Area History: History of Schuylkill County, Pa: W. W. Munsell, 1881 Township and Borough Histories pp. 229 - 244 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by R. Steffey. Typing and editing by Jo Garzelloni and Carole Carr. 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. _____________________________________________________________ HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PA with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers. New York: W. W. Munsell & Co., 36 Vesey Street, 1881 Press of George Macnamara, 36 Vesey Street, N.Y. ____________________________________________________________ page 229 BOROUGH GOVERNMENT OF MAHANOY CITY. _______________________________________________________________ MAHANOY CITY BOROUGH. _______________________________________________________________ This borough is the center of a colliery district, the aggre- gate annual pay roll of which has during some years exceeded $2,000,000. Settled in 1859, it is still in its infancy; yet it bears marks of improvement that would do credit to many an older borough. The population in 1870 was 5,533 and in 1880 6,892. The petition for a borough charter was approved by the grand jury of Schuylkill county September 11th, 1863, and an order of the Court of Common Pleas, dated December 16th of that year, con- firmed the charter. The first charter election was held Tuesday, February 23d, 1864. The first chief burgess elected was John Eichman, and the office has since been filled as follows: 1865, 1866, 1875, 1876, 1878, John Eichman; 1867, Jonas Hein; 1868, 1870, William F. Jones; 1869, John T. Quinn; 1871, 1873, Emanuel Boyer; 1872, Frank Wenrich; 1874, George Major, who was assassi- nated by the Mollie Maguires during his term of office, the term being completed by John Eichman; 1877, James Matthias, who ab- sconded during his term and left a vacancy, which was filled by the appointment of James Watkins. In 878 the candidates were Watkins, the acting chief burgess, and John Jones, the last of whom received the certificate of election. Mr. Watkins contest on the ground that Jones, being an election officer, was ineligi- ble. Jones was unseated and Watkins died, leaving a vacancy, which was filled by the election of John Eichman. In 1879 the office was filled by Ryce J. Griffiths, and in 1880 by John Weber. The other executive officers for 1880 were: President, Joseph Hughes; secretary, Eli S. Reinhold; treasurer, John Eich- man; solicitor, T.H.B. Lyon; chief of police, John Leitenburger; chairman of fire and water committee, William Muldowney. The first subdivision into election districts was made March 23d, 1865, when by a special act of the Legislature the borough was divided into two wards. The latest division of the borough, into five wards, was made in 1875. The borough council consists of three members from each ward. The real estate owned by the borough includes one good sized two-story frame building on Mahanoy street, which serves the varied purposes of council hall, engine house, fire companies' parlors, and jail. It was built in 1869, and it is valued at $4,000. A small framed structure on Main street, at the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad crossing, was erected in 1878 for the use of the chief burgess. It is valued at $200. All of the principal streets have been raised from five to fifteen feet above their old level and macadamized, and the bonded indebtedness of $33,100 reported at the commencement of the fiscal year of 1880 is due to these improvements, which were indispensable, not only to the comfort but the health of the people. The Mahanoy City post-office was established in 1839. John Lindemuth was the first postmaster, succeeded by C.C. Hagenbusch, David Philips, E.L. Severn, and the latter's widow, Mrs. Mary Severn. The office is on south Main street. Mails are received several times a day from New York and Philadelphia by way of the Lehigh Valley and Reading railways. The office pays a salary of about $1,700 yearly. The clerks employed are ladies. SKETCHES OF THE BURGESSES. John Eichman, the first chief burgess, elected in 1864 and six times thereafter, is a native of Germany, and was born in 1817. He came to America in 1847, and to Mahanoy City in 1863. He married Barbara Hoppe in Germany, and has two children. In 1879 he was elected borough treasurer, and he has filled the office since that date. Since 1867 he has been superintendent and collector for the Mahanoy City Water Company. Jonas Hein, elected in 1867, was born near Hamburg, Berks county, in 1822. He opened the first meat market in the place in company with Frank Wenrich; and since 1863 he has been in the butchering business on his own account. Mr. Hein served in the emergency service in the war for the Union. He married Miss Mary Harper, of Hamburg, and has one daughter. He has been an active, public spirited man and an efficient officer. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, a Knight of Pythias, and an American Mechanic. His daughter married Tobias Gearhart, of this place. William F. Jones, elected in 1878, is a native of South Wales, and for many years worked as a miner in Wales, Australia, California and this county, assisting to open the first drifts in the township. In 1862 he opened a store that is still in opera- tion, on Mahanoy street, conducted by his eldest son, who suc- ceeded his father in the spring of 1880. John T. Quinn, elected in 1879, is a native of Pottsville, born November 1st, 1838. He was married in June, 1863, to Marg- eretta Kennedy, of Salem, N.J. He has resided in Mahanoy City since 1864, coming here from Port Carbon, where he had lived since 1839. Mr. Quinn is a butcher, and carries on quite an extensive business. Emanuel Boyer, elected in 1871, is also a native of the coun- ty, having been born in Schuylkill township in 1829. On reaching manhood he removed to Middleport, and opened a tailor shop. He married at Tuscarora, in 1859, Elizabeth Horne, of Union town- ship, and removed to Tuscarora, where he was employed at the store of Joseph Adlers. In 1853 he was offered the agency of the Little Schuylkill Company at this point, and removed here, set- tling in a building owned by the company-the solitary tavern that for many years had been the forerunner of Mahanoy City. Mr. Boyer is regarded as the pioneer of the place. He has held several offices of trust in the old township, and his tern as burgess was marked by a contest between the council and himself, in which he maintained the interests of the taxpayers in the courts, ______________end page 229.______________ page 230 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ and contributed materially to a more economical administration. He has had twelve children, but four of whom are living. Frank Wenrich, elected in 1872, was born at Myerstown, Leba- non county, Pa., August 18th, 1837. He opened a meat market at Tuscarora in 1860, and in 1862 came to Mahanoy City in partner- ship with Jonas Hein; since 1865 he has been in business on Center street for himself. He married Kate Bobb, of Shafertown, Lebanon county, in 1864, and has had eight children; only two of whom are living. Besides his term as burgess, he has been a councilman three years. He was president of the council in 1879, and has been first lieutenant of the Silliman Guards since 1875. He served in the Pottsville First Defenders in the was for the Union. He incurred the enmity of the Mollie Maguires and was arrested and tried for complicity in the Wiggan's Patch riot, on which occasion a strong effort was made to convict him by sub- orned testimony; but he was triumphantly vindicated. George Major, elected in 1874, will be remembered in all coming time as a faithful, efficient executive, who was ruthless- ly murdered by the emissary of a mob, while in the discharge of his duty. Mr. Major was a Welshman, who, with his brothers, had excited the fear and enmity of the Mollies, and the question of his death, it was afterward learned, had been a matter of discus- sion in their bodies before the occurrence of the event. He was elected as the representative of the combined interests of those opposed to the reign of terror which was paralyzing the industr- ies of the place; and his death, if not the result of a concealed conspiracy, accorded well with the general course of the hated "Ancients" whenever they failed to frighten a public officer into submission or drive him out of office. Ryce J. Griffiths, elected in 1879, was born in Wales, and came to America with his father, Evan J. Griffiths, when he was an infant. Mr. Griffiths was a carpenter until he lost both legs, and since then he has been in the insurance business. He was elected justice of the peace in 1878. He married, at this place, Eliza Davis, also a native of Wales. John Weber, chief burgess for 1880, was born in Bavaria in 1831, and came to America in 1853, settling in St. Clair, at which place he married a Miss Schnorr, by whom he has eight children. Mr. Weber came to Mahanoy City, and for years has represented the brewery firm of D.G. Yuengling & Co. in this vic- inity. MAGISTRATES OF MAHANOY CITY. H.H. Stauffer, who may be called the senior justice of the peace in Mahanoy, has been connected with the interest of Mahanoy township since 1824; his father settling here in 1808. He mar- ried in 1848, Christiana Reichers, of Union township, who died September 12th, 1849. In 1853 he married Catharine T. Krieger, a native of Rush, and he has eleven children living. Mr. Stauffer was interested in the organization of this township, and for years was actively identified with its affairs. He served on the constabulary of Pottsville and St. Clair; was for several years a member of the coal and iron police, and is serving his third term as a magistrate in Mahanaoy City. William Encke was born in Pru- ssia, in 1837, and came to American in 1868. He served as an officer in the Prussian army in the Schleswick Holstein and con- federated province wars, and was a lieutenant in 1867. He set- tled in Albany county, N.Y., and in 1870 came to this place. He married Susan Cornelius, of this place. He is a sign painter and was elected a magistrate in 1875. He is a member of the Silliman Guards, a Knight of Pythias, and an Ancient Druid. Alexander May, born in St. Clair, Schuylkill county, came to Mahanoy city in 1862, and for several years worked as clerk in a store, and in the mines. He is now a fireman in the employ of Lentz, Bowman & Co. He married, at Cumbola, in 1871, Charlotte Davis. He is a member of the Silliman Guards and an Odd Fellow. He was elected a justice of the peace in 1870. Augustus Weber was born in Baltimore, in 1838, and in 1864 came to this place. He worked for some years as a carpenter and builder. He served as a private in company C 9th Pennsylvania Reserves and was elected justice in 1876. He is a member of the Silliman Guards. He married Esther Wilk, of Mahanoy City, by whom he has two children. He is a mine carpenter at the Webster colliery. Patrick McCarthy was born in county Waterford, Ireland, in 1847, and came to Mahanoy in 1860, where he married Mary Ann Mur- phy in 1875. He is a member of the board of education. He has served as councilman, and was elected justice in 1869. He has worked as a miner all his life. Andrew Comrey, general insurance agent, is one of the leading citizens of the place, and an able and successful editor. He has occupied various positions of honorable trust and he is connected with many of the local enterprises. He has served as justice for several years. George W. Wythe, insurance agent and notary pub- lic for the First National Bank, was born in Minersville, in Dec- ember, 1843, and came to Mahanoy City in 1865, as clerk in a store. He is a justice of the peace, elected in 1878. He mar- ried Emma R. Fay, of Pottsville, in 1867. FIRE COMPANIES. Humane Fire Company, No. 1, was organized June 18th,1868, with 24 members. Fred. L. Spiegel was president; W.R. Yost secretary, and P. Hermony treasurer. At a special meeting held November 12th, 1868, M.M. Ketner was elected president in place of Spie- gel, and he served until January, 1880, when he resigned, owing to his having been appointed warden of the county prison at Pottsville. At a meeting of the company May 20th, 1880, Mr. Ketner was presented with a handsome gold headed cane as a testi- monial of the esteem in which he was held by the members of the Humane. The officers for 1880 were: President, Patrick McInert- _______________end page 230.________________ page 231 MAHANOY CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT-SCHOOLS-THE PRESS ______________________________________________________________ vice-president, Patrick McCarthy; secretary, M.L. Murphy; treas- urer, Philip McGuire. The "Humanes" have leased a piece of ground containing about five acres, known as "Smith's Farm," in the immediate vicinity of the town, which will be improved for a pleasure park and parade ground. The last financial statement of the company showed total assets of $1,258. The apparatus of the company was furnished by, and belongs to, the borough. The Citizens' Fire Company, No. 2, was organized in February, 1870, and received a charter the same year. The first officers were: E.S. Silliman, president; Lucian Troutman, secretary; M.L. Thompson, treasurer. John F. Shoener was chosen foreman, and served until 1874, when at a meeting of the company, which up to that time had been largely made up of business and professional men, who found the duties of the position too burdensome, a re- solution was adopted authorizing M.M. Bowman, who had been from the inception of the fire department one of its ablest support- ers, to recruit twenty young and active men, of good standing in the place, for membership. At a subsequent meeting twenty-one candidates were reported by Mr. Bowman, and a reorganization was effected. George Major, then chief burgess of the borough, was elected foreman. On the evening of October 30th, 1874, an alarm of fire was sounded, and the companies were called out. While at the fire a quarrel arose between William Major, a brother of the foreman, and an Irishman named Sullivan, connected with the Humane Compa- ny, during which Major was fatally shot. In the excitement that followed the murderer escaped. An Irishman named Dan Dougherty was arrested, tried and acquitted; and it was not until some years later, from the disclosures made by some of the "Mollies," it was learned that the real murdered was a man named McCann, who had disappeared and has never been apprehended. George Giger was elected in the place of Major, and served until 1878. John Jones was foreman in 1879, and Esau Reese in 1880. The first hose carriage of the company was procured from the Good Intent Company, of Pottsville, by whom, many years before, it had been purchased of the old Fame Company of Phila- delphia. It is believed to be the oldest carriage in use in the State, and is still in good condition and occupying a post of honor in the department building. In 1875 a steam fire engine of the Silsby pattern was procured, at a cost of $5,500, of which the sum the borough council contributed two-fifths, the balance being paid by the company. A new hose carriage was added in 1870. The company has about 1,600 feet of good leather hose, a good reading room, and an engine admirable well kept and manned. The company in 1880 mustered forty men, with the following offi- cers: John H. Dunn, president; M.M. Bowman, secretary; David Hahnstock, treasurer; Erau Reese, foreman; William Dennis, chief engineer; Thomas Whyatt and M.S. Giger, assistants. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The first meeting of the school board of the new borough was held in June, 1864. The board was composed of John M. Barry, W.H. Heidenrich, Valentine Benner, John Tobin and David Phillips. At this meeting John M. Barry was elected president, David Phil- lips treasurer and John M. Conyngham secretary. The number of school buildings at that time was three, accom- modating sixteen schools. The board has since erected a hand- some building on Centre street, at an expense of about $15,000, and has largely added to and improved the Spruce street building. The total number of buildings in 1880 was three, accommodating nineteen schools, with an equal number of teachers. The high school affords all of the practical features of an academic education. The total value of property owned by the department is $60,000. T.W. Spurr was president in 1880, and A.W. Brown sec- retary. HOTELS. The Mansion House is the property of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company. It occupies the site on which a wayside tavern had stood since 1809. Mr. Charles F. King is the proprietor. The Merchants' Hotel stands on West Centre street. It is owned and kept by F. Keyser. The Eagle Hotel is on North Main street. Harrison Derrick is its owner, and Charles P. Derrick its manager. The Exchange Hotel, at 16 East Centre street, is kept by Patrick H. Ryon, an old miner who lost his eyesight by a prema- ture blast in 1860. At this house the first borough election of Mahanoy City was held. THE PRESS. The founding of the first newspaper in Mahanoy City was due to supposed party exigencies. In the summer of 1865, a time when party spirit ran very high, it was rumored that a Democratic newspaper was in contemplation. Alarmed at this prospect, some prominent local politicians of the opposite party united in a movement that inaugurated the Mahanoy City Gazette, which made its first appearance on Saturday, November 11th, 1865, under the editorial management of Dr. George B.H. Swayze, who was one of its founders. Associated with him as owners of the young Repub- lican organ were David Philips, Frank Carter, E.S. Silliman, Charles M. Hill, Yost & Reagan, and one or two others; each of whom contributed the sum of $100 towards the working capital. Previous to this date a Tamaqua establishment had put in here a small job printing office. The publication of the Gazette, while in the hands of Messrs. Swayze & Phillips, was marked by a display of literary talent on the part of the editor which made the paper a valuable organ for its party; but the large medical practice of Dr. Swayze and the mercantile interests of his partner interfered with their politico-literary venture to such an extent that they disposed of the material, etc., to William ________________end page 231._______________ page 232 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ Ramsey and Charles Dunkelberger, two practical printers, who continued to publish the Gazette, dropping from its title the word "City." From the time of this change, in 1866, until the present, it has been owned successively by Ramsey & Dunkelberger, Ramsey & Spencer, William Ramsey, Lyon & Comrey, Andrew Comrey, and Reinhold & Sollenberger. Under Mr. Ramsey, who united his fortunes with those of the paper for the longest time, there was issued more than a year a small advertising sheet for gratuitous distribution, called the Wednesday Gazette. During the proprie- torship of Lyon & Comrey the name of the paper was changed to The Mahanoy Tribune, and the wife of the senior partner, Mrs. Jane Lyon, occupied the responsible position of editor. The present editors and proprietors, Reinhold & Sollenberger, are gentlemen of marked talents and well known throughout the State. The Tribune is an eight-column folio, published weekly. When Ramsey & Spencer dissolved partnership (July 14th, 1871) the latter established a job printing office in the town, and issued a small advertising sheet, named The Mahanoy Local, for free distribution. He started the Mahanoy Valley Record on Thursday, November 2nd, 1871. A year later he sold the business to John Parker, formerly of the Anthracite Monitor. The paper, which had been Republican, in 1877 became an advocate of the principles on which the National Greenback Labor party is, in the main, based. The publication was changed, September 15th, 1877, to a tri-weekly, issued Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of each week, at one cent per copy. This change resulted in a largely increased circulation, the name of the paper being Parker's Tri- Weekly Record. John Parker, the editor and proprietor was elect- ed State senator for the 30th district in 1878. SILLIMAN GUARDS. This company (Company C 7th P.S.G.) was mustered in November 13th, 1875, and the following officers were elected: Captain, John F. Shoener; 1st lieutenant, Frank Wenrich; 2nd lieutenant, S.S. Hoppes. The rank and file number sixty-three men. The company purchased their own equipments, at a total cost to them- selves and their friends of about $3,000, to which fund E.S. Silliman, president of the First National Bank, was a liberal contributor. During the strike and riots of 1877 the Guards were called out, and served at Harrisburg and Pittsburgh from July 26th to August 10th. As conservators of law and order the compa- ny has been eminently a success, proving a standing menace to the lawless element, the course of which in the city and vicinity made its organization a necessity, while the prudent management of its officers has prevented collisions that, under less cau- tious leadership, might have been of frequent occurrence and disastrous results. The Guards have twice attended State encampments; once during the Centennial Exposition, and again at Camp Meade, in 1880. They have a fine armory in the City Hall block, on South Main street. REPRESENTATIVE MEMBERS OF THE GUARDS. Captain John A. Shoener was born in Berks county, Pennsylva- nia, in 1834, and in 1855 settled in Tremont, where he was en- gaged in business for several years. On the 25th of April, 1861, he enlisted in the 14th Pennsylvania volunteers, and was given the rank of first lieutenant of Company B. At close of its term of service he re-enlisted as second lieutenant of Company D 55th Pennsylvania volunteers, and was promoted to the first lieutenan- cy of his company. After a long and arduous campaign he was mustered out on account of disability, and settled in Mahanoy City, carrying on the business of an architect and builder. He married at Tremont, in this county, October 3d, 1856, Mary Fra- ley, of Millersburg, Pa. On the organization of the Silliman Guards he was elected to its command; and, in his long career as its commanding officer, has amply justified the confidence placed in him. First Lieutenant Frank Wenrich, who if referred to among the chief burgesses of Mahanoy City, has also proved an efficient officer. Second Lieutenant Solomon S. Hoppes is a native of Schuylkill county, born in West Penn township in September, 1846. He served in the 34th Pennsylvania reserves during the rebel invasion of Pennsylvania, and re-enlisted in Company A 202d Pennsylvania volunteers, as a private. He was in the engagement at Salem Hill. He was discharged August 3d, 1865, and afterward volun- teered for three months additional service. He was commissioned to his present rank at the organization of the Guards. August 13th, 1874, he married Katie E. Stitzer, of this place. Since 1876 he has been a grocer. Before that he was a book-keeper at the Excelsior mills for four years. First Sergeant William Y. Weber has been with the Guards since their organization; enlisting as a corporal, and by various stages, being promoted to his present position. Sergeant Weber is a tinsmith. He is a native of Schuylkill Haven, and married Emma A. Medlar, of Mahanoy City. Sergeant William F. Richardson was born in St. Clair, Schuylkill county, May 24th, 1856, and in 1861 came to Mahanoy City with his father, Isaac W. Richardson, who was a miner. He was on the original roll of the Silliman Guards, and was promoted to his present rank. Sergeant Richard- son married Hannah Lewis, of this place, July 29th, 1878. Corporal George N. Steach was born at Womelsdorf, Berks coun- ty, Pa., in 1837, and married Anna Rhine, of North Heidelberg, Pa. In 1864, he came to this city. He is an original member of the Guards. He is a brickmaker, but for several years has been employed in the grocery house of J.N. Kutz in Mahanoy City. H. Fermier was born in Bavaria, in 1849, and came to America with his parents in 1851, settling in Philadelphia. He came to Mahanoy City in 1867 and worked as clerk in various stores. He married Agnes Sheipe, of this place. He has been with the Guards since the organization of the company. _____________end page 232._______________ page 233 BUSINESS ENTERPRISES OF MAHANOY CITY. _____________________________________________________________ Corporal William Short was born in Monmouthshire, Wales; coming to America in 1848, when a child. His family settled in Philadelphia, where his father pursued the business of shoemak- ing. He came to Mahanoy City in 1872, and married Maggie Bol- ton, of St. Clair, Pa. He has been with the Guards since 1876. BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS. First National Bank.-This institution was organized September 27th, 1864, with a paid up capital of $50,000, and commenced business December 13th, 1864. The first directors were Abraham Focht, Henry Meyer, Edward S. Silliman, Frank Carter, William Reagan, David Phillips and Edward Boyd. The first president was Abraham Focht, and William L Yoder has always been the cashier. Nicholas Ballat was elected president July 17th, 1867, succeeded by Edward S. Silliman, August 8th, 1867. The present capital is $80,000; surplus, $22,000. The bank building, Masonic Hall, and cashier's dwelling are all in one building, which cost $10,500. The Fidelity Building and Loan Association of Mahanoy City was incorporated October 29th, 1874. The following were the first officials: President, A.W. Brown; vice-president, William B. Wagner; secretary, T.H.B. Lyon; solicitor, I.Y. Sollenberger; treasurer, E.S. Silliman; directors-A.W. Brown, William B. Wag- ner, William Watkins, William L. Yoder, James K. Watkins, A.J. Luburg, John F. Shoener, Charles Boner and John Parker. The auditor's exhibit for the year ending October 19th, 1880, showed total assets of $95,708.69, of which $10,142 was in real estate at cost value (which yielded during the year a net income of 11 per cent.), with liabilities to shareholders of $70,986.72. The total number of shares outstanding was: 1st series, 718; 2nd series, 175; 3d series, 354. The values of these were respec- tively $118.46, $27.91 and $13.46. Scheurman's Building, Loan and Saving Fund Association was organized in October, 1874, with Carl Scheurman as president, David Bowman treasurer and William Encke secretary. This insti- tution is supported mainly by the German-American citizens of Mahanoy. The statement of auditors for the year ending September 30th, 1880, shows net assets of $28,215.90, of which $7000 is in real estate; and liabilities of $2,939.70, or a surplus to stock- holders of $25,276.11. The whole number of shares at that date was two hundred and thirty-one, with a present value of $109.42 each. The officers for 1880 were: David Bowman, president; G.F. Dipper, treasurer; William Encke, secretary; W.H.B. Lyon and Andrew Comrey, auditors. Other Saving Funds.-The Mahanoy City and William Tell Build- ing and Loan Associations were in liquidation in 1880, their shares having matured. The Weber is still in operation, but up to the time of going to press the data asked for a sketch of it had not been furnished. Mahanoy City Gas Company.-This corporation was organized February 21st, 1874. Its first directors were E.S. Silliman, W.F. Smith, George H. Troutman, E.K. Weber and J.C. Knapp. The first officers were: W.F. Smith, president; George H. Troutman, secretary; William L. Yoder, treasurer. The authorized capital of the company is $30,000, of which $18,000 is paid up. The works were completed and the gas turned on October 1st, 1874, about two miles of pipes having been laid. The gas is made from naphtha, and the company's buildings are located at Second and Railroad streets. In 1875 E.F. Smith succeeded W.F. Smith as president; in 1876 E.S. Silliman was elected, and he has since held the office. Mr. Troutman was secretary until 1878, when Andrew Comrey was elected, who is the present secretary. Mr. Yoder is still treasurer. The directors for 1880 were E.S. Silliman, W.L. Yoder, E.F. Smith, H.K. smith and A. Comrey. The works have cost $20,000. Andrew Comrey is the is the superin- tendent. Mahanoy city Water Company.-The great need of this borough for years was a trustworthy supply of good water. The product of wells and springs was tainted with sulphur to a great extent, and liable to contamination by surface water in floods, and to stag- nation in time of drough (sic). The organization of the Mahanoy City Water Company was the necessary outgrowth of this want. A charter authorizing the issue of stock to the amount of $75,000 was procured in 1864, and under it E.S. Silliman was elected president, and Frank Carter secretary. John Eichman was appoint- ed collector and superintendent. A tract of land about two miles north from the borough, containing a fine mountain spring flowing from the red shale, was leased from the Girard estate. A reser- voir was made which has furnished a never-failing supply of water, from which the company supplies the adjacent collieries, the fire department, mills and private consumers. President Silliman and Superintendent Eichman have retained those positions until the present time. About two miles of mains and three miles of distributing pipes have been laid, and in 1880 a new dam (the third) was erected. _____________ A line art drawing of THE GRANT IRON WORKS is in this position in the original book. In the Table of Contents it is listed at page 233. Original text continues below the dividing line. ______________ THE GRANT IRON WORKS. These works, located just south of the borough limits, were erected in 1865, by Thomas Wren, of Pottsville. In 1866 they were purchased by Ralph R. Lee and George H. Wren, who operated them under the firm name of Lee & Wren until 1876, when Mr. Lee retired, since which time they have been conducted by George H. Wren. The buildings consist of the machine shop, 135 feet long, 35 ___________end page 233.____________ page 234 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY _______________________________________________________________ wide and 50 feet high; the erecting shop, 70 feet long by 35 feet wide; the smith shop, 60 feet long, 30 wide and 16 inch, and an office 32 by 17 feet. The works are supplied with costly machinery and a valuable assortment of patterns, and are capable of turning out a large amount of first class work. The firm at one time employed some sixty hands, but since the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company became owners of most of the collieries in the vicinity the demand for their work has decreased. They manufacture steam engines and pumps, rolling mill, furnace and mining machinery. COLLIERIES. Mahanoy City Colliery.-The drift here was opened and a break- er built in 1863, and the first coal was shipped in the spring of 1864, by Hill & Harris, who operated the colliery until 1873, and then sold to the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company. The veins worked are the Primrose and Mammoth. The depth of the first slope is 180 yards, with gangways running a mile and a half west from the bottom of the slope. About half a mile from the bottom of this slope another has been sunk to the depth of 100 yards. The power and ventilation are supplied by nine powerful engines and two air compressors. About 90 men and boys are employed outside, and 100 inside. The breaker has a capacity of 500 tons, and about 400 tons are produced daily. Harris, Sparr & Co.'s Colliery, opened in 1878, commenced shipping during the following year. The capacity of the breaker, operated by one small engine, is fifty tons daily. The number of men and boys employed is twenty-five. The vein worked is the Skidmore. A drift has been worked about two hundred yards. Reynolds, Roberts & Co.'s Colliery was opened by R. Phillips & Co. in 1872, and operated by them until 1877, when it was sold to its present owners. It capacity is one hundred tons daily. It works fifty men and boys, in heading extending 1,400 yards from the slope. There are four engines in use, aggregating 48 horse power. The works are at the head of Fifth streets, Mahanoy City. The Webster Colliery was opened by John Holland, in 1874, and the first shipment of coal was made in December of that year. The capacity of the breaker is 100 tons daily, and the power is furnished by one engine. Mr. Holland sold the colliery to King, Tyler & Co., and during their administration occurred the riot of 1875, which was caused by an attempt of a mob to close the works. E. Baldwin purchased the interest of the last named operators in 1879, and he is the present owner. The workings consist of a tun- nel of about forty yards in the Buck Mountain vein, which is there about 10 or 12 feet in thickness. The colliery, which is known by the local name of the Penitentiary, supplies some of the best coal sold in Mahanoy City, and is shipping up to its full capacity to other points. The Elmwood Colliery was opened at a point opposite the Grant Iron Works, in 1871, by R.R. Lee & G.H. Wren. They erected a breaker and machinery at a cost of $85,000, and operated it until 1874, when it was sold to the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, the present operators. The slope has a depth of one hundred and twenty yards on the Primrose, Mammoth and Seven- feet veins. The capacity of the breaker is 500 tons daily, and the average shipment about 300 tons. Fifty men and boys are employed inside, and seventy-five outside. SOCIETIES AND LODGES Mahanoy City Lodge, No. 94, D.O.H. was organized June 28th, 1863, with the following officers: P.C., Daniel Becker; Com., Valentine Bender; V.C., William Krause; secretary, Adam Wild (deceased); treasurer, John C. Knapp. The other charter members were Adam Gobbert, William Schwitzer, Frederick Becker, Joseph Short, George Gref, Bernhard Bunk, George Shining and Charles Kaier. The officers in 1880 were: C., Adam Stehling; secretary, Frederick Becker. The lodge has a beneficiary fund from which have been paid sick benefits and death claims since the date of organization. General Grant Lodge, No. 575, I.O.O.F. was instituted June 18th, 1864, with twelve charter members. The first officers were as follows: N.G., A. Cathers; V.G., C. Bartholemew; secretary, John R. Porter; assistant secretary, Townsend Hines; treasurer, G.F. Brendle. The officers for 1880 were: N.G., Thomas Woolcock; V.G., Charles King; secretary, William L.Ballantine; assistant secretary, John H. Williams; treasurer, Solomon Faust. The lodge had in 1880 one hundred and sixty-six members, and was growing in numbers and financial strength. It is one of the most successful lodges in the county. Its payments for benevolent purposes have been, it is claimed, greater than those of any other on Schuyl- kill county; and equaled by but few in the State. Mahanoy City Lodge, No. 351, F. & A.M., was instituted August 24th, 1865, by George H. McCabe, acting as R.W. Grand Master, who installed as the first officers of the lodge: Philip Conrad, W.M.; F.F. Kolb, S.W., Peter Harman, J.W.; Wesley Hammer, T.; John R. Porter, S. The present membership is eighty-four. The present officers: Phaon Hermony, W.M.; John W. Hardley, S.W.; John S. DeSilva, J. W.; William L. Yoder, T.; Thomas L. Hess, S. Mizpah Chapter, No. 252, was constituted February 1st, 1875, by M.E.G.H.P. Andrew Robeno, jr., with twenty-one charter mem- bers. The first officers were: Philip Conrad, M.E.H.P.; Thomas L. Hess, K.; Wesley Hammer, S.; Samuel Parmley, treasurer; Iassc Y. Sollenberger, secretary. The past high priests are Philip Conrad, Thomas L. Hess, Wesley Hammer, Samuel Parmley, Edward J. Phillips and James Wooley. The present officers are: Phaon Hermony, M.E.H.P.; Henry G. Dentzer, K.; George F. Brendle, S.; William L. Lodger, treasurer; Thomas L. Hess, secretary. The membership is 32. St. Patrick's B.A.-This society was organized in March, 1866, with twenty-four charter members. The first officers were: President, M. M. Ketner; secretary, ______________end page 234.______________ page 235 MAHANOY CITY SECRET SOCIETIES-FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. ______________________________________________________________ E.D. Cronin; treasurer, Miles Roach. The following officers have served the association: Presidents-M.J. Murphy and Richard Gill; secretaries-John A. Diven, Owen Dunn and Edmund Barrett; treasur- ers-Patrick Dillon, John Quinn, D. McNamara and Patrick Dillon. The membership is thirty-two. Seven Post, 110. G.A.R.-This post was named after Captain E.L. Severn, one of its most prominent members, and a popular officer. The imperfect data furnished the historian did not contain any list of charter members, or any account of the organ- ization. The post numbered in 1880 thirty-five members, with the following officers: P.C., J.L. Bricker; S.V.C., E.J.Phillips; J.V.C., Lewis Delong; adjutant, G.M. Miller; quarter-master, J.S. De Silva; surgeon, G.M. Miller; chaplain, J.F. Shoener; officer of day, John Cameron; officer of guard, John Elletts; sergeant- major, James Connor. The Citizens' Silver Cornet Band, organized in April, 1968, won the interest and confidence of the people of Mahanoy City by its excellent musical attainments, and by the gentlemanly demean- or and good social standing of its members. Its first leader was Jacob Britz, who was succeeded by William Smith, and he in turn by Henry Ferg, Stephen Gorman, John Harlan, E.N. Reed, and Louis Selkraft. Since January, 1880, Mr. Britz has been leader. The band has a pleasant music and reading room on South Main street, over Knapp's market, and leading citizens of the borough. In 1880 it obtained a complete and elegant new uniform which, with the fine instruments and well-balanced musical qualities of the band, make it the leading one in upper Schuylkill county. For the past five years the citizens' has been a popular band with the 7th regiment National Guards, and has furnished the music for their receptions and parades. Pamphylia Lodge, No. 719, I.O. of G.T., was instituted June 14th, 1869. Among its charter members were Charles Bensinger, Sallie E. Bensinger, John Bensinger, Rev. J.S. J. McConnell, G.H. Laury, James Matthias, George Dennis, O.C. Tiffany, Hattie Cowley and some thirty others. Its first officers were: W.C.T., J.S. J. McConnell; W.V.T., Sallie Bensinger; W.S., George H. Laury; W.M., James Matthias; Chap., S.L. Panglace. The lodge has met regularly since its organization at Bensinger's Hall, No. 30 Center street, on Friday evenings; and has initiated some five hundred persons. Its membership in October, 1880, was sixty- seven, and its officers were: W.C.T., W.D. Reynolds; W.V.T., Ella Holland; W.S., H.H. Dobson; W.F.S., William Shoener; W.T., C. Bensinger; W.M., Bessie Seligman; W. Chap., Sara Parker; W.I.G., Daniel Gouge; W.O.G., John Moyer. Rhenonia Lodge, No. 414, K. of P. was instituted November 26th, 1873, with a large list of charter members, from whom were elected the following officers for the first term; P.C., Simon Trier; C.C., Frederick Becker; V.C., Jacob Myers; P., Adam Steh- ling; secretary, Charles Hartung; treasurer, G.F. Dippert; F.S., Dr. Philip Weber; V., William Spehl; I.G., Jacob Mahle; O.G., William Encke. The past presiding officers are Henry Lochman, Henry Hagelgans, G. Mayer, Charles Perry, J. Leibenberger and George Graff. The officers for 1880 were: C.C., Louis Kehlman; secretary, F. Becker; V.C., Henry Goppert; P., Henry Lochman; W., Jacob Becker; I.G., Hartman Becker; O.G., Henry Hollgalgus; treasurer, G.F. Dipper; F. Sec., Ferdinand Petrey. The exercises are in German. Emerald Beneficial Association, Branch 39, was organized January 25th, 1874, with twenty-two charter members. The first officers were: President, M.J. Murphy; vice-president, Daniel Gill; secretary, John J. Hughes; treasurer, Patrick Dillion; marshal, John T. Quinn. The present officers are: President, M.J. Murphy, who has served every year since organization; vice- president, James McCabe; secretary, A.J. Connor; treasurer, Patrick Dillion; librarian, John Kelley; messenger, Patrick Stamford. The organization, which is literary as well as benefi- cial, has a large and valuable library. Mahanoy City Council, No. 162, Royal Arcanum.-This organiza- tion is a mutual beneficiary brotherhood, giving moral and mate- rial aid to its members, and those dependent on them. It pays sick benefits, and life insurance of $3,000 for full rate mem- bers, or $1,500 for half rate members. This council was instituted September 10th, 1878, with eleven charter members. Its officers in 1880 were: Regent, M.W. Price; vice-regent, R.B. Platt; orator, Thomas W. Duncan; past regent, O.C. Lewis; secretary, Frank Myers; collector, J.J. Dilcher; treasurer, Phaon Hermony; guide, E.C. Price; warden, W.H. Hab- blett; sentry, Samuel Platt; chaplain, Joseph A. Schoffstall; medical examiner, P. Hermony, M.D. A Young Men's Christian Association was formed in October, 1876. For nearly two years it held regular meetings, and main- tained a fine reading room, which however, was abandoned in 1878, at which time the society suspended operations. Other Organizations.-There are several societies of German origin, of but slight importance, the secretaries of which failed to furnish any data; also a band, which did not respond to the historian's request for information. CHURCH HISTORY. First Presbyterian Church.-During the summer of 1860 there was occasional preaching in the old Spruce street school-house by Rev. Messrs. Colt, Bryson and Thompson, and in 1861 regular appointments were made here. This was the first organized effort by any Protestant denomination here. October 14th of the same year a Congregational meeting was held at the house of Dr. L.M. Thompson, and Dr. Thompson, Frank Carter, David Stewart, Edward F. Smith and Dr. Turner were chosen trustees to select a site for a church. Building began April 29th, 1862, and on Thursday, September 18th, the building was dedicated by Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage, then of Philadelphia, now of Brooklyn. The church was a long, low, one-storied ______________end page 235.______________ page 236 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. _____________________________________________________________ framed structure, very unpretending. For a short time Rev. William Thompson preached every week. On June 23rd, 1862, mainly by the efforts of Mrs. Dr. Thomp- son, the first Sunday-school was organized. For some time she was superintendent and teacher. Mr. Manck was the next superin- tendent. Mrs. Thompson by her personal efforts secured the necessary outfit for the school, and was rewarded by seeing it largely attended. December 8th, 1864, Rev. F.F. Kolb was elected stated supply, and he filled the pulpit nine months, when he was succeeded by Rev. W.H. Dinsmore, under whose charge the church membership was increased. At the session of the presbytery at this place Sep- tember 22nd, 1869, Rev. A.M. Woods was installed as pastor, and during his residence he has become popular and influential. By his efforts all debts on the church and parsonage were extin- guished, the church was remodeled, and made what it now is, perhaps the most tasteful structure of its character in the borough. Among the improvements was a convenient Sunday-school room. The cost of the church property, including parsonage, was $11,500. The elders in 1880 were E.F. Smith and E.K. Weber. The trus- tees were E.F. Smith, Dr. G.F. Brendle, A.W. Brown, C.F. Bates- man, Joseph Porter, A.C. Lewis and Samuel Parmley. The Sunday-school is superintended by Rev. A.M. Woods, with Joseph Porter as assistant. It numbers one hundred and seventy- one scholars, teachers and offices, and has a library of more than six hundred volumes. The present pastor, Rev. A.M. Woods, was born in Lewistown, Pa., in 1831. He graduated at Princeton College in 1850, and in the theological department in 1858. He taught several years during the time of his preparation for the ministry. He was ordained at Hartsville, Bucks county, in 1859. The Church of Faith, P.E.-The earliest attainable data of Episcopal services in Mahanoy City are furnished by Rev. D. Washburne, in a letter to Hon. John Parker, of Parker's Record, in which he relates that in company with Judge Helfenstein he drove from Pottsville, one Easter Sunday afternoon, and stopped at an unfinished hotel, walking from there to a school-house, lantern in hand, where the first services were held. This is believed to have been early in the spring of 1860, and from that time services were few and far between until the Rev. Henry Styles Getz commenced services, September 2nd, 1864, at the same time preaching at Hazleton; holding services at each place only on alternate Sundays. On the 18th of August, 1864, a parish was regularly organized under the title of the Church of Faith, and the following persons were chosen wardens and vestrymen: F.M. Nicholas and Henry Jack- son, wardens; Charles M. Hill, jr., Charles Cowley, James Morgan, Thomas G. Westcott, Wesley Hammer, Philip Conrad and John R. Cunningham, vestrymen. The same day Rev. H.S. Gerz was elected rector of the parish. Tuesday, November 29th, the corner stone for a church was laid, William Bacon Stevens, D.D., assistant bishop of the diocese; Rev. William Wilson, of Tamaqua, and the rector assisting. The church was formally opened August 2nd, 1865, the Schuylkill and Lehigh convocation, then in session at Tamaqua, attending in a body and assisting in the ceremonies. The Sunday-school was organized Sunday, August 13th, 1865, with twenty-eight scholars. Wesley Hammer was its first superin- tendent. On Thursday, August 29th, 1866, the church was dedicated, Bishop Thomas Vail, of Kansas, presiding; assisted by Rev. Messrs. Elsegood, Potter, Pecke, Bowers, Adams, Allen, Shinn and Getz; the sermon being preached by Bishop Vail. On the 1st of May, 1867, the rector, have resigned his charge at Hazleton, took sole charge of this church. During the next two years he established a mission at Delano, and added Calvery Church of Tamaqua to his charge, resigning his pastorate May 21st, 1869. At a vestry meeting held January 13th, 1870, Rev. Joseph W. Murphy was elected rector, and during his term of service here he established mission services in Shenandoah. After a pleasant sojourn of five years Rector Murphy resigned May 31st, 1875. Rev. Charles J. Hendley, B.D., then filled the pulpit for a few months, after which it remained vacant until December 17th, 1876, when Rev. C.J. Kilgour, of Catoctin, Md., the present rector, was called. The church buildings are of wood, the main audience room seating two hundred. The rectory, in the same enclosure, was built in 1868, and the total value of the property is $11,000, on which there is no indebtedness. The Sunday-school numbered in 1880 eighty scholars and teach- ers. Its officers were: C.J. Kilgour, superintendent; John Dunn, assistant superintendent; Charles P. Derrick, secretary; J.D. Jones, treasurer. The church wardens for 1880 were George C. Cook and John Holland, ----- Carter, Wesley Hammer, John Dunn, George C. Crook, Charles P. Derrick, Charles P. Derrick, Charles H. Lewis and George Gilgour. The Guild of the Church of Faith was organized, as an aid to the general work of the church, on the 2nd of December, 1877. Henry Jackson was elected president, John Hodges secretary, and John Holland treasurer. At the election of 1880 officers were chosen as follows: George C. Crook, president; Thomas Holland, vice-president; George W. Seltzer, secretary; John Pott, treasur- er. The guild has purchased an organ, attended to and defrayed the expenses of janitor's service, superintended and paid for repairs, visited the sick, and looked after the local charities of the church. Methodist Episcopal Church-In 1862 Rev. Mr. Kessler, of Ash- land, came here, preached and formed a small class. The class held meetings at private houses, and in 1863 Rev. H. Cleveland, of Tamoqua, received instructions to preach occasionally at Mahanoy City. In the same year two lots and $1,000 were donated toward a church erection fund, and the society took immediate steps toward building a church, but the builders used _____________end page 236.______________ page 237 CHURCHES OF MAHANOY CITY. ______________________________________________________________ poor materials and the succeeding winter damaged the walls so much that they were rebuilt. In March, 1864, Rev. H.H. Davis was sent as the first pastor, and held his first service in the house of a man named Myers, at the corner of Centre and Catawissa streets. Subsequent meetings were held at private houses and at the Spruce street school- house, until June 5th of that year, when the place of meeting was made Yost & Reagon's lumber yard, where the English Lutheran church now stands. During a heavy gale October 28th, 1864, the gable end of the new church was blown down. On the 26th of April, 1865, the first work was done on the foundation of the present edifice, and on the 17th of December it was dedicated, though not fully completed. The dedication was participated in by Revs. J.B. McCullagh, J. Aspril and H.H. Davis. During the exercises a communion service from friends in Pottsville was presented. Rev. H.H. Davis was pastor from 1864 to 1867; Rev. Samuel H. Reisner from 1867 to 1869; Rev. J.S.J. McConnel from 1868 to 1870, and during his pastorate the church was completed. Rev. Thomas Montgomery from 1872 to 1874; Rev. N.D. McCornas from 1874 to 1876; Rev. J. Wesley Harkins from 1876 to 1879; and Rev. G. Oram, the present pastor, was appointed in 1879. The Sunday-school was organized in December, 1865. William L. Yoder was superintendent, was elected. The number of scholars and teachers in 1880 was 306. St. Paul's Reformed Church.-During the year 1862 the few members of this denomination in Mahanoy were gladdened by the arrival of a considerable number of "like faith and practice" from Tamaqua, who called on their former pastor, Rev. L.K. Derr, of Tamaqua, to preach to them. He held his first service in the old Spruce street school-house, preaching to scarce a score of listeners. He visited the place frequently, and it was not long ere the old "goat stable" was too small for the audience that gathered to listen to his eloquent sermons; and an arrangement was made with the Presbyterians for the use of their building. On the 17th of January, 1863, an organization was effected by the election of a consistory. In August, 1864, the congregation decided to build a church. A lot was donated by the land company, and on the 18th of Septem- ber of that year the corner stone was laid. Rev. D.W. Wolff preached a few months. In the spring of 1965 the basement of the new building was opened for service. On the 17th of September the church was dedicated. Rev. L.K. Derr, of Tamaqua, became pastor. His first sermon as such was delivered in January, 1866, and his term of service closed in December, 1869; the church membership having grown from sixty in 1866 to two hundred and twenty-five in 1869. On Christ- mas morning, 1869, the present pastor, Rev. H.A. Keyser, preached his first sermon here. The membership of the church has in- creased until it stands at the head of the Protestant churches of Mahanoy City. In 1880 it was 500. The church property has been increased in value under Mr. Keyser's administration to $8,000. A fine pipe organ has been purchased at a cost of $1,650. The Sunday-school numbers 450 scholars and teachers, and has library of 800 volumes. The pastor is the superintendent. Rev. Henry A. Keyser was born near Allentown, Pa., in 1844; educated at Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio; graduated in Sep- tember, 1869; was ordained in May, 1870, at Pottsville, by the Lebanon classis. He married Isabella Newcomet, of Croskill Mills, Pa., in 1866. She died at her home at Crosskill, November 23rd, 1871, aged 21 years, leaving one child. Welsh Congregational Church.-This organization held its first meeting in Mahanoy City in a private house in Mahanoy street, June 3rd, 1863. The "nucleus" of the church was there represent- ed by three Welsh families-those of Rees P. Williams, John Morgan and William Richards. The next Sabbath, at the Spruce street school-house, a Sabbath-school was organized. In September of the same year the first sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Price. December 20th, 1863, the church was duly organized, with a mem- bership of 111. Rev John E. Jones, then of Minersville, and Rev. Mr. Price officiated. In the spring of 1864 the society commenced building a church on a double lot donated by Richard Kear, on Minersville. By autumn the church was completed and services were held in it. Mr. Price was not a regularly ordained minister, but a working man, who willingly lent his talents to pulpit work, and he is kindly remembered by his old congregation. March 6th, 1865, Rev. R.D. Thomas, of New York, became pastor here. He raised a debt of$800 and labored acceptably four years. It was during his pastorate, in the year 1869, that the Eisteddfod was organized here, and his church choir made one of the competing choirs. In various competitions, four at this place and one each at Ashland, Shenandoah, Tamaqua and Minersville, this choir won the highest prize, and at the contest in Shenandoah all of the prizes of- fered, amounting to $200. After the resignation of Mr. Thomas the pulpit remained vacant for eighteen months. Rev. D.F. Jones assumed the pastoral charge in October, 1870. In April, 1875, Rev. Lot Lake became pastor. While he was in charge the church edifice was renovated and improved, at an expense of about $2,000. Mr. Lake resigned in 1877, and another vacancy of rather more than a year occurred before the church secured, some time in 1878, the services of Rev. R. J. Matthews, of Bevier, Mo., who is the present pastor. During Mr. Matthews's pastorate eighteen new members have been received, making the total number in 1880 one hundred and seven- ty-five. The Sunday-school numbers one hundred and thirty. Rev. R.J. Matthews is a native of Glamorganshire, Wales. He came to America in 1863, was educated at Western Reserve and Andover Theological Seminary, ordained in Fair Haven and at Bevier, Mo., where he married, in 1877. ____________end page 237._____________ page 238 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ________________________________________________________________ St. Canicus Church, situated at the northwest corner of Pine and Catawissa streets, was dedicated by Bishop Wood, of Philadel- phia, in July, 1863. Previous to that time, services were held in a temporary church building, on the opposite corner to that on which the church now stands. The Rev. Daniel Kelly, at that time pastor of St. Jerome's Church, Tamaqua, of which parish Mahanoy City then formed a part, died in the early part of 1873, and Bishop (now Archbishop) Wood sent the Rev. Michael McAvoy to organize a parish in Mahanoy City and district. An idea of the extent of Father McAvoy's labors may be formed in giving the boundaries of the parish, which extended down Mahanoy valley to Gilberton, including it and also Shenandoah, and all the mining villages lying between those places and Mahanoy City. Add to this the fact that the population of the parish was mainly com- posed of miners, who were, for the most part, depending in their labor for their support. As soon as he arrived, Father McAvoy commenced erecting a church, capable of accommodating his people, which he finished in three years. About this time a small church was erected in Shenandoah, where Father McAvoy held services once a month. These labors, together with the work of collecting monies for the payment of building and other expenses incurred in organizing the parish, undermined his health, and made it advisa- ble for him to take a short trip to Europe, which he did in 1867. During his absence Father Bodin had charge of the parish. In 1870 Father McAvoy returned from Europe, and remained in charge of this parish until January, 1871, when he was removed to Coatesville. He died at St. Teresa's Church, Philadelphia, on the 6th of September, 1875, at the age of 46 years. Rev. Charles A. McFadden took charge of St.Canicus Church January 11th, 1871. A few months after his arrival here he decided to remodel and strengthen the church edifice. Luke Farrell was the architect engaged in the improvement. He soon remedied all the evils by raising the roof, inserting eight pillars, and then running bolts across the church, thus drawing the walls, which were sprung, into their original position. Father McFadden then had a tower and spire erected in front of the church and three entrances made instead of one. A bell was hung, weighing twenty-six hundred pounds, and bearing the follow- ing inscription: "Gloria in Excelsis-Church of St. Canicus-Pius IX., Pope-Rt. Rev. J.F. Wood, D.D., Bishop-Rev. C.A. McFadden, pastor-1874." Internally the church was made by all odds the finest in Schuylkill county. The frescoing was done with exqui- site taste by Mr. Seiling, of Reading. Statues are painted upon the wall representing Saints Peter, Paul, John, Andrew, Matthew, Philip, Thomas, Luke, James the Greater, James the Less, Thadde- us, Bartholomew, Cecelia and Patrick. Within the sanctuary are three altars, the main altar and the two side alters of the blessed Virgin and St. Joseph. Above the main altar is a paint- ing representing the Trinity, and to the right and left of it are four relief paintings of the evangelists-Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; together with their characteristic emblems. Besides the above great work, Father McFadden cleared off many claims against the church. Enough has been said to show the go-ahead spirit of Father McFadden, and it is but necessary to add that he is a genial, kind-hearted pastor, popular with people of every denomi- nation. He was removed in March, 1875, to Schuylkill Haven, where he now resides. His successor was the Rev. Michael A. Ryan, the present pas- tor, who took charge of the parish in March, 1875. During the time Father Ryan has been here he has made several improvements on the church property, and also paid off several claims against the church. He was born in Schuylkill county, educated at St. Charles Seminary, and invested with holy orders May 9th, 1867, when he was assigned to the pastorate of St. Patrick's Church in Philadelphia, where he remained for eight years, or until sent by Bishop Wood to this important field. St. Fidelius German Catholic Church.-A number of German Catholics in 1864 determined to have religious service, and Fathers Deppman, of St. Clair, and Grunther, of Philadelphia, made this a missionary station, holding services once in four weeks. Father Deppman may be said to be the father of St. Fide- lius. The corner stone of the church building was laid by Father Grunther in September, 1866, and the work was pushed on rapidly, so that within its walls on Christmas day, 1866, the first solemn high mass was celebrated. At the first meeting, in 1864, the membership was 59; in 1865 it had increased to 504. Bishop Wood sent the late Father Buening to take charge in April, 1868. At this time the parish extended down Mahanoy valley and to the northwest, including Shenandoah. During Father Buening's pastor- ate a confirmation took place, when 150 were confirmed by Bishop Wood. The handsome brick parsonage adjoining the church was erected by Father Buening. He died June 13th, 1872. Father Maus, just from Germany, took the place of the deceased pastor. By his labors the interior of the church was metamorphosed by the erection of a new and beautiful altar and the procuring of a fine collection of paintings, and on Easter day, 1878, the large pipe organ pealed forth its first notes, in the solemn service of the day. In 1874 the parish school was organized, and a school-house erected in the rear of the church. There are now 170 scholars, with three sisters in charge, who reside in a house adjoining the parsonage, also the property of the church. In 1876 Father Herman Dietrich, a native of Prussia, educated at Munster, West- phalia, who came to America in 1871, and has officiated at Brees- port and Allentown, was sent to the parish. Since his arrival the church has been frescoed and otherwise improved. The parish contains about one hundred and fifty families, or eight hundred souls. The cost of the church property has been about $21,000. The buildings are on Mahanoy avenue, east of Main street. American Primitive Methodist.-The first sermon in behalf of the Primitive Methodist denomination of this _________end page 238.__________ page 239 CHURCHES OF MAHANOY CITY. _______________________________________________________________ city was preached by Rev. Charles Spurr in the Presbyterian church, March 3rd, 1864. Rev. George Parker afterward held services in the place. Rev. E. Crompton was afterward stationed here a year, holding services in the old Spruce street school- house. He secured form Dundas, Troutman & Biddles the gift of some lots for church purposes. John and Charles Beach, John Greener, James Howard, James Abberly, James Trickey, Thomas Lewis, John Pritchard and Edward Crompton were elected trustees. Mr. Crompton was succeeded by Rev. R.N. Stephenson. The laying of the corner stone of the new church took place on the 5th of August, 1866. After a year Mr. Stephenson was succeeded here by Rev. George Parker, who continued in charge for two years. During this time the church was built. For four years after Mr. Parker's removal Rev. Charles Spurr was the pastor. Rev. R.C.H. Carrerall was appointed pastor in 1868 and served a year; then Rev. R. Fothergill two years. Rev. E.Humphries succeeded Mr. Fothergill, and during his term the church edifice was enlarged and improved, and a memorial stone laid August 4th, 1876, when an appropriate discourse was preached by Rev. George Lamb, of Lon- don, England. Rev. M. Harvey succeeded Mr. Humphries and labored here one year, when he was succeeded by Rev. C. Spurr, the present pastor. The Sabbath-school was established about 1868, and numbered at the last return about 100 scholars. Welsh Baptist Church.-This church originated with Thomas Richards, Lewis Richards, Thomas Gittens, and John Davis, from Summit Hill. The first service, a prayer meeting, was held in February, 1865, in the Spruce street school-house, and a Sunday- school was organized about the same time. At first services were held at intervals by clergyman from other places. In March, 1865, a lot was donated by the Delano Land Company. During the summer the corner stone of a church was laid by the Rev. Mr. Morgan, of Pottsville, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Morton, of Summit Hill. At this time the minister was Rev. Benjamin Nicholas. In 1868 Rev. Theophilus Jones took charge of the pulpit, and during his ministry the membership was materially increased. After the close of Mr. Jones's pastorate the pulpit remained vacant for a long time, and the church declined in membership and strength. Occasional services were held by Rev. Thomas, of Ashland, Rev. David Evans, of Shenandoah, and the local preachers Willard and Capper. In August, 1871, Rev. W.D. Thomas took charge of the parish, and found the church in a deplorable condi- tion. He has increased its membership, and built up a fine Sunday-school. One of the pastors of this church, Rev. T. Jones, was an adjudicator at the Eisteddfod held in this borough, and he is now the oldest member, in point of continuance in the body, in the East Pennsylvania Association. He resides in Wilkes-Barre. Rev. W.D. Thomas, the present pastor, was born in Merthyr Tydvil, Wales, June 17th, 1842; when fourteen years old became a member of the church, and at the age of twenty-two was licensed to preach. A few months later he came to America, and settled at St. Claire, where friends had preceded him, and commenced labor- ing in the mines. He declined the pastorate at Shenandoah, and studied three years at Lewisburg University. He then accepted a call to this church, and has since filled its pulpit acceptably, having been ordained to the full work of the ministry at a meet- ing of the association held here in September, 1871. English Baptist Church.-March 17th, 1867, a meeting was held at the residence of David Phillips to discuss the subject of organizing a Baptist church. This meeting was called through he efforts of Rev. J. Hastings, at that time missionary to the Minersville Baptist church; and at it were convened David Phil- lips, Sallie E. Phillips, Abner E. Phillips, Adaline Phillips and Abel Davis. An election for church officers resulted in the choice of David Phillips for deacon, Abner E. Phillips clerk, and Abel Davis treasurer. After holding missionary services for a year, Rev. Mr. Hastings retired from the field, and for the next two years few public services were held, though prayer and church business meetings were maintained. Students from Lewisburg occasionally visited the place, holding meetings in the Welsh Baptist church on Sunday afternoons. In September, 1870, having received a pledge of assistance from the Centre Association, the church extended a call to Rev. B.B. Henshey, of Williamsport, and during his pastorate a small edifice was erected in Pine street. Mr. Henshey resigned July 1st, 1873, and during the following year the church was without a pastor. On Sunday, December 17th, 1873, the church was dedicated. In 1874 Rev. R.C.H. Catterall became pastor, and the church made large accessions to its mem- bership. In 1875 he was succeeded by Rev. Alfred Wells, who served until 1876. The church edifice was sold for debt in 1878 to the National Greenback Labor party, who converted it into a club room, and the members of the old church have formed new associations. Christ's Church.-This German Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized on the 20th of March, 1867, by Rev. D. Sanner, of Tremont. Only about twenty families were included. These were a remnant of the once strong congregation organized in 1863 by Rev. Mr. Geiss, who served them under the old regime for several years, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Burkhalter. Dissensions arising between the American and German members, the society was broken up, and one large portion formed the St. John's Lutheran Church. Some went to the Reformed Church, while others connected themselves with other organizations. A church building erected in 1864 was sold by the sheriff in 1967, and after a number of disagreeable circumstances was purchased of John C. Knapp by the present corporation. In the spring of 1868 Rev. M. Schimpf, of Pottsville, was called to the pastorate. The circumstances were depressing, including a small congregation, a heavy debt, and a church build- ing never fully completed, now in a badly dilapidated condition. In the summer of 1865 the church was completely renovated, and it was rededicated ____________end page 239.____________ page 240 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ___________________________________________________________ September 23rd of that year. Within one year the membership had increased to sixty families, and the church had begun to assume a more hopeful condition. On the last Sunday of November, 1878, Rev. E.H. Pohle succeed- ed Mr. Schimpf. The Sunday-school superintendent is G.F. Reifseg. The school numbers 160 members. The total value of church property is about $10,000. The membership in 1880 was 94 families, with 342 communicants. Evangelical Church.-To Pennsylvanians this denomination has a special interest, for it was conceived in the State, and has here the strongholds of its power and influence. The first effort made toward forming an Evangelical society in this city was in the years 1859 and 1860, when Rev. Joseph Gross visited the place and held occasional meetings, which were continued by Rev. Isaiah Knerr and Rev. Joshua Frey during the next two years. In March, 1863, Revs. C. Ginerich and D. Lentz were stationed on the Ash- land circuit, which included Mahanoy City as a regular appoint- ment, and they held services here once in four weeks. They organized a class of about a dozen members, with David Faust as leader and Mr.Kestler as exhorter. The influx of population brought with it other members and the class was also increased by conversions. During the time spoken of the meetings were held intheold Spruce street school-house, or, as it was derisively styled, the "goat stable." In the spring of 1864 a church lot on the corner of Catawissa and Spruce streets, was deeded to the society gratuitously. In February, 1865, although the building was yet unfinished, Rev. D. Lentz preached in it for the first time. The class was consti- tuted a mission under the charge of Rev. R. Deisher, and under his ministry the church was finished, its debt canceled, and the membership largely increased. At the end of his second year Mr. Deisher retired, and Rev. D.C. Kemble took his place. During his residence here Pastor Kemble fell sick with small pox and his place in the pulpit was supplied by Messrs. Werner and Hock, local preachers. In 1868 the aid of the Missionary Society was withdrawn, and within three years the church became a liberal contributor to the support of its foster parent. Rev. J.C. Hornberger was the successor of Mr. Kemble, and was followed by Rev. B.J. Smoyer. In 1871, under Mr. Smoyer's pastorate, the church was enlarged and remodeled, and a parsonage built, at a cost of about $4,400. In the winter of 1872 W.K. Wieand was appointed pastor, and in 1874 Rev. A.M. Stirk. The latter preached two years, then Rev. S. L. Wiest three years, and Rev. S. Theodore Lepold was next sent to the charge. Since his arriv- al the Sunday-school has been furnished with a new library and book case, the church repaired and painted, and spirituality in the church given a decided impetus. The membership is 195. The church property is valued at $7,000. Rev.S.T. Leopold was born in Allentown, Pa., in 1851; educat- ed at Kutztown Normal School; ordained as deacon by the East Penn Conference at Schuylkill Haven in 1876, and an elder at Reading in 1878. He married at Weissport, Pa., in 1872, Miss Emma Horne. He preached at Hellertown, Triverton and Mahanotongo before coming here. The Sunday-school was organized May 20th, 1865. Godfrey Laury was superintendent eight years. The school was union in name and character, and instruction was given in English and German. The school had 175 teachers and scholars in 1880, and library of 755 volumes. St. John's English Lutheran Church.-The English and German Lutheran churches of this city formed one society up to 1867. In that year this church was formed, taking with it the pastor of the old organization and fifty-two members. The neat church edifice in East Mahanoy avenue, seating four hundred persons, and costing some $7,000, was the result of the movement. Rev. I.C. Burkhalter was pastor until March, 1869. Rev. R. Weiser took charge of the parish September 10th of that year, and resigned after a year's service. Rev. D. Beckner was pastor from February, 1871, until May, 1875; and Rev. J.M. Steck four years and a half. In March, 1880, Rev. J. W. Lake assumed the pastor- ate. The value of the church, which was remodeled and enlarged by the addition of a handsome brick front during the pastorate of Rev. J.M. Steck, is $8,000, including the parsonage in the rear. The trustees are Adam K. Smith, Charles Bensinger and G.W. Stetz- er. The church council consists of Elders Daniel Holdeman and David Bowman and Deacons David Klein and Charles Shoener. The Sunday-school was organized in 1867. Its first superin- tendent was H.K. Smith. Its officers for 1880 were: Superintend- ent, A.K. Smith; assistant superintendent, W.H. Behny; secretary, A.B. Wagner; treasurer, G.W. Stitzer. The number of its members is two hundred and forty-six, and its library contains four hundred volumes. The membership of the church in 1880 was one hundred and forty. MOLLIE MAGUIRISM IN MAHANOY CITY The period comprising twelve years following the organization of the borough was one of turmoil and lawlessness among the miners and laborers, many of whom had been driven from other localities by the fear of punishment for misdeeds. With an imperfect police force, the law-abiding people found themselves obliged to be on their guard, and in many cases to foster a part of the turbulent element as a means with which to control the other portion. The Ancient Order of Hibernians, which under the control of the Mollie Maguires played so bloody a drama in the coal regions, found a foothold here at an early date, and its members were believed to have participated in some of the earlier acts of that terrible period; but it was not until after 1872 that it became well-known and was not until after 1872 that it became well-known and aggressive as a local institution. To a former member of the organization, who withdrew in disgust and horror before its overthrow, the historian is indebted for that part ________________end page 240.________________ Page 241 MOLLIE MAGUIRE TIMES AT MAHANOY CITY. _______________________________________________________________ of the following outline of its history here which has not been published before. Actuated by a love for riot and bloodshed, the order was perhaps as prominently known by its quarrels between its members as by its attacks on others; and it was owing to a fight between two members, named Dugan and Burke, that a rival society, known as the Ironclads, or "Sheet iron boys," was formed by the latter, and for years maintained a kind of clan organiza- tion which led to many an encounter between the opposing forces. Dreading the mysterious order whose bloody hand alone could be seen, many of the law-abiding citizens, and, at times, the local authorities, sympathized with the "Ironclads," whose emotive at least was known and appreciated, and as a result many a personal grudge was paid off, and an occasional act of sheer malice or wanton cruelty perpetrated on persons who were in no way connect- ed with the Mollies. Later, a body of Welsh and English roughs known as The Modocs," led these melees, but they were so far prejudiced against the nationality of the Ironclads that they preferred to stand aloof from them and fight them as well as their opponents. Possessing as strong an influence at "court" as the Ancient Order did at one time, its members were generally prompt to obtain the arrest of any one concerned in or suspected of any attack on their persons or property; while so accustomed had their opponents become to the notorious alibis with which the Mollies had defeated justice for years, that they preferred to trust their own arms to defend themselves, and in that waylaid the foundation for a series of vendettas, the account of which reads more like a chapter from the history of the Dark Ages than a recital of events occurring in a civilized community, within the last quarter of a century. A series of atrocious murders led to the terrible tragedy at Wiggan's Patch, when, taking the law into their thirst for ven- geance, and spared neither age nor sex. The final arrest of the Mollie Maguire leaders, and the firm attitude that was taken, after the Wiggan's Patch affair, in favor of law and order by the authorities, backed by the coal and iron police, caused the gradual weeding out of the bad element by immigration; and within the four years prior to 1880 the borough has settled down to a state of quiet obedience to the laws that renders the recital of the events of the preceding decade almost incredible to one whose personal knowledge of the place and people has been gained since 1876. The Mollie Maguires attained their greatest strength at this point in 1875, during the long strike, when there were two bodies in the city and one at Trenton Patch, the membership of which, including members of the order not regularly members of these bodies but accredited from others, was about one hundred. The general rendezvous at that time was on East Center street, at the and decided upon the death upon the death of Bully Bill Thomas and Major brothers. It was at this meeting that McParlan, the detective, took a quiet, unsuspected part, and to his timely warning is probably due the fact that the Majors escaped the fate of their brother. These attempted outrages, foiled as they were by the warning of McParlan and the recovery of Thomas from his wounds, were the last with which the Mollies of this city were directly identified. During the year mentioned they became aggressive enough to insist on joining the Irish parade on St. Patrick's day; and, being refused the countenance of the other civic societies, turned out in a separate body, reinforced by delegations from various points. Among the most prominent members here were the two Jack McDonalds, one of whom was afterward killed by an accident in the mines; Mike O'Brian, one Duffie, and a part of the time Jack Kehoe, who then resided here. The arrest of O'Brian and McHugh, in May 6th, 1876, on a charge of conspiracy in the Thomas and Major cases, was the death blow to the organization; and, while a few of the noisy leaders took an early opportunity to remove where they would by beyond the risk of an investigation, the rank and file of the members quietly shunned the old haunts, including the saloons of Clark and Mrs. Costello, which had been their rallying points, and settled down into peaceable, law-abiding citizens. The practical effect of their work here was to dis- courage individual operators, and force them to sell their col- lieries to one of the two carrying companies, whose possession of these important mines gave them the very supremacy which the miners and laborers most feared. The along suspension in 1875 found in and about this place a body of men with minds prejudiced by the exaggerated statements of labor advocates, as they were termed, whose attitude was threatening to the collieries and to the general interest of the place. At the commencement of the strike some of the private operators obtained other men and continued to mine. On learning this, a body so strikers from Hazleton visited the place, marched to the collieries and demand that they be closed. During their march one of the leaders was arrested by the burgess, and impri- soned in the lock-up. On learning the facts a party gathered from Shenandoah and the adjacent colliery settlements and demand- ed of the burgess that the prisoner be released, which demand the burgess complied with. They then visited the colliery of King, Tyler & Co., and ordered the men to quit work. The sheriff of the county, who was in town, hastened to the place and ordered the strikers to retire, and, as they refused to do so, commenced reading the riot act, when he was knocked down by one of the party. A warm encounter ensued, in which shots were freely exchanged and one of the policemen wounded. The sheriff and police were roughly handled, and retired. This and similar acts decided the authorities to quarter troops here until the close of the strike, which was done. The display of an imposing military force had a prompt effect in putting a stop to the threats of violence by which operators and miners had been deterred from work. __________end page 241.__________ page 242 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. __________________________________________________________ NEW CASTLE TOWNSHIP. __________________________________________________________ This township was organized in 1847. The surface is little cultivated and mostly covered with underbrush. The first settlers were Jacob Yoh, John Boyer and Nicho Allen. Yoh settled on the turnpike at the end of the road lead- ing west from Wadesville. Boyer located nearly north from Yoh, on the road leading from Wadesville, across the turnpike, to Mount Laffee. His dwelling is still standing. Allen settled at the Big spring, on the summit of Broad mountain. His residence was known as "Black cabin." Later there was a tavern erected here. These settlers came about the year 1800. William Yoh, son of Jacob Yoh and son-in-law of John Boyer, built the first tavern in the township, about 1810. It was burned in 1830. B. Galla- gher's tavern, near Yoh's, mentioned by the Pottsville Advocate in 1831, is yet standing. Rapid settling began about 1830. The population in 1850 was 2,140; 1860, 2,814; 1880, 1,540. Flowery Field school-house, the first in the township, was built on the turnpike in 1828, by John Burger. Jonathan Shaffer, of St. Clair, then a boy of sixteen, with his father, helped to hew the lumber for this house. It was 20 by 25 feet, and was furnished with slab seats. Mr. White is the first teacher men- tioned. Lewis Rees taught in 1830. A short distance, on the turnpike, a cemetery had been com- menced previous to building the school-house. Among the early burials there were those of Messrs. William Yoh and John Boyer, and their wives. There is no other public cemetery in the town- ship. The Irish and German Catholics each have a cemetery near the east line of the township. The first was established in 1857. There are six school-houses in the township. The upper New Castle school-house was built of stone, with a tin roof and a belfry, in 1873. The lower New Castle building, which is of wood, was built in 1878. It is a wooden building, with two departments, and is surrounded by a grove of trees. The one at Wadesville, built in 1879, is of wood and has a belfry. The house at Greenberry was refitted in 1879. All are furnished with modern desks and folding seats. All these schools are well conducted. WADESVILLE. Wadesville, a mining village in the southeast part of New Castle township, was laid out about 1830, by Lewis Ellmaker, and named in honor of Captain John Wade, a coal operator. The place has been developed by the numerous collieries worked in and around it. George Phillips was probably the first who mined coal in the vicinity, commencing previous to 1828. In 1829 a Mr. Keverly commenced driving a tunnel on the Flowery Field tract, northwest from Wadesville, and Mr. Boas finished it, cutting the Orchard vein. In 1835 Blakesly and Ashley worked this colliery for Asa Packer, the lessee, shipping 35 tons per day. Henry Saylor operated here in 1855. It was known as the Flowery Field colliery. John Denning & Bro's., sons of Joseph Denning, are now using the old Monitor colliery breaker, and working the Holmes vein. They ship large quantities of coal. In 1828 Thomas Ritchway opened a drift on the Orchard vein, in the hill west from the creek. George Mason, who operated on this vein in 1856, west of Flowery Field colliery, found it from 4 1/2 to 5 feet thick, and shipped more than 18,000 tons per year. The vein on the east bank of the creek was operated by Christopher Frantz. The Primrose vein was first opened on the Flowery Field tract, by Burr & Wallace, in 1829. In 1845 Jonathan Wasley sunk two slopes on the north and south dips of this vein. One engine pumped water from both slopes, and another hoisted the coal from both. He also sunk a slope on the Seven-feet, tunneling to the Mammoth. He built a breaker, and shipped about 200 tons per day. He failed in 1852 and the colliery was abandoned in 1855. On the east side of the creek, John Reed, Daniel Edwards and Christopher Frantz operated successively on the Primrose, mining a large quality of coal. The workings were abandoned soon after 1864. In 1833 Thomas Ritchway drove a tunnel near the west end of the old Girard tunnel, cutting the Four-feet, Seven-feet and Mammoth veins. Robert Nealy and Commodore Stockton operated here, but abandoned the place in 1837. Wadesville shaft was formerly known as the Hickory shaft; its workings being a continuation of the old Hickory water level and slopes. Excavations were commenced June 30th, 1864. When a depth of 666 feet was reached, the upper split of the Mammoth vein was struck, early in the year 1867. In May, 1871, the mine was found to be on fire, and in June it became necessary to turn in water and drown it. The property was sold September 25th, 1876, by the sheriff to the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company. May 9th, 1877, an explosion of gas occurred, which resulted in the death of six men. In January, 1878, the authori- ties become convinced that the mine was again on fire, in the old workings, by reason of an explosion which had occurred. After laboring in vain until February 10th, it was decided to again drown it. Water was turned in from Mill creek February 14th, and left to run during eighteen days, when it had reached a height of 368 feet in the shaft. The mine was then emptied and the first coal was shipped October 21st. It has been operated successfully since. About 500 men and boys are employed. Eight engines are used at this colliery; one runs the breaker, one hoists on the plane, one runs a saw-mill and machinery in the carpenter's and blacksmith shops, and one carries the fan, each of 30 horse power; two 250 horse en- __________end page 242.___________ page 243 NEW CASTLE AND MT. LAFFEE-CHURCHES AND COLLIERIES. ______________________________________________________________ gines hoist water from the shaft, two 125 horse hoist coal. The capacity of the breaker is about 700 tons per day. The present daily production is more than 500 tons. CHURCHES AT WADESVILLE. Primitive Methodist.-On the 29th of April, 1855, a class was formed consisting of Rev. James George, a local preacher, Charles Latham, Samuel Westwood, John Martin and George Gordon. Mr. George was chosen leader. Services were held in the public school building. The members were accepted by the Primitive Methodist church, and were attached to the St. Claire circuit. A church building was erected in 1871. It is of stone, 30 by 40 feet, situated on the Flowery Field tract, and its cost was about $2,000. It was dedicated December 29th, 1872; Revs. Benjamin Haywood, Francis Gray and Joseph W. Reed officiating. Mr. Haywood applied his sermon by slipping a $50 bill into the collection. The membership has at times numbered 40. The Sunday-school was established with the church, Rev. James George being its first superintendent. The number of scholars has increased from 30 to 120. It has a good library. On the 31st of June, 1868, there was organized, in connection with the school, a society known as the Primitive Methodist Sabbath School Temperance Roll of Honor and Burial Society. It was founded by Rev. James George. In 1876 fifteen other churches had organized similar societies. M.E. Church.-This church was organized as a branch of the M.E. church of St. Claire, in October, 1867. Among the original members were John Botham, George Miles, John and Betsy Webb. Their church building which cost $2,000, was dedicated in Janu- ary, 1868. Rev. S.G. Hare was the first pastor. This church is frequently supplied by local preachers. The Sunday-school was organized in 1865, two years before the organization of the church. The superintendent is Henry Shafer. The average attendance is about 90 scholars. MT. LAFFEE. Mt. Laffee is a mining village of between 300 and 400 inhabi- tants. Tobey Hire, Robert Bradley, Mrs. Joyce and Mrs. Peck were among the early settlers. There were five buildings here in 1840. The old stone school-house, now occupied as a residence, was built in 1846. The first teachers were James Butler, his brother, Benjamin S. Jackson and William Porter. Beechwood Colliery.-William Mann and Thomas C. Williams opened this colliery, then called East Mt. Laffee, by driving a tunnel where the breaker now stands. A large quality of coal was shipped from this tunnel. They commenced the present slope August 5th, 1874. John L. Beadle was foreman and his uncle, William Beadle, superintendent. In 1850 they were shipping from 80 to 100 car loads per day. The firm failed in 1853. Their successors were Miller & Patterson, James Turner and Hugh Ste- phenson. Frank Gowan, builder of the store, took the colliery in 1856. David P. Brown & Co. followed. They had five openings. A shaft sunk by them was abandoned on account of water. The company failed, and was succeeded by Morris Robinson and by Potts and J.K. Sigfried in 1866. Potts withdrew and Sigfried changed the name to Beechwood colliery. The Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, the present operators, bought the land and coal in 1874. They are shipping two hundred tons per day. They use five engines of from thirty to one hundred horse power. They work the Seven-feet and Mammoth veins. The slope is on the south dip, and its length is now 280 yards, at an inclina- tion of 45. The capacity of the breaker is 500 tons per day. NEW CASTLE VILLAGE. New Castle or Broad Mountain post-office was laid out in 1830 by Lewis Ellmaker. At first this village expected to become what Pottsville is now-the great center of the mining region. Almost as soon as the place was started six large taverns sprung up. John Spohnbuilt the first store. George Reifsnyder, afterward postmaster, and Peter Kline were then magistrates. The first school-house stood on Mohawk street. A Mr. Butler was early a teacher. In 1853 a building, 28 by 38 feet, was erected for church services. It was at first used by the Lutherans, but was after- ward bought by the M.E. church of Minersville. It was burned a few years since. Meetings are occasionally held in the upper school-house by people of different denominations. The first tavern was built of stone, by John Kanter and Peter Kline. It has been taken down on account of caving of mines. The second, built in 1831, is now a dwelling. Daniel Lindenmuth, the builder, abandoning his projects, bought the building com- menced by Henry Rhein and Barney Taylor for a store, enlarged it, and opened the third in 1832. It is now J. Brady's residence. The fourth was built of stone, in 1833, by John Spohn. It is now the property of E. Phillips, and is occupied as a dwelling. The fifth, a wooden structure on the north side of the street, was built by Kline & Kantner, and kept by Kline. It was burned. The last was built of stone, by Jacob Kline, and it is now occu- pied as a dwelling. East Pine Knot Colliery.-John C. Offerman opened this col- liery, by a drift, in 1830. It was at first known as the Green- berry mines. Robert Adams commenced operations here in 1848. He made many improvements, and gave it the present name. This col- liery has produced over 100,000 tons per year. A few years since, the mine took fire, and, with the West Pine Knot mine, was drowned out. It is located in the New Castle basin. William C. Littlehale's mines were between this and New Castle. The Reppiler Colliery was first opened on a drift west from the railroad station, by the Nealy brothers. Joseph Lawton comm- enced operations here soon after 1840, and named it the Mammoth colliery, from the vein worked. _____________end page 243.______________ page 244 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ____________________________________________________________ In 1846 he erected an engine breaker, and started a slope engine. He shipped about 250 tons per day. Lawton failed in 1850, and the colliery was purchased by George Reppiler, who sunk a slope in the west dip, at the east end of basin, on the Pott and Bannan tract. He sunk another slope on the Gettle and Wagner tract, on the north dip of the vein. The average daily production 1863- 1865 was 600 tons; the capacity of breaker 750 tons. D.H. & John L. Geiger, and F.R. Morgan were partners in 1862-67, having previously been employes. Ellsworth Colliery-This colliery is at New Castle village. Its present owner, John R. Davis, of Cass township, opened it by a slope on the Mammoth vein in 1873. Twenty men and 12 boys are employed, and two engines of 45 and 120 horse power are used. The first breaker was burned. The daily capacity of the present breaker is 100 tons, and its average production is 75 tons. The mine is in the abandoned Reppiler workings. It has produced 250,000 tons, and it may afford 500,000 tons more. The Broad mountain post-office is kept here. ST. CLAIR POWDER MILLS. This enterprise was started in 1840, by Track and Seltzer, who built a mill in St. Clair. Several explosions occurred, and in 1860 John L. Geiger and Lewis Koch, then proprietors, moved the works to the east part of this township. The daily product was then 80 kegs, Emanuel Morgan is the present proprietor, with John Clayton as superintendent. The present production is 60 kegs per day. End