Local History: L - Townships of Upper and Lower Nazareth, Bushkill, Palmer & Washington: 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. ††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† 259 (cont.) UPPER AND LOWER NAZARETH TOWNSHIPS-(1807). THE township of Upper Nazareth is bounded on the north by Moore and, Bushkill on the east by Palmer on the south by Lower Nazareth, and on the west by East Allen. Lower Nazareth is bounded on the north by Upper Nazareth on the east by Palmer on the south by the township of Bethlehem on the west by those of Hanover and East Allen These two townships comprise what was, until the year 1807, the township of Nazareth; and, as their histories are, up to that time, in a great degree identical, they are here given together. One hundred and forty years ago-before old Nazareth, or even Bethlehem had been erected into a township-a dense wilderness- covered this part of the Province of Pennsylvania. The Forks of the Delaware-the land extending westward and northward from the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh rivers-was in undisputed possession of the Indian, whose fishing and hunting grounds were still unmolested by white man, and who roamed through these primeval forests according to the instincts of their savage nature. But soon this land was to be utilized for the nobler purposes of civilization; and here and there settlers from afar located, and made one inroad after another. And thus it happened that, in 1740 the first Moravians arrived at the close of a pleasant May day, at the Indian village of Captain John, passing a short distance beyond, they stopped beneath a noble oak, and having commended themselves to the kind keeping of their God and the God of their fathers, they there spent the first night, fearless of any danger; and after its refreshing rest, rose with the first dawn of morning, and began that work which had called them to this new and strange locality. Many and severe were their experience; but they labored in faith, and so before many years had passed, trees had been felled, houses were put up, fields were cultivated, and the wilderness became a bright and lively spot, upon which the red man gazed in amazement, and in which the white emigrant found a refuge and retreat which did good to his soul and body. But time brought with it changes, not, often of a desirable nature, and "war and rumors at war," spread through the length and breadth of the land. The war-whoop echoed and re-echoed from the surrounding hills; the bloody scalp was lifted up in hideous derision; and the white fugitives from more exposed places, hastened to the settlements "in the Forks," to escape the, barbarities which were inflicted by the savage Indians. And when the people began to claim National rights, and threw off the shackles of their foreign rulers, the tramp of troops was heard also in these inland towns. And finally with the close of war, and the certainty of the Nations Independence, peace once again dwelt, in the land, and contentment reigned, where fear and anxiety had caused much distress. Thus years rolled on, and one generation followed another upon the stage of life's activity; and a natural growth and improvement were developed in all the surroundings of the farms, hamlets, and towns, which spread and sprung on in all directions. But how very different the license of the present day, both in the aspect. of nature and in the various relative associations of the people, who now dwell in peace and comfort beneath their own roofs, from the condition of things more than a century ago. One of the first buildings erected in old Nazareth township, outside of the limits of the present borough, was a log house, which is still standing on the farm of John Beisel. The date cut in one of the stones of the chimney, is 1754; doubtless the year of its erection. Previous to 1773, a grist-mill and a saw-mill had been built and put in operation, at Christian Spring. In 1787, a petition was presented to the December Session of the Northampton county court, praying for the division of the Township of Bethlehem, and the erection of a new township in the northern part, to be called Nazareth. A commission was appointed, and the boundaries were reported as follows: "Beginning at the line of Allen township at a hickory corner of Thomas Graham's land; east, three hundred and sixty-six perches to Stone; east, one hundred and twenty-three perches to a stone on H. Rehn's patented land; north, fifteen perches to white oak; and east, two hundred and fifty perches to a stone; east, eight hundred and seventy-three perches to post in line of Forks township; in all, five miles and twelve perches." Confirmed by court at June Session, 1788, and on petition, William Henry was appointed first Justice of Nazareth township. In the year 1790,two years after the erection of the township of Nazareth, its population was 889, and in 1800, it had increased to 1,130. On the twenty-second of April 1807, old Nazareth township was divided into the present townships of Upper and Lower Nazareth. In the year 1810, three years after the division, the population of the two townships was 1,300. The first township officers of Lower Nazareth, after the separation were: Constable, Daniel Clewell Supervisors-George Reim and Nathaniel Clewell Overseers of the Poor- Christian H. Miller Paul Micksch. The first census reports of the township were made in 1820. It then contained 1,084 inhabitants In 1830, there were 1,204 In 1840, 1,301 in 1850, the population reached 1,297 There were then in the township, 292 houses 243 families 78 farms There was produced of wheat, 25,882 bushels of rye, 22,219 bushels of corn, 36,369 bushels of oats, 15,785 bushels of potatoes, 9,736 bushels of butter, 36,150 pounds of hay,1,509 tons 260 In 1853 there were: 64,946 Acres of Land Assessed at a Valuation of $557,351 00 Moneys at Interest, 64,363 00 291 horses, 424 Cows, valued at 19,310 00 104 Pleasure Carriages, 3,930 00 Watches, valued at 110 00 State Tax, 2,077 20 County Tax, 1,755 77 Road Tax, 205 00 School Tax, 363 00 _________ _________ Number of Persons subject to Taxation, 312 Schools, 6 Teachers, 6 Scholars, 200 Taverns, 3 Store, 1 There are now six small villages in Lower Nazareth, viz.: Hecktown, with post office, fourteen dwellings, a hotel, store, barrel-factory, and church (Lutheran and Reformed). Newburg, about fourteen houses, hotel and shops. Smoketown, about fifteen houses. Steuben Station, Steuben Town, and Holio. There are four schools in the township, and its population at the last census was 1,086. The first census return of Upper Nazareth township, after its separate organization was in 1820, when the population was 663 in 1830, it was 942 in 1840, 1,118 in 1850, it had decreased to 1,116 All these figures include the town of Nazareth, which was then a part of the township, and which in 1850, contained a population of 403. In the same year, there were in the township of Upper Nazareth, 181 farms 158 dwelling houses (of which, 61 were in Nazareth town) 186 families (of which 83 were in the town). At the same time, the agricultural products of the township were: 6,931 bushels of wheat 22,624 bushels of rye 19,949 bushels of corn 10,693 bushels of oats 8,712 bushels of potatoes 282 bushels of buckwheat 28,767 pounds of butter 1,296 tons of hay 2,680 pounds of tobacco. The assessment of the township of Upper Nazareth for the year 1853, was as follows: Valuation of Real Estate, 5,125 Acres of Land (averaged at $83.36 per acre), $417,244 00 Valuation of 181 Horses, 234 Cows, 11,754 00 Valuation 59 Pleasure Carriages, 2,280 00 Stocks of Banks, 9,195 00 Moneys at Interest, 40,708 00 State Tax, 1,065 45 County Tax, 1,270 00 School Tax, 419 00 Road Tax, 410 00 _________ _________ Number of Taxable Persons, 294 Schools, 3 Teachers, 3 Scholars, 138 Churches (Moravian), 2 Grist-mills, 2 Foundry, 1 Brewery, 1 Tannery, 1 Stores 11 Tavern 2 Slate Quarries, 2 The township is rich in many mineral productions. Just south of Nazareth, iron and limestone abound; also good clay for bricks, and then we find beds of Kaolin and of mineral paints, and to the north and west are the wide spread slate deposits, which extend across the northern portion of the county, in a belt of several miles in breadth, from the Delaware westward to the Lehigh. As this useful material is being more and more developed, its demand will increase, and no doubt in time a large traffic arise, especially when better railroad facilities for its transportation are afforded. There are several slate quarries within a few miles of Nazareth, and one of these has been worked for about forty years. Some slate pavement flags, then first laid down in Nazareth town, are still doing good service. We are informed by Charles B. Daniel, that the first discovery of slate in this county, was made by Christian Fell (in 1836), on the property of Jacob Moser. They were called the Christian Spring Quarries, from the fact of their being owned by the Moravians, who gave them that name. In 1837, the quarry was worked by a man named Henry Robert. In 1838, the County Poor House roof was covered by him with slate. In December 1838, Mr. C. B. Daniel purchased a half interest in this quarry from Mr. Moser's administrator. A Doctor Walters at that time, owned the other half interest, having become possessed of it in payment for his medical services to Jacob Moser, before and at the time of his death. The business was then carried on under the firm name of Walters & Daniel, until December 9th, 1841, when Mr. Daniel purchased the Doctor's share, and continued the business under his own name, up to the present time. This quarry when first worked, gave a product of two hundred squares per year, at the present day, its capacity could be made 10,000 square, but it is only worked to the amount of 1,560 squares per year. There, are two small villages, the old historical one of Schoeneck, near Nazareth; and Georgetown, in the southwestern part. There are now four schools in the township, and the population at the last census was 740. FARMERS MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE CO. OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY Is really a county institution, though its officers are in this township; has been organized several years, and is in a solid condition, financially. The managers are: Charles L. Whitesell, President John Leibert, Secretary Peter Gross, Esq., Treasurer Gen. Schweitzer Isaac B. Insley Isaac Oberly John Laubach Samuel A. Oyer Stephen A. Heller John M. Hower Chas. Messinger Samuel C. Shimer Philip Miller Their Assets, December 31st, 1876, were as follows: Cash in Bank, $4,750 00 Cash in Course of Collection, 1,000 00 Policies of Insurance Liable to Assessment 121,563 32 (Which amount is the total Insurance subject to Assessment) Liabilities are, in all, $9,800,000 00 Amount of Insurance effected during 1876 was, 1,794,367 00 Total Losses, same year, 10, 525 00 Total Expenditures for Salaries of Officers, Commissions, and all other Expenses, 1,221 25 Amount of Perpetual Risks, 110,855 37 Total Losses since Organization, 148,573 74 NORTHAMPTON COUNTY ALMSHOUSE On March 11th, 1837, Governor Joseph Ritner approved the Act providing "for the erection of a house for the employment and support of the poor in the County of Northampton." By that Act Barnabas Davis Geo. Barnet Jacob Vogel Jacob Wagener Jacob Hower Jacob Young John D. Bauman David Kemmerer, Conrad Shimer, were appointed as Commissioners to purchase the necessary real estate for the accommodation of the poor of the county. There were, at this time, comparatively few such institutions in the State. The Commissioners, after examining various positions, at length purchased from the Moravians a tract of land near the present Borough, of Nazareth, in the Township of Upper Nazareth, and erected the necessary buildings. The land then bought has been added to, by successive purchases, until the number of acres is now about three hundred and seventy. In the fall of 1831, Peter Frutchey George Frederick Joseph Hillman, were elected Directors of the Poor. They appointed, as the first Steward, Adam Daniel; and Richard Brodhead as Treasurer and Solicitor. The Insane Hospital was first erected in 1861. In 1875, in consequence of the great number of insane paupers, an extensive addition was made water-works were erected at the same time, by which a constant supply of pure spring water is furnished to all the buildings. The water supply is obtained by erecting a small reservoir, and collecting the water from several springs which rise in the hills about half a mile from the almshouse buildings, to which it is conducted by iron pipes. The land is not all of as good a quality as that lying below, because the slate formation commences about the middle of the farm, and the upper part is, therefore, slate land, in common parlance, as distinguished from the limestone land, in the lower part. Both sections are highly cultivated, mainly by pauper labor. The present Steward is Herman Schmidt the Matron, Mary Schmidt the Hospital Steward is George Karch. 261 We have procured the names of all the Directors and other officers since the Act of Incorporation, they are as follows: Directors-1837, Peter Frutchey, one year 1837 Gen. Frederick, two years 1837 Jos. Hillman, three years 1838 Jacob Cope, three years 1839 Jacob Seip, three years 1840 Casper Mover, three years 1841 Philip Woodring, three years 1842 Jos. Brown, three years 1843 Joseph Hirst, three years 1844 Paul Siegfried, three years 1845 Jos. Edelman, three years 1846 Philip Lynn, three Years 1844 Henry Ziegenfuss, three Years 1848 Conrad Kichline, three years 1849 Richard Whitesell, three years 1850 Jno. Brown, three years 1851 John Hartzell, three years; 1852 Abraham D. Cortright, three years, 1853 Baltzer Stever, three years; 1854 Robt. Levers, three years; 1855 Joseph Keller, three, years 1856 Peter Kemmerer, three years 1857 Amandus Heinley, three years 1858 George Hellick three years; 1859 Jacob Rath, one year, died in office; 1860 Michael Long, two years 1860 David Heller, two years, appointed by the Board 1861 Geo. W. Heiney, three years; 1862 Adam Meyers, three years; 1863 Anthony George, one year, appointed by, the Board, and, in 1863, elected by the people 1864 Daniel Rohn, three years 1865 Adam Heimer, three years 1866 Fredk Shafer, six years, re-elected to 1869 Wm. Snyder, three years 1868 Joseph Ehret, three years 1870 Isaac B. Insley, three years 1871 Richard Knecht, three years, re-elected in 1874, 1872 Peter Stoffiet, three years; 1873 Jacob F. Reinheimer, three years, first appointed by the Directors, and in 1874 elected for two years; 1875 Peter Uhler has, served one year; 1876 Andrew L. Keller, newly installed Steward,- Adam Daniel, appointed in 1837, and served five years Gen. Schlabach, appointed in 1842, and served six years and nine months, reappointed in 1866, and served one year and three months Philip Woodring, appointed in 1850, and served three years Richard Whitesell, appointed in 1853, and served seven years, reappointed in 1869, and served nine months Samuel Saeger, appointed in 1860, and served six years George Mutchler, appointed in 1867, and served two years, dying during his term Samuel Engler, appointed in 1870, and served five years and three months Herman Schmidt, the present Steward, appointed in 1875 Treasurers and Solicitors- 1837, Richard Brodhead. Esq., six years 1844, Andrew H. Reeder, Esq., eleven years 1855, Max Goepp, Esq., six years 1861, Oliver H. Myers, Esq., one year 1862, Calvin G. Beitel, Esq., four years 1866, Elisha Allis, Esq., the present incumbent, has served eleven years The product of the farm, in 1876, was: wheat, 1,448 bushels rye, 834 bushels oats, 733 bushels corn, 1,164 bushels potatoes, 431 bushels 66 loads of hay 5,673 heads of cabbage 94 bushels of turnips 32 bushels of beets 31 bushels of onions The number of inmates, January 1st, 1877, was two hundred and eighty-nine of which fifty-two were insane. The insane are those who are believed to be incurable. All recent cases, or those where a care is probable, are removed, by the Directors, to the State Lunatic Hospital, at Harrisburg, where they remain for treatment until cured, or there is no reasonable prospect of their recovery. The House Physicians are now Dr. Thomas Cope, of Nazareth, and Dr. George, P. Kern, of Bath. There are no resident physicians at the almshouse, though, in our humble opinion, there should be-not only at the Northampton county Almshouse, but at every similar institution in the State. The insane and sick inmates, of all our poor-houses, need more medical care, more nurses, more outdoor exercise, more comforts. There is a wise economy and high Christian charity in just such improved modes of treatment, which we hope to see adopted all through the State. BUSHKILL TOWNSHIP-(1813) THE township of Bushkill is bounded on the north by Monroe county on the east by Plainfield, south by Upper Nazareth on the west by Moore township It is watered by the Bushkill Creek and it branches, most of which rise in the township, and furnish many excellent-powers. The main branch rises in what is known as the Sand Spring three miles west of Wind Gap, where the pure and almost ice-cold water gust out from the beautiful white sand in the hillside. The sandstone forms of the mineral constituents of this ridge. The surface is undulating, and is mostly of a gravity nature, overlaying limestone in the southern part. The wonderful effect of lime upon unproductive soil fully illustrated in the present great fruitfulness of the Bushkill land under its influence. Forty years ago, the farms were utterly, incapable of producing wheat, and other cereals were obtained in meagre crops. But now all this is changed; scarcely any other grain than wheat is raised, and the corn crops are never failing and abundant. The wheat crop now averages from fifteen to twenty bushels per acre rye, fifteen to twenty oats, twenty to forty corn, twenty, to forty buckwheat, fifteen to twenty The annual income from the dairy and poultry, yards, of the township is about $25,000. Bushkill was early settled by the Germans, but the exact date cannot be given. The Moravians owned land in the southern part of the township: and, prior to the year 1770, had erected a rude building in the meadow immediately north of Mill Grove, where religious meetings were held by them. This building was succeeded by a Swiss-looking, edifice, ill which the Moravian, worshipped, until they removed to their present chapel at Schoeneck, in 1793. The first burial in the township, of which there is record, was that of a Mrs. Clewell. In the extreme southern part of Bushkill township, on land now owned by Mr. Musselman stood the "The Tavern," built by the Moravians, in 1752. This was it celebrated place, and was used as it place of refuge by the, inhabitants during the Indian troubles, commencing in 1755. It was demolished in 1858, and a tenement house now occupies its site. In 1763, it store was kept near the "Rose," by William Edmonds (a member of the Provincial Assembly in 1755), where traffic was carried on with the Indians and settlers until 1772, when it was removed to Nazareth. The Moravian Historical Society at Nazareth now has the day-book of Mr. Edmonds in which was entered an account of all the goods sold, and furs taken in exchange. The large stone building, now known as the Jacobsburg Hotel, is very old. It was originally owned by Nathaniel Michler; and, next to Heller's, was one of the extreme outpost of the white, settlements. Near by, on the opposite side of the creek, stands the grist-mill, which was originally a gun-works-the first in the township. The building, although now used as a grist-mill, is the same in appearance as when erected, in 1799, by William Henry, of Nazareth, as a branch of his gun-works at that place. The arms made at that time were all for the United States and the State Government. The mill continued to be used for barrel boring, and for the manufacture of gun-locks, for about fourteen years. The township of Bushkill was originally a part, of Plainfield, and then known as, "The Plains." It, was erected a separate township, August 13th,1813. The first constable was George Stadler; and Thomas Kitchen and John A. Edmonds were justices of the Peace. The population of the township, at its erection, numbered about one thousand. The Bolton Gun-works were erected and put in operation in the year 1813, and then the old works were transformed into it grist-mill. The articles manufactured by the Bolton Works were principally shot-guns and rifles. John Jacob Astor, and his successors in the fur trade, ordered their fire-arms from these works, for thirty years. At various times, from fifty to one hundred and fifty persons have been employed in gun-making, near Jacobsburg, and the art of filing has been handed down from father to son until the present day. Among the early settlers in this township were Jacob Werner, who came, from Sweden. Jacob Titus removed here from near Philadelphia, in 1776, locating near the mountain, on the farm where he died, in 1824, at the age of one hundred and one years. George Trein was a native, of Hesse, in Germany. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, fought in the battles of Bunker Hill and Brandywine, and was wounded at Germantown. James Williamson, also an early settler, was one of General Washington's staff officers. "Tan Ahrey," an old man, of the Arandack race, who died in 1875, at the age of ninety-one years, was long looked upon by the inhabitants of Bushkill as authority in matters pertaining to the early history and traditions of the township. He often spoke of the beaver dams, that he affirmed existed at one time in the Bushkill, near Jacobsburg. The first charcoal blast-furnace stood about a mile above the Bolton Gun Works. It was erected by the late M. S. Henry in 1826, and continued in operation, in connection with the forge (situated between the furnace and the gun works) until about 1840. The forge itself was built in 1808, by William Henry. It afterwards became it grist-mill. At the first census (1820) taken after the erection of Bushkill, the population of the township was 1,262, in 1830 it had increased to 1,402 in 1840 it was 1,716 in 1850, 1,839 At that time it contained three hundred and thirty-six dwelling houses three hundred and seventy-one families one hundred and twenty farms The production of wheat was then 3,305 bushels of rye, 18,942 bushels of corn, 20,610 bushels of oats 12,030 bushels of buckwheat, 2,002 bushels of potatoes, 10,059 bushels of butter, 36,150 pounds of hay, 1,509 tons 262 The township assessment of 1853 showed is follows Valuation, Real Estate, 13,860 acres of an (average $17.89 per acre), $247,955 40 Valuation 253 Horses, 500 Cows, 14,195 00 Valuation 89 Pleasure Carriages, 2,576 00 Moneys at interest, 23,490 00 State Tax, 813 97 Count, Tax, 776 78 Road Tax, 548 00 School Tax, 500 00 _________ _________ Number of Taxable Persons, 430 Schools, 8 Teachers, 8 Scholars, 320 Grist-mills, 1 Saw-mill, 4 Tanneries, 2 Foundries, 11 Forge, 1 Rifle Factory, 1 Slate Quarries, 2 Taverns, 2 Store, 1 The great wealth lying beneath the surface, in the form of slate, has been but recently brought to public attention, though a quarry was opened on the land of William Henry, its early as the year 1812, and the shires were used in roofing the Bolton Gun-works, while some were sold in Philadelphia. C. B. Daniels also worked a quarry for some time. Since 1867 several quarries have been opened, among which may be, or is specially mentioned, that the Hughes Brothers, opened in 1869, Until 1874 but little business was done by them, but since that time the product has been about two hundred and forty squares per month. Nearly all the quarries in the township are now idle. As timber becomes more scarce, slate posts are being used in fences, to some extent. Next to roofing this will be of the greatest use to farmers. Bushkill has no iron, but her valuable slate beds will yield in value to no other source of mineral wealth. Along the base of the mountain is quite a large body of timber land, mostly oak and chestnut, owned by people living outside of the township. The prevailing kinds of timber are chestnut, white, black, and rock oak, in the north, with maple, ash, and hemlock along the streams, but very little yellow and white pine. Until some twenty-five years, ago scrub-oak was quite plenty in all parts of the township, but under the improved system of farming they are rapidly giving place to cleared fields and productive farms. Charcoal burning is extensively carried on in that part of the township, known us the swamp, and along the mountain, its also is the cutting of hoop poles, and peeling of hemlock bark, for tanning purposes. There are two grist-mills in the township-one near the village of Jacobsburg, and another farther away, to the northwest. This last was erected over one hundred years ago. The first tannery was built by David Trein, near Cherryville. There are also several saw-mills on the Bushkill and its branches. These, with the gun-works, constitute nearly all the manufacturing done in the township, although no stream furnishes better waterpower than the. Bushkill. The Township of Bushkill has four churches: The Union Church, situated a short distance from Belfast, was erected and dedicated in 1829; being first used as a place of worship by three denominations-Lutheran, Reformed, and Moravians. The latter sect have no officiating clergymen, so that the services are now held by the Lutheran and Reformed only. Revs Reinkle and Kuntz are the present pastors. The Methodist Episcopal Church was erected on the farm of Joseph Titus, in the northwestern part of the township, on the ninth of March, 1832. Mr. Titus donated to the congregation one acre and two perches of land, and during, the summer of the same year, the church was built, and was consecrated in September, by Rev. Thomas Millard. The first trustees were Jacob Davidson Samuel Davidson Jacob Kosteubader Joseph Titus, Jr. Jacob Houck The first Methodist minister, who preached in the township, was Rev. Mr. Elthemoss. Cansan Church, of the Evangelical Association, was erected in 1851, at a cost of about nine hundred dollars; much of the labor being performed by members of the congregation. The church was dedicated in December of 1851 by Rev. Frederick Crocker, who was the first minister. The building committee consisted of Joseph Werner George Hichie William Frederick Trustees- William Frederick Thomas Werner George Hichie The Lutheran and Reformed Church, at Bushkill Centre, was erected in 1873, at a cost of $8,500. The corner-stone was laid in May, 1873, and the church dedicated in December of the same year, by the following ministers Rev. A. R. Horn Rev. M. J. Kromlich Rev. -- Loos Rev. R. Leisberger Rev. David Kuhns Rev. J. J. Regenas Rev. M. J. Kromlich Pastors in charge since the organization Rev. R. Leisberger, of the Reformed, and Rev. M. J. Kromlich, of the Lutheran. Trustees elected June, 1873: Charles Hahn, Sr. John Able George Remer Aaron Hoch Joseph H. Savitz Michael Reph Elders-Reformed Thomas Kostenbader William Frace R. Trausue Elders-Lutheran: Joseph F. Fehr Ernst Resmiller Deacons- Reuben Kostenbader Jesse Werner Edward Rodenbach Edwin Johnson Daniel Seilbold Adam Kratzer James Fehr Treasurers- Aaron Able Julius C. Freibly Auditors- Daniel Seibold W. Hahn Lewis B. Clewell There are four denominations in this township. The Lutherans are the most numerous, while the Reformed stand next in rank of numbers. The Methodists are more in the northern part of the township, and are the most numerous in the vicinity of the "Swamp." The Moravians live chiefly in the vicinity of Cherry Hill, and probably do not exceed one hundred and fifty in number. The first schools in the township were taught in the German language, at the Union Church, and the first teachers were Earbart and Fadenack. The first English school was kept by John Conway, in 1820, at the house of Joseph Titus, Conway enlisted in the regular army, about the time of the Mexican War, and never returned. Mrs. Alexander Davidson, Samuel Williamson, and Mrs. Samuel Davidson were among his scholars. There are at present ten school-houses in the township, with an attendance of about three hundred and fifty pupils. The amount of school tax raised in 1876, was $1,600, average amount paid teacher per mouth is from thirty-five to forty dollars, and length of term about five months, There are four stores in the township, whose sales amount to about $15,000 per year, and there are also five hotels. The German language is generally spoken, although in the north the English prevails to some extent. The population of Bushkill at the last Census was 1901. PALMER TOWNSHIP-(1857) By W. C. EDELMAN, ESQ. THE Township of Palmer was originally a part of Forks township until the, fifth day of May, 1857, when it was declared, by the court, a separate and independent township, and was named in honor of George Palmer, who was Surveyor-General for many years, and had his office at Bath, in this county. His remains are interred at the Allen township burial-ground, Palmer township is situated in the southeastern part of Northampton county; is about eight and three-quarter miles long, in a northerly and southerly direction; and is in width, east and west, about two miles, and embraces all that part of Forks township which laid on the right or lowest bank of the Bushkill Creek. Is bounded on the north by Upper Nazareth and Plainfield townships; on the east by Forks township-divided therefrom by said Bushkill Creek-and the Borough of Easton; on the south by Glendon and William's township-divided therefrom by the river Lehigh-and on the west by Bethlehem, Lower and Upper Nazareth townships. This township contains many fine farms, and fifty acres will cover all the waste land which cannot be used for agricultural, purposes, within its boundaries. The soil is unsurpassed in its fertility; is underlaid by a fine, blue limestone, and in various places by rich deposits of hematite iron-ore, in large quantities. Thousands of tons of the latter have been taken out at the mines on Thomas Richard's farm, and also on the adjoining farm of Matthew Hale Jones, Esq. The ores from these mines are principally taken to the Glendon Furnaces, located at a distance of two miles from the mines, although at some times the ore has been sent to different other furnaces along the Lehigh River. There are also rich deposits of iron ore on the farms of Geo. Hay Jacob Brown Jacob Rohn Isaac Brown several others, in the same vicinity LIMESTONE In this township is located the large limestone quarry owned by William Firmstone, Esq., called "The Glendon quarry." It employs upwards of seventy hands when in full operation, and supplies the, five furnaces of the Glendon Iron Works with limestone, which is used in melting the ore and running off its slag. There are also a number of other quarries, in connection with which are kilns, where the stone is burned into lime and sold to farmers to put on their land, or to builders. Many of the farmers have their own quarries and kilns, where they burn their own lime. SPRING; AND WATER-POWERS There is plenty of water for power, furnished by the river Lehigh and Bushkill Creek, From the former the Lehigh Water Company obtains its Water, which is pumped into its reservoir, located in this township, and from there is conducted, in pipes, through the various streets of Easton, to supply. On the Bushkill Creek are located a large number of flour and grist-mills. The principal ones being owned by Jacob Walter Tilghman Kepler Peifer & Nolf Mrs E. A. Newlin, etc. There are also several large springs Of water flowing out of this township, which either enter into the Lehigh River or Bushkill Creek, any one of which would be sufficient to supply the wants of at least fifty thousand inhabitants. The principal ones being the old "Kichline or Ackerman Spring," now owned by John Edelman, and the "Odenwelder Spring," owned by Colonel Valentine Mutchler. GROVES The woods in this township are very fine, and cannot be surpassed in beauty. The trees are mostly hickory and oak, with some chestnut. The most favorite resorts for picnics and camp-meetings are "Edelman's Woods," on the Easton and Bethlehem road, and the "Forest House Woods," both being easy of access. ROADS The roads in Palmer township are generally "in a good condition and the sign-boards all up," at least so says the constable under oath, six times during a year. The roads leading over hills and through the valleys, along the Bushkill Creek and Lehigh River, afford elegant drives, for, and are well patronized by, the citizens of Easton. RAILROADS The southern part of Palmer township is crossed by the Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad, a division of the Central Railroad of New Jersey, which company has its round-house at Odenweldertown, and it is contemplated to erect its machine-shops there also. The West Ward Passenger Railway Company extends into Palmer township as far as the Forest House, Besides these, a number of surveys have been made through the township for other roads. The principal villages are Odenweldertown Mutchlertown, in the southern part Seipsville in the central part Stockertown in the northern part. ODENWELDERTOWN Is a large and flourishing village, originally laid out by John Odenwelder, and is on the line of the Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad, and adjoins the western part of Easton, and for a number of year, did not improve very rapidly until after the completion of said railroad, when houses, commenced to go up as if by magic. It now contains one hotel one store two school houses sixty dwellings and tenant houses. And should the machine-shops be erected here-which is very probably the case-a large number of buildings will be erected to accommodate the increased population. MUTCHLERTOWN Is a village containing, thirty-five dwellings, southwest of Odenweldertown, also on the line of the Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad, and is located on all elevated piece of ground, laid out by Colonel Valentine Mutchler. The houses in both Odenweldertown and Mutchlertown are nearly all neat and handsome frame buildings. The Spring Grove Hotel, erected and remodeled by Colonel Valentine Mutchler is a handsome stone building, two stories high, with French roof, and is an ornament to the place. Near the door, is the never-failing spring of water, which is referred to in another part of this work. SEIPSVILLE Is on the Easton and Nazareth road, three miles from Easton, and four from Nazareth. It is it small village, and contains a hotel and few houses. For a number of years has not increased in population, nor in the number of houses. Although, the exterior finish of the houses, and of those in the immediate neighborhood, had been considerably improved within the last few years. One of the most beautiful landscape views is had from the porch of the hotel, looking east over the meadow land, toward the Bushkill. STOCKERTOWN In the northern part, is on the road leading from Easton to the Wind Gap, and six miles from Easton, is a large and flourishing village, that was laid out by Andrew Stocker, and during the last few years has improved very much. The village contains two hotels two dry goods and grocery stores two saddlery and harness one tin-shop twowheelwright and blacksmith-shops one grist-mill one tannery one school house about twenty dwellings Mr. Sandt, a young man of "go-ahead" qualifications, deserves special mention. He having erected a large hotel, and also a large store building, with it hall, Both have Mansard roofs, which give the whole place a business-like appearance, and allows as if the village was not behind the time. In addition to the foregoing villages, there are several places within the township limits that have during the past few years, improved that they might well be called villages, but as yet have received no names. We refer to the many buildings on Seventeenth Washington Northampton streets, west of the Borough of Easton To the number of houses erected between the Easton and Bethlehem, and the Easton and Freemansburg roads, on the plan of lots laid out by Emelius F. Kemmerer. The small village surrounding the "Fountain House," at the Old Kichline or Ackerman's Spring. The probabilities are, that in the course of a few years, all the improvements just named, With those of Odenweldertown, and Mutchlertown will be added or included within the limits of the Borough of Easton, or will he formed into a separate borough, and be called West Easton, taking the many fine improvements made in the township in the last few years into consideration, they are generally large and commodious, and display considerable architectural taste. Among them, the following deserve special mention : The handsome residence of William Firmstone, Esq., Superintendent of the Glendon Iron Works, with its beautiful grounds surrounding the same, all laid out with walk, and carriage road, winding around the hill, and the grounds covered with all kind of trees, shrubbery, and endless variety of flowers, the neat cottage and grounds occupied by John Bacon, Esq., the new cottages of A. Jackson Brown, Peter Pittinger, John Richards, and William C. Edelman, Esq. From the observatory of the later, a magnificent and inexhaustible view is had, including a view of the Blue Ridge Delaware Water Gap Wind Gap Lehigh Gap, and a number of villages and towns in the Lehigh Valley It is here that a person within a few seconds of time can see land lying in two States, and in six counties. SCHOOLS There are nine public schools in Palmer township, with in attendance of four hundred and thirteen scholars. The average per cent of attendance is eighty-five. The schools in this township, as well as those of some other townships, are not what they might be made. The Directors, being selected as a general thing, not from those who are themselves educated, but from that class of people who generally understand farming, or their own business, but who know comparatively little about teaching, and who will vote for low salaries, short term, and green teachers, and who do not compel the teachers to attend District Institutes, nor read books on teaching, of which a good teachers Library is owned by the District, but is allowed to mould to the case, but, which, if the teachers would be obliged to read, might vastly benefit both teachers and scholars. Among the present inhabitants, of, Palmer township, who still bear the names of the older settlers, we have the names of Brown Edelman Hay Kock Knecht Odenwelder Seip Wagener Walter Yeager The writer has often heard his father speak of some of the older inhabitants, who would go to Philadelphia and purchase redemptioners. Redemptioners was the name applied to those who embarked from Germany without having money to pay their passage across the Atlantic, and who were, on their arrival at Philadelphia, exposed at public auction, and sold for their fare, and who consequently were obliged to serve for a series of years to repay the purchase. The price usually was about ten pounds, and would cost the redemptioner from three to five years hard manual labor. Many of them after serving out their time faithfully, became wealthy and influential citizens. 264 The writer is personally acquainted with two old respectable and wealthy men who are now living in Northampton county, who are of the class enumerated. But for fear that his old friends would not like to have their names carried down in history in this connection, he will not mention their names here. When the Indian Treaty was held at Easton, January 20th and 21st, Indians encamped February 4th and 6th, 1777, it is said that many of the Indians encamped along the springs, from the Bushkill, up to near where the Fountain House now stands. THE FARMERS' AND MECHANICS INSTITUTE OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY The Northampton County Agricultural Society held a Fair and Cattle Show in Palmer township, in the fall of 1855, adjoining the borough line of Easton, in a small orchard of Jacob B. Odenwelder, or what now is the southeast and southwest corner of Fifteenth and Butler streets. Many will remember the little hollow place, about one hundred feet in diameter, around which the horses on exhibition were driven to show their speed, and which constituted the race-course. The Fair here held was the, first one held in Northampton county; and, as it proved a success, it was determined upon, that some permanent and suitable place should be chosen, land bought, and buildings erected, to fully accommodate exhibitors. There arose a controversy as to where the buildings, should be located. Easton, Bethlehem, and Nazareth, were the places spoken of, and each one claimed and pressed its advantages. Finally, Nazareth was selected, grounds purchased, and buildings erected. But a large number of the citizens of Easton being dissatisfied as to the place selected, and the convenience of the same, were not slow in their actions, and on the eleventh day of October, A.D., 1855, a meeting was held in the old Court House, in the Borough of Easton, which meeting was called to order by the late Hon. James Madison Porter; and Jacob B, Odenwelder, Esq., of Palmer, was elected President. Mr. Porter stated the object of the meeting to be the formation of a society to advance agricultural and mechanical arts. Subscription books were opened and the necessary capital soon raised. On the twenty-fourth day of October, 1855, the constitution was adopted; and, at the same meeting, Theodore R. Sitgreaves, Michael Butz, and Samuel Yohe, were appointed a committee to purchase some twenty-nine acres of land, of Jacob B. and William Odenwelder, in Palmer township, the present site occupied by the buildings, &c. The first Board of Directors consisted of Jacob B. Odenwelder Christian Nagle James Shoemaker James Madison Porter Michael Butz Robert C. Pyle Samuel Yohe George Yates Dr. Evan Slough Theodore R. Sitgreaves John Davis Joseph Steckel David Connor Joseph Sigman William Firmstone On the organization of the Board, Samuel Yohe was elected President Jacob B. Odenwelder, Vice-President Rev. Dr. John Vanderveer, Treasurer George W. Bates, Secretary Afterwards, Dr. Vanderveer resigned, and Thomas Pomp was elected as his successor, who held the office until his death; and on the fifth of September, 1856, Philip Lerch Jr., was elected Treasurer. The first Fair of the Farmers and Mechanics Institute, opened on the twenty-third of September, 1856, and was a grand success, both financially and otherwise. The main building is the finest Fair building in the State of Pennsylvania, and the tract and grounds cannot well be surpassed. The main building was erected by George F. Gibson, Esq., who was the contractor and builder. CAMP WASHINGTON During the spring and summer of 1861, the buildings and grounds of the Farmers and Mechanics Institute were occupied as a campground, which was called "Camp Washington." On the nineteenth of April, 1861, to the twenty-seventh of the same month, the First Regiment, Rhode Island Marine Artillery, were encamped here. The Commander-in-Chief and staff, consisted of his Excellency Governor William Sprague Colonel Lyman B. Freize Colonel William Goddard Colonel Samuel G. Arnold Colonel Ambrose E. Burnside was Colonel of the regiment, and Joseph S. Pitman, Lieutenant-Colonel The marines were accompanied by Mr. James Allen, with two war balloons, intended to observe the enemy's movements. The regiment had along with them six pieces of cannon; and practiced in the field adjoining Edelman's Woods, on the west, where they had many spectators. The regiment left for the seat of war, on Saturday evening April 27th, 1861; and, on their way, passed through Baltimore eight days after the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment had passed, which was attacked by the inch, and three of the regiment killed. The marines, however, took time by the forelock; placed their cannon in position on the cars, so as to resist any attack that might be made upon them whilst passing through Baltimore. They were, however, unmolested. The regiment, in the terrible slaughter at Bull Run, was completely cut up, and but few escaped with their lives. After this regiment left, the camp was occupied by three regiments of the Reserve Volunteer Corps of Pennsylvania, numbering nearly 3,000 strong, and were commanded as follows: Second Regiment.- Colonel, Wm. B. Mann Lieutenant-Colonel, Albert S. Magilton Major, William McCandless Third Regiment.- Colonel, Horatio G. Sickels Lieutenant-Colonel, Wm. S. Thompson Major, Richard H. Woolworth Fourth Regiment.- Colonel, R. S. March Lieutenant-Colonel, John F. Gaul Major, Robert M. McClure The writer remembers the booming of cannon at Easton, on the twenty-ninth of May, 1861, at 3 o'clock, A. M., which announced the arrival of Colonel Mann's regiment. These three regiments remained in camp quite, a while, and thousands of people from New Jersey and Pennsylvania visited the camp. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP-(1871) THIS township lies in the shape of an almost perfect triangle, and is bounded on the northeast by Upper Mount Bethel township on the southeast by Lower Mount Bethel on the west by Plainfield and for a very short distance, on the north, by Monroe county it was set off from Lower Mount Bethel, and erected into a separate township, in 1871. The surface is principally rolling and hilly, underlaid with slate formations, except a marshy tract or valley, close along the southern side of the Blue Mountain ridge, in which are the springs that feed Martins Creek, (the Indian Moiawugurtenk) which flows nearly the entire length of the township through its centre, furnishing abundance of water power for its mills. The first settlement within the present limits of the township was made not far from 1730, at the point which is now Richmond. This was one of the three groups of cabins, which composed the historical " Alexander Hunter settlement;" the other two being planted at Martins Creek and Williamsburg. Other pioneers (much later than these, however,) were Philip Shuck, who settled where Bangor now is, and built a log house on the site now occupied by the residence of R. M. Jones, Esq., Leonard Kern, the Alberts, Oberholts and Funks. Among the first-if not the first-frame house built in the township was erected by John Albert. The first stone house by John Werkheiser (now standing at Leiberts mill), and the first brick house was built by Jeremiah Kurz. Roads were laid out through the township (running from Nazareth to the river), before 1750, but the first local roads were laid out and worked about 1802-running through Ackermansville to Fox Gap-and in 1804, one running by Henrys mill and Wind Gap to Williamsburg. The first mill in the township, was a log mill, built at Ackermansville, by Henry Miller, in the year 1788. The next mill was a frame structure, built in 1860, by one Rodehrock. After this, the next built was Cressmans, at Flicksville, erected in 1826. Upon the site, on which this was built, a distillery had been erected in 1812, by one Funk, The house near the mill was used as a mill-house. One of the earliest stores within the township (if not the first), was opened at Richmond soon after, William Sherlock started the first store at Martins Creek, in Lower Mount Bethel. In 1803, Simon Hart, an Israelite, opened a store at Flicksville, where he did a somewhat profitable trade in furs, as well as general merchandise. In the year 1800, the first tavern was opened, by Philip Gross, at Richmond. It is said to have been on a very limited scale, and with poor accommodations for guests. Probably, however, it was sufficient for the requirements of travelers. Twenty-five cents for meals, and a shilling for lodging, were the "transient" prices charged by Gross. The name of the first physician is unknown. A Dr. Dykeman is supposed to have been among the first. Of lawyers there were none in that section in those days. 265 The first blacksmith-shop was opened before the year 1800, by Frederick Teel. It stood near the spot where now is the residence of R. M. Jones, Esq. Not long after, the first school was opened in this same shop, started by subscription, and taught by Henry Lehr. The attendance was about thirty, which was very large for that location, and that early time. The first church was, of course, a building of logs, erected in 1804, at the place where the Mennonite Church now stands, in Bangor. The pastor was Rev. Mr. Brobst, as is mentioned in the account of the churches in old Mount Bethel. The successor of Rev. Brobst was Rev. Mr. Funk. The first Post Office was established at Richmond, in the year 1804. The mail was carried on horseback via Portland and the service was weekly. Post Offices were afterward established at Ackermanville and Bangor. The village of Flicksburg about the centre of the township, is a cluster of about twenty houses, and Factoryville, in the southwestern portion also a village which can hardly be called more than a hamlet. The southern half of the township is fertile and well adapted to purposes of agriculture, but the northern portion being far less valuable for farming, is chiefly devoted to the development of slate interest. The first quarrying done, on anything like an extensive scale, was begun about the year 1859, though there were a few school-slates manufactured in that section at an earlier date. There are two school-slate factories on Martin's Creek, one owned by William H. Snyder, which has been in operation since 1864, and the other by Moser & Ackerman, which last named ships one hundred and fifty cases of slate per month. The "True Blue" slate quarry, also on Martins Creek, and about two miles from Bangor, was started in April, 18519, by - Daniel Herman A. Doster Josiah Riegel Jacob Riegel John Riegel Wilson Shaffer Jacob Altermus Stephen Riegel, who entered into a partnership, and bought the farm of Joseph Galloway, upon which they expended $70,000 in the opening and equipment of the quarry above named. This was in a barren, and hitherto impoverished portion of the township, but the opening of the business of slate quarrying then proved of much benefit to the people of the vicinity. The quarry, if worked to its full capacity can produce 30,000 squares of roofing slates annually, but at present the production is only from 7,000 to 10,000 squares furnishing employment to about twenty-five men. There are at present, in the Township of Washington, ten school houses, exclusive of those in the Borough of Bangor, The Board of School Directors for 1871, is composed as follows: William Kline, President C. K. Haughawout, Secretary Treasurer Joseph Albert Andrew Sandt John S. Ackerman The exact population of the township of Washington, is not known, as no census has been taken since it was partitioned from Lower Mount Bethel. Its history previous to the separation (1871) is chiefly merged in that of Upper and Lower Mount Bethel, and of the original township, out of which all the three have been formed. End of History Section.