with the Proprietaries, contending that by Act of November 27th, 1779, the property became vested in the State. Suits in ejectment were also brought by the Proprietaries against some of the settlers, who afterwards presented a petition to the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, stating that they were desirous to settle with those who had title to the land, whether the Commonwealth or the Proprietaries, and praying the Council to direct an inquiry into the title to said lands, so its to relieve them from their embarrassing situation, The Council made reply that suits it law bad been instituted to try the title to the said lands, and that they could riot comply with the request of the petitioners. It seems also that applications were frequently made to the Land Office of Pennsylvania, for warrants to be laid on the Dry Land, but that the Land Officers would not grant them, being convinced that it was an appropriated tract, the suits were brought in the Circuit Court of the United States, against A. Hartzel -- Knecht J. Hartzell John Hays -- Wagner John Ralston, and others, and a jury was already sworn, when the said parties agreed to adjust the said disputes on the following terms, viz: That all suits should be discontinued, and the costs thereof paid equally by the said parties, and that the Messrs. Penn should within twelve months convey their respective rights to the said settlers, and that the said settlers should pay for the same, at the same rate of £65 10s, for every hundred acres, on the first of October 1796, with interest from the first of July, 1795. This agreement was made at Easton, on the twenty-fifth of June 1795, and signed by the following persons, viz: Edward Tilghman, for John Penn and the representatives of Richard Penn, deceased Alexander Wilcox and Samuel Sitgreaves, Attorneys-at-Law for the plaintiffs Jared Ingersoll William Lewis William Bradford Daniel Clymer Attorneys-at-Law and counsel for defendants Thomas Hartman Jonas Hartzell Jacob Eyerly, Jr. -- Frankenfield John Hays Casper Ritter James Ralston George Ehrit Moses Hemphill, respectively, agents attorneys and settlers (in behalf of themselves and other settlers). During the year 1796 the "Dry Lands" were resurveyed by George Palmer, Esq., assisted by Nicholas Neligh, and divided into one hundred and ninety- six separate tracts. This resurvey and division was made at the request of the settlers, agreeably to their respective possessions. Following are the names of some of the early settlers of this township, viz: Peter Smith David Hausman Peter Braidy William Kammins George Santee John Johnson Zopher Johnson William Anderson Peter Shelp James Perry Anthony Kleckner Stephen Koehler Peter Shelp died during the year 1790-91, and George Palmer and John Arndt, Esqs. were the executors of his last will and testament. He was a man of wealth, and at the time of his decease was the owner of a large tract of land, mostly situated in this township, containing six hundred and thirty-seven and a quarter acres. Anthony Kleckner lived on the farm now owned by Reuben Shortz, he afterwards moved to Moore township, where he died in the year 1803. One of the first settlers of this township was Martin Lazarus, who lived on the farm, now owned by his grandson, George Lazarus. Martin Lazarus emigrated from Germany; the date of his arrival is unknown. He was a settler on the Dry Lands in the year 1764. In the early history of the county the Dry Lands were called the "Barrens," and were covered with scrub-oak, thinly inhabited, and considered worthless. At the present time that section contains some of the most fertile and productive lands in this State. Following are the names of some of the residents of Hanover township in the year 1796, viz: Conrad Knauss John Handshue Daniel Ritter Casper Ritter Lawrence Brader Martin Ritter George Brader Elizabeth Fahs Jacob Mack, Sr. Jacob Mack, Jr. Nicholas Paul Daniel Lazarus Leonard Lazarus Joseph Daniel Stephen Koehler George Newhart Moses Hemphill Henry Goetz, a native of Switzerland, emigrated to this country in 1817, being then sixteen years of age. Probably the oldest living inhabitant of Hanover is Henry Goetz, father of Owen B. Goetz. He was born in Wurtenburg, Germany, in 1801, and emigrated to this country in 1817, crossing the ocean in a small sailing vessel, and after a long and perilous voyage-during which heavy storms were encountered-arrived safely in Philadelphia, Pa. He was sold by the captain to a farmer, for the amount of his passage-money, which be was not able to pay, and was taken to Hanover township to work a sufficient length of time to repay the amount advanced. After working out his freedom, he engaged in business for himself, and eventually accumulated a handsome property. In 1838, he discovered, upon his land, a rich body of iron-ore, from which since has been taken many thousand tons. At the time of his arrival, farms ranged in size from three to six hundred acres. Several of the early settlers were natives of Switzerland, among whom were the Schelps Handshues Keenlys, and others Mr. Goetz states that the houses now owned by Reuben Schortz and Philip Keller, were the two first brick houses in the township. The first frame houses were those now owned by William Gernet Milton Koehler Amandus Reichart The first grist-mill was built by the father of George Keller. It was occupied, for a number of years, by General Conrad Shinier. The first tavern and store was kept by the father of Daniel Ritter, on the property now owned by Reuben and William Laubach. His trading was principally done with peddlers and hawkers, and his dry goods consisted chiefly of home-spun articles. The first carpet-weaver was Daniel Snyder. The grandfather of Abraham Knauss was one of the early physicians, and was a great believer in bleeding, cupping, and powders. In the year 1850 the number of farms in the township was 42 dwelling houses, 81 families, 82 Bushels of wheat produced, 12,420 of rye, 7,310 of corn, 11,375 of oats, 8,170 of potatoes, 2,360 pounds of butter 14,900 tons of hay, 597 The statistics of the township, assessment of 18,53, were: Valuation, Real Estate, 3,993 Acres (average $64.36 per acre) $256,957 00 Valuation Occupations and Professions, 7,795 00 Valuation 129 Horses, 177 Cows, 6,982 00 Valuation 52 Pleasure Carriages, 1,670 00 Moneys at Interest, 17,850 00 State Tax 834 70 County Tax, 701 58 Road Tax, 85 00 School Tax, 100 00 Number of Taxables, 134 259 TAVERNS. There are two taverns in this township, one at the village of Hanoverville, and one at the village of Schoenerville, kept by Henry Frey. The first tavern, at the latter piece, was kept by Jacob Clader. Many years ago, as the following letter will show. ALLEN TOWNSHIP, October 1st, 1781. SIR: As the Light Horse did meet at Captain Claders, this day, and as they have made me a return of them as they are, and I have sent it by the bearer, and they have so short time for equipping themselves, and there is a number that did join this day, and there is a number that will join very soon. As they did make a very good appearance, I hope that you will give me all the help that is in your power, as they are not equipped, for to have them equipped. JOHN HAYS Sub-Lieutenant of Northampton County, To ROBERT LEVERS, ESQ., Lieutenant of Northampton County, List of the Light Horse, as they stand equipped, reported by Colonel John Hays, Sub-Lieutenant: captain, - Lieutenant, John Brislin, equipped. Cornet, John McNair, equipped. Henry Shad (pistols), John Siegfried, equipped Jost Dreisbach, do Geo. Gongwehr Hush Wilson John Walker, equipped. John Hutchison, equipped John McNealy, do Thomas Maron (pistols) William Craig, equipped Hugh Wilson, do William Carty, do Jacob Clader afterwards sold out to Adam Shoener, who kept the tavern for many years, and after whom the place takes its name. MILLS. There are three mills in this township, situated on the Monocacy Creek which forms a part of its eastern boundary. The grist and saw-mill, now owned by the Ilick Brothers, was built by John Peter, in 1856. It is built of stone, three-stories high, and contains four run of stone, and improved machinery. The saw-mill was built the. same year, and contains one crosscut saw and one edger. The mill of J. & H. Hummel was the second one in the township, built by Jacob Hummel about 1841; was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1869. It is built of stone, two and one-half stories, high, and contains four runs of 46-inch burrs. Here are manufactured the brands known as the Bethlehem Oat Meal, and Bethlehem Buckwheat Flour. The mill now owned by Hon. S. C. Shimer, of Bethlehem, was formerly called Heller's Mill, and was built by Heller, many years ago. BLACKSMITH-SHOP. One of the early blacksmiths was George Lazarus, who had a shop on the farm now Owned by his nephew, George Lazarus, where he carried on his trade for many years. Hanoverville is the post village in this township. It contains a tavern, store, and a number of dwellings. DISTILLERY. In 1857, a distillery was built on the farm now owned by J. Dech; it has, however, not been used since 1865, except for protracted meetings, now and then, by the Methodists. SCHOOLS. There are three school buildings. The remainder of the children attending schools in other townships. RAILROAD. The Bath Railroad passes through Hanover township, crossing the Monocacy a short distance below J. & H. Hummel's mill.