Area History: History of Schuylkill County, Pa: W. W. Munsell, 1881 Township and Borough Histories pp. 344 - 361 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. ____________________________________________________________ _______________ RUSH TOWNSHIP. _____________________________________________________ This is one of the original nine townships of this county, and dates from 1811, when the county was separated from Berks. In area, when first organized, was much greater than at present; as from it have been taken, in whole or in part, Mahanoy, in 1849; Rahrn, in 1860; Ryan, in 1868; and Klein, in 1873. The population in 1830 was 359; 1840, 370; 1850, 670; 1860, 1,076; 1870, 2,291; 1880, 1,522. In this township the Little ssss river has its source. The Indian name of the stream was Tamaqua, and the borough of Tamaqua perpetuates the name. The pioneer settlers of Rush came from Berks county, and were all of German origin, and for many years they spoke only the German language. The oldest raod in the township is the Tamaqua and Hazleton road; and along that road are some of the oldest clearings. Thomas Lindner came to Rush in 1800, and prior to 1811 built the house opposite the stone tavern on the old raod. John Faust settled in the township in 1806, three miles southwest of Barnesville. Abram L. Boughner located near the same place in 1815. Jacob Neifert and Andrew Gottschall were early pioneers and cleared the first land in the neighborhood of Tamanend. John Feller at an early date in located in the township and built the house where Charles Blew now lives, near Barnesville. These were the earliest settlers of whom we have any authentic information. The first attempts to develop the region wre made by capitalists, who paid a certain part of the settlers' expenses, and after they began to thrive sold them small farms; hence there was not that fixedness of habitation among the pioneers that we should expect under the homestead law. Gross & Wissimer erected a grist and two saw-mills, about 1812, near Mintzer's station, where dupont & Weldy's upper powder mill now stands. The first tenant was Wil- liam Major, and the mill was known as Major's mill. This was the first mill in the region. HOMETOWN. Of villages Hometown is the oldest, and tradition says that here was a favorite resort of the Indians. This place was found- ed by Messrs. Duncan of Philadelphia, in 1829. It was thought to possess superior advantages, as it is surrounded by good farming land, in the vicinity of abundant limestone. Jacob Faust kept the hotel, built by the proprietors, taking possession in 1831. The first licensed tavern was kept by John Kaup, where William kaup now lives. Before the days of rapid transit by rail these taverns on the old road were places of considerable importance to teamsters and travelers; even now traces of their better days remain. Hometown remains a small hamlet. BARNESVILLE. This village owes its origin to the building of the Little ssss Railroad, which was completed in 1854. Prior to the opening of this road quite a number of farms were cleared in the valley between Barnesville and Quakake Junction. The first hotel was built by Jacob Faust and opened in 1854. The first store was kept by David and Michael Bender. About 1860 Edward Yarnold had a store and steam saw-mill in the village. The place has never materially prospered, and contains at present a church, hotel, store, public school and the usual number of shops necessary for its two hundred inhabitants. Here lives Jacob H. Faust, the patriarch of the township considerable past three score and ten, yet hale and hearty. TAMANEND. This name is of Indian derivation. There is a tradition among the old residents that about the time of the Wyoming massa- cre a noted Indian chief, Taman by name, an ally of the Brisish and tories, was foremost in the war upon the defenseless fron- tier. Afterward, when the avengers of the frontier butcheries made war upon the savages, Taman was brought to bay at Hawk's curve, near the site of the village. Here he was captured and immediately hanged; hence the name, Taman's end, or Tamanend. This village is at the junction of the Little ssss and Catawissa Railroads. In 1870 the Central Railroad of New Jersey connected with the other roads at this point. The place was begun in 1853. A hotel, a store, a post-office and the necessary number of dwellings for the railway employes form the town. __________end page 344.___________ page 345 VILLAGES IN RUSH TOWNSHIP-SCHOOLS. ______________________________________________________________ QUAKAKE JUNCTION. The hotel at Quakake is said to be the oldest house in that part of the township. It was built on a farm, quite a distance from where it now stands, and was moved to its present position years ago. This hotel, a union depot and the homes of the rail- way employes make up Quakake. The public school building for Tamanend and Quakake is about a quarter of a mile southeast of the junction. DELANO. The youngest but the most important of the villages in the township is Delano. The repair shops of the Mahanoy division of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, located here in 1866, were the start- ing point of the village. All the lands in and around the town are owned by the Delano Land Company, and are leased by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company. All the houses are built by the company. The shops and engine-houses have been enlarged from time to time, as business on the division demanded. The Mahanoy division is under the supervision of James J. and A.P. Blakeslee, the latter of whom resides in the village. John Campbell, as master mechanic here, is the successor of A. Mitchell. Building and repairing engines, repairing and repainting passenger cars are the industry of the place. About two hundred men are employed. A temperance hotel, a large store, a public hall, a public school building and the shops and dwellings of the employes form the town. In the hall religious services are held each Sabbath. The Episcopal, Lutheran and Presbyterian ministers from Mahanoy City supply the pulpit. A flourishing union Sunday-school is in operation, the nucleus of which was the Sunday-school organized by David Fletcher in the old school-house. A public library and reading room is sustained by the citizens, and is liberally aided by the company. POWDER MILLS. About the opening of the civil war the manufacture of gunpow- der was quite an industry. A mill, known as Ginther's mill, near the Stone tavern, is still standing, but has been abandoned for several years. The mills of Dupont & Weldy, at Mintzer's station, are yet in operation, and constitute the only manufacturing interest in the township. In 1868 the powder mill of David Beveridge exploded; in 1871 H.H. Weldy's mill exploded and one man was injured. In 1874 an explosion here killed John Crouse and Isaac Mumme. In 1879 this mill (now known as Dupont & Weldy's) again exploded, killing James Neifert and two little girls who chanced to be playing near. EDUCATIONAL. The first school in the township was opened in 1810, through the exertions of John Faust. It was held in an old log house a mile or more from the present town of Barnesville, and was taught by Francis Keenly, a Prussian. The instruction was entirely in German. Probably the first attempt to teach English was made by Richard Heath, a bachelor from New Jersey, who came to the region about 1820. At any rate Heath was the first man in the section able to transact business in English. His attempt at teaching was made about 1822, in his own house, but failing to receive adequate support he abandoned the effort. Jacob Faust, a son of John Faust, in after years, prior to the establishment of the free school system, built and furnished two school-houses, one near and one in Barnesville. He insisted upon having English as well as German taught, and finally employed an Englishman to teach, but as he failed to give satisfaction he was succeeded by Miss Mary Blew. These early schools were primitive affairs, small houses, furnished with one large table, around which the pupils sat on benches without backs. The small scholars sat on benches against the wall. Class teaching was unknown, each pupil being taught individually. The people of rush did not embrace the free school system until it was forced upon them. On June 13th, 1853, the court appointed William Kaup, Jonas Richard, Thomas VanHorn, W.J. Thomas, Eli Neifert and Eli Faust directors. They organized on the 25th of the month, electing William Kaup president, and Jonas Richards secretary. William Mintzer was chosen treasurer, and William Thomas collector, and a tax of eight mills was levied. In the present limits of the district no schools were opened until 1855, when three were put in operation; one near Hometown, one near the Stone tavern, and one near the old union church. Messrs. Jackson, Shindle and Werntz were the respective teachers. The schools were kept open for three months-the minimum term-and the salaries were $25 and $30 per month. In 1858 Jacob H. Faust built and furnished a school-house at Barnesville, which he presented to the township for ten years, and in that year a school was opened there with H.S. Strong as teacher. In 1871 the school at Quakake Junction was opened, and in 1865 the school at Delano, which completes the number now in operation. Some slight changes have been made in location as new, modern houses took the place of the old huts formerly used, but each school has been in continuous operation since the time it was organized. All the houses now are of modern construction, and with one exception furnished with patent desks. At Delano a large two story, three-room building has been erected and two schools are in operation, making seven in the district. The schools are kept open an average term of eight months. The salaries range from $40 to $50 per month. The people are proud of their schools, and sustain them willingly. At an early day they saw the wisdom of acquiring a mastery of the English tongue. As a consequence very little German is spoken. Almost the entire population can read, write and speak English. In a few years the last trace of German will disappear, and this desirable change has been wrought mainly by the wisdom, the foresight and energy of the school directors, who have in many instances refused to employ teachers who _________end page 345._________ page 346 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. _____________________________________________________________ could speak German, so that the pupils would be compelled to speak English. RAILROADS. The Catawissa and Little Schuylkill railroads were both com- pleted through here about 1854. In 1864 the Mahanoy division of the Lehigh Valley Railroad was completed. This road was complet- ed as far as the site of Delano in 1862. The Nesquehoning Valley road was completed in 1870. This road is a branch of the Central of New Jersey. It was begun years before, but was abandoned for a season. It connects with roads leased and operated by the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company at Tamanend. About a mile from the Stone tavern this road crosses a narrow gorge, through which flows a considerable brook, and across this chasm is the High Bridge, an immense wooden trestle one hundred and fifty-seven feet above the bed of the creek. These roads have not only furnished the people of Rush an outlet for their products, bon on them as employes many of the young men find steady and lucrative employment. They have done more to improve the condition of the people than all other agencies combined. CHURCHES. Union Church.-The oldest church, and for many years the only one in the township, is the Union church, situated in the valley about two miles from Tamanend. The Lutheran and Reformed socie- ties built the old White church in 1831. It is a rough cast building, and makes no pretensions to architectural display. The interior is arranged so as to seat the greatest number possible. On three sides are galleries supported by pillars. The pulpit is an immense goblet-shaped affair, and raises the pastor about midway between the upper and lower hearers. It is surmounted by a sounding board, which our forefathers considered so essential an adjunct to the sacred desk. Rev. David Kroll was the first Lutheran pastor, and was largely instrumental in establishing the church. Mr. Kroll had preached in houses about the township since 1820. Rev. Messrs. Solomon and Schimpf have both served the Lutheran part of the congregation. Among the German Reformed pastors may be mentioned Rev. Messrs. Hausinger, Schellhammer and Keiser. The present pastors are Rev. William H. Laubenstine, Lutheran, and Rev. Mr. Fisher, Reformed, both of whom reside in Tamaqua. The church was built and it has been maintained by the farmers of the valley. The membership is not large, and hence they have never been able to maintain a pastor of their own. The church is attached to the Tamaqua pastorates. Service are con- ducted in the English and German languages. Attached to the church propert is the old grave yard, where the pioneers of the region have been laid to rest. The Evangelical Association.-In Barnesville the members of the Evangelical Association built a neat framed church in 1872. The congregation, though then small, has been constantly growing, and though not strong enough to maintain a separate pastor, has service regularly, being attached to the Tamaqua circuit. Before the building of the church, preaching was conducted in any con- venient building, as the nucleus of this church edifice. Since the completion of the church the regular pastors have been: Rev. Messrs. Kempfer, two years; Breifogle, one year; Krecker, one year; Delabar, one year; Smoyer, one year; Egge, one year; and Zimmerman, the present pastor. Attached to this congregation, and under its supervision, is a thriving Sunday-school. Edward McCase was the first superintendent, and was largely instrumental in establishing it. The present efficient superintendent is James H. Reigle. The school has about 60 pupils, taught by nine teachers. This church has done, and is doing, in connection with its school a vast amount of good. SONS OF AMERICA. Washington Camp, No. 72, P.O.S. of A. is located in Delano. This society is composed of the very best material of the place, and is in a prosperous and thriving condition. The charter members were R.J. Orr, J.B. Beels, D. Bechtal, G. Butler, J. Bannan, F. Brown, F. Billman, W. Ballard, J.A. Depew, W.J. Depew, W. Ebert, H.C. Fast, W.J. Faust, G. Gasser, E. Haldeman, J.R. James, jr., H.O. Lattig, R. Martin, J. Mack, W. Opp, C. Price, P. Roseberry, J. Shoop, J.P. Swany, J. Thermeris, F. Wentz, W. Wilde, C. Vaughan, D.W. Zimmerman, A. Artz. The officers for 1881 were: D. Bechtal, president; C.R. Whitehead, vice-president; P. Roseberry, M. of F. and C.; W.J. Carroll, R.S.; G. Brown, A.R.S.; C. Vaughan, conductor; H.C. Faust, I.G.; J. Mack, O.G.; R.J. Orr, treasurer; D.W. Zimmerman, F.S.; F. Fritz, chaplain; trustees: J.A. Depew, G. Gasser, J. Mack. __________end page 346.__________ page 347 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ A line drawing of JOHN CAMPBELL is in this position in the original book. In the TABLE OF CONTENTS the page number is listed as 347. Original text follows the divider line. __________________ JOHN CAMPBELL was born in Elizabethtown, Dauphin county, Pa., September 18th, 1832, the fourth of the eight children of Brooks and Christiana (Zecher) Campbell. His great-grandfather, Brooks Campbell, emigrated from Scotland with his family and settled in Lancaster, Lancaster county, Pa. His father, named after the immigrant, was born in Lancaster, in March, 1796, and was the eldest child in his father's family. In the early part of his life he was a farmer. During his last fourteen years he was a foreman for Samuel Spencer, a heavy contractor of public works. He died in March, 1844. His widow is living at Pittston, Luzerne county, Pa., with her youngest son, C.K. Campbell. The children of this worthy couple were as follows- Charles., Brook, Emanuel W., John, Elizabeth, Dyrus K., Mary and Samuel; all are living except the last. John Campbell was educated in the schools of Lancaster. In 1847 the family moved to Mauch Chunk, and for two years he was employed as a laborer on the public works. At the age of 18 he commenced to learn the machinists' trade of Bradley and Butler of Mauch Chunk, and he remained with them four years. In 1853 he began railroading as a fireman on the Beaver Meadow Railroad. After about five months he became engineer, and for the next fourteen years was employed in that capacity on the Beaver Mead- ow, Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company's, and Lehigh Valley Rail- roads. In 1857 he took charge of the shops of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company at White Haven, and upon their removal to Ashley he continued in charge, as master mechanic, of the general repair shops of the Lehigh and Mahanoy division of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, situated at Delano, which responsible position he still holds. Mr. Campbell is a Republican in politics. He is a member of Coalville Masonic Lodge, No. 474, at Ashley, Luzerne county; also of the Odd Fellows' lodge at White Haven. He married, November 14th, 1859, Theresa Smith, who was born in Germany, December 23rd, 1839. Mrs. Campbell came to America from Germany when but fifteen years of age, leaving home and fatherland unaccompanied by any member of her family. Three children are the issue of this marriage, viz.; Edwin O., born November 11th, 1860; Mary Elizabeth, born March 19th, 1862; and William S., born July 19th, 1864. As a thorough and efficient officer Mr. Campbell has always enjoyed in the largest measure the full confidence of the compa- nies by which he has been employed, and as a citizen is deserved- ly held in the highest esteem. __________end page 347.__________ page 348 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ RYAN TOWNSHIP. _____________________________________________ This township is of irregular outline, and lies in the east part of the county, between the upper and lower Schuylkill coal fields. It was formed from Rush and Mahanoy townships in 1868, and named in honor of Judge Ryan of Pottsville. The first settlers within the present limits of Ryan were the Dreshes and Heasings, about 1784. During that year David Dresh erected the first log house, on the Klingman farm, on the road from Reading to Catawissa. Here he planted the first orchard in the township. A man named Stauffer, from Berks county, moved to this farm in 1811, succeeding Dresh. A Mr. Feller lived early on the Charles Blew farm. John Faust, George Focht, and a man named Kregler were also early comers. Others, now well known, came later. Rev. Messrs. Schellhart and Kroll were the pioneer preachers in the township. They held primitive meetings in a log house owned by David Dresh. Isaac A. Blem organized the first Sunday- school in Locust Valley. David Dresh kept the pioneer tavern of the township, in a log house on the Catawissa road. The first regular hotel was built about 1820, on the opposite side of the road from the Valley House, by Timothy Lewis. The Valley House was built by a man named Kearn about 1842. William Weaver, the present proprietor, bought it in 1868. Isaac A. Blew built the first public school-house, in 1854. The first teacher was Henry S. Strong, now a resident of Donald- son, Schuylkill county. A church building was erected by the Lutheran and Reformed denomination in 1848. The builders were Levi F. Blew, John Schlier and ----- Faust. The first pastor of this union congre- gation was Rev. David Hasinger. Charles Faust was the first child baptized into the church (1848). _______________ SHUYLKILL AND WALKER TOWNSHIPS. _________________________________________________ Schuylkill was one of the original townships of the county, organized in 1811. The division lines and territories of the original townships of Schuylkill and Rush were changed and con- firmed August 1st, 1821. A movement looking to a division was made successfully in 1878, and Walker township was formed from the southern section. In 1834 Tamaqua belonged to Schuylkill township. Blythe was taken from it in 1846, Mahanoy in part in 1849, and in part Butler, New Castle and East Norwegian. The first settlement in the two townships was made in the Lewistown valley (now in Walker), about 1802. The settlers were Germans and New Englanders, and the well cultivated farms in that section attest their thrift and energy. The experiences of the pioneers were similar to those of early residents in other por- tions of the county. The population was 600 in 1870, and 1,629 in 1880. PATTERSON. Patterson is probably the oldest town in Schuylkill township, though Tuscarora claims the honor. It is on the Schuylkill Valley Railroad, eight miles east of Pottsville. In January, 1846, it contained a large hotel and one store. In two years' time the population increased to 169. In 1852 a new school-house was erected; the old school house was sold to the German Catho- lics, and services were held in it every two weeks up to 1878, when a majority of the residents emigrated into the Mahanoy valley. A small Irish Catholic church was erected in 1843, supplied by Father Fitzsimmons, from Pottsville. This was the only charge of that denomination in the valley. The Major and Sillyman collieries were worked for many years, until 1871, when the output had become no longer profitable. The Patterson of 1881 is a straggling town, of many unoccupied, broken down houses, and of about 70 population. Mr. Jacob Heitz, a resident of thirty years' standing, looks after the Philadelp- hia and Reading Coal and Iron Company's property. TUSCARORA. In 1846 Tuscarora was the terminus of the Schuylkill Valley Railroad. There were seventeen houses, two taverns, one store, and a population of 139. The place did not grow for several years on account of the bad condition of the railroad. May 20th, 1830, the post-office was established, with Mr. Donaldson as postmaster. In 1852 dwellings became in great demand, and the place flourished largely. J. and R. Carter sunk a new slope, and Patterson & Sillyman, Pottsville operators, were working the mines on the Kentucky banks. These mines were worked up to 1875, when they passed to the proprietorship _________end page 348.__________ page 349 SCHUYLKILL, WALKER AND SOUTH MANHEIM. _____________________________________________________________ of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, and became part of the tract of the Alliance Coal Company (Cooper, Hewitt, Havemyer & Co.,), of New York. Surveys were made in 1879 with the intention or reopening a building breakers, but nothing came of them. The Primitive Methodists opened their church for service November 15th, 1853. The building was purchased of Charles F. Shoener, then of Tamaqua, for $500. The amount was made up by the following persons: John J. Dovey, $275; John and F.W. Don- aldson, $100; C.F. Shoener, $50; Robert Ratcliffe, $50; Charles Mills, $25. It had not been in use for several years, and $116.46 was contributed toward repairs. The building is of wood, and it has been closed for several years. About 1855 the Reformed church was organized, and a stone building, with a steeple, erected at a cost of $3,000. This was done to accommodate the many city visitors who stopped at the great Tuscarora House during the summer. The hotel was at one time a well known institution; but it is now boarded up, and the church doors are rarely opened. St. Gabriel's church was opened in 1877, and is in connection with the St. Jerome's charge, Tamaqua. NEWKIRK. Newkirk, a coal village, was laid out in October, 1852, and two rows of stone dwelling houses erected. In 1854 a stone church and school-house in one building was put up at the turn- pike bridge, and Presbyterian services were held. The coal mines were opened in 1852 by Newkirk & Buck; then Fry & Shepp operated them from 1870 to 1875, when the breakers were burned. A large new breaker is located here, but it has not been operated since 1877. The Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company are the owners. REEVESDALE. Reevesdale, a thriving coal town in 1870, has every house but one boarded up to-day. In fact, but few people find work in Schuylkill, owing to the entire closing up of the coal mines. LEWISTOWN. Lewistown is a post village, containing ten dwellings, one store, an Evangelical church, built in 1866, and a union Lutheran and Reformed church, an old-fashioned stone edifice, built about 1834. Revs. J.N.S. Erb and H. Liesse are the pastors. POPULATION-SCHOOLS. In 1828 Schuylkill township, which then included Walker and other territory, had 93 taxable inhabitants; in 1833, 188; in 1835, 175; in 1849, 368; in 1880, about 109. The property valua- tion in 1833 was $72,489; the amount of taxes levied was $587.25. In 1880 the taxation of Schuylkill aggregated $1,467.56; that of Walker $1,361.46. The public schools in both townships are ably managed. Schuylkill continued under the old regime until 1837, when a board of directors favorable to general education was secured. They at once opened six schools. Previously, three "pay schools," two in log houses built for the purpose and one in a rented room, were the only accommodations. Fifty cents a month was demanded from each pupil by the schoolmaster for his services. Nathan Barlow kept one of these latter schools in Lewistown for twenty years in the center of a rich farming district. _______________ SOUTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP. _____________________________________________ This township was formed by a division of Manheim township in 1845, and it is the central township on the southern border of the county. Several censuses have determined its population as follow: 1850, 773; 1860, 1,078; 1870, 929; 1880, 960. Matthew Hein, grandfather of George Hein, who lives on his well-improved farm a mile or so below Landingville, was the first settler in the vicinity, locating very early on the farm men- tioned, which is known as Daniel Hein's farm. Another early set- tler in the township, of whom people now living have knowledge, was Adam Smith. He located and lived on the place now known as Wert's farm, near the Blue mountain. A few other pioneers settled in this neighborhood, but nei- ther their names nor the dates and circumstances of their settle- ment are now known. The few scattering inhabitants of this part of the county during the period from 1755 to 1763 were greatly alarmed on account of numerous depredations and murders committed by Indi- ans. The greater part of them fled to the southern part of the then county of Berks, which included Schuylkill. In October, 1755, the Indians were traversing the region of the Schuylkill and kill- ing isolated settlers under circumstances of much cruelty. The first saw mill in the present township was erected by a man named Werner, on a small stream known as Riffee creek, in 1777. The property there is now owned by William Zuber. __________end page 349.___________ page 350 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ The pioneer grist-mill was Kershner's mill, built near Auburn about a century ago. It was remodeled many years since, and it is now known as Fisher's mill. The primitive furnace, long a landmark in south Manheim, was erected at an early but now uncertain date, by John Pott, one of the family of pioneers in iron-making. His father, Wilhelm Pot, came to American in 1734. In 1877 the old furnace, after having undergone repeated repairs of more or less importance, was destroyed by fire. A new establishment of this description was erected at Jefferson sta- tion, in the south part of the township. It is owned by John G. Kauffman & Brother, and affords employment, when in operation, to about 50 men. EDUCATIONAL. Manheim, having Pottsville and Norwegian on one side and Orwigsburg on the other, with their strong example in favor of the public school law, could not long resist the silent but potent influence of their successful common schools, which were securing to every child, at a comparatively trifling expense, educational advantages, which previously only a few had enjoyed. Thus assailed, front and rear, the opposition had so impercepti- bly melted away that in the spring of 1838 the system was accept- ed by a large majority, and in the following November eight schools were put into operation for a term of four months. South Manheim at the time of the division (1845) had five public schools. It now has five, including two in the borough of Au- burn. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH of South Manheim is a stone structure with a seating capacity of 1,000 and is the third erected. In 1878 it was remodeled and nicely frescoed, painted and carpeted. The society was organized about 112 years ago. It is a union church, Evangelical Lutheran and German Reformed, having a membership of about 300 of each denomination. The names of early preachers cannot be recalled. Among those who have officiated for the German Reformed people since 1820 the following are well remembered: Rev. Mr. Moyer served about forty years, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Moyer served about forty years, and was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Klein, the present pastor, who has been connected with the church twenty-seven years. Lutheran ministers who have been in charge from time to time have been Revs. George Mennig, A.T. Geissenheimer, J. Airhart, John Eberman, C.F. Warner, ----- Jacobi, G.W. Scheider and Matthew Yeager. Rev. W.H. Kuntz has been in charge since 1874, having confirmed 115 members. The Sunday-school is a union school, and is kept open only during the summer. In 1880 it numbered 94 scholars. Who the first superintendent was no one knows. The school has no li- brary. the last superintendent in 1880 was David Staler, who is also a public school teacher. ____________ AUBURN BOROUGH. _________________________________________ This pleasant borough contains four stores, two hotels, two boar yards, and a grist-mill. It has two resident physicians, and a population of about 740. About eighteen years after the opening of the Schuylkill Canal, a boatman named Samuel K. Moyer built a house at the locality then known as "the Scotchman's lock," now within the limits of Auburn. This was the first domicile there. Soon he opened a store, where he sold dry goods and groceries to the near residents of the territory known as South Manheim and West Bruns- wick. At this time there were only about half a dozen houses within a circle of half a mile from the center of the present borough. This business beginning was made prior to 1840, at a time when the Philadelphia and Pottsville branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad was in progress of construction. This line was completed in 1842, when a station was established at "the Scotchman's lock," and the name of the place was changed to Auburn. Under the influence of the local railway interest the village began to grow steadily and somewhat rapidly. The boat building interest, later, had its effect in bringing it into prominence. The post-office was established in 1846, with Isaac Hofffmeister as postmaster. In 1854 the Susquehanna and Schuyl- kill Railroad was completed, with its eastern terminus at Auburn, and in 1857 the borough was duly incorporated, and its government organized according to law. The first regular school in the village was opened about 1845, in the basement of the Bethel meeting house, which had been fitted up as the early school room. The first school-house proper was built in 1857. The present commodious school build- ing, which accommodates three schools, was erected in 1869. The maximum school term of Auburn is eight and one-half months. Auburn Lodge, No. 543, Independent Order of Odd Fellows was organized in 1858. The following are the names of the charter members: Gideon L. Edling, Jaren Wilson, George Worcester, Jacob Kreamer, Benjamin Kreamer, Jacob Runkle, Daniel Koch, Jonas Fredici and Daniel F. Moyer. Jacob Runkle was the first noble grand; Jaren Wilson the first vice-grand. The present _________end page 350.___________ page 351 AUBURN BOROUGH TREMONT TOWNSHIP KALMIA COLLIERY. ______________________________________________________________ officers (1881) are: Jackson Kreamer, N.G.; Charles Kreamer, V.G.; Adam Barrel, Secretary; Charles E. Quail, treasurer. In 1845 a Bethel meeting house was built by a then recently perfected religious organization, called the Church of God. For ten years or more Auburn was the locality of evangelical efforts, spasmodically made, it is said, by the denomination mentioned, and the Evangelical Lutheran and German Reformed adherents. The two latter churches were organized in due time and in 1859 erect- ed a union church, which they have since jointly occupied. A Sunday-school was organized in 1859, with 45 pupils and a library of 100 volumes. Mr. Hoffmeister was the first superin- tendent. The school numbers at present more 90 members. The first burgess, elected in 1857, was Augustus Schultz. Jacob Kamer, A.R. Moyer, Daniel Moyer, Garrett Wilson, Daniel Kochand George Worcester were the first councilmen. The present (1881) burgess is C.E. Quail. The councilmen are James Rausch, William Mengel, Bennewell Long, Reuben Hains, S.K. Moyer and Adam Barrel. _____________________ TREMONT TOWNSHIP. _________________________________ Tremont, lying in the west end of Schuylkill county, was formed in 1847, from Pine Grove township. It derives its name from the French words tres (three) and mont (mountain). It is bounded on the west by Dauphin county, and is about twelve miles long and 3 1/2 miles in breadth. The surface is broken into mountain spurs and ravines, making it one of the most romantic sections in the county. There is very little arable land, the late census enumerator reporting only one farm. The mountains are covered with pine timber and laurel bushes. Some of the best veins of anthracite coal in the region are found in Tremont; the coal mined within its borders commands an extra price, being superior for domestic purposes. From the number of arrow-heads found in this vicinity it is concluded that it formed a favorite Indian hunting ground. Settlement began in 1816 or 1817 by Henry Zimmerman. The Hipples, Pinckertons, Clarks and Mellons were among the first settlers. Mr. Mellon was the first hotel keeper. There is not now a licensed hotel or saloon in the township, and no liquor is sold. Dr. Speck was the first physician. The first minister of the gospel who resided here was Rev. T.A. Fernsby. He built the Methodist Episcopal church in 1847. The first resident attorney was C.D. Hipple, under whom Colonel Pinckerton studied. Among the early justices were Esquires Wolff and Bechtel. The first road in the township was the old Sunbury road, which ran from Reading to Sunbury, passing through Lorberry and Joliet. It was constructed in the latter part of the last cen- tury. Joseph Bunderstein is believed to have been the first white man buried in the township; his remains lie in the Method- ist Episcopal cemetery. The organization of Tremont school district dates back to the formation of the township in 1847. The first board of school directors was organized in February, 1848. Levi Pinckerton was chosen president, Dr. Frederick Speck secretary and John Barndt treasurer. The other members of the board were T.H. Godfrey, Thomas Baily and Henry Eckle. The first teachers employed were E.H. Kent, Mr. Bennet and Samuel Warren. The present school directors are D.A. Workman, C. Schreffler, John Cowley, William Murphy, John Badtdorff and Henry Culbert. The present teachers are George Gage, Israel Faust, Yoder, Hisbchman and C.D. Arters; salary $60 per month and term ten months. The population of the township was in 1850, 1,191; in 1860, 1,944; in 1870, after the erection of Tremont borough, 754; in 1880, 1,001, a majority of whom are Pennsylvania Dutch. There are few persons in the district that cannot speak either German or Dutch, even the children of Welsh and Irish parentage speaking the language of the majority as fluently as their mother tongue. COLLIERIES. Kalmia is one of the prettiest little coal towns in the an- thracite regions. Good judges have pronounced the scenery here the finest in Pennsylvania. Kalmia Colliery was opened in 1869, by John Phillips and William H. Sheafer, the firm being known as Phillips & Sheafer. Thomas H. Phillips has been superintendent ever since the opening of the colliery. He is a civil engineer and a graduate of the Polytechnic school. Captain Alexander B. Frazer is inside fore- man and Edward Humphreys outside foreman. There are employed on the outside 40 men and boys, and 168 men and boys inside. There are 5 engines (110 horse power), 2 mine locomotives and 21 mules. There are 30 dwelling houses, with a population of about 200, and one large company store. The big and little Lykens Valley veins are worked by this colliery, and the coal is a superior article and commands a good price and ready sale. The capacity of the breaker is 150,000 tons per year; present production 85 cars per day, or 10,000 tons per month. Owing to "faults" encountered lately the shipment is somewhat __________end page 351.___________ page 352 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ curtailed at present, but the operators expect to soon run it up to the old figure, 125 per day. This colliery was opened by a water-level tunnel started in red shale and driven under its measures. The vein was struck at 176 yards. The gangways of this colliery are the longest in Schuylkill county. It is five miles from the face of the east to that of the west gangway under ground. Lincoln Colliery, near the center of Tremont township, was opened in 1869, by Levi Miller & Co. Lincoln village has a population of not quite 200, a majority of whom are Pennsylvania Dutch. There is a public school, open ten months in the years, and on Sunday religious services are held, the Rev. A.J. Amthor officiating. D.J. Lewis has been for a number of years outside superintendent for the colliery. The inside foreman is T.J. Davis, a man competent in every way to fill his position. There are employed at this colliery, inside 260 men and 12 boys, and outside 57 men and 100 boys. There are 9 engines (410 horse power), 4 steam pumps, and 25 company houses. The Lykens Valley veins are worked here, and the coal mined is of a superior quali- ty: it is used principally for domestic purposes, and commands from 25 to 50 cents a ton more than that mined in the neighbor- hood of Pottsville. The capacity of the breaker is about 300,000 tons a year, say 1,000 tons or 200 cars per day. Lower Rausch Creek Colliery was opened in 1858, by Miller, Graeff & Co. The village of the same name has a population of about 250, mostly Pennsylvania Dutch. The people at the colliery enjoy about all the advantages that any similar number of people do anywhere in the coal regions. They have a public school open ten months in the year; on Sunday the building is opened for Sunday-schools and other religious exercises. The outside or general superintendent at the colliery is D.J. Lewis, the same man who superintends at the Lincoln colliery. Mr. Lewis is a native of the township, and has always been connected with the collieries of this region in some capacity. He is a man eminent- ly qualified to fill this position, and no collieries in the coal region are more successful than those under his management. The inside foreman, Isaac Price, a native of Wales, came to this county when young, worked in the mines in Dauphin county for some time, and who was employed about two years ago to superintend the inside working of this colliery. The outside foreman is Edward C. Neale; he is a native of the township; has been employed about the mines for a number of years, and is considered to-day one of the best outside foremen in the county. They are employed inside 150 men and 17 boys; outside, 49 men and 69 boys. There are 40 company houses, 8 engines (410 horse power), 3 large steam pumps and 4 18-inch pole pumps. The capacity of the breaker is 140 cars (700 tons) per day, or about 225,000 tons per year. The present shipment is 500 tons per day. the same veins are worked here as at Lincoln, furnishing coal of the same excellent quali- ty. The men employed at this and Lincoln colliery have not missed their regular pay day for a number of years, and are a happy and contented people. The slope at the Rausch Creek col- liery is about 1,800 yards long, or perhaps the longest slope in the county. On account of the depth of this mine there is some carburetted hydogen gas in it, and serious accidents have oc- curred; but of late the mine owners have had an improved venti- lating fan erected, and no very serious accidents have happened since. William Morgan was fatally burned by an explosion in September, 1880. The Lorberry Colliery was opened about 1835, by Oliver & Stees, and furnished the first mining of any importance in the township. It has been exhausted for a number of years; but the present village of Lorberry contains about 200 inhabitants, who find employment at Lincoln and Rausch Creek collieries. They have a public school, open ten months in the year, and the build- ing is also used for Sunday-school and religious exercises. Lorberry Junction, in the extreme eastern part of the town- ship, is a flourishing little village. There are small coal workings here, owned by Frank & Son. About a year ago an acci- dent occurred, by which three men lost their lives. _____________ TREMONT BOROUGH. ________________________________ No buildings of any consequence were erected at Tremont until 1844. In 1848 the first post-office was established, with John B. Zeibach postmaster. The borough was incorporated in 1866. In the immediate neighborhood extensive mining interests are locat- ed, which require the use of steam engines, mining pumps, coal breakers, and various kinds of complicated machinery. these wants are fully provided for by the extensive establishments of Adam Ferg, proprietor of the Donaldson Iron Works, and Calvin Brower, proprietor of the Tremont Iron Foundry and Machine Shops. These establishments are under the management of thoroughly reliable and practical gentlemen. Tremont is well provided with stores of different kinds, and has excellent hotel accommodations. The place supports two newspapers, the Tremont News, edited and published by U.G. Badt- dorf, and the West Schuylkill Press, Hon. S.C. Kirk editor and proprietor. Mr. Kirk is a member of the present Legislature. The population of Tremont according to the late census is 1,873. __________end page 352.____________ page 353 TREMONT SECRET SOCIETIES-FIRE DEPARTMENT. ______________________________________________________________ There are six churches in the borough; one Methodist Episco- pal, one German and one English Lutheran, one Evangelical, one Roman Catholic, and one German Reformed. There are six schools in the borough, all held in one build- ing. The building is large and commodious, built of brick, at a cost of about $15,000. The present teachers are: High school, William M. Leaman; grammar school, T.B. Williams; No. 3, Mr. Miller; No.4, Miss E. Kupp; No.5, Miss C. Gage; No.6, Miss Glanding. The board of directors consists of Messrs. Stoffler, Koser, Badtdorff, Huntz- inger, Fulmer, and Beadle. LODGES AND SOCIETIES. Tremont Lodge, No. 245, I.O.O.F. was organized in May, 1847. The first officers were: Samuel Wagonseller, N.G.; T.A. Godfrey, V.G.; John P. Bause, secretary; David W. Dunbach, assistant secretary; Thomas P. Parvin, treasurer. The present officers are: George Auchenbach, N.G.; Lewis Heil, V.G.; George Beadle, secretary; A.C. Miller, assistant secretary; D.B. Althouse, treasurer. The society meets every Friday evening. There are 111 members in good standing. The society owns a large hall, which has recently been renovated and newly furnished. Tremont Union Encampment of Patriarchs, No. 167, meets in the same hall on the first and third Tuesday evenings in each month. It was organized in May, 1868. The present officers are: Valen- tine Linn, H.R.; Harry Crooks, C.P.; J. Haerter, S.W.; G. Derr, J.W.; G. Tracey, scribe; George Krise, treasurer. Swatara Lodge, No. 267, F. and A.M. was organized January 24th, 1853. The charter members were: T.A. Godfrey, W.M.; J.B. McCreary, S.W.; John Barndt, J.W.; William Bickle, treasurer; Aaron Eckle, secretary; Washington Bigler, brother of ex-Governor Bigler, S.D., Fred. Westheimer, J.D. The present officers are: James W. Ziebach, W.M.; G.D. Anderson, S.W.; Calvin W. Brower, J.W.; Daniel B. Althouse, treasurer; Lewis Heil, secretary; Isaac D. Lehman, Joseph Enzen- sperger and Thomas H. Phillips, trustees. The communications of the lodge are held on Monday evening on or before each full moon, in Odd Fellows' Hall. W.C. No 76 P.O.S. of A. was organized in March, 1867. It meets every Thursday evening in Odd Fellows' Hall. The present officers are: J. Enters, P.R.; Samuel Freeman, P.; Morris Leh- man, V.P.E.; J.M. Kauffman, M.J.F.C.; W.N. Lehman, R.S.; A.L. Etien, A.R.S.; G.H. Miller, F.S.; T.F. Badtdorf, treasurer, R.D. Brower, Con.; C.F. Bensinger, G.; J.W. Dull, O.F.; P. Kopp, R.S.; D. Engle, L. Sen.; James Hand, G.S. Gage and F.B. Williams, trustees. Harugari Lodge No. 29 was organized in April, 1851. It con- venes on the first and third Wednesdays in each month. The following were the charter members: C. Kopp, Philip Kopp, Martin Kopp, Daniel Kopp, Jacob Laur, sen., Jacob Laur, jr., George Laur, Christian Sapper, John Worm, Christ. Laur, Frederick Boltz, Zachariah Badtdorf. The first officers were: Martin Kopp, O.B.; C. Kopp, U.B.; Jacob Laur, jr., first secretary; C. Laur, second secretary; D. Kopp, treasurer. The present officers are: M. Marine, O.B.; G. Peaser, U.B.; Peter Enters, first secretary; Frederick Sinsmidiger, second secretary; A. Wentz, treasurer. The lodge meets in Odd Fellows' Hall. The Tremont H.R.A. Chapter meets on Monday evening after each full moon in Odd Fellows' Hall. The present officers are: Bemjamin Kauffman, M.E.H.P.; Jonathan Reinoehl, king; George D. Anderson, scribe; D.B. Althouse, treasurer; L.W. Heil, secretary. Tremont Lodge, No. 128, K.P. meets in Union Hall on Monday evening of each week. It was organized in February, 1869. The following are the officers: P.C., Josiah Brown; C.C., John Pummp; V.C., George Zimmerman; P., Samuel C. Kirk; M. of E. & H., S.C. Crooks; M. of F. G., M. Beadle; K. of R. & S., Dominie Moyer. Williams Post, No. 136, G.A.R. was organized June 10th, 1868. It meets on each Saturday evening in Odd Fellows' Hall. The officers at present are: W.V. Leaman, P.C.; John Seifert, S.V.C.; F.C. Schumbacher, J.V.C.; Isaac E. Marks, chaplain; Anthony Fisher, surgeon; Jacob R. Haerter, Q.M.; John Marks, adjutant; Gabriel Derr, officer of the day; Daniel Maul, officer of the guard; Abram Lehr, W.M.S.; C.F. Ochner, S.M.; John Lehr, J.S.; A.M. Shuey, O.S.; Lieutenant Williams, John Clary, Christ. Beidle, Frederick Boltz, Christ. Laur, Frank Lehman, Joseph Watts, Conrad Bortelle, Manus Conrad, and several others from Tremont, lost their lives in the civil war. FIRE ORGANIZATION. In August, 1878, a fire occurred in the eastern part of the town, among the stores and business places. At that time the town had no fire department, and it was not extinguished until it had destroyed about half a square. The loss was estimated at $100,000. The citizens then awoke to the importance of organiz- ing a fire company. The borough fathers purchased a fine Silsby fire engine, at a cost of nearly $4,000, and erected a suitable building to keep it in, and a hall room for the company to meet in. The whole cost of building and engine was $7,000; and to-day there is not a town in the county that has a better engine build- ing. The company's room is fitted up with the best of modern furniture, and the floor is covered with Brussels carpet. PROMINENT CITIZENS. The Hon. Benjamin Kauffman, a member of the State legislature of 1872, is a resident of the town, and has during his whole life been prominently identified with the business interests of this county. He was born in Llewellyn, a little post town 8 miles east of Tremont. He was at one time part owner of the Brookside colliery, one of the largest in the coal region. __________end page 353.__________ page 354 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. _______________________________________________________________ D.B. Althouse, once county commissioner, and forty years a resident of this town, was born in Berks county. He did, per- haps, as much as any other citizen of this place to develop the coal interest of the west end of the county, and was at one time engaged in the mining of anthracite coal. He is now a retired gentleman. Joseph Enzensperger, a native of Germany, was one of the pioneers of this town. He is now engaged in the hotel business. Some fifteen years ago he was burned out by a fire that laid waste a part of the town, but on the site of the old building he erected a substantial three-story brick structure. The Hon. S.C. Kirk, a member of the present Legislature, was born in Perry county in this State, but has resided in Tremont nearly all his life. He commenced as a public school teacher, and for a number of years taught the West End Normal school. He is now editor of the West Schuylkill Press. Zach. Badtdorff, one of the pioneers of this town, is the owner of perhaps more property in the town than any other single individual, and has done much to develop the interest of the place. The late Henry Heil perhaps did more to make Tremont what it is than any other single individual in it. He was a coal opera- tor, and for a number of years owned what is now known as East Franklin. He had amassed quite a large fortune during the war, and had he retired then would have done so with $1,000,000; but, like many others, he remained in the business too long, and, unfortunately for himself and the whole community, he lost the greater part of his estate. His name will long be remembered by the people of Tremont, especially the poor people, for he was liberal to a fault. Eugene Bechtel, a native of Lancaster county, and an early resident of this place, has been prominently identified with the business interests not only of this town but the west end of the county. Esquires Beadle and Ziebach are among the prominent young scriveners and justices in the borough of Tremont. Adam Ferg, a native of Germany, has long lived in Tremont, and has been prominently identified with the business interests of the community, and by his enterprise and thrift has placed himself in comfortable circumstances. The Lehman, Marks, Imschweiler, Savage, Streicher, Murphy, Glanding, Brower, Core and Baily families have long been engaged in business in this place, and have contributed not a little to the prosperity of the borough. There are three physicians located in the town, Drs. Koser, Lehr and Rutgers. There are three lawyers who have officers here; their names are Setzer, Moyer and Mortimer, and each of these has quite a lucrative practice. The present borough councilmen are Edward Dechant, Samuel Freeman, John Hand, John Imschweiler, William Leininger and Frederick Beiser. Jacob Haerter is the chief burgess, and John Umanitz high constable. ________________ UNION TOWNSHIP. __________________________ In what is now Union township Frederick Labenberg is believed to have been the first settler. He built a log house and cleared a piece of land during the first years of the present century, and in 1810 disposed of it to Benjamin Trexler. Daniel Linder- muth cleared the farm where George D. Lindermuth now resides. John Eisenhauer settled on the farm now owned by D.M. Nesbitt, and John Fruhr settled where John Hazeltine now resides. The above named settlements were contemporaneous with Trexler's. There are traces of Indian occupancy, and the early settlers claimed that a deserted encampment was found near the Philip Derr place. Henry Gilbert, to whom the historian is indebted for many of these facts, was present at the first court held in this county, in 1811, his father being one of the jurors drawn in the first grand inquest. The first grain was raised by Labenberg, and the first log house built by him. The first traveled road was the old turnpike from Reading to Catawissa, and the first town meeting for the township of Rush was held at what is now Brandonville, at the house of John Bidler in October, 1811. The building first used for church purposes was the old Thomas Gootschall house, built as early as 1810. Andrew Foster was the first physician of Union, and he died in 1863. The first merchant was John Everett, who had a small grocery near Enoch Monbeck's place about 1820. John Fertig and a man named Wentz were also pioneer merchants. Daniel Butler was the first magistrate, and his successor was the merchant John Everett; the third justice appointed by the governor being Jacob Zimmerman, in 1825, who served until his death in 1845. Thomas Beddler was elected justice in 1840; Peter Horn in 1846; John A. Kehler in 1850; P.M. Barrow in 1856; David Davis in 1861; D.L. Stauffer (Still an incumbent) in 1864, and James K. Rice in 1874. The first orchard in the old town is believed to have been planted by a man named Crawford, who settled on _____________end page 354._______________ page 355 SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES OF UNION TOWNSHIP-RINGTOWN. ______________________________________________________________ the Boyd Dresher farm about 1811. The pioneer, Fred Labenberg, was also the first innkeeper, and the first merchant, Everett, is also reported to have kept open doors to the traveling public. Mails were first carried here by Thomas Thomas, once a week. Old John Eisenhauer kept the first post-office, at the place now owned by D.M. Nesbitt. It was then known as "Catawissa Valley." A mad wolf was shot on the farm of Thomas Lorah in 1835, after having fatally bitten a number of cattle, hogs and dogs. The territory now comprising North and East Union townships was, until 1818, a part of Rush township; and at that time was erected into the township of Union, together with a tract set off from Columbia and Luzerne counties, which now comprises the greater portion of North Union. Union township had 487 inhabi- tants in 1830, 904 in 1840, 1,064 in 1850, 1849 in 1860, 1110 in 1870 and 1,290 in 1880. CEMETERIES. The earliest burying-ground was in connection with the Union church, and the first person interred in it was Jacob Eisenhauer, who died May 9th, 1815, aged two years, eleven months and twenty-six days. The first adult to whose memory a stone is erected was Daniel Kolb, who died January 5th, 1818. In this cemetery are stones erected to the memory of the following sol- diers of 1812: Jacob Laudig, died July 17th, 1863, aged 77 years; Benjamin Sautzer, died November 29th, 1863, aged 71 years; William Dombuch, died October 5th, 1847, aged 69 years; Charles Bitting and Frederick Labenberg. The oldest person whose death is recorded on the burial tablets of this country church yard was Barnard Eisenhuth, aged one hundred and eleven years. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The first school-house was built about 1820. It was a log building, standing near where the Union church now stands, and its first teacher was a man named Sahm. the first election of school directors under the new law was in 1852. But the opposi- tion succeeded in choosing men opposed to any change. This farce was annually repeated, until, in 1859, an appeal to the courts caused the appointment of William M. Davis, Jacob Seltzer, D.M. Stauffer, Dr. Andrew Foster, Henry VanDuzen, and Samuel M. Miller (the last of whom resigned and was replaced by Michael M. Kes- tler), with instructions to exhaust all the resources of the law in its fulfillment, if necessary. The struggle by which the stolid Dutchmen had the blessing of free schools thrust upon them is narrated on page 94. An interest was finally awakened, which resulted in the erection of as fine a series of brick buildings as can be found in any rural township in the county, and the establishment of a central high school that affords more extended educational advantages than are usually found in agricultural township in this State. The schools numbered seven in 1880, with five buildings, costing about $1,300 each, and the Ringtown high school. RINGTOWN. The land on which this village is located was owned by Benja- min Nehf in 1838, and at that time there were four houses in the place-one nearly opposite the Mansion House, built by Jesse Hart in 1828; one where the Exchange Hotel now stands, built by Abra- ham Fry in 1830; one on the site of P.M. Barrow's residence, built by Peter Laudig in 1833. Mr. Nehf laid out a town site, and interested himself in building up a village. In 1843 Daniel Goho opened a hotel in the Jesse Hart house, and two years later the Exchange Hotel was built by Samuel Rupert, and known as the "Rising Sun Hotel." The village takes its name from a thieving act which occurred in the locality in 1831 and caused an enemy of Mr. Nehf to speak sneeringly of the place as Ringtown. That title has still clung to it despite the efforts of its founders, and, having long since lost its significance, it is now acquiesced in by all. The village contained in 1880 about sixty dwellings, three hotels, three general stores, five shoe shops, four wood working shops, two smithies, a tannery built in 1860 by P.M. Barrow, and a school house. It supports one physician, two clergymen, one file cutter, one tinsmith and one saddler. The only post-office in Union prior to 1845 was removed here after a migratory experi- ence of some years, and in 1854 its name was changed from Cata- wissa Valley to Ringtown. The grounds of the Catawiss Valley Agricultural Society are located here, the enterprise having been largely local in its inception. The buildings were erected in 1871 at a cost of $4,890, and fairs are held there annually. The Ringtown high school building cost $2,400, and in it two schools are taught. In 1874 a party of about twenty young men from the mines, while in attendance on a foot race, became intoxicated and quar- relsome, and fired upon constable A.R. Lamberson, who attempted to quell the riot. He returned the fire, killing one of them, named Patrick LaVelle. Excitement was intense, and only the coolness and courage of the officer saved him from the wrath of the mob, who were however, compelled to admit afterward that his course was justifiable. CHURCHES OF UNION. The Reformed Church was organized about 1822, and united with the Evangelical Lutheran society in building a log church, that should at the same time answer for school purposes. In this building they worshipped until 1842, when the united congrega- tions erected what is known as St. Paul's Union Church, which is still the place of worship for both congregations. The pastors of this church have been Rev. Messrs. Knoll, H. Knoebel, and Isaac Schellhammer, from 1840 to 1872, and Edward D. Miller since 1874, under whose care the church membership has been doubled, and two new churches have been established; one at East Union, St. John's church, numbering forty-five members, and one in North Union, of about the same numerical ___________end page 355.___________ page 356 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ strength, known as Emanuel's, and, in common with the Lutherans, occupying Zion's church building. The mother church is located at Ringtown, and numbers about one hundred and fifty members. The Sunday-school work has been conducted in union with the Lutherans. The first school in Union was organized at the old log church in 1850. In 1854 another school, of which D.M. Stauffer was superintendent, was formed at a school-house in the southwestern part of the township. In 1873 a division occurred in the old school, and a union school was formed at Ringtown, still in operation, with E.K. Stauffer as superintendent. The older branch of the school was removed in 1876 to St. Paul's church, and it is still known as the Lutheran school, though equally under the care of this church. Evangelical Lutheran Church.-So closely has this church been identified with its neighbor, the Reformed church, that its business history is practically the same. Originating about the same time (1822), it is now a joint owner in St. Paul's and Zion's church buildings. The pastors have been Rev. Messrs. Boch, Benninger, Weiksel, Kleine, German, and the present incum- bent, Rev. W.H. Geiger, who commenced his labors in 1880. The membership is two hundred and twenty-five. The Zion's Grove church, in North Union, is an off-shoot from this, and under the same pastor's care. The Sunday-school history of the church has already been written with that of the Reformed denomination. The Evangelical Church was organized in 1870, with fourteen members. During that year a church edifice was erected on lands owned by C.H. Hines, its cost being about $3,000. The first pastor was Rev. James Sautez, who was succeeded by Revs. T. Harper, D.S. Stauffer, a. Dilabar, E.K. Miller, and the present pastor, Rev. J.M. Rinker. The church numbered in 1880 some seventy members. The first Sabbath-school superintendent was C.H. Hines. The present one is Nathan Seltzer. The school has a library of 300 volumes. ______________ UPPER MAHANTONGO TOWNSHIP. ______________________________ Upper Mahantongo's first settlers were a German named Alexan- der Klinger and his four sons, who settled in 1780 at what has since been known as Klingerstown. Jacob Baum, Robert Clark, Seamon Shuman, Andrew Osman, and Gideon Williams (a Welshman) were other pioneers in different sections of the town. Peter Klock, who settled the Daniel Dungelberger place, is reported to have come into the neighborhood about 1775. The first grave-yard was opened on the John Schrob farm. The first school-house was built in 1805, and a school taught by a man named Hein. George Maurer kept the first store in Klingerstown, about 1811. John Reed built the first hotel in 1803, and sold it in 1804 to Jacob Wiest, by whom it was kept for many years. The next hotel was built by Jacob Stenner in 1812, and it is now standing and owned by John Wiest. It was not until 1840 that a practicing physician, named John Piffer, settled in Klingersotwn. The post-office in this place was established in 1850, and mails delivered once a week by way of Reading and Sunbury. The old post road ran near the present road to Sunbury, and was abandoned when the latter was built. The war with Great Britain in 1812 sent the recruiting sergeant to this quiet hamlet, and of the townspeople Sebastian Zimmerman, Jacob Wolfgang, John Kline, Abraham Zimmerman, Solomon Zimmerman, Henry Klock, George Geist, Henry Maurer and Adam Slobig enlisted, serving about four months at York, Pa., and Baltimore, Md. Klingerstown contains at present two hotels, one store, blacksmith shop, school-house, and five or six dwelling-houses. In 1830 the township contained 1,151 inhabitants; in 1840, 1,291; 1850, 1,656; 1860, 786; 1870, 761. The decrease was due to the reduction of its area by the erection of other townships from it. SCHOOLS. The conservatism of its people make Upper Mahantongo the last township in the county, and one of the last in the State, to accept the provisions of the present school laws, and not until the year 1865 were the educational interests of the town placed under its operations. Well adapted for grazing and the culture of roots and fruits, the township needs only the infusion of the fresh young blood, quickened by contact with its fellows, that is rapidly replacing the ultra caution and suspicion of its older inhabitants, to speedily bring it into the front ranks of the farm towns of the Schuylkill region. There was in 1880 but one church organization in town. This, known as Schwalm's church, has an edifice near the center of the township. Schwalm Union Church was organized in 1820, its meetings being held in the old log school-house near where the church now stands. Among its first members were John, Henry and George Maurer, Jacob Dressler, Jacob Bechtel, George Estman, Jacob Stagg, Neitling, Thomas and George Henninger, Peter Jacob Luck- ney, Henry Knorr, Adam Herb, George and Peter Schleyer, ____________end page 356.____________ page 357 SETTLEMENT OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP-SALEM'S CHURCH. ______________________________________________________________ In 1856 this township was formed from Pine Grove and Wayne. The southern part of the township was first settled by Germans, and the present population is almost wholly of German descent, speaking the language and retaining the habits of their fathers. The first settlers suffered from Indian depredations, and in some instances they were induced through fear to abandon their homes. Among the settlers who came previous to 1790 were Philip Zerbe, who is said to have been the first to locate; ----- Teb- bich, Nicholas Shuck, Adam Kalbach, George Kremer, William Krem- er, Peter Weaver, Peter Paffenberger, Nicholas Paffenberger, Christina Betz, Peter Hetzel, Henry Oppel, Michael Bressler, Paul Lengel, ----- Gebhert, Stephen Diehl, Samuel Owen, ----- Boyer, Casper Bretzius, John Adam Brown; Jonathan Kerschner, Platt, Wagner, Bilger, and Worner. A man named Jacoby, with his family, also located at a very early date, but he was soon afterward attacked by Indians, and beheaded, while chopping wood at the door of his house. Peter Hetzel located near Salem church about 1770. He taught the first school (German) in the township. His son Peter was the first carpenter here. Casper Bretzius built the first grist-mill on the Little Swatara creek. After his death his son Michael continued to operate the first mill until the beginning of the present century; then carried on another upon the same site until his death, many years later. He also built and operated a card- ing machine and cloth-dressing establishment-the first in the township-about 1824. It was located on his own farm, about three fourths of a mile northeast of the grist-mill. His son, Michael Bretzius, jr., located at the carding machines, which he operated several years. John Adam Brown built a grist-mill in the south- eastern part of the township about 1790. One is still in opera- tion on the same site, and is owned by a descendant of the first builder. A man name Boyer built a tannery near Rock Station about 1790, which he operated a few years, when the business was abandoned. John William Kremer is said to have put up the first saw- mill, though several were built at an early date. John Batdorff was the first blacksmith; he opened a shop near Rock Station about 1800. This township had 1,233 inhabitants in 1860, 1,313 in 1870 and 1,354 in 1880. HAMLETS. Rock is a post-office and station on the S. and S. branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, where are located a small store and a grist-mill. This place was formerly known as White Horse, taking its name from a tavern here. In 1868 a post-office was established here, with Jerome Riland as postmaster. DeTurkville, formerly called Silliman, situated northwest from the geographical center of the township, contains a store, a wagon shop, a blacksmith shop, and five or six families. The first tavern in the township was kept near this place by Solomon Christ about 1827. A public house is still kept here, and is known as the "Red Lion." CHURCH HISTORY. Salem's Lutheran and Reformed church.-In 1780 there were a number of Lutheran families settled in this part of the country. They built a school-house about a hundred years ago, on a tract of land containing fifty-five acres, obtained as a gift from the government. This building was to serve also as a place of wor- ship. For the first few years they had no minister, and no organized congregation. Peter Hetzel, a school teacher, read sermons to them regularly. In 1783 Rev. William Kurtz, who resided in Tulpehocken, began to preach in the school-house. He organized the congregation and began to administer the sacra- ments. This newly organized congregation and the Jacob's, two miles west of Pine Grove were served together by the same minis- ter. Communions were held alternately in Jacob's church, and in this school-school. Mr. Kurtz served the congregation until he died, in 1799. In the autumn of 1795 the congregation began build- ________end page 357.________ page 358. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ ing a new church, which was dedicated on the 25th of May, 1797. The building committee consisted of John Lengel, Peter Hetzel, and Adam Kreigbaum. The deacons were Christopher Bernhard and Casper Lengel. The new church was named Salem's Lutheran church. It was built of logs and weatherboarded; it had galleries on two sides. In July, 1799, Rev. Andrew Schurtz became the pastor of the church. He remained until July, 1802. In September of the same year he was followed by Rev. John Knoske, who found the congrega- tion to number thirty-eight communicant members. The deacons were Adam Gebert and Nicholas Scheterle; elders, John Lengel and Henry Appel. Rev. George Mennig succeeded Mr. Knoske in 1811. He remained until 1833, and then his son, Rev. william G. Mennig, was pastor until 1839. From that year until 1856 the pastors were Revs. A.B. Gockelen, J.T. Haesbert, Benjamin Sadtler and Julius Evhart. since May, 1865, Rev. Elias S. Henry has been pastor. There are one hundred and seventy-five members in good stand- ing in Salem's Lutheran congregation, and as many children and young people who are members of the church by baptims, but are as yet unconfirmed. The present Lutheran church officers are: Deacons, Levi Rhein and John C. Minnich; elders, H.L. Zimmerman and J.W. Kemmerling; trustee, David Fidler. Privilege was granted by the Lutherans to the Reformed mem- bers to hold regular services in the church, and twenty-six years later equal right and ownership in all the property. The Re- formed had as pastors during this time Revs. John Gring, Julius Kurtz, C. Mutchler and Eli Theister. The building that was dedicated in 1797 is still standing and has been used as a house of worship for eight-four years; but it was found highly necessary to build a new church, and in 1880 an edifice was begun, the corner stone of which was laid, with appropriate exercises, September 26th, 1880. The building com- mittee are David Fidler, D.B. Seidel, John Henning and Joseph Fichert. Zion's Evangelical Church.-Traveling ministers of this denom- ination first began to old regular meetings in this township in the year 1831, using the residence of John Manbeck, sen., as a meeting place. Among these early itinerent preachers were Rev. Messrs. King, Staver, Bishop Seybert, George Miler, Walker, Thomas Focht, Henry Fisher, Daniel Berger, Charles Hesser, Charles Schuen, Solomon Neitz, J.P. Leib, Francis Hoffman, Thomas Buck, J.M. Saylor and G.T. Haines. No regular organization of this peruasion was formed until the autumn of 1858, when, as the result of a religious revival conducted by Rev. Lewis snyder, and held at the house of william Shoener, a class was organized consisting of fourteen members, of which William Shoener was chosen leader and Frank Reber exhorter. This organization has since been regularly supplied with preaching from the Pine Grove Association, and now numbers 68 members. In 1862 the society built a framed church edifice, which was dedicated by Revs. F. Hoffman and J.P. Leib. A Sunday-school was organized the same year, with F.W. Reber as superintendent. The following ministers have served Zion's Church since the organization of the class: lewis Snyer, ----- Litzenburger, Jacob Adams, Francis Hoffman, J.O. Lehr, Thomas bowman, C.S. Haman, J.C. Hamberger, A.M. Stirk, W.K. Wieand, S.S. Chubb, J.M. Oplinger and D.A. medlar, the presnet pastor. ____________ WAYNE TOWNSHIP. ________________________________ Wayne was formed from Manheim and Pine Grove townships, in 1827. In 1856 a portion was set off to form a part of Washing- ton. The population of the township in 1830 was 1,436; in 1840, 1,619; in 1850, 1,968; in 1860, after a portion had been set off to Washington, 1,415; in 1870, 1,546; and in 1880, 1,630. Nothing very definite can be ascertained as to Indian occupa- tion of Wayne previous to the beginning of white settlement. On the farm of Michael Fritz various implements and weapons of Indian make have been found, and other evidences have been dis- covered pointing to the probability that at an early period there was an Indian fort there. At some distance from this place, but on the same farm, it is believed a permanent Indian dwelling once stood. Four of five hundred yards northwest from the "old mill property," in a field now under cultivation, are several graves supposed to be those of a family who were massacred by the Indi- ans. The date of the early settlement of Wayne is not known. The first settlers in the Panther valley part of the township were messrs. Lari, Berger, Schol and Schwartz. In Schnickle Creek valley, and in the direction of Long Run valley, the first settlers were George Miller, ----- Kearcher, John Apple and John Gombey. A Mr. Summer was the original owner and settler on a large tract of land embracing the site of Friedensburg. In the central and southern parts of the township the first settlers were Henry Gebhart, Hostle Boyer, John Hummel, Henry Schnep, Henry Kemmerling, Jacob Miller, Michael Webber, Benhart Rhine and Leonard Schnep. ____________end page 358._____________ page 359. PIONEER TIMES IN WAYNE-FRIEDENSBURG. ______________________________________________________________ The pioneers in Long run valley were George Shiffer, Henry Weaver and J. Wommer. In the northern, central and eastern parts of the township the following persons were land-owners at the dates given, but not settlers: John Dundore, in 1750; Daniel Hartoon in 1750, and William Davis in 1792. G. Weitner owned 300 acres in the western part in 1750. Peter Kutz, Anthony Roeder and Frederick Shaffer, from the territory now embraced in Wayne, served in the struggle for independence. In the war of 1812 John Sterner, Jacob Minich, Daniel Stern- er, Philip Staller, Andrew Achey, Henry Fidler, Conrad Roeder, Casper Roeder and Michael Fritz saw service. The oldest post route through the township was over the road through Friedensburg. It is supposed Jacob Minich was the earli- est postmaster in the township. Charles Krecker was appointed postmaster in the township. Charles Krecker was appointed post- master in 1862, and held the office till his death, in 1872. His widow succeeded him, and is the present postmistress at Friedens- burg. At Summit Station, on the railroad, in the south part of the township, a post-office has for some time been established, with D.R. Ney as postmaster. Jacob Minich is said to have been the first justice of the peach in Wayne. The next was Charles Springer. The present magistrates are John W. Heffner, sen., and Henry S. Kremer. Both have been for some years in office. May 10th, 1769, title to this property was given to one John Graft, by one Rehrer, of Tulpehocken township, Berks county. It became vested in Conrad Roeder, who emigrated to America from Germany some time prior to the Revolutionary war, and settled somewhere in Berks county. After the war he removed to the mill property. When the mill was originally built is not now known. It was first seen by old residents of Wayne as a log structure. It was rebuilt about 1849, and enlarged in 1872 by Daniel Roeder, a grandson of Conrad. It is now owned and operated by Elias Roeder, a great-grandson of the old German emigrant, in whose family the property has remained continuously since its purchase by him, early in the history of the township. At a comparatively early date there was a tannery on the farm of William Fidler and Daniel Yeich, in Long Run valley. A few years ago it was torn down, the foundation was removed, and the spot where it had stood was graded level with the surrounding ground for cultivation. The Friedensburg tannery was built by Martin Price. It has since been owned successively by Jacob Eagler, Webber, Sylphius Thier and Michael Fritz, the present proprietor. The latter enlarged it some years ago, and for a time did quite a flourish- ing business. It is in good condition, but is lying idle. The first tavern opened in Wayne was the Blue Mountain House, by Dexter Snyder. During the political cmapaign of 1800, a Jefferson liberty pole was raised in front of the Blue Mountain tavern, and the adherents of the cause of John Adams, Jefferson's opponent, gave out that on a certain day they would cut it down. When the time arrived the Jeffersonians shouldered their guns and repaired to the place, arriving just in time to see sixteen of their foemen surrounding the pole, some of them provided with axes. The sudden appearance of an armed force of considerable numbers surprised and intimidated them, and when they were told not to proceed with their self-appointed task they made no show of resistance of authority, and attempted to peacable leave the scene of their discomfiture. But this quiet acquiescence did not satisfy the Jeffersonians; and, bringing the influence of their arms and superior numbers to bear on their already chap-fallen opponents, they compelled them to march three times around the pole, and give three cheers for it each time, before they permit- ted them to go away. The second public house in the township was the Long Run Valley house, opened in 1801 by Henry S. Kremer, who is said to have kept the first store in Wayne, in the same building. The number of hotels in the township in 1881 is five. They are those of Messrs. Hummel and Schropp, at Friedensburg, that of Abraham Roeder, at Summit Station, the Black Horse tavern, kept by Henry Brown, and the old Blue Mountain House. The oldest public roads in the township are the State road, from Schuylkill Haven to Pine Grove, the Panther Valley road, and the Blue Mountain road. The first grave-yard opened in the township was that connect- ed with St. John's church. There are now six burial places; one connected with each of the five churches, and a small one on the farm of Isaac Luckenbil, where Mr. Ernst and his parents are buried. The first fine brick building in Wayne was erected at Long Run by Charles Springer, sen., about twenty years ago. Joseph Wommer, in Long Run valley, brought the first mowing machine to the township. The earliest resident physicians were Doctors Medlar and Davis. Rev. Messrs. Dechert and Stowey were the pioneer preachers, and they were well known and respected by almost every early resident of the township. FRIEDENSBURG. As has been stated, a Mr. Summer was the original purchaser of the site of this village. The first house erected there is now owned by Charles Hummel. Friedensburg was once a candidate for the distinction of being the county seat, but the stronger claims of Orwigsburg, or the acuteness of those who presented them, prevailed. The village now consists of fifteen house, and has 71 inhabi- tants. Its most prominent men are Messrs. Fritz, Hummeel, Fes- sler, Krecker, Dietrich, Unger, Shappell and Dr. Moyer. Its business places are a tannery, a store, a shoe store and shop, a harness shop, and a wagon and blacksmith shop. There are two hotels, kept by Charles Hummel and William Shropp. During the winter months they are much frequented by sleighing-parties from va- ________end page 359._________ page 360 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ rious parts of the county. The English Protestant church is situated just north of the village. The place was visited by a somewhat destructive fire in 1877. SUMMIT STATION. The tract of land on which the village of Summit Station has grown was granted to Egidions Moyer, December 6th, 1774, by the proprietaries of the province of Pennsylvania. It has been deeded six or seven times in coming into the possession of the present owners. The original tract composed some 200 acres. The first house in the village was built by the original pur- chasers, in 1774 or 1775. It has since been rebuilt, and is now a tavern stand, owned by Abraham Roeder. Isaac Hummel built the second house, and opened in it the first tavern in the place, also using it as a tailor shop. It has been remodeled and enlarged, and is now a three-story build- ing. It is not now kept open as a public house. The third floor is used as a lodge room. The post-office was established about 1854 or 1855, when Ruser & Riland opened a store in the building now occupied by Messrs. Ney & Kremer. The village has a population of 81, and contains the usual variety of shops. It derives its chief importance from the fact that it is the only railway station in the township. SCHOOLS. In 1829 Christian Meyer, a young teacher just from Strasburg, Germany, opened the first school in Wayne, in a private house. A few years later a few others were opened, and school houses built. Mr. Meyer taught forty-one years, in private and public schools, and then became a farmer. Many of his former pupils are living. Other early teachers were Messrs. Miller, Grater, Clay and Grover, The early school-houses were in Snyder valley, and at the place locally known as "Reedsville," from the fact that a number of families of the name of Reed lived in the neighborhood. The date of the first school in Friedensburg is not remem- bered. Charles Krecker was an early teacher there. The present school-house in that village was erected in 1871, at a cost of $400. The citizens of Wayne voluntarily accepted the common school system in 1841. There are now twelve schools in the township. They were being taught in the winter of 1880-81 by Miles Staller, William Hellner, Irwin Fessler, Jared S. Brown, Francis Reber, Lewis J. Brown, D.T. Schlappich, W.H. Kremer, Jerry Hoffman, Joel Ney, W.B. Staller and F.A. Brown. LODGES. Farmers' Lodge, No. 649, I.O.O.F was chartered November 17th, 1868, and instituted December 12th following. The first officers were: J.H. Lenhard, N.G.; H.Trumbo, V.G.; E. Roeder, secretary; J.G. Kern, assistant secretary; Anthony Roeder, treasurer. The present (1881) officers are: Frank Brown, N.G.; J.J. Moyer, V.G.; F.P. Schoreigerb, secretary; J.B. Ludwig, assistant secretary; Jonathan Bressler, treasurer. The largest membership to which the lodge ever attained was 65; the present membership is 38. The number of charter members was 20. Washington Camp No. 145 P.O. S. of A. was organized with 17 charter members. The present membership is 15. The first officers were: D.R. Ney, D.,; W.W. Brown, V.P.; A. Reed, M.F. and C.; J.B. Kremer, secretary; Joel Ney, financial secretary; John Steinback, treasurer. The officers in February, 1881, were: F.A. Brown, president; H.N. Boyer, vice-president; D.R. Ney, secretary; J.S. Brown, financial secretary; Elias Roeder, treasurer. There is a lodge of the Jr. O.U.A.M. most of the members of which are residents of Wayne. All of the societies above referred to hold their meetings in a large room, fitted up for their occupancy, in the third story of the Hummel tavern building. The membership of neither of these organizations is as large as it was a few years ago. The diminution in numbers is due chiefly to the recent financial depression. RELIGIOUS HISTORY. St. John's Lutheran and Reformed Church, located three-quar- ters of a mile west of Friedensburg, is owned jointly by the Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed congregations. The erection of the building which preceded it was begun in 1796, and it was dedicated the fifth Sunday after Easter, 1797, Revs. Henry Hert- zel and Emanuel Schultz being present. The present edifice was built in 1868, and is valued at $4,000. The original church organization was effected in 1796. The present membership is about 200. The Sunday-school was organized May 13th, 1852. John Mullin was the first superintendent; the present is Mr. Brownmiller. The membership is 50. The following Reformed ministers have served the church: Revs. John Kobrecht, William Ingold, Philip Meyer (37 years), Henry Wagner, J.P. Stein (5 years), C.H. Mutchler, I.E. Graeff, Eli E. Heister (6 years), Brocadus S. Metzger. The Evangelical Lutheran preachers have been Revs. Andrew Schultz, Daniel Schaefer, John Knoske, George Mennig, William Mennig, Frederick Conrad, August Joekel, Nathan Jaeger (4 years), T. Bristenbach (2 years), Elias S. Henry, A. Roeller (3 years), Joel Grimm, ----- Hoppe, G.F. Woerner, Robert Jacoby, W.H. Kuntz. The Reedville Church, the original Evangelical church in this neighborhood, was built in 1845, at a cost of about 4800. The present edifice was erected in 1875, the corner stone having been May 6th of that year. The church property is valued at $3.300. The organ was purchased in 1878. The original members of the church were John (sen.), George, Peter John (jr.), David and Daniel Reed, Jacob and John Wommer, Samuel Machmer, and John _____________end page 360._____________ page 361 CHURCHES IN WAYNE TOWNSHIP-WEST BRUNSWICK. _______________________________________________________________ Clay, and their wives, and some other members of some of their families, to the number of about 30. The first Sunday-school was organized in 1846, and was at- tended by 40 or 50 scholars. The first superintendent of the more recent organization was Osman Airgood. The present superin- tendent is John H. Reed. The school has a membership of 36, and there are 150 volumes in the library. The church has been served by the following pastors: Revs. C. Moyer, J. Lieb, L. Snider, J. Shell, C.S. Harman, E. Basht (each 2 years), F. Krecker (6 years), J.Q. Lehr, W. Yost, E. Miller, H.A. Neitz, L.S. Worman, D.A. Medlar, W. Shoemaker, T.R. Reitz (each 2 years). St Peter's Reformed church.-The earliest meeting to consider the advisability of organizing this church was held on the spot where the house of worship now stands, as early as 1847. The society purchased 72 acres of land a mile west of Cressona, in Wayne township, on which they erected a church in 1852 and 1853. It was dedicated May 15th, the latter year. The following have been the pastors of the church: Revs. Jacob Kline, J.P. Stein, C.H. Mutchler, ----- Johnson, Eli E. Heister and Blocadus S. Metztger, the present pastor. The first Sunday-school superintendent was Dr. Benjamin Baker. The present one if Mr. Hontzberger. English Protestant Union Church (Friedensburg).-At a meeting held at the house of George Witman, in Friedensburg, March 15th, 1859, for the purpose of discussing measures for the erection of a church edifice, the following persons were present; William Lerch, sen., D.D. Reed, A.S. Riland, S.B. Riland, Michael Fritz, George Witman and Charles Krecker. Michael Fritz was chosen president of the meeting. William Lerch, A.S. Riland and D.K. Reed were appointed a committee to purchase a lot for a church and cemetery and draft a constitution and by-laws for a proposed organization, which was soon afterward effected. The corner stone of the church was laid a little later and before the close of the year the building was completed and dedicated. The church is owned jointly by the local societies of United Brethren in Christ and the Evangelical church. The original members of the church of United Brethren were A.S. and Annie Riland, Thomas Morgan and wife, Martin Miller and wife, Mary and Elizabeth Miller, Annetta Luckenbill, and Magdelina Fessler. The constituent members of the Evangelical society were Charles and Abraham Krecker, Samuel B. Riland and Jacob Wommer and wife. The United Brethren pastors have been Revs. J. Lowery, L.W. Cramer, W.H. Fritz, S. Noll, J. Fleischner, J.G. Clair, S. Etter, J. Shoop, John Bingkley, J. Hackman, ----- Shaeffer, -----Uhler, Urias Gambler, ----- Dunkleberger, W.H. Cramer and George Shin- dler. The pastors of the Evangelical faith have been Revs. C.S. Hamn, E. Miller, J.Q. Lehr, H.A. Neitz, L.S. Worman, Frederick Krecker, D.A. Medlar, William Shoemaker and F.J. Reitz. The Friedensburg union Sunday-school was organized in 1859. A.S. Riland has been the superintendent from the first. At the invitation of this school and the churches with which it is connected, July 1st, 1880, the centennial anniversary of the Sunday-schools of Wayne township was celebrated in the union church. The present (February, 1881) membership of the school is 74. It is provided with an organ, and a library of 500 volumes. During the summer the membership is much larger. DeBinder's Church.-In Summit Station valley there is a small congregation known by this name. The present pastor is Rev. F.W. Berkheiser. A Sunday-school has been in continuous existence at Summit Station about twenty-five years. At present the superintendent is D.R. Ney. The scholars number 130. The united Sunday-school, held in school-house No. 5, has been in progress since 1850. John W. Heffner, sen., was the first superintendent; Jared S. Brown is the present one. The total membership is 121. ____________