Area History: History of Schuylkill County, Pa: W. W. Munsell, 1881 Township and Borough Histories pp. 313 - 326 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 313 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ YORKVILLE BOROUGH. ________________________ This borough joins Pottsville on the west. It includes the York farm tract and a portion of the Wood estate. It has a length from east to west of one and one half miles, and an aver- age width of a mile. It derived its name from the York farm, which was so called because it once belonged to the New York and Schuylkill Coal Company. It was laid out as a town in 1844, for Carey, Lea & Blan- chard, Abraham Hart, and the Miners' Bank of Pottsville, by Samuel Lewis, C.E. The first lot sold in this town was to Edward O'Connor, in 1847. All the available lots in the borough have been sold, and a thrifty people-mostly Germans-are now the resi- dents of the place, nearly all owning the lots on which they reside. The population was 553 in 1875, and 656 in 1880. Yorkville was incorporated March 8th, 1865. The first bor- ough election was held July 22nd, 1865. The records have been kept in the German language, in accordance with a resolution adopted at this election. The first officers were: John S. Schenck, burgess; Andreas Deuter, George Bildhauser, Ignaz Gart- ner, John Yestadt and Michael Buehler, councilmen; Charles Schul- er, clerk. The burgesses elected since have been Joseph Scheiblehut, 1867, 1878; Andreas Deuter, 1868; Leonard Scheiblehut, 1869; George Buehler, 1871; Albert Hoffer, 1872; John S. Schenck, 1876; Martin Oterbein, 1876, 1879; Aloes Elison, 1880. The school in the borough is taught in the English language. William G. Sigfried was the teacher 18 consecutive years and until 1879. Cemetery No. 2 of St. John's (Catholic) church is located in this borough. There are three mines in the borough. York Farm mine was opened in 1850 by Job Rich, who, with his sons, has ever since operated it. It is a slope to the Tunnel vein. The average daily production of the mine has been six tons. It is now a retail mine. Another slope was opened in 1865 by the present operators, John Fitzpatrick & Brother. This has no machinery, the coal being taken out in cars by mules. A drift was opened in 1879 by Bildheiser & Wachter, who are the present operators. The coal is taken from this also in mule cars. Railway Park is within the limits of Yorkville borough. It is a pleasant pic-nic ground, on the People's railway, and is a place of frequent resort for pleasure parties. _______________ PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP. ________________________________________________ The first surveys of land in this township were in the case of warrants granted to Hon. John and William Penn, proprietaries. The tracts surveyed were contiguous and extended across the southern part of the township into the township of Washington, and included the site of Pine Grove borough. The first settlers probably came between 1750 and 1760. They were Germans and came mostly from Berks county, and located near the base of the Blue mountain in the south part of the township. They were at first disturbed by the Indians, and a block house or fort was built on the mountain for a refuge in times of danger. Among the families who are known to have become residents of the township previous to the Revolution were those of Schnoke, Hetrick, Swope, Schaeffer, Bressler, Boyer, Zimmerman, Fetty and Stine. Some of these families forsook their new homes for a time during the Revolutionary war, to return after the restoration of peace. Among those who were living here soon after the Revolution, some of whom had undoubtedly settled several years previous, were families named Minnich, Gebert and Beuchler; and the families of Augst Brossius, John Weiss, Henry Souder, Jacob Haberling, John Haberling, Valentine Haberline, Jacob Smythe, Adam Kalbach, George Pressler, John Adams, George Berger, Baltzer Houpt and Baltszer Smith. Frederick Schnoke was one of the first settlers. He came here from Berks county and built a cabin in the southeast part of the town, and lived there till fear of the Indians drove him away. After an absence of seven years he returned and found his cabin tenanted by saplings that had rooted in ___________end page 313.____________ page 314 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. _________________________________________________________________ the earth floor and grown through the bark roof. He became a permanent resident and the place is now owned by his great-grand- son. A man named Gistwite settled in the west part of the town, near Mifflin, about 1756. While at work on his log cabin he was murdered by Indians. George Fetty settled near Mifflin as early as 1770. His descendants are numerous in the township and some of them reside on the land which he first located. John Stine settled about two miles west from the borough near 1760. His descendants are numerous in the township and the original homestead is still in the family. Bernhart Zimmerman settled in the southeast part of the town- ship and many of his descendants reside in the township. John Moyer came in 1790; Isaac Harvey about 1830, and Michael Wenrick still earlier. The names of many of the pioneers are irretrieva- bly lost. The population of the township in 1830 was 1,601; 1840, 1,297; 1850, 1,967; 1860, 2,817; 1870, 2,274; 1880, 2,327. MANUFACTURERS AND TRADE. Lumbering was the main business in this region from 1780 till a comparatively recent time. Of course many saw-mills have been built and permitted to go to decay. It is believed that Baltzer Smith built the first one about 1780, on a branch of the Swatara, about one mile south of Pine Grove borough. Very little lumber- ing has been done since 1850. A rude grist-mill was built about 1782 on Swope's creek, at the south end of Brookside farm. This was patronized by people 30 miles away. Another was soon built by John Schaeffer on Swatara creek near Mifflin, and soon afterward another on the present site of Z. Baldorf's mill, near North Pine Grove, by a man named Uhler. A distillery was built about 1790 at North Pine Grove by a Mr. Swalm, who was scalded to death while working in it. About 1800 another was built by Peter Leher on a farm now owned by John Feltz. Baltzar Hautz, John Zimmerman and Jacob Stine also erect- ed and operated distilleries. A tavern, known as the Red tavern, was opened as early as 1790 at North Pine Grove, by John and Solomon Albright, who were early settlers there. They were succeeded by Henry W. Conrad and he by Henry Zimmerman. It became a dwelling and about 1858 it was burned. The Albrights also kept a store in a part of the building. Frederick Rudi kept a tavern in a log building which stood on the Brookside farm, near the present bridge, as early as 1785. He was succeeded by a Mr. Woods, who converted it into a store and it was afterward burned. A forge was built by Daniel Rondebach about two miles east of Pine Grove borough, and in 1844 it was converted into the Stan- hope furnace by Adam Brown. It continued in blast till about 1875, since which it has been idle. Swatara forge was started as a furnace in 1830, by George N. Eckert and Simon Guilford. It was afterward converted into a forge and it is continued as such. It is owned by the estate of George N. Eckert. VILLAGES. Mifflin consists of a hotel, a store, a church and half a dozen dwellings. A hotel has been kept here many years. Hans C. Christesen opened the first store here in 1868, and he was in- strumental in the establishment of the post-office here about 1873. Daniel B. Kochenberger was the first postmaster, but was soon succeeded by H.C. Christesen, who held the office until his death, in 1878, since which time Mrs. Louisa Christesen has served as postmistress. Elwood is a post-office and flag station on the S. and S. branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. The place contains a store and six or eight dwellings. North Pine Grove, although not included within the borough limits of Pine Grove, is nevertheless a continuation of the northern suburbs of the village. A hotel and small store are kept there, and the locality is made the polling place for the township. CHURCHES. Jacob's Lutheran Church is located about two miles west of Pine Grove on the railroad leading to Lebanon. The congregation was organized in 1780, and the same year a church building of hewed logs was erected. It was the first church established in this part of Schuylkill county. The house was used as a place of worship till 1833, when a new one was built of hewed logs and weather-boarded. It was dedicated Maya 19th of that year. The building committee of the second church were John Stein and George Stein. The deacons at that time were John Spancake and George Zimmerman; elders, Jacob Stein, Jacob Lehman, John Neu, and Adam Spancake; trustee, George Stein. The present officers are: Elders, Samuel Bowen, John Adams, Isaac Buechler and Cyrus Feltz; deacons, Ezra Feltz and Oliver Mease; trustee, Daniel Anspach. The number of communicants is one hundred and seventy. The church property, which included a parsonage and a chapel at Ellwood, is unencumbered and has a value of about $10,000. There are no records of this church of an earlier date than 1799, but it is known that the pastors since its organization have been: Revs. William Kurtz, from 1780 to 1798; Andrew Schultz, from 1798 to 1802; John Knoske from 1802 to 1811; George Mennig, 1811 to 1833; William Mennig, from 1833 to 1839; A.B. Gockelen, from 1839 to 1845; Benjamin Stadtler, from 1845 to 1849; E. Briedenbach, from 1849 to 1852; Elias S. Henry, from 1852 to the present time. The Church of God, of Mifflin.-In the spring of 1870 Elder Israel Hay, of Lebanon county, a preacher from the Church of God of the United States and a member of the East Pennsylvania Elder- ship, commenced preach- _____________end page 314.______________ page 315 PIONEERS OF PINE GROVE BOROUGH. ______________________________________________________________ ing regularly at Mifflin, and continued until March, 1871, when he began a protracted meeting, the result of which was the con- versation of many and the organization of the Church of God on April 16th, 1871, with 46 constituent members. The first officers of the church were: Elders-John Strubhar and Samuel White; deacons-George H. Wagner and Samuel Heiser; treasurer, G.H. Wagner; secretary, E.E. Thompson; trustees-E.E. Thompson, George H. Wagner, Samuel White. In 1872 the society erected a stone church edifice, the chapel or lower story of which was completed and dedicated November 17th, 1872. The main audience room has not yet been completed. Mr. Hay served as pastor until November, 1876, followed by Simon Stonecypher for one year, since which Elder Samuel Smith has preached. The present membership is about 40. A Sunday-school was organized January 3d, 1873, with G.H. Wagner as superintendent. The school then numbered about forty. The present number is about 200. ________________ PINE GROVE BOROUGH. ________________________________________________________ This borough is situated on the Swatara creek, in the eastern part of Pine Grove township, and contains five churches, four hotels, two grist-mills, six general stores, one drug, two cloth- ing and two shoe stores, two tanneries, a furniture factory, a printing office and a proportionate number of shops. Its popula- tion in 1880 was 956. The place was first named Swallowtown, or Schwallum Schtet- tle. Afterward it came to be known as Barrstown, or Bear Schtet- tle. Its present name is from a grove of pines which has disap- peared. Pine Grove was laid out in 1830 by J. Milner Roberts, on lands owned by Henry W. Conrad, Peter Filbert, Benjamin Aycrigg, Samuel Hain, George M. Eckert, Henry G. Weaver, Keim & Drenckle, William Lehman, C.M. Eldridge, Christian Ley, Simon Uhlman, W. Milner Roberts, John Fager, Marcus C. Kauffman, John Barr, W. Richards, William Hoch, Jacob Gratz, John Salterei Wharton, John C. Oliver, J. Huber, and Enoch G. Rex. BEGINNING OF SETTLEMENT AND BUSINESS. Jacob Gunkel, the first settler at Pine Grove, was for sever- al years the only resident within the present borough limits. He located on the site of the American Eagle Hotel in 1771. Here he laid claim to a large tract of land, which he subsequently pur- chased from John and Richard Penn, and which included the site of the present borough. He kept a house of entertainment for trav- elers and teamsters passing over the route of the old Indian trail, and in 1795 opened a store in a part of his house, which he kept till 1810, when he removed to a farm one mile south from the borough, where in 1813 he died. A German Reformed church had been erected (of logs) on his land in 1782, and a parochial school kept there at times. Pine Grove forge was erected about 1810, by Tobias Rickel, near where Filbert & Brothers' flouring mill now stands, and a few small tenement houses were built near it. In 1819 the property was purchased by Peter Filbert, who erected an edge-tool factory, known as the "Tilthammer forge." Mr. Filbert operated both for a few years; then sold them, and in 1828 they were abandoned. Michael Fritz came in 1810. He was a tanner. He was a sub- stitute for Jonathan Seidel in the war of 1812. John Barr, a tavern keeper, came in 1814. He had served as a captain in the war of 1812. George Barr, his eldest son, was a tanner, but for 15 years he was a butcher, than a coal operator. He still lives here. Jacob Barr, another son, is also a resident. Paul, anoth- er son of John, was first a tanner, and afterwards a merchant and a lumberman. He was postmaster during 24 years. Michael Huber came to Pine Grove in 1812. He was a miller in the Batdorf mill. His son Jacob, a lifelong resident, was a carpenter and joiner, and his wife, a daughter of John Barr, survives him. Jacob Christ came in 1814. He was a teacher. Samuel Hain was a tanner here during ten years from 1822. William Graeff came to Pine Grove in 1825, and for thirty years was a merchant. From 1836 till his death in 1873 he was also a coal operator. The first tannery was established in 1810, by Jonathan Gerde., and by him conducted till 1824, when it was sold to Samuel Hain, and subsequently to Levi Miller, who still carries on the business. Samuel Guss built the Schuylkill county tannery here in 1830. He was succeeded by John Bechtel & Son, who enlarged the works in 1856, and in 1863 sold to Daniel and John Gensemer, the present proprietors. About 1810 Philip Gerdel came and built a large grist-mill on Swatara creek, near where Charles Fegley's mill now stands. It had several subsequent owners, among whom were Daniel Rendebach, Conrad Raber, Peter Eckert, Levi Miller and Enoch More. Charles Fegley purchased it, and in 1858 built a larger one in place of it. This was swept away by a flood in June, 1862, and the present mill soon afterward built on its site. The steam flouring and grist-mill of Filbert & Brother was built by the present proprietors in 1865. ___________end page 315.____________ page 316 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ A foundry was built about 1845 by John Derby. It was burnt about 1852. Another was erected and used till 1871. the build- ing remains. Primitive stores were kept by Jacob Dietzler, John and Solo- mon Albright, and a man named Woods. The store now occupied by F.E. Stees & Brother was built by William Graeff about 1825. He continued in business there till 1858, and was succeeded by his son, John E. Graeff, and William Farrer. Kauffman & Uhlman, Strimphler & Hoch, Caleb Wheeler, Paul Brand and Paul Barr, jr., were merchants here previous to 1833. Among those of a more recent date were Kitzmiller, Stees & Co., Stimphler & Shoemaker, Greenwald & George, George F. Mars, Peter C. Molly, Francis Hoover, George F. Kurtz. The principal representatives of this branch of business at present are Miller, Filbert & Co., F.E. Stees & Brother, Gensemer & Sherman, C.F. Molly & Co., and A.G. Paine. Paul Barr opened the first drug store about 1842, and was succeeded by his son, T.A. Barr, in 1872, who still continues the business. After Jacob Gunter, John Brown opened a primitive hotel, just north of the borough line, about 1780. It was known as the "Red Tavern." Frederick Reed, in 1785, had a tavern near the south borough line. On the site of the Gunter stand John Barr erected and opened a hotel in 1815, since which time it has not ceased to be kept. George P. Fester had been proprietor since 1874. Henry D. Con- rad, in 1827, and Peter Filbert, in 1828, established hotels. Both are now dwellings. Pine Grove Hotel was built in 1830 by Peter Filbert. His son, Samuel P., is the present proprietor. Among other landlords here have been William Lutz, Captain Rein- hart, Philip Koons, Daniel McQuade, John Snyder, William Zimmer- man, John Sager, Kennedy Robinson, William Lurch, Christian Ley and Fred G. Werntz. Reading was the post town for this place till 1819, when a post-office was established here with John Barr as postmaster. Subsequent postmasters have been James C. Oliver, Paul Barr, George F. Mars, Dr. John Kitzmiller, Philip Koons, Henry Hain, A.G. Manwiler and Dr. J.G. Dreher. The first mail route through Pine Grove was from Georgetown to Womensdorf, over which a weekly mail was carried on horseback by John Schope and afterward by George Bingeman. Afterward a route was established from Harrisburg to Pottsville, and in 1830 a daily line of stage coaches traversed this route. The first resident physician in Pine Grove was Dr. Jacob Christ. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was succeeded by his son Dr. Levi M. Christ. Both died in 1876. Dr. William Smith came in 1829, Dr. Armstrong in 1834, Dr. Augustine Holmes about 1835 and Dr. Kitzmiller in 1836. Dr. Kitzmiller was acci- dentally killed in 1864. The Schuylkill County Herald was established in 1878 under the name of the Pine Grove Herald, by the present proprietor, Alfred Gilbert. Its name was changed early in 1879. INCORPORATION.-OFFICERS. Pine Grove was incorporated May 7th, 1832. It then contained 300 inhabitants. The first borough election was held at the house of Henry W. Conrad, April 26th, 1839. The following have been chose to the office of chief burgess: John Barr, 1839, 1840; Jacob Ditzler, 1841, 1842; Peter Filbert, 1843; George Shucker, 1844, 1845, 1853; Owen Drine, 1846, 1859, 1870, 1871, 1879; Daniel Werntz, 1847; Lewis Reeser, 1848; Jacob Barr, 1849; Samuel Fox, 1850, 1851, 1854-58, 1863-69; Frederick Snyder, 1852; Benjamin Eckler, 1860; Charles Duel, 1861; Jacob Fry, jr., 1862; U.R. Tracy, 1872, 1873; John W. Barr, 1874; John F. Zimmerman, 1875; Levi Smeltzer, 1876; John Huber, jr., 1877, 1880; Penrose Barto, 1878. The following have served as town clerks: Samuel Guss, 1839-45; John A. Bechtel, 1846; K. Robin- son, 1847; Lewis Reeser, 1848-51; Henry Wertnz, 1852; Levi Huber, 1853-57; Edward T. Filbert, from 1858 to the present time. SCHOOLS. Tradition says a school was taught here by a German in 1779. The parochial school in connection with Gunkel's church has been spoken of. As late as 1820 the German language was taught exclu- sively in the school. Of the many German teachers only the names of Mr. ----- Freedland and David Christ are remembered. The first exclusively English schools were taught about 1825 by David Gorman and ----- Kellogg, a Quaker. The first school-house, a framed building, was erected in 1830 on Mill street, in the western part of the borough. Among others Rev. F.W. Conrad, D.D., and Hon. James L. Nutting taught in this building. The present school building, erected in 1857, is a three- story brick structure, the upper story of which is owned by the masonic lodge. In this excellent schools have been taught. The principals have been Valentine Jones, Edward Jones, J.H. Werntz, Rev. Mr. Koons, ----- Matthews, R.S. Unger, J.H. Rossler, D.C. Henning, S.A. Will and George W. Channell. The latter has taught continuously since 1871. ORGANIZATIONS. Washington Camp, No. 49, Patriotic Order Sons of America was organized May 28th, 1858, with fourteen charter members, composed entirely of young men between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one. J. Leonard was chosen the first president. The organization prospered until the breaking out of the civil war in 1861, when most of its members joined the Union army, and this camp was suspended. On April 10th, 1866, it was reorganized, and in August of the same year the word "Junior," which it at first bore, was stricken from the name and the age of admission extend- ed to fifty years. It now numbers over 100 members. Pine Grove Lodge, No. 148, I.O.O.F. was instituted January 28th, 1846. The charter members were J.S. ___________end page 316.___________ page 317 LODGES AND CHURCHES AT PINE GROVE. ______________________________________________________________ Shoemaker, John Strimpfler, Kennedy Robinson, Samuel Hepple, John A. Bechtel and Israel Reinhard. The first officers were: J. Reinhard, N.G.; J. Strimpfler, V.G.; K. Robinson, secretary; J.A. Bechtel, treasurer. This lodge has had a steady and healthy growth, and it now numbers about 125 members. Pine Grove Encampment, No. 211, I.O.O.F. was instituted June 19th, 1871. There were eight charter members. The first offi- cers were: Reuben Barto, C.P.; Ezra J. Haak, H.P.; F.F. Barels, S.W.; A.W. Zimmerman, J.W.; J.H. Leonhart, scribe; John Huff, treasurer. The encampment numbers 38 members. Pine Grove Lodge, No. 409, A.Y.M. was instituted April 21st, 1868, with twenty-two charter members. The first officers were: H.H. Bar, W.M.; J.A. Sweigard, S.W.; William Claydon, J.W.; E.J. Haak, secretary; R.H. Stees, treasurer. The masters have been H.H. Bar, J.A. Sweigard, H.A. Richards, H.W. Tracy, George Mill- er, J.G. Dreher, S.J. Seyfert, John Hewett. The lodge owns its hall, and is in a prosperous condition. Wolf Post, No. 203, G.A.R. was mustered March 8th, 1870, with twelve charter members. The first officers were: Peter A. Filbert, C.C.; F.J. Diehl, senior V.C.; A.M. Rank, junior V.C.; R. Barto, adjutant; George F. Kurtz, Qr.M.; L.M. Christ, ser- geant; J.F. Bonewitz, chaplain; William Harvey, sergeant major; Hiram Schram, O.D.; R. Bartels, O.G.; William Snyder, Qr.S. Owing to the removal of some of its members and the financial panic of 1875 the post was obliged to disband, but was reorgan- ized July 1st, 1880, with about fifteen members. Pleasant Valley Grange, No. 685, P. of H. was organized with thirteen original members. the first officers were: Daniel Sheidy, master; Charles Jones, overseer; L.E. Hummel, secretary; George Zuby, treasurer. The names of the succeeding masters are Edward Hummel and M.R. Hughes. The grange meetings were held at Pleasant Valley until June, 1876, since which they have been held in Odd Fellows' Hall, Pine Grove borough. The present membership is about fifty-five. In May, 1878, a grange store was opened at Pine Grove, under the auspices of this order. It has done a successful business. Pine Grove Light Infantry.-This military company was organ- ized January 9th, 1877, with 46 men rank and file. The first commissioned officers were: George W. Channell, captain; John W. Barr, 1st lieutenant; John P. Earnest, 2d lieutenant. The serv- ices of the company during the riots of 1877 are elsewhere spoken of. The present commissioned officers are: John Barr, captain; John P. Earnest, 1st lieutenant; J.R. Lehman, 2d lieutenant. CHURCHES. St. Peter's Lutheran and Reformed Church.-Near the place where St. Peter's church now stands originally a German Reformed church was erected about the time this region was settled. It was probably organized and the church erected about 1782. The first minister was Rev. Mr. Gaensel. Rev. Henry Deckert was the pastor about 1797, and Rev. Benjamin Boyer a number of years. The old church was built of hewn logs, and was used as a house of worship until 1816, when it was taken apart, floated down the Swatara river, and put up again as a dwelling house near Jones- town, Lebanon county, where it still remains. In March, 1815, it was resolved to build a new union church for the Lutheran and Reformed congregations. The Lutherans elected Rev. George Mennig their pastor; Sebastian Spancake and John Bonawitz elders, Jonathan Seidel and John Zimmerman deacons. The officers of the Reformed congregation at this time were: Belthazzar Hautz and John Heberling, elders; Michael Huber and Michael Heberling, deacons. On Whit-Monday, 1816, the corner stone of the new church was laid. The building committee were Michael Heberling, John Barr, Michael Huber, and Sebastin Spancake. The master mechanics were Bernard Henry, carpenter, and Henry Webber, mason. October 19th, 1817, the building was dedicated. It was built of stone, and had galleries on three sides. It was used in this form until 1870, when a basement was added at a cost of about $2,000. The congre- gation worshipping in this church is free from debt. The members of the Lutheran congregation in St. Peter's, at the time of its organization, in 1816, were: John Barr, John Zimmerman, John Zimmerman, jr., Peter Zimmerman, Jonathan Seidel, John Bonawitz and wife, John Bonawitz, jr., John Zerbe and wife, Adam Lengel and wife, Susan Schnock, Catharine Hetzell, Susanna Schnock, Catherine Behr, Maria Beuchler, Elisabeth Buchler, Anna M. Minnig, Maria Berger, Maria Yarnell, Elizabeth Plantz, Regina Huber, Elizabeth Conrad, Christiana Hautz, Catharine Griegbaum, George Barr, and Fanny Christ. No record has been kept of the Reformed congregation. Rev. John Gring was pastor for over thirty years, from 1826. Revs. Julius Kurtz, R. Appel, Reily, Graeff, and Heister have been pastors successively. The first pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran congregation, organized in 1816, was Rev. George Minnig, who served until the year 1833. From that time until 1855, the terms of the pastors' services are not recorded, but the following ministers served: Revs. J.F. Haesbert, M. Harpel, William G. Mennig, A. Gockelen, J.M. Dietzler, B. Fruehe and Julius Ehrhart. In the early part of 1855 Rev. Elias S. Henry was elected pastor of the Lutheran St. Peter's congregations, and he has served it up to this time, 26 years. There are 165 Lutheran communicants. The present elders are Simon Spancake and Absalom Gottschall; deacons, Levi Zimmerman and James Clemens; trustees, Benjamin Greenawalt, Aaron Huber and Adam Zimmerman. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church was organized April 27th, 1845, by the adoption of a constitution and the election of Dr. John Kitzmiller and Henry Wile deacons. the following were constituent members: Dr. John Kitzmiller and wife Leah, Henry Wile and wife, Eliza, George Cressman and wife Mary, John Barr, sr., _________end page 317.__________ page 318 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ George Barr and wife Catherine, Victor L. Conrad, Sarah A. Con- rad, Mary Conrad, Peter Filbert and wife Elizabeth, Antonetta Derby, William Graeff and wife Elizabeth, Anna Graeff, Mary Snyder, George R. Cressman, Adam Cressman, Henry Cressman, Cath- erine Cressman, Hannah Cressman, Sarah Cressman, Elijah Stees, Elizabeth Stimpfler, Anna Strimpfler, Mary Brandt, Dorcas Stack- pole, William Eckert and wife Rebecca. Rev. B. Sadler became pastor in 1845, Rev. E. Breidenbach in 1849, and Rev. Elias S. Henry, the present pastor, in 1852. Of the original communicants only about a dozen are living and less than half that number are in connection with the church. The present membership is one hundred and fifty. In the constitution of the church no preference is given to the German or English language; and at present about five English sermons are preached to every two in the German tongue. Services were at first held in the school-house, but early in 1845 Peter Filbert, John Kitzmiller, Augustin Helms, Frederic G. Werntz and Victor L. Conrad were appointed a building committee, and on the 21st of September of the same year the corner stone of the present church was laid. It was dedicated in December, 1846. It is of stone, 38 by 56 feet. It has recently been refurnished at considerable expense. The congregation owns also a comfort- able and commodious parsonage. The Sunday-school of this church was founded in 1836. The first superintendent was Frederick W. Conrad. Of the original members only William Farrier, the present librarian, and Miss Esther Conrad, the superintendent of the infant department, remain in the school. The superintendents have been Messrs. Conrad, Miller, Wharton, V.L. Conrad, John E. Graeff, James T. Kendall, George W. Channell and Benjamin Rose. It has three hundred scholars, divided into two departments, and twenty-five officers and teachers. It has two organs and a library of six- teen hundred volumes. St. Paul's Evangelical Church.-In 1841 Rev. Francis Hoffman preached in the school house in Pine Grove for a time. In autumn of the same year a class of 40 was formed, with Mr. Levi Miller, sen., as leader, and Paul Barr as exhorter. This was the nucleus of the present Evangelical church, the constituent members of which were Levi Miller, John D. Rehrer, Paul Barr, Mrs. Levi Miller, Mrs. Mary Rehrer, Mrs. Paul Barr, Henry Schropp, Michael Heckler, Jacob Barr and wife, George Mars, Henry Wile, George Herman and wife, William Gorgas and wife, Jacob Rehrer, Henry Spancake, Solomon Manbeck and wife, John Huber, sen., and wife, George Heimback and wife, John Barr, Abbey Barr, Elias Thompson, Israel Thompson, George Fisher, Daniel Copenhaver, Susan Umper- hacker, Isaac Huber, Henry Schropp and wife, John Huber and Julia Huber. Services were continued regularly in the school-house until 1842, when a large room in the private residence of Paul Barr was fitted up and used. The first church building was erected and dedicated in 1843. The lot on which it stood-on Mill street-was donated by Levi Miller. The present church edifice is of brick, 40 by 60 feet, two stories in height. It was dedicated in 1864. The following were the pastors sent to this congregation by the East Pennsylvania Conference, in the order named: Revs. Francis Hoffman, S. Neitz, Rev. Mr. Berger, F. Hoffman, Frederick Krecker, S. Neitz, George T. Haines, J.C. Farnsworth, Jacob Gross, John Shell, J.M. Saylor, S. Neitz, William Yost, Lewis Snyder, Reuben Litzenberger, Jacob Adams, Francis Hoffman, J.O. Lehr, Thomas Bowman, S.C. Haman, J.C. Hornberger, A.M. Stirk, W.K. Wieand, S.S. Chubb, J.M. Oplinger, D.A. Medlar, present pastor, appointed in March, 1880. The congregation had at one time over 100 members in its communion, but quite a number emigrated and many died. Two parties have seceded and founded other churches. This is the mother congregation of several churches in this town. Its mem- bership at present is 109, and divided into two classes, one English and the other German. John D. Reher is leader of the latter class and J.J. Krimmel exhorter. D.A. Medlar, the present pastor, is leader of the English class, and Charles F. Molly exhorter. The present trustees are Daniel Gensemer, J.J. Krim- mel, Penrose Barto, Charles F. Molly and F.W. Reber. Rev. J.O. Lehr preached the first English sermon in 1864, on Sunday evening. English services were continued from that time every two weeks until the Rev. Thomas Bowman, now a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church, was stationed there, who preached in English every Sunday evening. From that time to the present the services have been German in the morning and English in the evening. The congregation owns two organs, using one in the church service and the other in Sunday-school. A Sunday-school connected with this church was organized April 13th, 1851, with about 30 scholars. Levi Miller was the first superintendent. The present number of pupils, teachers and officers is 240, and of volumes in the library 1,350. Methodist Episcopal Church.-The Methodist Episcopal church of Pine Grove is the result of the spontaneous movement on the part of a number of persons who desired more English preaching than the established churches of the place afforded, and who appealed to this denomination as meeting their theological views and spiritual wants. In February, 1876, these persons invited Rev. Theodore Ste- vens, then pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church of Lebanon, to preach for them, and at his suggestion Rev. Curtis F. Turner, presiding elder of Susquehanna district of the Philadelphia Conference, was requested to visit the place and inaugurate the steps leading to the organization of a Methodist church. Under his direction application was made to Bishop Gilbert Haven, presiding over the Philadelphia Conference, for recognition and the appointment of a pastor. On the 6th of April, 1876, Rev. W.J. Mills was appointed to the charge, and immediately entered upon his duties. ____________end page 318.____________ page 319 CHURCHES OF PINE GROVE COL. J.L. NUTTING. _______________________________________________________________ St. Peter's Lutheran and Reformed church was used. Here, on the 20th of April, the pastor completed the organization by receiving into fellowship 66 persons, many of whom had been members of other churches. A valuable property on the corner of Tulpehocken and Mill streets was donated by Levi Miller, sen., and on this site a brick church in the gothic style of architecture, 70 by 40 feet, was erected. The lower story was dedicated December 17th, 1876, by Bishop Simpson. In the following spring the entire structure was completed, and the auditorium was dedicated on the 27th of May, 1877, also by Bishop Simpson. A parsonage was built in the rear of the church edifice, fronting on Mill street. The entire church property is worth about $25,00, and is free from debt. Rev. T.M. Jackson became pastor in March, 1879. The church has 64 members and 14 proba- tioners. The Sunday-school has about 200 members, and owns a library of about 650 volumes. The United Brethren Church in Christ was organized in 1847 by Rev. J.A. Sand. Rev. Christian Kreider had preached here some time previous to the organization of the church. The following were the original members: Paul Barr and wife, Jacob Barr and wife, John Huber and wife, Henry Spancake and wife, Henry Shrop and wife, Jacob Bucher and wife, Lewis Hackman and wife, Peter Gamble and wife, William Lutz and wife and Frederick Spoorman. Paul Barr was appointed the first class leader. Meetings were first held in a portion of Paul Barr's house. The society built a church in 1847 on land donated by William Eckert. It is of wood, 35 by 42 feet, and cost about $2,000. The church was completed and dedicated in the fall of 1847. The building com- mittee were Paul Barr, Jacob Barr, Frederick Spoorman and Henry Spancake. The following have been the pastors of this church: J.A. Sand, Simon Noll, Lewis Cranmer, George Smith, Jacob Rupp, David Hoffman, John Lowery, Jacob Deurkson, James G. Fritz, Lewis Fleisher, J.G. Clair, Samuel Etter, J. Binkley, Henry Hackman, James Shoop, Philip Shaeffer, William Uhler, J.F. Smith, ----- Cranmer. The pulpit is at present supplied by Rev. Messrs. Shindler and Arnt. The number of members is about 40. A Sunday-school was organized in 1847. S. Hikes was the superintendent over twenty two years. The school is kept up during the entire year, and numbers about 50 scholars. ____________ BIOGRAPHICAL. COLONEL JAMES L. NUTTING. James L. Nutting was born in Cumberland county, Maine, June 12th, 1818. He was, therefore, 62 years and eight days old at the time of his death, which occurred June 20th, 1880. He was one of four sons of a sturdy New England farmer, and in his early youth followed farming until, by diligent application and a perseverance that never acknowledged failure, in connection with his arduous duties on the farm, he prepared himself to enter college at the age of twenty. In this preparation he had but meager assistance, as country districts in those days did not afford the advantages of a preparation for college. But with a thirst for knowledge, industrious and economical habits already well formed in him, and a strong will, he was able to surmount all difficulties, and entered Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, in 1838. The same industrious habits that he had acquired in boyhood characterized him there. He was known among his fellow students as an honest, hard-working student, intent on acquiring an educa- tion, taking more delight in the pursuit of knowledge than engag- ing in the many freaks that belong to college classes. He was always regarded by his classmates as one competent and ready to give counsel, and in the weightier matters of college classes the advice and counsel of student Nutting were always sought. He graduated with honors at the age of twenty-four. His expenses at college were mainly met by his savings from teaching during the winter, when there was but little to do on the farm. This occu- pation he entered upon at sixteen. After graduating Mr. Nutting turned his attention to the study of law, and entered the law office of Howard & Shepley, Portland, Maine. After completing his course of study here, and finding his savings entirely enhausted (sic), he betook himself again to the profession of teaching, for which he had a liking and possessed many eminent qualifications. He now turned his face toward the State of his adoption, and landed in Womelsdorf, Berks county, and at once opened the academy there, which had been for some time closed for the want of patronage. Under the supervision of Mr. Nutting it was fast becoming a popular insti- tution of that town, but he had not determined to settle there, and at the intimation of Mr. Burns, now of Minersville, and a literary gentleman of some note, that he might find a fuller appreciation of his talents in Pine Grove, he removed to that place April 1st, 1847. He entered at once upon his profession here, teaching a private school upon a number of the public spirited citizens guaranteeing him a fixed salary until the public schools opened in the fall, when he assumed charge. Under his supervision they soon reached an efficiency they had never before attained. Many active business men received their education under the charge of Mr. Nutting, and owe much of their success in life to the thorough training they received, and to the persevering and industrious habits that he taught by example as well as precept. He continued in charge of the school in Pine Grove for five years. He subsequently moved to New Berlin, this State, where he reopened an academy; but the profession failing to remunerate him sufficiently he was forced, like many others, to abandon it for the more remunerative pursuits of business life, and returned to Pine Grove, which he had already decided to make his future home. In 1857, in partnership with John F. Derby, he became inter- ested in the Pine Grove iron works, which they operated till 1864, when Mr. Nutting sold out, and entered ___________end page 319.___________ page 320 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ the coal firm of Borda, Kellar & Nutting. He subsequently became joint owner with William J. Lewis of the Eckert colliery, which they continued to operate till 1872, when he sold out his inter- est in the coal business, and retired almost to private life, with a competency as a reward for his industry and perseverance. During the time he was engaged in the iron business he not only attended to the business management of the firm, but it is said none of his employes worked harder than himself. No honest labor was too lowly for him to lay his hands to. In 1872 he purchased the Brookside farm, to which he gave his personal supervision till the time of his death. In 1876 he was nominated by acclamation as the unanimous choice of the Republicans of Schuylkill county for Congress, and was generally believed to have been honestly elected, although the certificate of election was given to his opponent, as having a majority of 81 votes on the returns. This election Mr. Nutting vigorously but vainly contested, being convinced that he had a majority of the votes cast. Subsequent to that date Mr. Nutting took little active part in politics, though an earnest advocate of the principles of the Republican party. His popularity with the masses was evidenced in the ballot, he having overcome a Democratic majority of 1,777 votes cast for the Presidential nominee, Samuel J. Tilden. In the exceedingly active and partisan campaign no word of reproach could be brought against his public or private life. His most bitter opponents were forced to admit that his honor was irreproachable. The Standard, the Democratic organ of the coun- ty, was prompt to admit that his honor and honesty were untar- nished, and that Mr. Nutting was a genial and clever gentleman, and like Mr. Hayes, there could not be much said against him. During all his business and political life he never relaxed his interest in the cause of education, and was found as regular in attendance at the county institute, and as actively interested in the discussion of educational topics, as any of the teachers in the county. He was a member of the board of education of Pine Grove until his death. Mr. Nutting believed that man was the architect of his own fortune; that he was his own best friend or worst enemy. while there was, probably, less selfishness in his character than belongs to the average of mankind, he believed thoroughly in the inherent qualities of one's self, and that in them lay the future prospects and usefulness in life, rather than in borrowed advan- tages that circumstances might throw around one. In the develop- ment of better traits of character; in directing the energies and forming correct habits in the young, he was especially interest- ed, and was always ready to extend the helping hand, or give the needed counsel to the furtherance of these ends. With the prof- ligate habits, the desire for ease or some light and genteel employment, in which hands and clothes need not be soiled, that seem to characterize too many of the young of the present day, he had but little sympathy. He believed that these were not the means to develop the stronger traits of character that might be lying dormant within; that to develop the symmetrical statue from the unhewn ashlar required harder knocks from the hands and chisel of time. He was truly a self-made man, and his life an example of what persevering industry, honesty of purpose, and correct habits may attain to. Though not a member of any church, no professing Christian or church member was found more regularly at the sanctuary than he, or more ready to give to the support of the gospel, and to what- ever else advanced the interests of the church and the cause of Christ. His religion was in practice rather than in profession, and many a barrel of flour and bundle of dry goods found their way into the houses of the poor, while from his farm went many bags of potatoes and other produce to the deserving, without their being able to tell whence they came. He was always on the alert to find some one struggling to help himself, and was ever ready to extend the helping hand. He was greatly interested in the work of Sunday schools, and gave liberally toward their support. Most of the churches of Pine Grove, in their happy freedom from debt, own much to the liberality and perseverance of Mr. Nutting, for he not only gave liberally himself, but incited and persuaded others to do so. He was at one time elected treas- urer of the German Reformed church, and in the building of the new Methodist Episcopal church was a member of the board of trustees. He had but little regard for the knotty points in theology, and troubled himself but little in regard to how many angels could stand on the point of a cambric needle. In the doctrinal points that too often divide churches and alienate them in sympathy he took but little interest, but in the broad princi- ples of Christianity he was a firm believer; and there can be no doubt that he passed from earth in full sympathy with and an unwavering faith in the principles of Christianity. He died of apoplexy, suddenly and painlessly, supported in the arms of his daughter, Annie G. In church government he inclined the congre- gationalist form; for in that church, of which his parents were members, he received his early religious training. October 15th, 1851, he married Barbara Ann, daughter of William and Elizabeth Graeff, who died March 8th, 1877. To them were born three chil- dren, a little girl who died in infancy, February 22nd, 1854; Willie, who died March 26th, 1857, aged 4 years and 7 months; and Annie, who survives him. Of his father's family his mother still survives him, living at the old homestead, Otisville, Maine, at the advanced age of 87. A sister, Mrs. Eastman, lives at Casco, Maine; and of two brothers, both his juniors, Albert lives with his aged mother at the homestead, and Lyman Nutting is the well- known iron manufacturer of Lebanon, Pa., and is also well and favorably known in this county, having been engaged in the coal business of this county, and is still a member of the firm of Miller, Graeff & Co. __________end page 320.___________ page 321 THE CONRAD FAMILY. ______________________________________________________________ HENRY W. CONRAD. This prominent citizen of Schuylkill county was born in Worcester township, Montgomery county, Pa., on the 8th of Febru- ary, 1789. He received a good education in the schools of that time, and learned mathematics and surveying in Norristown. In 1810 he was married to Elizabeth Hendale, of his native county, and soon after removed to Pine Grove, Schuylkill county. During the war of 1812-14 he was captain of a company of soldiers from the county, called out for the defense of Baltimore against the British troops, and he received a major's commission at the end of the war. In 1821 he was appointed prothonotary of Schuylkill county, by Governon Joseph Hiester, and removed to Orwigsburg. He filled this office for three years, and in 1824 returned to Pine Grove, where he served as justice of the peace and deputy county surveyor for many years. He was widely known and popular- ly called Squire Conrad in the community. In 1837-39 he served as representative of the county for two sessions in the State Legislature, under the administrations of Governors George Wolf and Joseph Ritner. He was a strong advocate of the system of free schools, which was adopted by the State about that time. He was an active member of the Democratic party, and always took a prominent and influential part in the political affairs of the county. He was an earnest supporter of General Jackson, and a decided opponent of the United States bank. He also opposed the re-election of Governor Wolf for a third term, and in 1837 united with others of the Democratic party in nominating Hon. Henry A. Muhlenberg as a third candidate, which resulted in the election of Joseph Ritner, the candidate of the Whigs. He took an active part in all public improvements, and in the opening and development of the anthracite coal trade. He was at one time part owner of some of the most valuable coal lands of that region, which have since been developed and become worth millions of dollars. During the last few years of his life his health was much impaired, and he died at Pine Grove on the 14th of May, 1841. The death of his widow occurred on the 12th of January 1852. The remains of both repose in the cemetery of St. John's Lutheran Church at Pine Grove. He was the father of eleven children, three of whom died quite young. Two sons survive-Rev. Frederick W. Conrad, D.D., editor, and Professor Victor L. Conrad, Ph.D., associate editor of the Lutheran Observer, Philadelphia, where both reside. Of the daughters, Miss Esther Conrad has made teaching her life profession, and resides at Pine Grove. Sarah A. Conrad was married to Rev. E.S. Henry, September 12th, 1853, and died August 12th, 1869. Charlotte E. Conrad became the wife of William Forrer on June 16th, 1846, and died May 25th, 1853. Frances Valeria Conrad was married to Rev. Richard P. Thomas in 1855, and resides in Springfield, Ohio. Henry W. Conrad, the subject of this sketch, was a man of strong intellect and striking traits of character. He possessed a wide range of information and had extraordinary powers of conversation. He could interest and adapt himself to all classes of persons, from the most illiterate to the most highly cultured. His social address and his personal magnetism were so marked that all who made his acquaintance soon felt that they were in the presence of a natural leader among men. VICTOR L. CONRAD, PH.D., was born at Pine Grove, on the 7th of October, 1824. During his early youth he attended the school of the village, and subse- quently studied at an academy in Waynesboro, Pa., during several winters. In 1841 he was appointed collector of tolls on the Union Canal and Railroad, at Pine Grove, having succeeded Dr. F.W. Conrad, his brother, in that office. He entered Pennsylva- nia College in 1844, and graduated there in 1848. He subsequent- ly pursued a theological course in the seminary at Gettsyburg, and was licensed to preach in 1851 by the Synod of East Pennsyl- vania. In 1853 he removed to Springfield, Ohio, to assume the edi- torship of The Evangelical Lutheran, a new church paper just started there. In 1854 he was married to Miss H.D. Bartlett, daughter of the late Jonathan Bartlett, of Maine. In consequence of inadequate patronage the new paper was discontinued, and in 1856 Prof. Conrad removed to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he had been chosen principal of the ninth ward public school. In the follow- ing year he removed to Dayton, Ohio, where he took charge of Cooper Seminary for young ladies, which he conducted until the war of the Rebellion broke out, in 1861. In 1862 he removed to New York city, and was engaged in business there until 1867, when he was elected professor of natural sciences in Pennsylvania College, Gettsyburg, and removed to that place. In 1870 he resigned his professorship and removed to Philadelphia, where he has been engaged as associate editor of the Lutheran Observer until the present time. F.W. CONRAD, D.D., was born at Pine Grove, January 3d, 1816. After a common school education, he entered Mount Airy college, Germantown, in 1828, and prosecuted his studies there for three years. In 1834, at the age of 18, he was appointed collector of tolls on the Union Canal and Railroad at Pine Grove, and continued in this official position until 1841. He attended a course of cathechetical instruction by Rev. Marcus Harpel in 1836, which resulted in her conversion and union with the Lutheran church in that year. This wrought an entire change in his character and plans for life, and he resolved to devote himself to the ministry. In the fall of 1837 he entered the theological seminary at Gettysburg, Pa., and prosecuted the theological course of that institution for two years, and was admitted to the ministry and licensed to preach by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania at Allentown in 1839. In the meantime he had been preaching in English and German at Pine Grove and vicinity for several years, _________end page 321.___________ page 322 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ through which many persons were converted and the moral and religious character of the entire community was changed. In 1841 he was married to Miss Rebecca Filbert, daughter of Peter Fil- bert, of Pine Grove, and accepted a call to the pastorate of the Lutheran churches at Waynesboro, Franklin county, Pa., and vicin- ity; and served that charge for three years, during which exten- sive revivals of religion took place under his minstrations. In 1844 he was called to the pastorate of the Lutheran church at Hagerstown, Md., where he continued over six years, when he was elected professor of modern languages in Wittenberg college, and of homiletics in the theological department of that institution, at Springfield, Ohio, and removed there in 1850. Here he re- mained five years, and in 1855 he became pastor of the First Lutheran church at Dayton, Ohio, to which he ministered for nearly seven years, during which time the present large and handsome church edifice of that congregation was erected. In 1862 he accepted the pastorate of old Trinity church at Lancas- ter, Pa., and in 1864 was called to the Lutheran church at Cham- bersburg. While pastor of this church the town was burned by the rebel troops, under General McCausland, and his house, though not burned, was pillaged by the invaders. While at Lancaster he became joint owner and editor of the Lutheran Observer, and on the removal of that paper from Balti- more to Philadelphia he resigned his church at Chambersburg, removed to Philadelphia in 1866, and became editor-in-chief of the Observer, in which position he has continued to the present time. For about six years after his removal to Philadelphia he served as pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church, during which time its present edifice at the corner of Sixteenth and Jefferson streets was partly built. Dr. Conrad has led a most active life, and been prominent in all the general enterprises and work of the Lutheran Church in this country, in connection with the General Synod. During his early ministry extensive revivals of religion occurred under his ministrations at different places; and his efforts to promote the establishment and endowment of literary and theological institu- tions have been highly successful. For many years his services have been in great demand at the dedication of new Lutheran churches in various parts of the country, and he has thus offici- ated in hundreds of instances, with marked success in securing large contributions from the people to free their churches from debt. He has also delivered many educational and patriotic addresses on special occasions in various places, and he is still actively engaged in promoting the general work of the church in all its departments. DR. JOHN KITZMILLER. This highly esteemed citizen of Pine Grove was born near Myerstown, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, on the 14th day of March, 1815. He was the son of Emanuel and Catharine Kitzmiller. In his youth he received a respectable education, and in his early manhood he entered upon the study of medicine in the office of his uncle, Dr. Augustine Holmes, at Myerstown. About the year 1835 he removed with his preceptor to Pine Grove, and begin the practice of medicine there. In a few years after, however, he relinquished his profession, and engaged in the mercantile and coal business, with Mr. Reuben H. Stees as partner, under the firm of Kitzmiller & Stees. This firm continued for about twenty years, when Mr. Levi Miller became a partner, and a few years later the firm was consolidated with that of Graeff & Nutting, under the name of Kitzmiller, Graeff & Co., in which he continued as senior partner up to the time of his sudden death, in 1864. In February, 1839, he was married to Miss Leah Filbert, eldest daughter of Peter Filbert, Esq., a lady of most lovely Christian character, who died in June, 1862. Their only daugh- ter, Miss Mary Ida Kitzmiller, in 1872 became the wife of Profes- sor Edward S. Breidenbaugh, of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, where she now resides. The manner of Dr. Kitzmiller's death was peculiarly painful and distressing. He was accustomed to visit the collieries of the firm almost every day. In August, 1864, he drove in a buggy as usual to their mine at Rausch Creek, where he left his horse and walked from there over to the Lorberry colliery. On his return he found his horse had become greatly excited and alarmed by the noise of the coal breakers. He therefore led him for some distance before he ventured to enter the buggy and drive him. Soon after he had mounted, however, the horse became unmanageable and ran rapidly along the road. The buggy struck a rock and he was thrown out upon a front wheel, where his foot was caught between the wheel and the shaft, and, thus fastened, he was dragged under the vehicle at full speed for a mile and a half. When the horse was finally stopped his mangled body was extricat- ed, but life was extinct. Dr. Kitzmiller was so universally esteemed and beloved by all classes of people that his sudden and tragic death spread a gloom of profound sorrow over the community, and multitudes from all over the entire region came to mourn at his obsequies. All felt that in him they had lost a true personal friend and brother. As a citizen Dr. Kitzmiller was deeply interested and active in many movements to improve the town, to develop the resources of the region, and to advance the educational and religious interests of the community. During the late war he contributed largely of his means to equip out volunteer soldiers and to support their families. He was a special friend of the poor and relieved the wants of many, and none who needed assistance ever applied to him in vain. He was a member and officer of St. John's Lutheran Church, and one of its original founders. He was a devoted Christian, and all the graces of the highest Christian character were strikingly illustrated in his life and conduct. Indeed, his entire character was so eminently marked by strict integrity in all business transactions and relations, and by such uniform kindness, benevolence and charity that his memory is cherished by all who knew him as that of one of the noblest and best of men. ____________end page 322._____________ page 323 THE LIFE OF PETER FILBERT. ______________________________________________________________ PETER FILBERT. This prominent citizen of Pine Grove was born at Bernville, Berks county, Pa., in 1794. His ancestors were Germans, and originally came from Wittemberg, in Saxony. His father, Samuel Filbert, died when Peter was an infant six months old, and at an early age he became the ward of Francis Umbenhauer. When a boy he had only the advantage of three months' instruction in an English school, and was employed by his uncle Philip Filbert in a store and hotel in Bernville. In 1810 he bound himself to Jacob Filbert as an apprentice to learn the carpenter's trade, and served in this capacity for three years and a half. In 1814 he enlisted among the troops called out for the defence of Baltimore against the British army, and marched under Captain Smith to Springfield camp, near that city, and after the retreat of the British troops was honorable discharged from service. Afterwards he worked at his trade for several years, and in 1818 was married to Elizabeth Stoudt, of Berks county, who still (1881) survives him, at the age of 84 years. In 1820 he removed to Pine Grove and took charge of the Pine Grove forge, which was then the only improvement about the place, excepting a few scat- tered houses. In 1829 the Union canal was located near the forge, which was then abandoned, and from 1829 to 1831 he was engaged in erecting building and making other improvements in the village. Among the houses then built by him are the Hilbert homestead-Hazel Hall-the Pine Grove Hotel and the late residence of the Graeff family, of which he was the architect and owner. For a number of years he kept the Pine Grove Hotel, which he built, and took an active part in the improvement of the town. He was a member of the first town council, and aided largely in opening and improving the streets. He took a deep interest in public schools, and was treasurer of the school board for many years. In 1836 he engaged in partnership with Benjamin Hale, of Harrisburg, in running a line of coaches between Harrisburg, in running a line of coaches between Harrisburg and Pottsville. In 1840 he rented his hotel, removed to his family residence, and engaged in farming and in the manufacture of brick and lumber. He was a man of superior judgment and great prudence and fore- thought, and, although he became one of the largest individual land owners of the county, he sustained himself amid all the financial reverses of the times. He took an active part in political affairs, and was an influential member of the Whig party. In the Presidential elec- tion of 1840 he was chosen a member of the electoral college of Pennsylvania and cast his vote in favor of the successful candi- dates, General William Henry Harrison for President, and John Tyler for Vice-President of the United States. After the disso- lution of the Whig party he united with the Republican party, and at the breaking out of the Rebellion of the South he gave freely of his means and influence for its suppression and the mainte- nance of the Union. His two youngest sons-Major Peter H. Hilbert (sic) and William H. Hilbert (sic)-responded to the first call of President Lincoln for troops, and served in the Union army during the war. Mr. Filbert was the father of ten children, six of whom still survive. His daughters Leah and Rebecca were educated in the Moravian school at Litiz, Pa., and the former became the wife of Dr. John Kitzmiller, and the latter of Rev. Dr. F.W. Conrad, of Philadelphia, editor of the Lutheran Observer. Four of his sons-Samuel P., Edward T., Peter H. and William H. Filbert-reside at Pine Grove, and John A. Filbert, another son, resides near Schuylkill Haven at the present time. In early life, at Bernville, Mr. Filbert was confirmed by Rev. Mr. Riemensnyder as a member of the Lutheran Church, and from his removal to Pine Grove in 1820 he was a member and offi- cer of St. Peter's German Reformed and Lutheran Church at that place until 1845. He then withdrew and united with others in the organization of St. John's Lutheran Church in the village, and it was largely through his influence and means that the present church edifice of that congregation was erected upon one of his lots. He was chairman of the building committee, a member of the church council and a regular communicant until the date of his death, which occurred on the 14th of February, 1864, at the age of 69 years and eight months. Personally Mr. Filbert was a man of highly social disposi- tion, and he enjoyed the esteem and attachment of many warm personal friends. He had a genial spirit and pleasant humor which rendered him exceedingly companionable to his intimate friends, who often enjoyed his droll remarks, spiced as they were with genuine pleasantry and wit. He was at the same time a man of sound judgment and remarkable sagacity, a sincere friend and wise counsellor, and always gave his influence in favor of the right in all public and private affairs. _____________end page 323._______________ page 324 PORTER TOWNSHIP. _______________________________________________________________ This township, named after Governor David Porter, is situated in the extreme western portion of Schuylkill county. It was taken from Lower Mahantongo township in 1840. A portion was set off to form part of Frailey seven years later. The population in 1850 was 305; 1860, 360; 1870, 1,167; 1880, 2,628. Williams Valley, one of the most picturesque in Pennsylvania, famed for the beauty of its scenery, derives its name from two men, father and son, Daniel and Ennier Williams, who as early as 1774 took up two tracts of land in their own names, and a number of others in the names of Cline, Scull, Mifflin, Cox and Lengel. It is reported that Ennier William, the son, lived a few years in the valley during the Revolution, but the tradition cannot be positively verified. He was, on his mother's side, of Indian blood, she having been a daughter of Kushwa, chief of the Kushwa tribe, a branch of the Delawares. Daniel Williams, the father, was noted for his stature, standing, as is related, six feet four inches in height, with broad shoulders and a deep chest, and having remarkable long arms and large hands. Traditions of this man are numerous and all of them agree that physically and mentally he was extraordinary. Peters Mountain, a singular formation, divides the township into two valleys, Williams and another known as Clark's, starting just opposite the old Seeley house, and extending to the Susque- hanna. This in olden times was a great deer hunting ground, and sportsmen came from long distances annually to hunt there. A large portion of the lands in this township not taken up by the Wiliamses was the property of James Wilson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a judge of the Supreme Court of the United States. Wilson never occupied these lands, and about 1796 all his land was sold, and one John Lewis Barde, an iron monger of Birdsboro, Berks county, became the owner. Barde was subsequently sold out by the sheriff of Berks county (Schuylkill county being then a part of Berks county), under judgment, and all the coal and timber lands which were originally Wilson's became vested in Samuel A. Munson and Helen E.M. Williams, of Utica, N.Y., who in February, 1872, conveyed them to the Phila- delphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, which now owns and operates them. Stony Garden is a stretch of considerable length of small stones, conglomerate, which seem to have been washed down from the mountain. It is a very singular freak of nature and must be seen to be appreciated. In 1803 one Daniel Green, of Reading, Pa., wandering into this boundless expanse of timber located on the top of Broad mountain, and built the first house, a log one, which afterward became known as the Keffer tavern stand. In 1805, becoming dis- gusted with his venture, Green sold out to one Christian Bartsche, who the next year sold to Joseph Keffer. Keffer con- tinued in possession until about 1830, when he removed to Milton, Pa. The Keffer tavern, being situated on the road running from Tulpehocken, in Berks county, to Sunbury, in Northumberland county, became a landmark known of all men. It was the rendez- vous of teamsters, cattle drovers, and country produce dealers generally. During the war of 1812, or rather what was then called the Baltimore war, it was the hiding place of drafted men. The saw-mill at the back of the tavern was their retreat. The Keffer tavern, after Joseph Keffer left it, was occupied continuously as a tavern until 1880, when it was destroyed by fire. Among those who resided there were Daniel Harvey, Francis Sporetzer, Nicholas Bretzius, William Hall, Jacob Ernst, Charles Feather, Samuel Kimmel, Jacob Kenemel, John Brown, Edward F. Wiest, William Hechler and Emanuel Jenkin, who resided there at the time of the fire. The saw-mill still stands, but is in a dilapidated condition. Where Jonathan Mactimer now resides, in Tower City, one Jona- than Neidlinger built a house, afterward used for church pur- poses, and cleared a small piece of land. South and a little west or the Seeley log house there was erected a saw-mill, about the year 1837, now totally destroyed; and directly west, on the same (Wiconisco) creek, a large stone grist-mill was erected, which stands to-day, known as Thompson's; it is operated by David Underkoffer, and owned by Mrs. Jesse Grim. On the site of the residence of Henry Row, about 1842, there was erected a house and barn of considerable dimensions, and the first post-office and store were located there, and known until 1869 as Bearmont post-office and store, when the office was abandoned as such, and Joliet, on top of the mountain, Johnstown post-office, and Tower City post-office took its place. Daniel and Elias Schucker were the owners of this property and also of a large farm of about 360 acres lying farther up the valley. They sold out to George Reiner, Jacob Kohler, and Henry and M.C. Row. After the formation of the township, and subsequently to the triennial assessment of 1841, the following named persons were the ruling characters of the township, and _____________end page 324._____________ page 325 EARLY HISTORY OF PORTER TOWNSHIP. ______________________________________________________________ held prominent positions: George Reiner, John Hand, jr., John Houtz, Paul Kessler, Jonathan Neidlinger, Valentine Achternacht, Levi Fehler, Alexander Thompson, and Jacob and Peter Miller. In 1829 George Werner took up a tract of land of 340 acres, or thereabouts, near the northern boundary line of Porter, and lived there for several years. He had a brother Christopher, of Stoffle, as he was called, who died about 1869 in Fox's valley, a short distance west of uncle Abraham Ernst's. Stoffle Werner was a character in his way-jovial, hardy, ready for hard work or play, fond of children and a "hale fellow well met" generally, he roamed through the country roundabouts. Williams valley was his especial delight, and he related to the writer on once occasion an incident which he thought much of. While hunting on Peters mountain, in 1843, in company with John I. Seeley, they came to the "big deer lick." It was very cold, and Stoffle suggested to Seeley the propriety of building a fire at which to warm while they were watching the lick; Seeley, after taking a pull at the bottle, started in search of wood. He had hardly gone fifty yards when a large buck came down the pate evidently chased by some other hunters or worried by dogs. Stoffle on the spur of the moment grasped his rifle, aimed and the buck, shot him through the neck, and lodged the bullet in Seeley's thigh. Seeley was lame from that time till his death, and the deer that was shot through the neck never put in an appearance. Shortly after the Seeleys came into Williams valley, there was a man living on Stony mountain called the "Pirate." The Pirate was a man of huge dimensions, and with a bear which would vie with that of Rip Van Winkle. He claimed to have been sent by Thomas O'Brien of Reading, to take possession in the name of Chamberlin, O'Brien & Co., and built a little hut on the side of the mountain, which afterwards was occupied by Isaac Sponsler. The first brick building in the township was a dwelling erected in 1870 by John B. Mattis, an enterprising tanner, who also built a steam tannery, which is the only one in the township and is at present in operation (1881). The merchants of Porter are as follows: A.B. Evans (2 stores), William Elliott, C.W. Sherman & Co. (2 stores), Esaias Brown, Isaac M. Evans, Miller & Son, all doing a general country merchant business; Mrs. M.F. Graves, millinery; Samuel S. Shultz, hardware; Peter Grakelow, confectionary. The following public houses are kept by the persons named: Tower City House, H.K. Updegrave; Union House, Daniel E. Kaufman; the Joliet House, E. Jenkin; Henry Tallman's, Benjamin Charles- worths's, Henry Cosgrove's, N.C. Nelson's, Henry Maus's and Samuel Knight's. Up to 1870 there was no regular physician in the township. Practitioners since then have been Drs. E.F. Phillips, S. DeVeny, A.M. Miller, R.B. Wilson, A.O. Miller and J.K. Haak. J. Wallace McCool is a practicing attorney. The churches now in use were all erected within the last twenty years. But one of them-the Methodist-has a regularly located pastor, Rev. William Powick. The others are the Evangelical, Lutheran and United Brethren in Christ, supplied from time to time by different neighboring preachers. There are two brick and framed school-houses, now under the charge of six young men and two ladies, viz: F.P. Henry, J.B. Weidler, J.B. Moyer, Isaac Kimble, J. Nelson Stuck, Philip Upde- grave and Misses Sophy Brodt and Emily Lehman. The oldest school-house was a log building, which was de- stroyed by boys. The school directors for 1881 are: H.K. Upde- grave, W.M. Porter, Adam Hand, Henry Follman, William A. Grakelow and John Stoup. The school district is out of debt and the present buildings are good and substantial. EARLY COAL HISTORY. Between the years 1820 and 1830 the coal fever, so called, broke out in the anthracite region, and its influence was strong- ly felt in the Porter district. Dr. Benjamin Becker and Joseph W. Cake, two well-known citizens of Pennsylvania, embarked in the enterprise. Coal lands were booming, and as high as $100 per acre was paid for land (on paper), which was supposed to be a bonanza in coal. The sequel made manifest the fact that all that glitters is neither gold nor coal. During the coal excitement Oramel Barrett, editor of the Patriot, of Harrisburg, Ovid F. Johnston, John Sneveling, Charles N. Snyder and a number of others became interested in the lands in Porter now owned by the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and iron Company. Ebenezer Seeley and his son John T., of New York, took up their residence in the valley and built the log house on the bank of Wiconisco creek, now immediately opposite the Tower City house, and for a long time occupied by Levi Fehler. The Seeleys came with the avowed intention of opening up the coal region. With indomitable courage, but a slim purse, they started what is now known as the "Red Shale tunnel." The project was one which, if carried out, would have been a success, but the "the plans of men and mice gang aft aglee." To-day Seeley's tunnel bank stands as a monument of an inglorious attempt. With the rush of early settlers came a man who, amongst all, was one to behold. Wendall Houtz, the elder, on horseback visit- ed this region and upon view determined to settle. He was noted as the strong man of the mountain, and many interesting anecdotes of his prowess could be related. His descendants, John Wendell, and Jonathan, John's son, have held prominent positions in the township. John Hand, the father of the later men in the name, held high position as a father of the valley. John Hand was a man of very little education; but, with good strong common sense, he fully appreciated the fact that education was the greatest desideratum of all. To enhance this idea he gave for the benefit of the township about eight acres of land for church and school pur- poses, _________end page 325.___________ page 326 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ which to-day is worth ten fold what it would be under any other circumstances. Upon this land was erected a log church, which in early days was used also as a school-hose. This log building, having become useless, was torn down about 1878 by a parcel of boys. The Seeley tunnel was intended to be driven through Big Lick mountain to Rausch Gap, where William H. Yohe now resides, in Hegin township. It was driven for upwards of eighty yards and then abandoned. It is within the bounds of the present village of Tower City. The Harrisburg parties had obtained a charter in the name of "The Williams Valley Railroad and Mining Company," subsequently changed to "Schuylkill and Dauphin Improvement company." Owing to the fact that the original warrants located in this region had been covered by later warrants and surveys in other names, the company became involved in litigation which finally ruined it. The location of its railroad (a very desirable one) was from the tunnel southwestwardly down Clark's valley to the Susquehanna. The fact that the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company has already taken out several millions of tons of coal in the immediate vicinity shows clearly that these pioneers had a good and clear idea of what they were about. TOWER CITY. Tower City was laid out in June, 1868, by and upon the lands of C. Tower, then of Pottsville, now of Philadelphia; Johnstown in 1869, by and upon lands of John Dietrich; Reiner City in 1869, by and upon lands of George Reiner; Sheridan in 1870, by and upon lands of Alexander Thompson. Ostermanville, named in honor of H.J. Osterman, of Tremont, who superintended the coal operations of Henry and William J. Schmorle, who claimed the land, was surveyed in 1864. There are two burying grounds in Porter, the older of which is at Johnstown, the other at Tower City. The following local organizations of secret societies hold regular meetings at Tower City: Washington Camp, No. 54, Patriotic Sons of American; a lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; a lodge of Knights of Pythias; William Thompson Post Grand Army of the Republic. Sketches of them in detail have not been furnished for this work. __________________ RAHN TOWNSHIP. ______________________________________________________________ Rahn township was formed out of West Penn in 1860. It is a coal township, though some timber tracts are still within it, and in the Owl Creek valley a few farms indicate an attempt at agri- culture. The population was 1,227 in 1870, and 2,131 in 1880. Berkhard Moser was the original settler. Together with one Houser he took up a track of 2,000 acres, which was partially brought under cultivation. The first discovery of coal was made where Greenwood slope is now located. Greenwood breaker property was opened successfully about 1838, and up to 1860 the output was nominal. Charles F. Shoener and William T. Carter became the owners in the latter year, and Mr. Shoener, purchasing the entire concern, made extensive im- provements, costing $1,000,000, which returned him during the year fifty thousand dollars a month, and sold in 1866 for $500,000. In the days of its greatest prosperity 700 men and boys were employed, and 100 cars of coal a day shipped to market. The breakers were burned down in 1874 by the Mollie Maguires and have never been rebuilt. Their partial ruins are standing to- day. Number eight tunnel, at Coal Dale, was commenced in 1846, and coal was struck in 1849. The first contractors were Creedam, Peckham and Steele. The next contractor was Cortright. Since 1868 the Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre coal and Navigation Company have had charge. Four hundred men and boys are employed. Number ten tunnel was started in April, 1861, and today is one of the most profitable worked of all the company's collier- ies. There are employed some 500 men and boys. A new breaker, built during the winter of 1880 and 1881, will greatly increase the shipments, and be the first breaker in the Panther Creek valley from which coal was sent direct to market. This colliery is on the Mammoth vein, which is here an average of sixty feet in thickness, and its tracks under ground are ten miles in length. The Dry Hollow breaker, or number eleven, very near number ten, was opened in 1875.