Area History: History of Schuylkill County, Pa: W. W. Munsell, 1881 Township and Borough Histories pp. 377 - 390 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 377 THE FOUNDING OF SHENANDOAH-INCORPORATION AND OFFICERS. _______________________________________________________________ SHENANDOAH BOROUGH. __________________________________________________________ The borough of Shenandoah, though one of the youngest, is the second in population in Schuylkill county. It owes its existence and prosperity entirely to the development and workings of the coal deposits with which it is immediately surrounded. As late as 1862 its site and vicinity were for the most part a wilderness and a favorite hunting ground; deer, bear, and smaller game being comparatively abundant. Instances are related of choppers who carried their dinner with them to the bush having been robbed of it, bucket and all, by bears within plain sight of the victims. The site of Shenandoah was originally owned by Peter Kehley, who as early as 1835 built a log house near the present Lehigh Valley depot, and, with his family, was for many years the only resident in the vicinity, gaining a sustenance by hunting and cultivating small patches of ground. Several years previous to 1860 he was induced to transfer his title to the land to parties in Philadelphia for a nominal consideration, but continued to occupy it, at an annual rental of a dollar, until his death, when the family removed to other parts. In the spring of 1862 the purchasers of Mr. Kehley's land, then or subsequently known as the Philadelphia Land Company, anticipating the speedy opening of coal mines here, had a town surveyed and plotted by P.W. Sheaffer, then acting as civil engineer for that company, who gave to it the name of "Shenandoah City," probably after Shenandoah creek, which runs through the southeastern portion of the present borough. The following summer the land company built a two-story frame hotel, on the corner of Main and Center streets, which was opened, under the name the United States Hotel, in August, 1862, by Seymour Wright, as manager, with rent free. This was the first frame building put up in Shenandoah, and it is still used for hotel purposes, though having undergone some changes since its first erection. The same year James Hutton built two dwell- ing houses, and building was also begun at the Shenandoah City colliery. The opening of that colliery, which was begun in 1862, brought to this place many of the first settlers. Seymour Wright, Jacob O. Roads, James Hutton, Christian Young, John Houzer and perhaps a few others came here in 1862. Seymour Wright was a native of the State of New York, and came here form Columbia county, Pa. He was manager of the United States hotel about three years, station agent as long, and then returned to Columbia county, where he died. Jacob O. Roads is a native of Berks county. He was the first business man here, and has been prominently identified with the leading business interests of the place from its birth to the present. Bartholomew Dillmann, Richard Harrington, Jonathan Wasley, Daniel Ellis, Jacob Dimler, Jonathan Ellis and Peter Ward were among the first to settle here in the spring of 1863, most of whom are still residents of the place. From this date the popu- lation rapidly increased. In connection with Shenandoah City colliery a steam saw-mill, blacksmith shop, carpenter shop, &c., were built and operated by Miller, Roads, & Co., which supplied the first necessities of the place in those branches of business. The same firm also brought in the first stock of merchandise, which they sold in the base- ment of the United States Hotel. They subsequently put up and occupied the first store building, on Main street, below Cherry street. Christian Young built and opened the first eating house and saloon in the fall of 1863, on the site of the Shenandoah Valley House. William C. Kennedy opened the first drug store in 1864, and Dr. W.S. Beach was the first physician to locate here, coming in 1864, followed a year or two later by Dr. George L. Regan. INCORPORATION AND CIVIL HISTORY. Shenandoah was incorporated as a borough on the 16th of Janu- ary, 1866, a petition setting forth its boundaries and signed by one hundred freeholders having been presented to the court of Schuylkill county in September previous. At the first election, held in the spring of 1866, the following officers were chosen: Chief burgess, Frederick Wright; council-C.J. Heller (president), Martin Franey, Thomas Egan, Christian Young, and George Quinn; secretary, J.F. Murphy; treasurer, Anthony Devitt; solicitor, Charles D. Hipple; high constable and collector, Michael O'Hara. The following have served as chief burgess of the borough: Thomas Cassedy, 1867; J.P. Hoffman, 1868; John Tobin, 1869-71; George G. Jacoby, 1872; Michael O'Hara, 1873, 74; J. O'Connor, 1875; William Kimmel, 1876, 1877; M.J. Whalen, 1878; Joseph Boehm, 1879, 1880; Daniel P. Williams, 1881. In September, 1874, the borough was divided into two election districts, on the line of Main street, and in September, 1875, it was divided into five wards. The number of votes polled for chief burgess was 162 in 1867; 612 in 1874 and 1,053 in 1879. The population of the borough in 1870 was 2,951, and in June, 1880, 10,061, composed principally of Pennsylvania Dutch, Irish, Welsh, Polander, English and Ger- mans. COLLIERIES. Shenandoah City Colliery.-This was the first colliery opened in the vicinity of Shenandoah. It is located on the William Jones tract of the Mammoth vein, in the southern part of the borough, and was opened by August C. Miller, of Philadelphia, Michael F. Maize, of Pottsville, and Jacob O. roads, under the firm name of A.C. Miller & Co. The opening of the mine and construc- _______________end page 377.________________ page 378 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ tion of the necessary buildings and machinery were under the personal supervision of Jacob O. Roads, who began work in 1862. The breakers and buildings, including forty seven tenant houses and a large boarding house, were completed in 1863. The first shipment of coal was made in February, 1864, upon the completion of the Shenandoah branch of the Mahanoy and Broad Mountain Rail- road to this place. The design of the double breaker was execut- ed by Henry Strauch, architect, and it consumed about 700,000 feet of lumber in its construction, having a capacity of 1,000 tons of coal daily. Jonathan Wasley was superintendent several years. This colliery was operated by A.C. Miller & Co., who employed about 300 men and boys, until the spring of 1878, when, their lease having expired, it passed into the hands of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, the present operators. The present superintendents are Joseph Keim, outside, and Frederick Carl, inside. There are 100 men and boys employed outside and 148 inside. Six engines are now in use, aggregating 266 horse power. The main entrance to the mine is on an angle of 60 degrees. The present daily production is about 300 tons. Turkey Run Colliery, near the southwest border of Shenandoah, was opened in 1869, by D.B. Haas, William Brennizer and G.W. Johnson, under the firm name of Haas, Brenizer & Co., Mr. Johnson having the general supervision. It was operated by this company until 1879, when it was transferred to the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, the present operators. It con- sists of one horizontal tunnel, 154 years long; the east slope, on an angle of about 10 degrees, and 250 yards long; and the west slope, of 25 degrees, and 150 yards long, opening the Mammoth and Seven-feet veins. There are eight stationary engines, aggregat- ing 380 horse power, and one locomotive now in use. The capacity of the breaker is 674 tons, with an average daily production of 475 tons of coal, employing 380 men and boys. The foremen are William Shaw, outside, and Frederick Reese, inside. West Shenandoah Colliery consists of two slopes, sunk on the Buck Mountain and Mammoth veins, the old slope extending 250 yards from the opening in three lifts. This colliery was first opened in 1869, by M.F. Maize and W.H. Lewis, under the personal supervision of the latter. It was worked by them until 1878, when it was transferred to the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company. It has one breaker, with a capacity of about 500 tons, which is now worked to nearly its full capacity. There are 9 engines, equaling 455 horse power. There are about 160 men and boys employed inside, with David Morgon as foreman, and 100 outside, with A.D. Gable as foreman. Indian Ridge Colliery.-This colliery was opened in 1870, by William Kendrick & Co., the firm consisting of William Kendrick, John J. Dovey and David Davis, who operated it until 1873, then sold their interest to the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, which still controls it. It consists of a shaft sunk on the Mammoth vein and one breaker, with a capacity of 750 tons. Two engines, of 90 horse power each, are used for hoisting pur- poses. Two engines, located inside, of 133 horse power each, are used for pumping, and are capable of raising 79,200 gallons of water three hundred feet high per hour. William A. Delcamp is engineer of the pumping engines and J.H. Roxby of the hoisting engines. William Horn is superintendent outside and John Bradi- gan inside. Some 300 men and boys are employed, and about 540 tons produced daily. Kehley Run Colliery is situated on the north borough line of Shenandoah, on the south dip of the Mammoth vein. The openings consist of two slopes. The old slope is sunk about 130 yards on an average dip of 38 degrees, and the new or west slope is sunk about 210 yards from the surface. It was first opened in 1864, by Jacob Frill, ----- Fisher and J.B. Reber, but has been operat- ed by the Thomas Coal Company since 1867. There are two break- ers, with a capacity of 750 tons daily, and eight engines, aggre- gating 725 horse power. This has been a very successful col- liery; it shipped up to January 1st, 1880, 1, 047, 153 tons of coal. On July 28th, 1880, Jonathan Wasley, who had served as super- intendent of this colliery since 1867, lost his life in this mine by the effects of poisonous gases while attempting to discover the origin of the latter. John Reese and Frederick Willman, who accompanied him, also perished from the same cause. On August 9th following the mine was discovered to be on fire, since which all mining operations have been suspended and various means have been instituted to extinguish the fire, but so far (May, 1881) without success. Plank Ridge Colliery, on the southeastern limits of Shenando- ah, consists of a double cage way shaft, sunk on the Mammoth vein, about 30 yards from which two slopes are sunk. it was opened in 1865, by Richard Lee, William Grant and R.F. Lee, and was under the general supervision of William Grant until April 12th, 1873, when he was killed in the mine by a fall of coal. Walter Gibbs, inside foreman, lost his life at the same time. Soon after the death of Mr. Grant the colliery passed into the hands of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, its present managers. It has one breaker, and seven engines, equal- ing about 325 horse power. Captain J.H. Hoskins is outside foreman and Adam Leckie inside foreman. Kohinoor Collier.-This colliery was opened by its present operators, Heckscher & Co., in 1868, and has since been managed by Jacob Glover. The annual report of Mine Inspector Hemingray for 1875, in speaking of this mine, says: "It consists of a first-class shaft, opening the Mammoth vein 140 yards under the surface, in 45 feet of coal and nearly in the center of its basin. The mine is worked in three different lifts of panels, by self-acting planes. In connection with this plan a new slope is nearly sunk to the basin on an angle of 10 degrees dip. This will open another large body of coal, which as a reserve, can be drawn upon as required; so that the colliery has but few if any in the region to excell it in its details of economy." __________end page 378.__________ page 379 SHENANDOAH BUSINESS HOUSES-FIRE DEPARTMENT. ______________________________________________________________ Cambridge Colliery is a drift on the Primrose vein. It was opened in 1875 by Jones, Banks & Co. In 1880 it was sold to William R. Jones, Benjamin Thomas and Henry Price, who assumed the name of the Cambridge Coal Company. Mr. Jones has had the management of the colliery from the first. It has one eight- horse power engine, gives employment to fifteen men and boys and produces about 40 tons of coal daily, principally for home con- sumption. COLUMBIA HOSE AND STEAM FIRE ENGINE COMPANY. A preliminary organization of this company was made at the Lloyd street school-house, July 11th, 1870, at which time tempo- rary officers were elected and the company was named "Columbia Hose Company, No.1." A permanent organization occurred at the borough council rooms on August 1st, 1870, when the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Jr. J.F. Kern, president; Henry C. Boyer, secretary; J.P. Hoffman, treasurer; Thomas J. Foster, chief director. The borough immediately erect- ed a hose-house, which was occupied by the company November 28th, 1870. The company was uniformed in September, and received its first hose carriage and equipments in December of the same year. This company was legally incorporated, under its present name, July 29th, 1872, and in July, 1873, purchased its first steam fire engine (second hand) for $2,800. In 1874 a two-story brick engine house was built on Jardin street south, which was occupied January 28th, 1875. In December following, an alarm bell, weigh- ing 1,540 pounds and costing $600, was placed in the tower of this building. A new "Button" engine, costing $2,650, was pur- chased in March, 1878, and christened "Shenandoah," and in Janu- ary, 1880, the former engine was rebuilt, at a cost of over $1,000. In the summer of 1878 the company leased four acres of ground from the Girard estate, which it fitted up with dancing floor, booths, etc for picnic purposes, at a cost of over $1,200. This place is known as "Columbia Park," and is an attractive resort in summer and a source of income to the company. This company now numbers over 70 members and its equipments are equal to any in this part of the State. SHENANDOAH SCREEN WORKS. These works were first established on White street, in the spring of 1873, by Mr. Laubenstein, from Minersville, to make wrought iron screens for the coal breakers. J.H. Kertz was employed as superintendent of the works until 1877, when he purchased the establishment and removed the works to the north end of Jardin street, where he still continues the business, also manufacturing wrought iron fencing. HOTELS. The National Hotel, formerly known as the United States Hotel, was built in 1862 by the Philadelphia Land Company, and first kept by Seymour Wright. A few years later the property was purchased by Dr. Freeze, who subsequently sold to one Phillips. In 1874 it was bought by George F. Leitzel, who in 1876 raised it to three stories. Leitzel still owns it. The house has been kept by the following landlords successively: S. Wright, O.P. Hart, D. Rinebolt, M. Bickel, B.K. Yost, and George F. Leitzel. The present manager is Daniel C. Blyler. The Columbia House, opposite the Reading depot, was erected and opened in 1876, by Morris Morrison, the present proprietor, at a cost of over $5,000. It is one of the best hotels in the town. The Shenandoah Valley House is centrally located at No. 21 and 23 Main Street. The rear part of this house is one of the first buildings put up in the town. The front part was built in 1876, by Henry J. Neumann, who is still the owner and manager. The Merchants' Hotel was erected in 1870, by Lodowick Zimmer- man. The Cambrian house, the Kendrick house, and the Globe hotel are among those more recently opened. BANKS. The Shenandoah Valley Bank was incorporated and commenced business in 1870, with a capital of $50,000. William Grant was elected president and Joel B. McCamant cashier. Upon the death of Mr. Grant, in 1873, Johathan Wasley was chosen president. This bank continued to do business until 1878, when an assignment was made of its assets and its business suspended. The Miners' Banking Company.-This company was established in 1875, with a capital of $50,000; C.F. Weber was president, and G.W. Garret cashier. The concern suspended after doing business two or three years. THE PRESS. The Sunday Morning News, an independent paper published every Sunday morning, was established in September, 1878, by James H. Dietrick and Philip Keck, who ran it in partnership until June, 1880, when Mr. Keck became sole proprietor. It is a nine-column paper, independent in sentiment, and is liberally patronized. MILITARY. Company H, 8th Regiment, N.G. of Pennsylvania, was organized in Shenandoah and mustered June 22nd, 1876, numbering 90 enlisted men and three commissioned officers. The company was soon after equipped and uniformed, and was present at the general encampment at Philadelphia in August following. The first officers were: Captain, George W. Johnson; first-lieutenant, James G. Roads; second-lieutenant, Joseph Hoskins. This company was called out and served at Pittsburgh during the riots there in July and August, 1877. Early in 1879 the company was reduced to 63 men rank and file in compliance with the new military law of the State. Its present number if 58. On December 25th, 1876, Second Lieutenant Hoskins, was succeeded by John C. Glover. The present commissioned officers are: Captain, George W. Johnson; first lieutenant, Benjamin G. Hess; second lieutenant, Frank Temple; the two latter having __________end page 379.___________ page 380 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. _______________________________________________________________ been commissioned December 25th, 1880. The company has been present at all encampments and general inspections since its organization, and according to the adjutant general's reports has a superior record in most respects. LODGES AND ASSOCIATIONS. Shenandoah Lodge, No. 591, I.O.O.F.-This lodge was instituted by District Deputy George W. Rofsnyder, with seventeen charter members, December 17th, 1866, when the following officers were elected: George Depuy, N.G.; Robert Weightman, N.G.; George L. Regan, secretary; George A. Herring, treasurer. The present officers are: Thomas S. Roberts, N.G; Thomas Lathbean, V.G.; D.J. Williams, secretary; Robert Weightman, treasurer. This lodge has always maintained a healthy and active exist- ence, and is at present in a very nourishing condition, its assets amounting to nearly $10,000. The lodge numbers 153 mem- bers. Washington Camp, No. 112, Patriotic Order Sons of America was organized at Reagan's Hall, in Shenandoah, May 4th (CDL), 1869, with twelve charter members. The first elective officers were as follows: S.D. Hess, past president; J.S. Farringer, president; J.W. Deitrick, vice-president; J.R. Miller, M. of F. & C.; L.F. Raber, R.S.; Sylvester Yost, assistant secretary; James F. Jaco- by, F.S.; George R. Shaeffer, treasurer; Jonathan Yost, Cond.; M.S. Shoemaker, I.G.; Lewis Widdenmoyer, O.G.; Charles M. Wasley, chaplain. This order is a beneficiary one, and applicants, to be eligi- ble, must be not less than eighteen years of age and native-born Americans. The camp has nearly a hundred members. The presiding officers of this camp have been J.S. Farringer, John R. Miller, Charles M. Wasley, S.D. Hess, G.R. Shaeffer, J.C. Glover, Sylvester Yost, J.D. Moyer, J.M. Horman, W.M. Beacher, B.J. Yost, A.A. Greenawald, Robert Davenport, George G. Kurtz, H.W. Heiser, John P. Roehm, John G. Thomas, Frank Templin, B.F. Crawshaw, D.O. Thomas, J.W. Blaker, Myer Kolb, William R. Wilde, John W. Bartch and Thomas Tosh. Shenandoah Tribe, No. 155, Improved Order of Red Men was instituted October 4th, 1871, with thirty charter members. The principal first officers were: George T. Taylor, sachem; Reese J. Thomas, Sr. S.; John Adams, Jr. S.; C.C. Wagner, chief of records; Thomas H. Taylor, keeper of wampum. The successive presiding officers have been Reese J. Thomas, David W. Davis, Elijah Gregory, David R. Rees, Robert M. Cumnock, John James, Thomas M. Greenwood, Thomas Ramage, William T. Rich- ards, Thomas Bellis, Robert W. Roberts, Simon Gregory, David S. Owens, John R. Jones, George Watts and Edward V. Williams. This tribe made rapid progress for a time after its organiza- tion until it attained a membership of 232, but the strikes, the unreliable condition of the coal interest, and finally the panic of 1873, reduced its membership to less than 100. It has howev- er, retained an uninterrupted existence and is now prosperous. Shenandoah Lodge, No. 511, F. and A.M.-This lodge was insti- tuted September 25th, 1872, with twenty-one charter members. The presiding officers since the organization of the lodge have been as follow: William Grant, 1872; Jonathan Wasley, 1873, 1875; J.B. McCamant, 1874; William Krick, 1876; Richard Knight, 1877; Elijah Gregory, 1878; John C. Roxby, 1879, 1880. The lodge has been gradually improving financially and numerically, and now numbers about 70 members. It has a large surplus fund. Silver Wave Castle, No. 45, Ancient Order of Knights of the Mystic Chain.-This castle was instituted February 10th, 1873, with twenty-three charter members, of whom the following were the first officers: E.N. Harpel, Com.; E.A. Haywood, Vice-Com.; J.C. Dovey, T.L.; Jasper Sylem, R.S.; E.N. Levering, A.R.S.; T.M. Greenwood, T.S.; R.R. Greener, treasurer; A. Greenawald, I.G.; Alfred Wells, O.G.; J.S. Williams, C. of S. The succeeding presiding officers have been A.E. Haywood, J.C. Dovey, J.C. Glover, A.H. Roads, Henry Horncastle, William Shaw, Jasper Wylem, J.S. Williams, F.F. Brocious, Thomas Keshner, William M. James, John F. James, Daniel Richards, F.P. Brocious, Frank Warreck, J.C. Shaw. The membership is over one hundred. Plank Ridge Lodge, No. 880, I.O.O.F. was instituted June 10th, 1874, with twenty persons as charter members. The first officers elected were: E.N. Harpel, N.G.; E.D. Beddall, V.G.; Thomas W. Taylor, secretary; Samuel R. Broome, assistant secre- tary; Jacob Bamberger, treasurer. The following is a list of the presiding officers successively: E.N. Harpel, E.D. Beddall, S.R. Broome, F.F. Brocius, John Clough, Simon Gregory, Jacob Bamber- ger, Robert A. Glover, George W. Johnson, William Owens, Frank Temple, E.K. Ramberger, Robert Peel, Thomas Mansell. This lodge increased rapidly in numbers and wealth, and on January 1st, 1875, it had a membership of 130. Its present membership is about 125. It has a large surplus on hand and is one of the most active and flourishing lodges in the county. St. Patrick's Catholic Mutual Benefit Association No. 147.- This is a branch of the Irish Catholic Benevolent Union, and was chartered and organized March 19th, 1870, with fifteen original members. J.J. Franey was elected the first president, and J.A. Tobin first secretary. The society numbers 120 members. St. Michael's C.M.B.A. (German) is a branch of the German Catholic Central Association. It was duly organized January 14th, 1873. The original members numbered 47, and the following were the first officers: Michael Peter, president; William Graeber, vice-president; Joseph Harman, secretary; Joseph Boch, treasurer; Christ Begrant, doorkeeper. Trustees-William Schmich- er, Peter Beltzer, and Michael Valerius. Anthracity Lodge, No. 1,793, Knights of Honor was instituted in Shenandoah, September 30th, 1879, with forty ____________end page 380.____________ page 381 CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES OF SHENANDOAH. ______________________________________________________________ original members. Its first officers were: Thomas J. Foster, past director; R.A. Glover, director; J.W. Dietrick, secretary; James G. Hutton, F.S.; Veniah Shoemaker. The presiding officers have been as follows: R.A. Glover, W.H. Shoemaker, August Roads. The present membership is about 50. This branch has 80 members and is making arrangements to build a hall. St. Kasimer's C.M.B.A. (Polish) was organized, as a branch of the Irish Catholic Benevolent Association, February 14th, 1875, with 24 members. Sylvester Brozis was elected president, and Felix Murawsky secretary. The membership is 65. National Guards of Warsaw.-This is a legally chartered organization composed entirely of Polanders, and was organized in Shenandoah in June, 1876, with fifteen members. The first presi- dent was Joseph Janiski, and the first secretary Joseph Konop- niski. The present membership is 25. Washington Benevolent Association.-This chartered beneficiary association was organized October 13th, 1880, with about 20 original members. The first officers were: Philip Wool; presi- dent; Nicholas Byrant, vice-president; Joseph Halbe, secretary. The present officers are: P. Wool, president; N. Byrant, vice- president; Christian Schmidt, secretary; Jacob Noll, treasurer. ECCLESIASTICAL. The First Sunday-school.-The first public religious movement in Shenandoah was the organization of a Welsh Sunday-school in the spring of 1864, by T.W. Davis, Jonathan Ellis and others, which was held at the residence of Lancelot Evans, on Main street; T.W. Davis was the superintendent. After a few months it was abandoned, owing to the fewness of interested Welsh resi- dents. It was during the existence of this Sunday-school that the first sermon in Shenandoah was preached, in the Welsh lan- guage, by the Rev. Mr. Hughes, a Welsh Calvinist Methodist minis- ter, then of St. Clair. In the spring of 1865 the second organization of a Sunday- school was effected by the Welsh inhabitants of the place, with- out regard to the former religious views of its members, promi- nent among whom were David Bevans, Henry D. Lewis, R. Jones, Benjamin Davis, Jonathan Ellis and T.W. Davis, the latter acting as superintendent. The school was organized at the house of David Bevans, on Main street, but was soon after transferred, with the consent of the school board, to the "Brown school- house," where other religious meetings, with preaching, were occasionally held through this and the following year. The efforts put forth by the members of this Sunday-school were not without their reward, as they resulted in the organiza- tion of the first two churches in Shenandoah. Welsh Congregational Church.-This church was organized July 22nd, 1866, with thirteen male and six female members. Thomas W. Davis, Henry Davis, and Elias Ellis were chosen deacons. This was the first church organization in Shenandoah. For the first nine months of its existence it was served by Henry C. Harris as pastor. The society at once commenced the erection of a framed church, with stone basement, on West street, which was completed at a cost of about $2,250, and occupied in January following. The dedication took place in April, 1867, on which occasion Revs. R.D. Thomas, Thomas Rees, and E.R. Lewis officiated. Mr. Harris was succeeded by Rev. Robert D. Thomas, of Mahanoy city, who remained until July 18th, 1872, when William Jones Thomas, who had been ordained February 18th, 1872, and had been co-pastor with R.D. Thomas from that time until the departure of the lat- ter, accepted the full pastoral charge of the church. He re- mained until his death, June 22nd, 1875. He was an earnest and diligent minister, and accomplished much good. His successor, the present pastor, Rev. D. Todd Jones, late of Mahanoy city, began his labors January 1st, 1876. The membership of the church is 100. The Sabbath-school numbers 130 scholars. First M.E. Church.-This society had among its earliest mem- bers Richard and Alice Knight, George and Dorcas Depuy, Levi J., Emily and Annie Hoffman, Robert and Mary Weightman, Alfred and Ann Calleen, John C. Roxby and Daniel Shappel, who held meetings in the old brown school-house on Lloyd street, under the care of Rev. J. Mullen, then pastor of Mount Carmel M.E. church. In 1867 these, with others, erected a frame church on the southwest corner of Oak and White streets, with a seating capacity of 400, at a cost of $5,000. In the spring of 1868 this church became a part of the Phila- delphia Conference, and received its first regular pastor in the person of Rev. Eli Pickersgill. In 1871, under the pastorate of Rev. J. Rit Boyle, the church was enlarged and refitted, increasing its seating capacity to 600 and its value to $10,000. The following have been the pastors: Rev. Eli Pickersgill, 1868, 1869; Rev. J.A. Cooper, 1869, 1870; Rev. J.T. Swindells, 1870, 1871; Rev. J. Rit Boyle, 1871-1874; Rev. N.B. Durell, 1874-76; Rev. J. Pastorfield, 1876-79; Rev. W.P. Howell, 1879-81; Rev. W.L. McDowell, appointed in March, 1881, the present pastor. The church has over 200 members. In the fall of 1868 the organization of the M.E. Sunday- school proper took place, with Levi J. Hoffman as its superin- tendent. At that time there were 23 officers and teachers and 114 pupils. The school is now one of the largest Protestant schools in the county, having an average attendance of 460. Welsh Baptist Church.-This church was organized at the Con- gregational church building in Shenandoah, in 1867, with eight male members, viz., David Bevans, John John, John P. Williams, Jonah Griffiths, William Thomas, Job Samuel and Wirehood Thomas. J.P. Williams was the first deacon, and Rev. B. Nichols the first pastor. Services were held in the Lloyd street school-house until 1871, when the society built a neat and substantial framed church, with basement, on Oak street, which was dedicated in September of the same year. The building, in- __________end page 381.___________ page 382. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. _____________________________________________________________ cluding the furnishing, cost about $4,000. The site of the building was owned by Rev. David Evans, who donated one-half its value to the society. After Mr. Nicholas Rev. D. Evans was pastor two years, and Rev. Joseph T. Jones two years. His suc- cessor was Rev. David Jones, the pioneer pastor. The membership is about fifty. The Sunday-school has one hundred and thirty pupils. Presbyterian Church.-For some time previous to the organiza- tion of a Presbyterian church Shenandoah had been a missionary field and meetings had been held regularly-most of the time in the Lloyd street school-house-by missionaries of this denomina- tion, through whose influence also a meeting-house was erected in 1867 and dedicated January 30th, 1868. On March 17th following the dedication the church was organized, with the following members: James Hutton, Richard Ramage, Mrs. Richard Ramage, Mrs. W. Honeyman, Mrs. William Grant, Mrs. John Cather, Mrs. John A. Lewis, Mrs. Robert Jones, Mrs. Adam Leckie, Mrs. Houseman, Miss Robenia Westwood, Miss Hannah Jones. Their first pastor was Rev. W.E. Honeyman; he served about a year and a half, and Rev. John C. Clyde about fifteen months. March 4th, 1873, Rev. Frederick F. Kolb, the present pastor, took charge. The church building, on White and Oak streets, was renovated in 1880, and the church property is now valued at $3,000. The membership is about 70. The Sunday-school, organized at an early date with James G. Hutton as its first superintendent, now numbers 150 pupils. Calvinistic Methodist Church (Welsh).-This church was organ- ized at the West Lloyd street school-house, by Rev. J.L. Jef- freys, in December, 1869, with about twenty constituent members. William P. Jones and Henry Davis were chosen deacons. Edward C. Evans, then a licentiate, preached the first year. In 1870 the society erected a frame church building on West street, which was dedicated in November of that year, Rev. William Roberts, D.D., now of Utica, officiating at its consecration. Rev. R.V. Griffiths became the first regular pastor in 1873, and remained three years. Rev. E.C. Evans, who had finished his theological course and been ordained, returned in 1879 and served as pastor one year. The pulpit is now unsupplied. The membership is sixteen. Irish Roman Catholic Church.-In July, 1870, Rev. Henry F. O'Reilly was appointed as pastor to Shenandoah, by Bishop Wood, of Philadelphia. He arrived here on the 31st of the same month, and at once commenced his labors, organizing a church and prepar- ing for the construction of a church building. The corner stone of the "Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary" was laid by Father O'Reilly, June 7th, 1872, and the first mass was celebrated in the new building on Sunday, December 19th of the same year. It is a substantial and imposing frame structure, 115 by 50 feet in size, of Roman Gothic style, the largest church in the town and one of the largest in the county. The blessing of the church for divine worship was per- formed by Bishop Wood, now Archbishop of Philadelphia, November 4th, 1873. Father O'Reilly still continued to serve as pastor. The congregation is large and the Sunday-school numbers over 500 scholars. German Catholic Church.-"The Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Family," located on Chestnut street, was built about 1870, there being at that time about thirty-five families belonging to that denomination in this vicinity, which formed a part of the Mahanoy City parish. The church was supplied by Fathers Baening and Maus, they alternating between the Shenandoah and Mahanoy City churches, until about 1874, when this became a separate charge, under the pastorate of Father Marus Gruetzer, who re- mained until February, 1878, and was followed by the present pastor, Rev. Father Dehaur. In 1879 the church building was remodeled and enlarged to accommodate the increasing membership. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.-This congregation, which at first consisted of only fifteen families, was organized June 5th, 1870, by Rev. M. Schimpf, pastor of the Lutheran church at Mahanoy City. Soon afterward Rev. J. Gruhler, who had been a missionary to the Holy Land for nearly seventeen years, and had then just arrived from Germany, was sent here as a missionary by the synod. On the day of his arrival this congregation bought, at sheriff's sale, a lot 60 by 100 feet, upon which was a cheaply constructed building. This property had formerly been owned by the English Baptist society, then extinct. The building served for church purposes until 1873, when the present framed church, with stone basement, was built upon the same lot. The new church, which is 40 by 60 feet, and cost nearly $6,000, was dedicated January 11th, 1874. The congregation numbers nearly seventy German families, and the Sunday-school has one hundred pupils. Primitive Methodist Church.-This church was organized in April, 1872, by Rev. Charles Spurr, at Robbins Hall, where the meetings were first held. In 1873 the society commenced the erection of a church on the corner of Jardin and Oak streets, the corner stone of which was laid in August, the masonic fraternity conducting the ceremonies, led by James G. Hardy; Rev. Mr. Hurst, of Pottsville, preached the sermon. The building, which is of wood, with a high basement, was completed at a cost of about $4,000, and dedicated May 17th, 1874, Revs. Federick Bell, of Brooklyn, Charles Miles and R. Fothergill officiating. Rev. Charles Spurr remained one year. In 1873 the church was run as a mission and supplied by the pastors of the district, since which the following ministers have served: R.C. Catherall, 1874; R. Fothergill, 1875; Charles Miles, 1876; W.H. Yarrow, 1877, 1878; Thomas Phillips, 1879; John B. Tyler, 1880; George Ball, 1881. The Sunday-school was organized in the spring of 1874, with Alfred Wells as its first superintendent. St. Kasimer's Catholic Church (Polish).-The first religious services conducted in the Polish language in this part of the county were commenced in 1872, and held _______end page 382.________ page 383 CHURCHES OF SHENANDOAH-WILLIAM GRANT. ______________________________________________________________ in the German Catholic church in Shenandoah, by Father Audreas Stupinski. His congregation at that time numbered nearly three hundred Polanders, from whom he soon after organized St. Kasim- er's church. In 1874 this society erected a large building of rough boards, at a cost of about $400, in which their meeting were there-after held. Father Strupinski remained until 1877 and was followed by the present pastor, Rev. Father Joseph A. Le- narkiewicz, from Philadelphia, through whose instrumentality the church building was soon after comfortably finished inside and outside. It is now valued, with the furniture and ground, at $2,000. The congregation now numbers 600 members, including 120 families and over 200 single young men. The pastor has a paro- chial school connected with the church, of about twenty-five scholars, who recite to him daily. Trinity Reformed church has always been and still is a mis- sion under the care of the Lebanon Classis. It was organized in 1874, with a small membership. The same year Rev. E.D. Miller was called from Ohio and became its first pastor, religious services being held in Robbins Hall. In 1875 the congregation, having considerable increased in numbers, built the present brick church on Lloyd street, which was first occupied in February, 1876. It cost nearly $4,000. Mr. Miller continued his labors, with good results, until 1876, when he was called to another field. In December, 1877, Rev. J.G. Neff accepted the pastorate, which he still holds. During the summer of 1880 Mr. Neff was absent on a European trip and his place was supplied by Rev. J.A. Schultz, of Reading. The Sunday-school was organized by Rev. E.D. Miller, Septem- ber 27th, 1874, with 54 members, and was conducted in both the English and German languages. Henry Miller was chosen superin- tendent of the English portion and Jacob Karbel of the German portion of the school. In the summer of 1880 the school was divided on the basis of language. The two schools now number 250 pupils. WILLIAM GRANT. William Grant was born at Stevenson, Ayrshire, Scotland, on the 5th of June, 1824, and was killed by a fall of coal in the Plank Ridge colliery April 12th, 1873, in his 49th year. His parents were in indigent circumstances, and had a family of seven children, four boys and three girls, of which the subject of this notice was the oldest. As early as his ninth year William was compelled to contribute his mite toward the support of the fami- ly, and at that age worked as piecer in a cotton-mill. He after- ward assisted his father in the mines, and when he attained his fourteenth year, his father having become disabled, the entire support of the family devolved upon him. The opportunities for obtaining an education among the poorer classes in Scotland fifty years of age were not even as good as they are now, and conse- quently William Grant received but a few months' schooling, and whatever knowledge he possessed was picked by odds and ends as chance presented; but, possessed of quick parts and an excellent memory, he rapidly culled information from all he came in contact with, and at the time of his death was not only one of the best informed men in the region in his own particular business, but was also well informed on almost every subject of importance. He was thorough and logical in his reasoning, hardly ever expressing an opinion until after conviction, the result of careful deliber- ation, and his judgment, by his friends and the public generally, was admitted to be excellent. In 1847, having waited until his brothers were old enough to support the family, in his twenty-second year Mr. Grant left Scotland for Nova Scotia, and from there, after working at Pictou one winter, came to the United States, arriving in Pottsville with but little money in his pocket and without a single friend or acquaintance in the county. He worked at the old Furnace colliery on his arrival in the county, and afterward for G.H. Potts, at the Black mines, the old York Farm place; and on the unfortunate death of Hugh Stevenson, which will be remembered by many, Mr. Grant succeeded him as inside boss, his intelligence, steadiness and industrious habits having commended him to Mr. Potts as the most suitable man to fill the place. He left Mr. Potts, to superintend for the Dauphin and Susquehanna Company; and although in 1854, under the management of Mrs. Grant, the company made $35,000 on a shipment of 35,000 tons, the concern failed and he returned to work for Mr. Potts, and for six or seven weeks wrought with his brother Lewis as a partner, making the best wages in the work, and proving, as he often laughingly remarked and which the men are inclined to doubt, that a boss can do as good a day's work as a workman. But the acknowledged ability of Mr. Grant forced him again to the front, and before he had been working two months, George W. Snyder, wanting an inside boss at the Pine Forest colliery, on the recommendation of Mr. Potts, employed him. Mr. Grant went to Mount Hope in 1855, and remained there until 1863, when he came to Shenandoah valley. When he took charge of the Pine Forest colliery it was in a dilapidated condi- tion, the shipments having been run down and the place almost ruined by a squeeze. Under his management the place was put in good condition and the shipments increased from year to year, until it became a leading concern and one of the best paying in the county. In 1864 the firm of Lee, Grant & Patterson was formed and, under a lease from the city of Philadelphia, an opening was made at Griscom's, the William Penn colliery; but the present owners also had a lease on the property, and a difficulty occurred, which was settled by the purchase of the lease held by Mr. Grant and his partners for a handsome bonus. The next year the Plank Ridge lease was secured and operations commenced, the firm con- sisting of Richard Lee, Mr. Grand and R.F. Lee, under the firm name of Lee, Grant & Co. This colliery Mr. Grant succeeded in making the most productive operation in the county, and while superintending improvements, to still further increase its pro- ductiveness, met his sad death. ____________end page 383.____________ page 384 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ At the time of his death he was president of the Shenandoah Valley Bank, the school board, the Catawissa Valley Agricultural Society and the Citizens' Building and Loan Association, and treasurer of the Shenandoah Water and Gas Company. He was also a member of Ivanhoe Commandery of the Knights of Templar; was the first master of Shenandoah Lodge, No. 511, and was greatly inter- ested in the masonic order. He was a charter member of Shenando- ah Lodge, No. 591, I.O.O.F., and a member of Tancred Conclave, No. 19, S.P.K. He was interprising and public spirited to a fault, and his means were liberally used in aid of every undertaking that prom- ised to improve the borough. He was a large property owner there, and was building one of the finest business blocks intown at the time of his death. As an employer, at the head of the largest work in the neigh- borhood, he was exceptionally popular, and Plank Ridge under his management was the steadiest work in the county. Eleven and one-half months per year were generally made, and the business of the borough was consequently greatly assisted. The regularity of the work and the fairness with which the men were treated made it an object to get a job at the place, and no matter how scarce hands were there were always enough and to spare at the Plank Ridge shaft. Mr. Grant was fond of society, and had many warm friends. He was liberal and charitable, always willing to help those who deserved and needed assistance; and his habit of "looking at all men level," which caused him to be as pleasant and agreeable to the poor and lowly as to the rich and grand, made all love and respect him. He contributed generously toward religious objects and the support of the church, and was a regular attendant at services. Domestic in his tastes, he was a devoted husband and father, an upon his family his loss fell with especial severity. __________ WEST PENN TOWNSHIP. ________________________________________ West Penn is the largest township in Schuylkill County. It is one of the nine original ones into which Schuylkill county was divided in 1811. Its area has since been somewhat reduced by the erection of contiguous townships. Rahn township was formed entirely from its territory in 1860. In 1828 West Penn contained 262 taxable inhabitants; in 1833, 324; in 1835, 286; in 1842, 324, and in 1849, 512. The popula- tion in 1880 was 2,210. The first voting place was in the southeastern part, where all of the early officers were elected, and the early township business was transacted. In 1838 the place of elections was changed, as a matter of convenicence, to a point nearer the center of the township, now known as West Penn. The earliest justice of the peach, of whom any record exists, whose jurisdiction extended over the present limits of West Penn township, was one Squire Krum, appointed by the governor in 1794. that he was a resident of the township is evident from the fact that he served as arbiter in the affairs of the residents until 1818, seven years after the erection of Schuylkill county. Christian Halterman was next appointed, and served until 1832, when he was succeeded by Gideon Whetstone and Jonathan Kistler. Since 1840 justices of the peace have been elected. The first chosen by a majority of the voters of the township was Jacob Longacre, that year. C. Friedman was elected in 1860, and was succeeded by R.S. Heintzelman in 1868. The latter, and Jacob S. Longacre, who succeeded Jonathan Kistler in 1879, are the present incumbents of the office. INDIAN WARFARE. Early in the latter half of the last century the Indians were very troublesome to those who attempted to establish homes in West Penn and elsewhere north of the Blue mountain. At one time these aggressions were so effective as to drive the whites south of the mountain, forcing them to abandon such improvements as they had been enabled to make. Rendered desperate by this movement, the banished whites determined on having revenge on the red invaders, or "yellow boys," as the Indians were sometimes called; and a squad of men was organized, who set out to cross the mountain for the purpose of attacking and dispersing the savages in their camp on the opposite side. As the little patriot band gained the summit of the mountain the gun of one of their number was accidently dis- charged. That the report could be heard by the Indians below they could not reasonable have doubted, and nothing ought to have appeared more certain to then than that their foes would, warned of their approach, prepare to give them an undesirable reception. Whether they were foolhardy or unskilled in Indian warfare it is impossible to determine at a date so remote, but tradition has it that they rashly descended the mountain, and unexpectedly found themselves ambushed by the redskins, each of whom aimed at his man; and before they had fairly realized their desperate strait all of the pioneers were killed except one, who escaped to tell the story of the massacre. In 1881 a family name Gilbert ventured back north of the mountain, settling in Lizard creek valley. They were soon fol- lowed by the Ohl and Steigerwalt families __________end page 384.___________ page 385 PIONEER LIFE IN WEST PENN. ______________________________________________________________ and others. These people were for some years obliged to exercise constant vigilance, and take every precaution against exposing themselves to attacks by Indians or incurring the enmity of the latter. While working in their fields, or "patches," as their cultivated ground came to be called, with their ox-teams, these pioneers often found it necessary to keep one or two men on guard, and whenever the Indians visited their cabins, which they frequently did, they were conciliated by a proffer of the best the family could afford in the way of food and hospitality. That was the sort of life the returning settlers were obliged to lead for several years, but their danger was gradually less- ened, during the period of the Revolutionary war, by the influx of settlers, whose increasing numbers gave constantly increasing security. In various localities in the township it has been related that pioneer residents, now long since dead, found evidences of the former occupancy of the territory by Indians. Small mounds were for years visible in places. At times arrowheads, toma- hawks, stone hammers and other weapons and implements of savage life were found. In the southern part of the township were traces of a former Indian village and place of burial. A story has been handed down to the present residents of the township of the existence, in the early days, of an old Indian who was known as "the white man's friend," who often asserted that the Blue mountain in West Penn was the richest spot in mineral deposits in the world; but he never stated just what kind of precious metal it contained, nor exactly where the miner would be rewarded for his labor, claiming that he and others of his race had each bound himself to keep the secret from all whites. SETTLEMENT AND PIONEER LIFE. The exact date of the first settlement by white people within the present borders of West Penn township cannot now be ascer- tained. It is supposed, however, that Henry Ohl and family , who came about 1760, were the first to locate in that section. They chose a home in the valley of Lizard creek, where good water was accessible. There Mr. Ohl worked "government land," as the territory was called under the Penn ownership, ten or twelve years, when he was enabled to buy it and own it in fee simple. He was a bold man and a good marksman-one well calculated to cope with the perils of border life. Probably the Steigerwalt family came next. For a couple of days they camped under a large oak tree until they could erect a primitive log cabin. The property on which they located was owned by the family until 1867, when it passed to the ownership of Adam Andrew. The Gilbert family came not long afterward. The early improvements of these pioneers (all of whom were from Northampton county) where retarded by Indian depredations for a time. During the progress of the Revolution many families from south of the mountain sought homes north of it, and in the rapid accession of settlers thus caused West Penn shared liberal- ly. To trace the settlement of the region since embraced in the township limits would be at once a difficult and a comparatively useless task. Subsequent progress is sufficiently outlined in the pages devoted to the development of various local, agricul- tural, industrial and religious interests. The first log huts-for they were little else-were constructed in the simplest manner, the builders having no tools except the axe and the auger. They did not differ materially from the pioneer domiciles of other sections, except that the constant danger of Indian attacks rendered necessary smaller and higher windows than common, thus making it difficult for a foe to either look or shoot through them. The first grain sown in the township was rye; potatoes and corn were the first crops planted. The early crops were raised on the south sides of the hills, where the soil is slightly gravelly and the sun could do its part in bringing them to matu- rity. A few trees of the first orchard, planted by the Ohls, are still to be seen. cows, oxen and swine were early brought from south of the Blue mountain. All of the early farming was done with the aid of cattle. The first settlers brought no horses. Of course subsistence was only to be had by hard and ill requited toil on new ground, but the pioneer was aided in his efforts to live while he improved the land by the presence of game and fish in plentiful supply. Of the former venison was probably the kind most easily to be obtained. In time sheep were brought into the township, and flax was grown. Thus were supplied materials for clothing, which the women were kept busy much of the time in spinning, weaving and making into wearing apparel. It was not until 1807 that a story-and-a-half brick house, which is yet standing, was built by a man named Zehner. This must have been conspicuous in the township, among its wooden neighbors, for years. Whether the brick of which it was con- structed were home-made or imported has not been stated. It is probably, however, that they were manufactured by Zehner, or some enterprising townsman, as their importation from abroad would have been attended with much trouble and expense. The early roads were poor and difficult to traverse. They were constructed over the most direct courses, up and down hills, with reference to facility of ascent and descent. In time these defects were remedied, either as the result of experience or at the suggestion of more ingenious new comers. The roads were for years obstructed by stumps and rocks, and all streams were crossed by fordways until 1820, when the first bridge was built. TRADE AND MANUFACTURE-LANDLORDS AND DOCTORS. The first merchant in West Penn was Tobias Wehr, who erected and opened a store in Lizard Creek valley as early as 1780, where Jacob Mantz now trades. The second was Jacob Mantz, sen., who began business in 1807, on the Mahoning, at Mantzille, where William ___________end page 385.____________ page 386 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ Mantz is located now. Steigerwalt's store, at Lizard creek, was the third. It was opened in 1832. The property is now owned by Adam Andrew. Marids Forerider, a Jew, traded in the township a few years, beginning in 1837. Peter Seiberling began a mercan- tile enterprise in North Penn in 1842, but did not long continue in business. Samuel Kepner was also for a time a storekeeper. Tobias Wehr was also the first tavern keeper, opening his house to the public in 1790. This stand is now occupied by Jacob Mantz, jr. Jacob Manta, sen., began tavern keeping in 1807 in Mahoning valley, where William Mantz now keeps open house. Samuel Kepner threw open his house to the public in 1840, at Kepnersville, where a temperance house is now kept. The public house now kept by F.L. Leiby & Co. was opened by Forerider in 1837. The hotel of Peter Seiberling was the next in date of opening. The hotel of David Hill was opened in 1867. Dr. Dollinger was the first physician who took up his resi- dence in the township. He came in 1830 and was succeeded by Dr. Keiser, who remained until 1841. Dr. Marr came next and remained till 1847. Dr. E. Solliday succeeded him, and was succeeded by Dr. Benjamin Solliday in 1855. Dr. J.L. Kline began practice in the township in 1857 and continued till 1870. Dr. Q.J. and J.H. Kistler are the present local practitioners. The first grist-mill in West Penn was built on Lizard creek, in 1812, by Michael Ohl. It is now owned by D.H. Kistler. A man named Zehner erected the second, on the Little Schuylkill river, in 1820, and it is now the property of David Zehner. The mill on Lizard creek now owned by John Bolich was built by a man named Langenberger, in 1827. Another mill on Lizard creek was erected in 1830 by one Stisse. The Hopples mill, in Mahanoy valley, was built in 1831. Michael Hopples erected another in 1835. The tannery now owned by Kistler & Longacre, in Lizard creek valley, was built by Charles Long in 1822, and was afterward for some time the property of David Kistler. The tannery now owned by A. Fridirici was built by Charles Fridirici in 1836. R.F. Leiby, in 1839, built a tannery, which has now disappeared. The establishment of Daniel Kistler was built in 1859. The machine shop of Snyder & Son was built in 1869, by Elias Snyder, for the manufacture of threshing machines. A foundry was attached. The firm now manufacture chilled plows, and do a large business in the sale of sewing machines. A cotton and cloth factory, now idle, was put in operation by H.D. Steigerwalt in 1860. In various localities are to be found the usual blacksmith and wagon shops. VILLAGES. There are in West Penn township no villages of importance. Such as there are serve the purposes of trading points and local business centers for the sections surrounding them. Kepnersville consists of eight dwellings, one tavern and one store. The residents are laborers. Leibysville contains a tavern, a store, a drug store, a millinery shop, a blacksmith and wagon shop, and several dwell- ings, some of them occupied by farmers. F. Houser is a prominent man there. I.J. Kistler is the druggist; Henrietta Gerbber the milliner. Mantzville has a store and tavern, kept by William Mantz, a drug store and a meat market. The inhabitants are farmers, or retired farmers living on the interest of their savings. North Penn contains the store of Peter Seiberling, the car- riage shop of Solomon Knepper, a small basket factory and six dwellings. The residents in that neighborhood are many of them stock-raisers and bee culturists. EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. The earliest schools in West Penn were taught by Germans, in the German language, in private houses, and were supported by the contributions of the neighborhoods in which they were located. Thus the inhabitants of the township were taught, and many fami- lies employ the German tongue, to the exclusion of the English, at the present day. The first school-house in the township was erected in 1810. It was a log structure, and stood on the site of Zion's church. About 1825 a general sentiment in favor of public education prevailed to such an extent that the inhabitants began to build school-houses in various localities. They were all log build- ings, about seven feet high in the walls. Tables of rude con- struction were ranged about the rooms near the sides. The seats were made of oak slabs, split from logs. The rooms were warmed by large wood-burning stoves in the center. The common school law was strenuously resisted by a majority of the inhabitants from the outset. In 1840 constant agitation had exerted an influence in its favor which led a very few of the most prominent farmers to sanction the organization of a school board, but it and the measures it advocated were rejected by the majority. So the old system was continued until 1857, when a few of the most ardent advocates of the innovation attempted to force it upon their fellow townsmen of opposing views; but the old fogies threatened, if they should secure the adoption of the school law, to burn all the school-houses as fast as they should be erected. In 1868 West Penn was forced into accepting the common schools by the court, as related on page 94. During the first year following the promulgation of the order of the court six school-houses, each 26 by 30 feet, planked and weather-board- ed, were built, several of the existing school-houses were rent- ed, and teachers were employed, at $30 per month each. The next school board was composed of men of experience and good judgment. D.A. Gerder was president and Jacob S. Longacre secretary. Joseph Osenbach, David Hopples and John Rubrecht were also members. Longacre was the only member of the new board who had been identified with the old one. During the next two ________end page 386._________ page 387 WEST PENN-ALFRED FRIDIRICI. ______________________________________________________________ years all necessary school-houses were built and paid for. The township now furnishes more teachers than are required to teach its schools. The expense of erecting and equipping the fifteen school-houses was $9,400. CHURCH HISTORY. Zion's Church.-The best known church edifice in the township is that familiarly known as Zion's church, owned in common by the Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed congregations. The original edifice on its site was built of logs, 30 by 40 feet, and a story and a half high, in 1790. The present structure was erected in 1846. It is a substan- tial stone building, frescoed within, and it has a large organ and a clock. It cost about $6,000. The present membership of Zion's church is 952. Rev. Messrs. Miller and Zuling were pastors until 1872, the latter serving fifty-two years. They were of the Reformed faith. The first Evangelical Lutheran preacher who served Zion's church, of whom there is any record, was Rev. E.A. Baur. His successor was the present Lutheran pastor, Rev. W.H. Strause. Rev. Mr. Bartholomew is the present Reformed pastor. St. John's Church was built in 1838, by the Evangelical Lu- therans and adherents of the Reformed faith in the Mahoning valley and contiguous territory, at a cost of $2,700. The Evangelical Lutheran pastors have Been Rev. Messrs. Graeff, Helfrick, A.E. Bauer, 1842-70, and Bartholomew, at present in charge. The present Reformed pastor is Rev. W.H. Strause. His predecessor up to 1877 was Rev. Mr. Isenbersch. The membership of this church is 400. Methodist Churches.-There are in the township several socie- ties of the Methodist church, which have four places of worship. The worship at some of them is irregular, and the classes are some of them not regularly organized. Sunday-schools.-The first Sunday-school in the township was organized in the Lizard Creek valley, by Mr. Kistler and others, in 1840. During the summer months sixteen Sunday-schools are taught in the township; the aggregate number of scholars in attendance being 785. ______________ ALFRED FRIDIRICI. This gentleman was born in Lynn township, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, November 25th, 1829, the eldest child of Charles S. and Eve Margaret (Roeder) Fridirici. His grandfather, Solomon Fridirici, emigrated from Germany when a young man, and settled in the town of Mifflin, Susquehanna county. He married Elizabeth Oswald. The issue of this marriage were three sons and one daughter, viz.: Amos and Jonas, twins, Charles S. and Sally Ann. Jonas is the only child living (1881). Solomon Fridirici was a jeweler by trade. Charles S., father of Alfred Fridirici, was a tanner, learn- ing his trade in the township of Heidelberg, Lehigh county. After his marriage he moved to Lynn township, where he rented and carried on a tannery for twelve years. In April, 1845, he moved to West Penn township, Schuylkill county, where he purchased a farm and built and carried on a tannery. His children by his first wife were: Alfred; Thomas Frank- lin, born February 26th, 1831; Sally Ann, born July 13th, 1833; Mary Ann, born December 19th, 1834; Wallace, born June 30th, 1838; Adaline, born November 1st, 1840; Jannette, born October 26th, 1844. All are living except Thomas Franklin, who died April 1st, 1831, and Sally Ann, who died November 1st, 1855. Mr. Fridirici's wife died May 1st, 1858, and he married for his second wife, Presida, widow of Solomon Guldner. He died February 25th, 1876. His second wife died April 10th, 1879. Alfred Fridirici passed his childhood at home in Lynn, re- ceiving only a common school education. After the family had moved to West Penn township, he worked in his father's tannery and on the farm. In 1859 his father failed in business, and, through the assistance of John D. Zehner, he bid in at sheriff's sale the farm and tannery, since which time he has owned and carried them on. In 1878 he became temporarily embarrassed in business, and received from his creditors an extension of time, and he has been enabled to meet his obligations to their full satisfaction. In politics Mr. Fridirici is a Democrat. He has been town assessor and tax collector. He has been a member of Zion's Lutheran church in West Penn since 1845; has been its elder and treasurer, and one of its most liberal supporters. He has always commanded, in the highest measure, the respect and esteem of his neighbors, and the ready extension offered him when financially embarrassed fully attests the confidence in which he is held by the business community. He married Matilda, daughter of Timothy Knepper. Mrs. F. was born in the town of Windsor, Berks county, Pa., April 2nd, 1840. They have had two children: Charles Milton, who was born may 15th, 1860, and died December 17th, 1866; and Ulysses Grant, born December 1st, 1865. ___________end page 387.____________ page 388 INSTITUTIONS OF SHENANDOAH. _______________________________________________________________ The following historical sketches of important institutions of Shenandoah were received by the publishers too late for inser- tion in the history of that borough: THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The first step toward the advancement of education in Shenan- doah was the erection of a two-story frame school house on Lloyd street by the Mahanoy township authorities in 1864. This build- ing when completed contained one room on each floor, and two teachers were employed. In 1866 educational affairs were vested in a borough school board. In 1867 the "brown school house" was purchased from the township by the borough school authorities; the two rooms were divided into four and four teachers were employed. In 1868 another change was made in the rooms and five teachers, one male and four females, were secured. In 1869 an additional teacher was employed, and in 1870 a store-room was rented and fitted up for a school-room, and the first working boys' school was organized. In 1871 eight teachers were em- ployed. The over-crowded condition of the schools now rendered it apparent that a new building was necessary to accommodate the pupils; accordingly in 1872 a three-story brick building, having six room, was erected on the corner of West and Center streets. This was the second school building in the borough and was called the high school building, though no room was fitted up with a view to such a department. In 1873 a change of principal oc- curred and the number of schools was increased to thirteen. Attempts had occasionally been made to grade the schools, but as yet with little success, consequently discipline and instructions were very defective. From the organization of the schools in 1864 until the close of the term in June, 1874, the schools were but poorly managed. In 1874 the school board elected as a district superintend- ent, who should spend his whole time in the discharge of the duties of his office, Prof. G.W. Bartch, B.S., then of Danville, Pa. His first business was to grade and organize the schools. The buildings were repaired, and the school rooms were properly fitted up and furnished. Fifteen teachers, including the princi- pal of the high school, J.C. Purcell, were selected, and after- ward two more were added to take charge of night schools for the benefit of the working boys. Some of the most essential branch- es, which had been entirely neglected, were introduced, and the first course of study for all the schools was adopted. Prof. Bartch was elected borough superintendent on the first Tuesday of May, 1875, and the borough of Shenandoah became an independent school district. Among those who aided, encouraged and unflinchingly supported the superintendent in every effort to improve the schools in those dark days were Jonathan Wasley, Thomas J. Foster, John Cather, Hon. J.B. McCamant, Captain G.W. Johnson, J.H. Mears and William Krick. In consequence of the rapidly increasing number of pupils another three story brick building was begun on White street in 1874, which was completed and occupied for school purposes the following year, when nineteen teachers were employed for graded schools, one for a mixed school and two for night schools. During this year also the borough was divided into five wards, thus increasing the number of school directors from six to fif- teen. The course of study as well as the whole system was care- fully revised and many improvements were added. In 1876 twenty competent teachers were selected for the graded schools and one for the mixed school. A local teacher's institute was estab- lished, which convened semi-monthly and which has since become permanent by the regulations of the board. The high school building was erected on Main street, North, during the year 1879. It cost, when completed, including furni- ture and steam apparatus for heating, but not including grounds, nearly $10,000. The school system, began here in 1874, has advanced to a high state of excellence. The course of study adopted is practical and comprehensive, and those who complete it are well prepared for business life, or for college, or to enter the senior class at any of the State normal schools in twenty-one weeks (the time prescribed by law) previous to graduation. Gymnastics forms an important branch in every department of the school. The first class to complete the full course graduated in 1879. G.W. Bartch, M.S., has been superintendent since September, 1874. He is the originator of the present system and course of instruction, and merits the renown _______end page 388._______ page 389 THE PRESS-SOCIETIES. ______________________________________________________________ which he has gained throughout the State as an educator. Prof. Theodore R. Johnson has been principal of the high school since September, 1876. Miss Agnes Buckingham, M.S., is first assistant, and Miss Nora Robbins, M.E., is second assistant of the high school. The number of teachers employed for the year ending June 1st, 1881, was twenty-eight. The total number of school children within the borough is at present about 2,400. The number en- rolled in each department for the year ending June 1st, 1881, were as follows: In the high school, 80; in the grammar depart- ment, 323; in the primary department, 1,700. Captain G.W. Johnson was president of the school board from 1874 until 1880, and was succeeded by John Cather, the present incumbent. The present board of directors consists of John Cather, John G. Davis, William Krick, William Philips, S.G.M. Hollopeter, P.J. Ferguson, Josiah W. Johnson, Jacob Williams, M.P. Fowler, Charles Hooks, G.W. Johnson, Jasper Wylam, John W. McCarty, M.P. Whitaker and J.C. Purcell. THE MINING HERALD. The Shenandoah Herald was established as a weekly on the 28th of May, 1870, by Thomas J. Foster and Henry C. Boyer. The bor- ough of Shenandoah then contained by 2,500 people, and the paper has been improved and its influence and circulation have in- creased as the town has grown. On the 21st of August, 1875, a daily edition was issued, which was continued until the 16th of November, 1878. The Evening Herald, which was the title of the daily edition, was commenced at the time when murders and out- rages were being committed throughout the region by the "Mollie Maguires." this paper was the first to take a bold and outspoken stand against the murderers and demand their punishment. The Herald continued the fight until the society was exposed and broken up, and those who were guilty among its members either punished or driven from the coal region. The Herald is now published as the Mining Herald, by the Mining Herald Company, limited. It devotes special attention to the sciences as applied to coal mining, to improvements in mine machinery, etc., and it circulates in all sections of the country where coal is mined. The editorial stall consists of Thomas J. Foster, Joseph C. Powell and Herbert W. Gable. Mr. Henry C. Boyer still maintains his connection with the paper, and is president of the company which publishes it. SECRET SOCIETIES. "Llanerch yr. Ewig," No. 41, District A of the American Order of Ivorites.-This Welsh beneficiary society was organized Decem- ber 20th, 1875, with thirty or more charter members. The first officers were: president, John T. Thomas; vice-president, Owen Pritchard; past president, John Hughes, of St. Clair Lodge; treasurer, William J. Pritchard; secretary, Edward Thomas; stew- ard, Thomas L. Williams; conductor, John Lewis; guard, Thomas Parry. The successive presiding officers have been: Isaac Jarvis, Thomas L. Williams, John J. Phillips, Jonathan Rodgers, John H. Evans, Thomas Parry, William H. George, Daniel T. Davis, Edward Thomas and Jonathan Pritchard. The society meets every Friday night at Egan's Hall. This organization is now very prosperous. The business is conducted in the Welsh language, though its membership is not confined exclusively to the Welsh. The weekly contributions are 12 1/2 cents. Sick benefits, $5 per week; funeral benefits for a brother, $100, and for a brother's wife, $50. Sons of America.-Shenandoah Commandery, No. 14, Master Ameri- cans, was organized in Ferguson's Hall, September 29th, 1874, by P.N. President, J.K. Helms, of Schuylkill Haven, with about thirty charter members. The first officers were: Thomas F. Hoffman, commander; J.R. Miller, lieutenant commander; A.A. Greenawald, scribe; J.H. Babb, purser; H.C. Boyer, guard; Charles Fehr, inspector. The successive commanders have been: Charles M. Wasley, John R. Miller, G.W. Barnhart, D.O. Thomas, J.C. Glover, W.H. Simms and Francis Templin. The present membership is about seventy. Present officers: F. Templin, commander; J.G. Thomas, lieutenant-commander; N.W. Heiser, scribe; J.R. Robb, Purser; B.J. Yose, inspector; W. Christian, guard. EBENEZER CHURCH OF THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION. A class of this denomination was organized in Shenandoah in 1870, as a branch of the Mahanoy City church, and was supplied by the minister from the latter place. In the spring of 1873 it was set off as a separate mission and Rev. H.R. Yost was stationed here as pastor. The association at once commenced the erection of a church, on the corner of Oak and West streets, which was completed and occupied the same year. The first trustees were William Snyder, C.W. Dengler, Eli Smith and Gotlieb Gessler. Mr. Yost remained three years, and was followed in succession by Revs. Augustus Gregor, E.J. Miller and J.M. Rinker. The associa- tion now numbers about one hundred members. SHENANDOAH WATER AND GAS COMPANY. This company was incorporated in the spring of 1870, with a capital of $50.000 divided into 5,000 shares. Its first officers were: George A. Herring, president; George L. Reagan, secretary; M1artin Delaney, treasurer. The first directors were William Grant, George G. Jecoby, Joseph Boehn, Orlando P. Hart, James G. Hutton and Jonathan Wasley. George A. Herring was superintendent until the spring of 1876, and Stephen D. Hess has since served. The town is well supplied with pure spring water brought from Kehley Run and Locust Mountain. THE SHENANDOAH GAS LIGHT COMPANY was incorporated June 4th, 1874, with a capital of $25,000, divided into $10 shares. The first officers were: Jonathan Wasley, president; Thomas J. Foster, secretary; Henry Heiser, treasurer. The works were at once constructed, pipes were laid, and the town was first lighted __________end page 389.__________ page 390 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ______________________________________________________________ by gas December 25th, 1874. George A. Herring, the first super- intendent, was followed by Henry Heiser in 1876, and he by N.W. Heiser, in 1880. The present (1881) officers are: G.L. Reagan, president; N.W. Heiser, secretary and superintendent; William Kimmell, treasurer. John Bernhart has had charge of the works and repairs from the first. MALACHI C. WATSON. Malachi C. Watson, son of Michael and Bridget Watson, was born in Pottsville, March 31st, 1845. His parents were natives of Athlone, County Roscommon, Ireland, and emigrated in 1844, first locating in Pottsville. A year or two later the family removed to Valley Furnace, near New Philadelphia, where the father died in 1848, leaving two sons, Malachi and James. The latter, born August 29th, 1846, was killed September 14th, 1861, while attempting to board a moving coal train at Glen Carbon. The mother subsequently married Martin Delaney, now of Shenando- ah, and soon after removed to Port Griffith, Luzerne county, but after a short residence there returned to Schuylkill county. Malachi remained with his mother until nearly eighteen years of age, then engaged with his uncle, Michael Higgins, as a boat- man, and during the war was employed in transporting government supplies by boat from Philadelphia to Washington and Alexandria. After following this occupation nearly a year he returned to Schuylkill county, and in February, 1864, came to Shenandoah, then in its infancy, and was for five years engaged in mining. He was married to Ann Monaghan, daughter of Bryan and Margaret Monaghan, of Ashland, September 30th, 1867. In the spring of 1869 he removed to Ashland, and was in trade there six years. In 1872 he purchased a lot on Main street, in Shenandoah, and the same year built his present business block. In the spring of 1875 he returned to Shenandoah, where he still resides, engaged in the wholesale liquor trade and acting as agent for several large brewing establishments. He is also proprietor of one of the finest livery establishments in Schuylkill county, and car- ries on the saddlery and harness business. In 1876, inspired with a desire to see the birthplace of his parents, he sailed to Ireland, visited to Athlone and many other places in that country and England, and returned the same year. He is a successful business man, prompt and just in all his dealings, kind and charitable in his nature, and genial in his disposition. THE END. Transcribed and proofed by: Josephine Reed Garzelloni and: Carole Lyn Carr January-April 1998