Area History: History of Schuylkill County, Pa: W. W. Munsell, 1881
Township and Borough Histories pp. 326 - 344
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____________________________________________________________
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.
____________________________________________________________
COAL DALE.
Coal Dale is a scattered village, almost exclusively of
framed buildings. The first dwelling houses were erected in 1846
and were composed of six blocks, two in each, standing were
number eight culm banks now are, and known as Bugtown. Houses
were erected in 1848 at old Coal Dale, twelve double blocks on
the Summit Hill road. New Wales, or New Coal Dale, began to
receive attention in 1868 or 1869. The blocks on the line of
Schuylkill and Carbon counties were put up in 1870.
The Evangelical church was organized and its chapel completed
in 1869. It is connected with the Barnesville circuit.
________end page 326.__________
page 327
COAL DALE AND GEARYTOWN-BEGINNINGS AT TAMAQUA.
______________________________________________________________
The Welsh Congregational church of Coal Dale was organized
November 20th, 1871, with thirty members. Its pastor from that
time to the present has been Rev. David E. Hughes. The neat
framed church was built in 1876, and dedicated in January, 1877.
The present membership of the church is 50. The Sunday-school
was organized about 1860, the first superintendent being Rev. Mr.
Hughes.
Coal Dale was created a post village in 1871, with Charles F.
Goslie as postmaster, D.E. Hughes taking the place one year later
and holding it ever since. Mr. Hughes is a useful man in his
community, serving the people as a justice of the peach, postmas-
ter, storekeeper and preacher. Few men wield a better influence
than he does among his countrymen.
GEARYTOWN.
Gearytown was first brought to notice in 1866. A dwelling
was erected in October of that year, and occupied by Richard
Boyd. The town was named in honor of the then Governor, John W.
Geary. The Bull Run houses were put up by the company in 1864.
Shortly after the mines began working the population rapidly
increased, and many blocks of houses were built, all by the
company.
The Primitive Methodist church, Rev. E Davis pastor, was
organized and St. John's chapel built in 1877, when Rev. Daniel
Savage was the pastor. It is a modest framed edifice at the
valley and summit cross roads, costing some $700.
EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER INTERESTS.
The school interests of Rahn are carefully looked after by a
board of directors annually elected. There are five school-
houses, nine schools and nine teachers.
In Coal Dale and vicinity, Bull Run, Gearytown, Centreville,
Spring Tunnel and Dry Hollow there are about 255 dwelling houses,
380 in the whole township, and about 370 families. Over 100
dwelling houses have been built since 1869.
The merchants in Coal Dale are W.S. Hobart & Co., (company
store), Thomas downs, E.G. Zern, and T.E. Powell. Since 1873 the
Central Railroad of New Jersey has run regular passenger trains
east and west each day, and the old stage line is abandoned.
The Mollie Maguires ran riot for many years through the Coal
Dale end of the district, and in common with other sections for a
time the law had no force; but the rightful state of things
returned in 1875, with the check brought to bear upon the organi-
zation of murderers, and peach and order are now the rule, and
not the exception.
_________________
TAMAQUA BOROUGH.
____________________________________________________________
In 1799 Berkhard Moser, of Northampton county-now Lehigh-a
German, to better his condition and provide for the wants of a
growing family, left his home and directed his steps to this
narrow valley of Tamaqua, and settled at the junction of Panther
creek and Little Schuylkill river. In September of the same year
he built a saw-mill, the first building of any kind in the bor-
ough, and in 1801 a log house, which stands today at the base of
Dutch hill, and is occupied by the Naphf family. He was accompa-
nied by his son Jacob, born in 1790 and still living, and by John
Kershner, a daughter of whom, Mrs. B.F. Heilner, resides on Dutch
hill, near the original settlement.
Mr. Moser was an industrious man, clearing the forest around
his mill and laying out a farm, never dreaming that beneath his
fields lay the great seams of coal, the mining of which was in
future years to open employment to tens of thousands. February
15th, 1822, Mrs. Moser died. This was the first death of an
adult person in the place. In April of the same year John Kersh-
ner passed away. The first business relied upon to support the
infant town was agriculture, which, with the manufacture of
lumber, was the principal industry for twenty year. For this
purpose the elevated sloping land east of the borough, as well as
that upon the immediate north, was chosen by Moser.
In 1817 anthracite coal was discovered by Berkhard Moser and
his son Jacob. For a number of years the quantity mined, con-
sumed and marketed was very inconsiderable; first sales being
made to blacksmiths, and some was taken over the Blue mountains
in sacks and sole at seven to twelve cents per bushel. Sales
increased until in 1832, when the record first begins, they
amounted to 14,000 tons.
Greenwood was the spot of the first discovery, and the last
coal mined at Tamaqua was there, in 1874, when the extensive
breakers were burned and the mines ruined, at a loss of
$1,500,000. Up to 1874 Tamaqua alone had given to the markets
23,000 tons.
Mrs. Barbara Whetstone, who died January 12th, 1879, was a
daughter of Berkhard and Catharine Moser, born July 22nd, 1796,
in Lynn, Lehigh county. She was married to John Whetstone,
December 25th, 1820, in the old log hut, where she lived one
year, and where now her niece resides. Hers was the first mar-
riage in the place. The first birth was that of Mary Kershner,
in 1808. She was a sister of Mr. Heilner.
For the space of twenty-five years from the first settle-
____________end page 327.______________
page 328
HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
______________________________________________________________
ment in 1799 but few dwellings were erected. The town was laid
out from parts of West Penn and Schuylkill townships in 1829, at
which time the population was about 150. The design was to name
it Tuscarora, but some enterprising person arose too early in the
morning for the pioneers and gave that Indian name to the village
four miles west. As the waters of the Tamaqua, rechristened
Wabash, the west branch of the Little Schuylkill, passed through
the tract, it was decided to name the infant with the name of the
creek, Tamaqua, which is Indian for running water.
In 1832 the town was incorporated. The population was 300,
and rapidly increasing. July 26th, 1833, the first borough
officers, having been then recently elected, were formally organ-
ized as follows: John Franklin, chief burgess; David Hunter,
president of council; Charles D. Cox, William Caldwell, William
George, John N. Speece, and Lewis Audenreid, councilmen.
Improvements were rapid in 1846-47. New or Hunter street was
laid out, many miners' houses were built, two large brick stores
were erected by J. and R. Carter and James Taggart. There was a
large influx of enterprising men. The business interests in
1846 were represented as follows: Merchants, 7; agents, 4;
blacksmiths, 5; cabinet-makers, 2; butchers, 3; hucksters, 2;
miners, 65; hotel-keepers, 5; carpenters, 12; tailors, 2; shoe-
makers, 4; boarding-house keepers, 6; clerks, 4; laborers, 44;
physicians, 5; watchmakers, 1; tinsmiths, 1.
The principal coal operators at that time were J. and R.
Carter, Heaton & Carter, Harlan & Henderson, R. Radcliffe & Co.,,
William Donaldson, and James Taggart. In 1862 there were Charles
F. Shoener, J. Donaldson & Co., H. Dintinger, George W. Cole;
later, E.J. Fry, George Wiggan, Henry L. Cake, Gideon Whetstone,
Richard Winlack, William T. Carter. The collieries operated in
the vicinity were known as the East Lehigh, the Greenwood, the
Alaska, the Newkirk, the East-East, the Buckville, the Reeves-
dale.
Under the act of 1851, a petition was presented December 7th,
1851, praying for a charter; which was granted by the court March
22nd, 1852.
Concerning the formation of the new borough government the
records are singularly silent. John A. Smith was the chief
burgess in 1852, followed by Michael Beard. There are no records
of the councilmen. From 1865 to 1879 Herman B. Graeff was clerk
of the council; the present incumbent is Samuel Beard.
The borough government, January, 1881, is composed as fol-
lows: William Priser, chief burgess; Robert C. Sleath, high
constable; H.A. Weldy, Edward F. Shindel, Daniel Shepp, John
Horn, Thomas D. Boone, Charles Steigerwalt, councilmen; George
Kneiss, supervisor. In 1840 the population was 464; in 1850,
3,080; in 1860, 4,919; in 1870, 5,960; and in 1880, 5,751. this
decrease is owing chiefly to the idleness of all the coal works
since 1874.
In September, 1832, the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company,
claiming a parcel of land in that part of the town near the hotel
of John Zehner, now the Washington House, Pine street, which
rightfully belonged to the Kershner family, employed a company of
men to erect a log house upon it and place a tenant there, so
that they might obtain the benefit of possession. They did it in
twelve hours, but high constable Bannan came along at the close
of the job, armed with both warrant and rifle, and marched the
party off to Orwigsburg. The whole matter was amicable settled,
however.
Up to the time of the erection and laying out of the towns,
in 1829, but little had been attempted at improvement, either in
the intellectual or moral condition of the people. Rev. Mr.
Schellhart lived with John Kershner and taught his and other
children. Early in 1830 a school-house was erected upon the lot
now occupied by the residence of Mrs. H.L. McGuigan, Broad and
Nescopec streets. That house was afterward called the "little
school-house," being some 18 by 20 feet in size, although it
served for many years as a school-house, an election place and
for religious worship and public meetings generally. The strata-
gem by which the vote of the district including Tamaqua was, in
1834, carried for free schools is spoken of on page 93. Early
teachers were John Sims, who received $35 a month, Miss Rhoda
Dodson, Miss Van Dusen and Miss McCaffy. the present directors
are Lucian H. Allen, C.B. Dreher, A.H. Glassmire, Philip Stein,
Philip A. Krebs and E.S. Solliday. R.L. Ditchburn, borough
superintendent, has been connected thirty years with the schools.
professor E.A. Ehrhart is principal of the high school.
Tamaqua schools number 16, kept in three buildings valued at
$40,000. The scholars attending number 1,351; the school term is
nine months; cost per capita to educate scholars 42 cents; the
average salary to male teachers is $65; to female teachers,
$25.07. The school tax levied in 1880 was rated at 6 mills; the
total receipts paid were $35,047.85; the expenditures,
$32,481.70.
In 1849 William J. Harlan awakened the public mind to the
desirability of having a system of water supply. At an expense
of $23,000 Tamaqua constructed her first water works. On munici-
pal improvements alone the borough has expended $850,000 to 1881,
fully $150,000 of which has been upon the water supply. The
Rabbit run and springs furnish the reservoir, located two miles
from the town, at the farm of Henry Enterline, in the New England
district of Walker township, and the capacity is 15,000 gallons.
The water supply is under the direction of the council.
JOURNALISM.
The newspaper history of Tamaqua covers a period of thirty-
two years, and centers nearly in the office of the Tamaqua couri-
er. The Tamaqua legion was started in July, 1849, by J.M. and
D.C. Reinhart, the name being altered in1855 to the Tamaqua
Gazette. In January, 1857, the name was again altered, to the
Tamaqua Anthracity Gazette. The paper suspended publication two
months in 1861, and was then sold to R.N Leyburn, who changed the
name to the Anthracite Journal. Captain Leyburn joined the army
a year later, and Fry &
___________end page 328.___________
page 329
TAMAQUA JOURNALS
THE GREAT FLOOD
POST OFFICES-FIRE COMPANIES.
______________________________________________________________
Jones assumed proprietorship until his return. The paper was
then sold to the Monitor Publishing Company.
Albert Leyburn published the Saturday Courier until it was
sold to Eveland & Shiffert, in 1872. It was afterward published
by Eveland & Harris until 1873, when Eveland, Harris & Richards
took charge, and the paper was renamed the Tamaqua Courier.
A.S.R. Richards withdrew from the firm in 1875, and the remaining
partners purchased the material of the Anthracity Monitor, a
Labor Reform journal, started in March, 1871, and which at one
time had an immense circulation and influence. They thus ac-
quired the title to the old Legion and to all the honors of the
first and only printing establishment Tamaqua ever had. March
15th, 1878, Harris & Zeller took charge, Daniel M. Eveland retir-
ing.
At one time (1875, 1876) Tamaqua had two daily papers, the
Item, published by Levi Huppert, and the Courier, published by
Eveland & Harris; but they hardly started before they died.
March 2nd, 1881, the partnership in the Courier office existing
between Harris & Zeller was dissolved, the interest being pur-
chased by Robert Harris, William H. Zeller retiring.
THE GREAT FLOOD OF 1850.
A gentle rain began Sunday evening, September 1st, 1850, and
at daylight a freshet commenced which brought death and destruc-
tion on every side. At Newkirk the trestles of the tracks run-
ning into the mines were filled in with earth and a great dam was
thus formed. This gave way, and the pent up waters rushed down
the valley, meeting those of the swollen Schuylkill, and bringing
a perfect deluge upon the borough. The generally accepted theory
is that the flood was caused by a great waterspout which burst
over the valleys. In the gorge on Burning mountain, a tree sixty
feet up the side marks the height of the sudden flood.
The water extended from BeardŐs Hotel to the mountains.
Everything on the flats was swept away. Dwellings, foundries and
workshops were taken away by the waters. A double framed house,
in which twenty-two persons had taken shelter, was torn asunder
and all were drowned. The Rev. Mr. Oberfield was caught by the
waters while in the act of rescuing a child and was drowned. It
is said 62 persons in all were lost. Not a track of the Little
Schuylkill Railroad remained. Tamaqua was without communication
with the outside world for six days. A wagon load of provisions
hurried on from Philadelphia by George Wiggan and Robert Rat-
cliffe saved many from starvation. September 2nd and 3d were
sorrowful days to the desolated town. Everybody turned out to
exhume and carry in the dead from down the river. One procession
brought in eleven at one time. Many households mourned; the town
was in deep gloom. Death claimed a victim in every other home it
seemed, and the mourners truly went about the streets. There
been later floods-in 1862 and 1869-but the one of 1850 surpassed
them altogether.
THE POST-OFFICE IMBROGLIO.
In 1830 Tamaqua post-office was established near the present
residence of Rowland Jones, with H.B. Ward as postmaster. In
connection with this Isaac Hinkley performed the duties of mail
carrier as well as stage driver, running a hack from summit Hill
and back, connecting there with the cars on the Switchback Rail-
road for Mauch Chunk.
About this time a sharp contest arose between the inhabitants
of Dutch hill and the west end of town. The grand object was to
secure the center of the town. Burd Patterson and his party
actually procured, by some means, the establishment of a second
post-office; so that Tamaqua in 1832 had two distinct post-of-
fices, established by the government.
Abraham Rex was postmaster number 2, but the office did not
long survive.
At this date George W. Baum made an effort to draw the center
of the town around his residence, calling the place Wittemberg,
but it failed. The Little Schuylkill Railroad Company endeavored
in 1827 to build the town upon the beautiful level running out
from Dutch hill, and they had erected the first stone building,
intended for a hotel, now occupied by Rev. I.E. Graeff and Bodo
Whitman, and Market and Union streets were laid out. The center
of business and extension remained in the valley, however.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Many years expired before Tamaqua established its present
well equipped fire department. The first attempt resulted in a
single hose carriage in 1852, housed in a barn. A house was
built a year later and stood near the Pines bridge until 1879,
when it was removed. This was the beginning of Perseverance Hose
and Steam fire Engine Company, No. 1, which numbered in its old
list of membership the leading citizens of Tamaqua of twenty-five
years ago. B.T. Hughes was president of this company twenty-
eight years. In 1879 the town council caused to be erected the
present admirable edifice, built of pressed brick with sandstone
trimmings, two stories in height, with a mansard roof. The first
and only steam fire engine in town was bought in 1875. The
Perseverance company entered their new home in October, 1879.
connected with their organization is the Matthew Newkirk library,
of some 1,500 books, and their parlor is classed as among the
best furnished in the county. Their property at present consists
of one steamer, two hose carriages and 1,500 feet of gum hose,
valued at $6,500. The membership of the company is 35. The
president is David Morgans; the secretary, William H. Zeller; the
treasurer, J.G. Schod; the engineer, Joshua Morgans.
American Hose Company, No. 1, housed in a frame building at
Mauch Chunk and Pine streets, was reorganized January 17ty, 1878,
upon the remains of the old Reliance Hook and Ladder Company,
which was in existence from 1860 to that time. The present
members (all young, active men) number 28. The property consists
of equipments, one carriage and 1,000 feet of hose. The presi-
dent is Hon. William C. Felthoff; the secretary, F.R. Krell.
__________end page 329.___________
page 330
HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
______________________________________________________________
The chief engineer of the fire department is Frederic Belin-
er; the assistant chief engineer, Harry Myers.
COAL INTERESTS AND MANUFACTURES.
Though distinctively at one time a mining town, Tamaqua to-day
enjoys the reputation of being quite a manufacturing center,
being one of the few towns in Pennsylvania located in the coal
regions that have almost completely turned from the pursuit of
mining into that of manufactures. The restrictive policy of the
Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company causes the mines
to be idle. Shortly after the lease of the Little Schuylkill
Company lands in 1869, and about 1874, mining almost entirely
ceased in this section. Two of the largest breakers (the Buck-
ville and the Greenwood) were burned to the ground by the Mollie
Maguires, and were never rebuilt. There was no prospect of
safety to property in those days (1869-1875) were the company to
rebuild, and when the leading outlaws and murderers were brought
to the bar of justice, and thence to the gallows, it was too late
to retrieve the lost industry. The period of severe business
prostration had swept like a whirlwind over the country, and no
venture was safe. Then, too, a coal combination of the leading
producing companies had been formed and, the production being
limited to an exact quota, collieries that were in operation were
closed and none were built. Largely for these reasons the coal
fields at Tamaqua-classed as the most valuable of all the posses-
sions of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company-cased
to be worked ten years ago (1871) and the capital of the town
drifted into other industrial investments.
West Lehigh Breaker.-This breaker is an old property on the
New England road, at the southern borough line, and has been
worked since 1845. It is the only breaker standing of all the
many that ten and fifteen years since dotted the country at and
around Tamaqua. The Donaldsons, Burlack & Whetstone, and the
Philadelphia and Reading coal and Iron Company successively
operated it, and after standing idle for years it was leased in
July, 1878, to Wood & Pearce, old and practical miners. The
number of men and boys employed outside is 36; inside, 26. The
capacity of the breaker is 800 tons per week, and 100 tons per
day is the present output.
East Lehigh Breaker.-This breaker stands at the end of the
vein in Sharp mountain, now worked by the Lehigh Coal and Naviga-
tion Company, and on its present site a slope had been sunk and a
mammoth breaker put in operation about 1850. Its passing away is
a sample of Mollie Maguire means of vengeance, for the property
was destroyed by them about twelve years ago. A penitentiary
breaker was built there by Samuel Randall in 1876, and operated
by him until the spring of 1880, when Mitchel & Symons leased the
property, enlarged and improved the breaker and trebled the
capacity. Their trade is largely local; the production is about
400 tons weekly, and twenty-five men find employment.
The Allen Machine Shops.-These shops are possibly the largest
operated by a single firm in Pennsylvania, and rank among the
most complete of their kind in the country. they comprise a
foundry, pattern shop, boiler and machine departments, the whole
embraced in a building of white stone occupying a square, situat-
ed along Railroad avenue and Foundry street.
The first building was erected in 1846 by John K. Smith, and
in 1847 a copartnership was formed by Hudson, Smith & Taylor.
Taylor soon after left the firm, Hudson withdrew not long after-
ward, and Smith was sole proprietor until about 1853 or 1854,
when John and Richard Carter and Lucian H. Allen bought him out,
and operated under the firm name of Carter & Allen. In 1865
Charles F. Shoener was taken into the firm. By the latter's
failure in October, 1878, the interest of the Carters ceased, and
by settlement the new firm became Shoener & Allen. C.F. Shoener
failed again in June, 1880, and William T. Carter taking his
interest, the firm became Carter, Allen & Co. The shops were
destroyed by fire in 1872 (the work of an incendiary), at a loss
of $100,000, and were rebuilt in the spring of 1873 by William
Gettinger, contractor. These works make every manner of mining
machinery, engines, boilers, cotton presses, and so on. Four
hundred men can find employment when there are orders which
demand running on full time.
Robinson's Foundry.-This establishment is situated on East
Broad street, beyond Pine. Originally the foundry was located at
Taggartsville, by Bright & Co., in 1859. In 1863 Robinson & Co.
became owners by purchase, and removed the business to Tamaqua,
building on ground now occupied by the east ward school-house.
The present buildings were erected and occupied in 1869. The
principal manufactures are stoves, castings and iron railings; 25
men are employed.
Greenwood Rolling-Mill was first built and operated in 1865,
by Robert Ratcliffe. It is located on Railroad street at Elm.
Cotton ties for the southern market are manufactured. The busi-
ness of the establishment has seen some severe periods of pros-
tration-in 1877, part of 1878 and since July, 1880. In the
spring of 1877, the Greenwood Rolling-Mill Company took charge-
the members being L.H. Allen, Wallace Guss, H.S. Godshall, E.J.
Fry and Charles F. Shoener, the latter taking nineteen and one-
half twentieths of the stock, within a fraction of the whole.
Tamaqua Shoe Factory.-The first manufacture of goods for the
market by the Tamaqua Shoe Company was made about 1874, in a
building at Broad and Center streets, where an immense trade was
worked up. The headquarters becoming too small, books were
opened for the subscription of stock in the latter part of 1875,
and the present commodious three-story brick building in East
Tamaqua, on the Lansford road, was built in 1876 at a cost of
$12,000. The company was considerable crippled by the pecula-
tions of the first superintendent. The factory was closed short-
ly after getting into the new building, though operations in a
small way were carried on by Oram & Jones in 1879-80. Those most
interested:
_________end page 330.__________
page 331
TAMAQUA BUSINESS HOUSES-LITERARY SOCIETIES-CEMETERIES.
______________________________________________________________
in the erection of the building and work of manufacture were
Daniel Shepp, W.B. Bensinger, H.A. Spiese, Michael Beard, Philip
A. Krebs, J.J. Kauffman and others.
Philadelphia and Reading Shops.-These shops were built by the
Little Schuylkill Railroad company, about 1848, when the round
house near by was enlarged to shelter twenty-one locomotives.
Repairs to engines are the principal work done here, and some
coal and freight car work is also done. The number of employes
is 90; 10 are employed at the round house.
Other Industries.-The Shepp & Horich mill on Railroad street
below Broad was built in 1854; Behler's on Railroad street near
Elm, in 1865; Kershner's mill is located on Central and Cedar
streets. All have an excellent trade.
Water's foundry was established as the iron works of John
Ollis, in May, 1846. In 1847 it passed into the hands of Hudson
& Waters. It is now managed by H. Water's Sons, and employs
twelve to twenty hands. Engines and castings are manufactured.
The first brewery was established in 1850, by George Goeld-
ner, who put up buildings for that purpose on Broad street,
immediately back of the present National House. Five years later
he sold out to Joseph Adam, the second brewer, and an early
settler. Joseph Halfner, Joseph Adam and Lawrence Koenig now
have breweries and enjoy a local trade. Conrad Boschoff's plan-
ing-mill and furniture factory is a three-story brick building on
Rowe street, built in 1865. William Boyer's lumber-mill is on
East Broad beyond Pine. The Tamaqua Hosiery Company (limited)
was organized in December, 1880. F. Krell and brother, J.F.
Wheenmeyer, L.F. Fritsch, John Hartman and P.C. Keilman have
cigar factories. Freudenberger's tannery on West Broad, at Green
street, was established by one Webb in 1850. He was succeeded by
H. Enterline in 1857. The establishment is now idle, and the
large brick building in which its business had been carried on is
going to decay. John Becker and Joseph H. Wood have wheelright
shops on East Broad, and on Cedar streets, respectively. George
L. Boyd's screen factory was established in 1867.
BANKS.
The First National Bank of Tamaqua was incorporated in 1865,
and surrendered its charter as a State banking institution. It
was originally organized as the Anthracite Bank in 1850. The
amount of capital stock paid in is $150,000, two-thirds of which
is owned by William T. Carter, of Philadelphia. This bank sus-
pended payment October 14th, 1878, and resumed just a month
later. This embarrassment occurred in consequence of the failure
of Charles F. Shoener, whose interest passed into the hands of
William T. Carter. The bank has always been a paying institu-
tion. James W. Abbot was cashier from 1852 until 1880. E.J. Fay
is president; Thomas T. Carter cashier.
The Tamaqua Banking and Trust Company begun business in 1865.
The president is Daniel Shepp; the secretary and cashier, Henry
A. Kauffman.
HOTELS.
The first tavern in Tamaqua was kept in Berkhard Moser's
house, by the wide of John Kershner, and her son-in-law, Isaac
Bennett. The date is uncertain, but is was opened about 1807.
In 1827 the Little Schuylkill Company, thinking to draw the
center of population to Dutch hill, built the first stone build-
ing and hotel in Tamaqua. The house was converted into a dwell-
ing thirty years afterward and it is now occupied by Rev. S.E.
Graeff.
In 1832 James Taggart, one of the pioneers in that valley,
came to Tamaqua, and engaged in 1836 in keeping hotel at the old
established stand of Mr. Michael Beard, who took possession there
in 1846.
Between 1845 and 1847 the United States Hotel was built by
the Little Schuylkill Company, and was first kept by Joseph
Haughawout. In 1850 the Washington House, on Pine street, was
built, and the American and Mansion on Centre street at a later
period.
LITERARY SOCIETIES AND LYCEUMS.
In 1853 Tamaqua had a public library, and debating clubs
discussed the momentous questions of the day in the first town
hall or school-house as early as 1845. About 1856 the Tamaqua
Lyceum was organized, and held weekly sessions for a long period
in the south ward school building. To this lyceum Matthew New-
kirk, of Philadelphia, made a gift of 1,500 books, which passed
into the hands of the Perseverance fire company when the society
disbanded. No records of the first organization remain. The
principal citizens were members.
November 26th, 1876, James W. Abbot, B.C. Meeker, William H.
Gable, Thomas Cole, Morgan J. Williams, Charles F. Lowry, George
W. Ford, Daniel F. Bower, Lucius A. Gibbs, George Bensinger and
William Philips, formed the Presbyterian Social and Literary
Institute, which still flourished, though many members have
removed to other fields, with Joseph B. Grigg as president and
Miss Kate Beard as secretary.
CEMETERIES.
The first graveyard was laid out in 1831, on Dutch hill. The
Catholic and Methodist buying grounds were laid out about 1837.
Zion's cemetery was opened in 1876. The Odd Fellows' cemetery,
the most attractive "city of the dead" in Tamaqua, is located at
the upper end of Broad street. It is in charge of trustees
appointed by Harmony Lodge of Odd Fellows, and it was first
opened in 1865. There are thirty acres enclosed, and the various
lots are in many instances beautifully laid out.
FIRES.
Among numerous fires of greater or less extent which have
visited the place from time to time, the following were remarka-
ble for the damage they wrought:
On the night of January 25th, 1857, a fire broke out in the
store of Brock & Son on Broad street, and de-
_____________end page 331.______________
page 332
HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
______________________________________________________________
stroyed twelve houses on that street, which were occupied as
stores and dwellings.
Friday morning, May 31st, 1872, a fire began in Daniel Dean's
wheelwright shop, which spread and destroyed an entire block of
building, rendering eighteen families homeless. The fire caused
a loss of $75,000. The firemen were prevented from doing effi-
cient service by a lack of hose.
MILITARY.
Tamaqua made great contributions to the armies in the late
war, notably in the 129th regiment Pennsylvania volunteers. The
National Zouaves, a crack organization, existed in 1866 and 1867,
making their first parade December 25th. The officers were:
Captain, R.L. Leyburn,; 1st lieutenant, Thomas D. Boon; 2nd
lieutenant, C.F. Garrett; A.M.S., Joseph Coulter; 1st sergeant,
A.H. Tiley.
"B" Company of the National Guard of Pennsylvania was mus-
tered in in August, 1875. The officers are: Captain, Wallace
Guss; 1st lieutenant, John M. Hughes; 2nd lieutenant, George
Priser; 1st sergeant, Edward Ash.
In 1870 the soldiers' monument, a beautiful marble column
fifty feet high, surmounted by an eagle with outspread wings, in
Odd Fellow' cemetery, was erected by Doubleday Post, at a cost of
$9,000.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The first wagon-maker was Isaac Haldeman, whose shop stood on
Pine street, in 1848.
The first lawyer who located in Tamaqua was John Hendricks,
who began practice in 1849.
The first flour and feed store was opened by Bartlett & Tay-
lor, in the old Oats house, next to Shepp's four-mill. The
building was erected for the purpose in 1849. In 1851 the busi-
ness was sold to H.F. Stidfole, who continued in it for eighteen
years. He is now a prosperous merchant on West Broad street.
In 1852 Heilner & Morganroth's powder-mill, near Tamaqua,
exploded, injuring Reuben Stamm, and killing Reuben Strunk,
throwing him a hundred feet.
A temporary town hall, 40 by 100 feet was erected in 1868, at
a cost of $4,500.
In 1855 the first regular theatrical performance was given in
the borough. Seitzinger's hall has been since 1869 the only
place of amusement.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Harmony Lodge, No. 86, I.O.O.F. had its charter granted Octo-
ber 16, 1843, and the lodge has grown with the town. The charter
officers were: Joseph J. Elsegood, N.G.; James H. Kelly, V.G.;
John Franklin, S.; David Myers, assistant secretary; Jacob Bell,
treasurer; William Hodgkins, Philip Dormetzer, Conrad Ifland, and
B.L. Fetherolf, who have been identified with this lodge as
active members for thirty years. Harmony Lodge meets in Odd
Fellows' Hall, which, with its cemetery and other property in the
borough, is its own property, and has over 150 active members.
The present (1881) noble grand is Charles M. Greene; V.G., Jehoi-
da Morgans; secretary, William Barton.
Scott Encampment of Patriarchs, No. 132, was chartered Febru-
ary 17th, 1862. A dispensation to organize was granted to John
L. Regan, Daniel Dean, James M. Hadesty, B.L. Fetherolf, Conrad
Ifland, Philip Dormetzer, and William Hodgkins.
Ringgold Lodge (German) I.O.O.F. was organized in 1871.
Tamaqua Lodge, No. 238, F & A.M. was organized June 4th,
1849. The charter members were D.G. Goodwin, Henry Kepner,
George D. Bowen, Benjamin Heilner, John S. Boyer, Samuel Beard,
Charles Bennett, Peter Aurand, A.J. Orr, John Kolb, Richard
Carter, Bernard McLean, Joseph Haughawout and Jacob Smithers.
Other branches of the masonic order are Tamaqua Chapter, No.
117, R.A.M.; Ivanhoe Commandary, No. 31, K.T.; Knapp Council, No.
17, R.S.E.& S.M.
Washington Camp No. 57 Patriotic Order Sons of America was
chartered July 1st, 1859, and surrendered its charter when all
the members joined the army during the late war. The camp was
rechartered February 12th, 1870, with the following membership;
A.M. Herrold, H.N. Shindle, J.H. Seitzinger, A.C. Bond, William
Hittle, John A. Hirsch, Daniel M. Eveland, Richard Kirkpatrick,
Henry Seitzinger, William A. Lebo, Zachary C. Ratcliffe, John
Friese, T.J. Swartz, Philip Stein, E.A. Boyer, G.W. Rose, George
Kepner, George C. Eveland, G.W. Hadesty, Robert Ratcliffe, George
Kershner, F.M. Stidham, John H. Stidfole, George Grieff and C.E.
Bailey.
Humboldt Lodge of Harugari was organized in 1865.
Bright Star Lodge, No. 231, I.O.G.T. was chartered in Novem-
ber, 1868, with Emanuel M. Whetstone, Lancelot Fairer, Lafayette
F. Fritsch, John W. Byron, Robert L. Casey, Jackson L. Seiders,
John W. Whetstone, John McConnell, Elias B. Whetstone, Josiah
Lineaweaver, Nathan Krause, jr., William H.H. Entriken, Emma C.
Meyer, Lizzie A. Beyel, Maggie Beyel and Sallie Beyel as members.
The present (1881) chief templar is Jesse Templin; secretary,
Charles Nair; past templar, Rev. E. Humphries; lodge deputy,
William H. Zeller.
Order United American Mechanics.-A lodge of this order was
organized in 1868.
Doubleday Post, No. 189, G.A.R. was organized and chartered
July 20th, 1869, with O.C. Bosbyshell as grand commander and
Robert B. Beath as assistant adjutant general. the original
members were Henry H. Snyder, Fred Krell, George Hahn, Nathan
Krause, John H. Lutz, H.C. Honsberger, Adam Krause, Daniel M.
Miller, Wilson W. Miller, Joel Lins, F.T. Lins, J.H. Erdman, E.A.
Jones, John Boughner, D.H. Moyer, Absalom H. Whetstone, D.G.
Lewis, J.J. Zehner, John Holman, Joseph Southam, T.B. Carter,
D.W. Davis, George Bond, H.P. Yeager, Charles Grieff, William H.
Haldeman, Fred H. Wagner, William Lane, A.R. Markel, Owen
______________end page 332.________________
page 333
LODGES AND CHURCHES OF TAMAQUA.
______________________________________________________________
Jones, Gottlieb Henry, Samuel Faust, C.F.M. Miller, Fred Eli,
Charles Blew, John Shifferstein, Robert Bechtel, Henry N. Shindel
and William S. Allebach. The soldiers' monument in the circle in
Odd Fellows' cemetery is part of the work of this organization.
Tamaqua Lodge, No. 135, K.P. was chartered March 3d, 1869,
with Bodo Whitman, Edward Davis, John Herrold, William Swope,
Thomas Carter, George Bond, sr., William DePue, William King,
Nathan Krause, Joseph H. Wood, William Griffiths, William Vardy,
John F. Houser, Charles DeFrehn and William Miller as members.
It meets weekly in Kirn's Hall, and is in a flourishing condi-
tion.
Tamaqua Circle, No. 52, Brotherhood of the Union was organ-
ized August 25th, 1871, and reorganized after the labor troubles
of 1877. The lodge again suspended in June, 1880, but is now in
operation again. The charter members were J.F. Woomer, E.A.
Jones, John Beard, J.B. Lindenmuth, J.H. Erdman, Jacob Kaercher,
J.V. Matthews, David A. Shiffert, William Little and C. Ben
Johnson.
Railroaders' Brotherhood, No. 2, was organized June 20th,
1874. The charter members were Phaon P. Hass, Charles B. Cook,
Andrew Frank, Elias B. Whetstone, Daniel Kleckner, Henry Wise,
William Boyer, John Shifferstein, Christ Walters, Gottleib Schei-
dle, Charles Rinkler and Amos Neifert.
Greenwood Lodge, No. 2,124, Knights of Honor was organized
March 26th, 1880. The charter members were David Randall, Joseph
E. Hess, F.R. Carpenter, Emil Albrecht, John Davis, Charles H.
Weldy, Edward F. Shindel, Philip Stein, Lafayette Fritsch, Wil-
liam H. Kintzle, C.B. Dreher, Edwin Schlicher, Joseph Mitchel,
William Hittle, Isaac T. Sands, William H. Zeller, Franklin
Schwartz, Samuel Brode, John Fink, Frank Sowers, Walter Randall,
John C. Walter, Mahlon S. Miller, Samuel E. Taylor and Henry
Kirn.
CHURCH HISTORY.
The first gospel sermon in Tamaqua was preached in 1810 by
Rev. John a. Schellhart, a minister of the German Lutheran
church, who, in connection with Rev. William Schaeffer and Rev.
Theophilus Sillick, supplied the few inhabitants with occasional
preaching for many years. Rev. Joseph Chattels, of the Philadel-
phia annual conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, began
to hold stated services in 1830, and Rev. George Minner, of the
German Lutheran church, inaugurated regular services in 1853 in
east Tamaqua. About this year (it is placed by some three years
earlier) Rev. Richard Webster made regular trips from Mauch Chunk
and founded the First Presbyterian church, in the beginning a
union church, in the old school-house, then removing to the
framed church which formerly stood on the property of George W.
Cole, and in 1853 to the present edifice, immediately opposite,
on West Broad street. The first church was erected by the Roman
Catholics in 1833. In 1837 the little school-house became too
small to accommodate the growing congregations which worshiped
there, and a small union church was erected on the lot now occu-
pied by the Methodist Episcopal society. This union edifice was
26 by 40 feet in size, and for a number of years was thought
quite an acquisition. In 1845 it passed into the hands of the
Methodist episcopal society, by whom it was torn down to make
room for the present Methodist church. The same year the German
Lutherans erected on Dutch hill an edifice, which was torn down
in 1814 to make room for the brick church.
The Pioneer Sunday-school.-June 21st, 1831, a meeting was
held in the new school-house to organize the Tamaqua Sabbath-
school. The officers elected were: George W. Baum, president;
Edward Smith, vice-president; Albert H. Deuel, secretary; John N.
Speece, treasurer; John Franklin, John Hetherington, Stephen
Dodson, managers. June 26th, 1831, the school was formally and
fully organized, with the following teachers: G.W. Baum, Stephen
Dodson, John Hix, John Franklin, John N. Speece, Mrs. Maria H.
Hunter, Mary Dodson and Parmelia Rhodes; $11.74 was raised upon
that occasion for the support of the school, and the number of
scholars present was 35. There now fourteen Sunday-schools and
1,739 scholars in the borough.
Primitive Methodist Tabernacle.-The history of the Primitive
Methodist church of Tamaqua dates back as far as 1830. William
Donaldson, an old and well-known coal operator, opened his house
for relioious worship, and, being a local preacher, conducted the
services. The cause grew with the population of the then embryo
village. The old union church on Broad street was used until the
society, increased in numbers and influence, decided to build a
church of its own. The site was obtained, free, from the Little
Schuylkill Company, and a neat, substiantial and commodious
structure of stone erected, which was dedicated by Rev. Hugh
Bourne, the venerable founder of Primitive Methodism, on the last
Sabbath of 1846. The trustees were William Donaldson, president;
R. Nattrass, secretary; R. Ratcliffe, treasurer; Charles Vaughan,
Thomas Booth, William Wood and Thomas Williams. A charter of
incorporation was obtained in April, 1849. For many years the
charge was a part of the Pottsville circuit, but became independ-
ent and selfsustaining in 1849. The following ministers have
served successively: Benjamin Webber, Charles Spurr, Thomas
Foster, William Smith, Alexander Miller, Joseph Fawcett, George
Parker, Joseph Robinson, Daniel Savage and Elijah Humphries.
During the pastorate of Rev. Daniel Savage the old church was
taken down and a new one erected upon the site. It is of stone
and brick, 44 by 70 feet, and cost $10,000, requiring $3,000 more
to complete it. Rev. Joseph Odell preached the dedicatory ser-
mon, the last Sabbath of 1876, just thirty years from the dedica-
tion of the first building.
The Sabbath-school was organized November 13th, 1842. The
present officers are: G.W. Wilford, superintendent; D.C. Baron,
assistant; C.M. Greene, secretary; W.J. Booth, treasurer. It
numbers 35 teachers, 250 scholars, and owns an acre of ground at
"New England." The church has prospered under the present
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page 334
HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
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pastor. A large portion of the debt has been paid and the mem-
bership increased to 158, divided into three classes, under John
Randall, Edward Davis and Rev. E. Humphries, class leaders. The
present trustees are W.H. Mucklow, president; C.M. Greene, secre-
tary; William Booth, J. Randall, Walter Randall, E.A. Jones, J.
Weston, Thomas Allen, George Wilford.
St. John's Lutheran Church.-All early records of this church
were burned. In 1835 the first Lutheran church, a frame build-
ing, was erected on Dutch hill, and the present edifice in 1855.
Rev. Mr. George was the first pastor. He was followed by the
Rev. Peter Oberfield, who was drowned in the flood of 1850. Rev.
M. Boyer came in 1872, followed by Rev. F.T. Hennicke, in 1877,
and in 1881 by Rev. H. Theodore Dueming. In 1876 the chapel at
Mauch Chunk and Bridge streets was erected. The history of St.
John's Lutheran is that of the Reformed side also. Many years
this union church has exercised a power for much good in the
community, and to-day the membership is greater than that of any
other Protestant church.
St. Jerome's Roman Catholic Church.-In 1836 the Catholic of
Tamaqua, at one time strong and powerful, built a church on the
hill where their cemetery now stands. It was a plain framed
structure, and was removed in 1855, the congregation locating
their new edifice, a large stone building, 48 by 75 feet, with a
tower, on West Broad and Green streets. Rev. Father M.A. Walsh,
now vicar-general of Pennsylvania, superintended the erection.
The edifice will seat 900 people and there is a parsonage at-
tached. The parish takes in Coal Dale and Tuscarora, and is in a
highly flourishing condition. Rev. Joseph Bridgeman is the
present father in charge. The value of the property is $20,000.
St. John's Reformed Church,-St. John's Church (Reformed and
Lutheran), on Dutch hill, was founded in 1835. A small framed
building was erected about that time, which stood until the
summer of 1854, when the erection of the present brick building
was begun. The new church was dedicated in 1855. Rev. -----
George was the first Lutheran pastor. In 1846 he left and was
succeeded by Rev. Peter Oberfield, who was drowned in the great
freshet of 1850. During Mr. Oberfield's pastorate Rev. William
A. Helfrich, of the Reformed church, from Lehigh county, served
as a supply for a few years. After his withdrawal Rev. Robert
VanCourt became resident pastor, and from that time (1855) both
congregations had pastors residing in the place. St. John's
appears to be the oldest Protestant church organization in Tama-
qua. A number of the other congregations in the place have
organized in the church on Dutch hill. The remaining organiza-
tions have still a joint membership of more than 500. The
present pastor, Rev. I.E. Graeff, commenced his labors in Octo-
ber, 1878, succeeding Rev. Mr. Schwartz.
First Methodist Episcopal Church.-Concerning the early organ-
ization of this church the records are silent. The congregation
worshipped in the old union church, and afterward purchased a
framed building which stood on the present location, and which
was 20 by 40 feet in size. In 1852 the contract was awarded to
Isaiah Wells to erect the present edifice, 43 by 75 feet, and it
has stood without alteration since. The church became a separate
charge the same year. The present pastor is Rev. John F. Mere-
dith, brother to the Rev. Mr. Meredith who was stationed over the
charge in 1852. The trustees are A.H. Glassmire, George Shoemak-
er, Jacob Kaucher, H.K. Aurand, J.M. Hadesty, Jesse Springer and
C.F. Lloyd.
The Sunday-school has 250 members. The superintendent is
Jackson L. Seiders. The church building is free from debt, and
there is a membership of 150. The church and parsonage are
estimated to be worth $13,000.
Evangelical Church.-The first preaching in Tamaqua by minis-
ters of the Evangelical Association was in 1848, by Rev. G.T.
Haines, at the house of Mr. Wiltermuth. An organization of an
association was not accomplished until 1851, by Rev. Andrew
Ziegenfuss, at the house of Philip Geissinger, the first members
being Emanuel Reich and his wife Mary, Philip and Kate Geissing-
er, Frederick Young and wife, Joseph Strauss and wife, Samuel
Schloyer and wife, David Fehr and wife. Rev. Samuel Gaumer came
in 1852, the church being then connected with Schuylkill circuit,
and in 1854 an effort was made at the annual conference, in
Pottsville; to have a missionary stationed here, but it failed.
In 1855, however, Rev. J. Eckert was sent as a missionary, who
negotiated with the Presbyterians for their old church edifice on
Broad street, and removed it at his own expense to Rowe street.
Here the congregation worshipped until 1856, when a chapel was
built on Spruce street. The Tamaqua mission was put on Schuyl-
kill circuit that year, and in 1857 Rev. Ephraim Ely took charge,
succeeding Rev. R. Deisher. Catawissa class was annexed in 1858.
Rev William Bachman was appointed in 1860. Under his administra-
tion the congregation purchased the property of the Baptists on
Pine street, where the present edifice now stands.
The mission became a station in 1861, when Rev. Simon Reinohl
took charge of the work and organized the first Sunday-school.
Rev. Anastasius Boetzel was appointed in 1863, In the following
year grave charges were made and sustained against Boetzel, and
part of the membership siding with him a branch church was start-
ed in the old Spruce street chapel, but went out of existence the
same year. Rev. J.S. Marquardt came in 1865, and by a wise
ministry healed the breach.
The corner stone of the present capacious frame building was
laid out that year "with masonic ceremony, which created some
irritation and difference of opinion." The new church was dedi-
cated and occupied the same year. Rev. J. Kutz came in 1866.
Grave charges were made against him, sustained and found true,
and a committee declared him to suffer of spasmodic aberration of
the mind. His misdemeanors were very damaging to the church. In
1867 Rev. J.O. Lehr, by good management, saved the church from
the sheriff's hammer and cleared
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page 335
CHURCHES OF TAMAQUA.
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it partly from grievous debt. The English language was intro-
duced into the services by Rev. W.K. Wiand, in 1868, but the
congregation were not yet ready for the change. Rev. Seneca
Breyfogel came in 1870 and served three years acceptably. The
annual Conference was held in Tamaqua in 1873, and this church
became a distinct charge-Coal Dale Barnesville, and Rush being
taken from it and forming Barnesville circuit. Rev. J.C. Bliem
became pastor and one hundred and five were added to the church
by the great revival of this year. He was followed by I.K. Knerr
in 1875, B.J. Smoyer in 1876, and Charles H. Egge in 1877, all
men of power and ability, under whose ministry the church has
grown and prospered. The present membership is 283; that of the
Sunday-school is 247. The church is valued at $8,000 and it will
seat 500 persons.
Welsh Congregational Church.-The Welsh church in Tamaqua was
built in 1851, and is a very plain, modest edifice on Welsh hill,
above Rowe street. The congregation was organized in 1848, with
a membership of 36. Rev. Thomas Jones, the first rector, was in
charge four years and was succeeded by Rev. J.M. Thomas, who
preached statedly some ten months, and was succeeded by Rev.
William Thomas, who resigned toward the close of 1855.
The Sunday-school was organized in 1847, with 60 scholars.
Rev. David E. Hughes is the present pastor, having been called in
1875. The church, a framed building, is valued, with the other
property, at $1,200.
Calvary Episcopal Church.-The history of this parish dates
from April 30th, 1848. That day the services of the Episcopal
church were first held in Tamaqua. In the morning Right Rev.
Bishop Alonzo Potter consecrated Zion church in Tuscarora, and in
coming to Tamaqua in the afternoon his carriage was broken and
his leg badly injured. Revs. William Auddard, of Philadelphia,
and Peter Russel, of Mauch Chunk, in company with the bishop,
conducted the services in the evening, Rev. Mr. Auddard preaching
in the Primitive Methodist, and Rev. Mr. Russel in the Presbyte-
rian place of worship, which were offered for the purpose. The
parish was organized March 27th, 1849. The first Sunday in April
ensuing the first stated services were held in the "town hall,"
Rev. A. Beatty, rector, reading the service, and Rev. Thomas A.
Starkey, of Pottsville, preaching the sermon.
At the same time a Sunday-school was organized of 80 members
and 15 teachers. Regular services were held, subscriptions were
opened for building a church, and a "ladies' sewing circle" was
organized. A lot of ground was obtained from the Little Schuyl-
kill Railroad Company, and the vestry decided, in view of the
amount raised, to begin the work. Thursday afternoon, June 26th,
1851, the corner stone was laid by Rt. Rev. Bishop Potter, there
being present Rev. Peter Russel, of Mauch Chunk; Rev. William C.
Cooley, of Pottsville; Rev. Azariah Prior, of Schuylkill Haven,
and the rector. The church was opened to public worship Good
Friday, April 9th, 1852, the rector, who had just recovered from
a three months' illness, preaching the sermon. The first admin-
istration of holy communion was given May 1st, 1852. The edifice
was consecrated by Bishop Potter, Sunday, June 19th, 1853; Rev.
Samuel Hazlehurst, Rev. Peter Russel, Rev. Aaron Christman
(ordained in this church, July 11th, 1852,) and the rector,
assisted in the services.
March 18th, 1854, Rev. Joseph A. Stone, a presbytery of the
diocese, entered upon his duties as rector of the parish, Rev.
Mr. Beatty having resigned June 26th, 1853. An organ was pur-
chased in September, 1858, and gas introduced into the building
in December of the same year, at a cost of $80. Mr. Stone re-
signed his charge March 4th, 1860. Revs. H. Baldy, William
Wilson, J.L. Murphy and H.S. Getz followed until 1869, and the
parish was without a rector until October 1st, 1871, when Rev.
Chandler Hare became pastor. He also took charge of St. Philip's
church, Summit Hill. He resigned the parish February 1st, 1878.
Rev. W.J. Miller followed as rector, in November, 1878, and
resigned in November, 1880. He was succeeded by the present
rector, the Rev. William B. Burke.
Calvary Church is 46 by 34 feet, built of stone, with a
square tower and a bell. The audience room will seat 240 per-
sons. The property is valued at $5,000. the Sunday-school meets
in the basement.
First Presbyterian Church.-As a chartered organization the
Presbyterian church of Tamaqua dates from May 18th, 1851. In the
summer of 1837 a union church was built, to which Presbyterians
contributed, but in which the Methodist Episcopal and Primitive
Methodist churches held services. The first Presbyterian service
was held Sabbath evening December 24th, 1837, by Rev. Richard
Webster, a pioneer missionary through this section. In 1838 the
church at Summit Hill and Tamaqua was organized by the Presbytery
of Newton, New Jersey. Port Clinton was also part of the same
church, Rev. Richard Webster preaching there in 1839, receiving
in that year Mr. and Mrs. George Wiggan, of the Presbyterian
church in Philadelphia. Mr. Wiggan, honored in years and good
deeds, has been ruling elder of this church forty-two years.
Rev. Dr. Schenck labored in this field in 18423 and in 1845 the
Luzerne Presbytery arranged to give a monthly supply. In 1846
the presbytery appointed Revs. Webster, Harned and Moore, with
three elders, to organize an independent church at Tamaqua, and,
after three attempts, it was accomplished in May, 1846. Mr.
Webster with Mr. Edgar, of summit Hill, met the Presbyterians of
Tamaqua in Mr. Heaton's parlor, now Mr. Beard's, when the church
was organized with ten members-George Wiggan and Susannah, his
wife; Mrs Sarah Heaton, Miss Ely McNeill, Mrs. M.H. Hunter, form
the Summit Hill church; William Laird and Ann, his wife, from the
Free church, Scotland; Sidney Arms, Mrs. Mary Heaton, wife of
R.A. Heaton, from the Methodist Episcopal church, Tamaqua; and
John Hendricks and Ely Josephine, his wife, from the Eleventh
church, Philadelphia. Mr. Wiggan and Mr. Laird were elected
elders and installed by Rev. W.W. Bonnel, of Port Carbon, July
26th, 1846.
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page 336
HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
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Rev. B.F. Bittinger became first pastor, in 1847, at a salary
of $300. Rev. Charles Glenn began his pastorate, in January,
1852, and during it the present handsome stone edifice on West
Broad street was built. Messrs. Newkirk & Buck, of Philadelphia,
gave $6,000-the whole cost being $8,500. At the same time a
double cottage was erected back of the church as a parsonage, but
those instructed to secure the deed neglected it, and Mr. Glenn
was greatly surprised one fine morning when presented with a bill
for $150, for rent due the company that had purchased the lands
of Newkirk & Buck. Rev. Mr. Glenn resigned August 17, 1856, and
in January, 1857, Rev. J.H. Callen began his labors, continuing
to April, 1859. He was succeeded by Rev. William Thompson in
February, 1860. During his pastorate the church at Mahanoy City
was organized, 1863, and for some time he preached to both
charges. In July, 1868, Rev. Benjamin C. Meeker succeeded Mr.
Thompson, who closed his eight years' pastorate. In 1876-77the
church was remodeled and refurnished, Elder George Wiggan con-
tributing $1,500. The church to-day is in a flourishing condi-
tion. The Literary Institute has been in operation five years,
and is considered a town institution. The membership at this
time (January, 1881) is 87; of the Sunday-school, is 150. The
value of the church property is $20,000. The church seats 600.
Zion's English Evangelical Lutheran Church.-This church
started as a colony from St. John's Lutheran Church, Dutch hill,
the first meeting taking place in Seitzinger's hall, January
27th, 1876, attended by 48 persons. The organization of the
Sabbath-school occurred December 5th, 1875, with 80 scholars.
The present handsome frame edifice was built in 1876, largely
by Mr. John Zehner, and its cost, with its furniture, was $5,500.
The presentable pastor, Rev. William H. Laubenstein, entered upon
his duties October 1st, 1877.
The Sunday-school superintendents have been John Zehner,
Charles Steigerwalt, Henry A. Kauffman, William A. Snyder, John
Whetstone, Henry A. Kauffman and John Semback. The present
church membership is 205. The Sunday-school numbers 250.
Trinity Reformed Church.-The Trinity Reformed congregation of
Tamaqua was organized by the authority of the Lebanon Classis,
August 19th, 1877, and the corner stone of the present frame
building at Washington and Jefferson streets was laid September
2nd, 1867. While the church was being erected the congregation
held their services in the Welsh church. No regular pastor was
called until September 19th, 1868, when the Rev. I.E. Graeff was
elected. His pastorate continued until March 13th, 1873, and
during it 62 were baptized, 24 confirmed, 28 persons received by
certificate and profession, and 28 funerals attended. December
21st, 1873, Rev. J.H. Hartman received and accepted a call. He
labored until February 1st, 1880, and during that time baptized
210 children, confirmed 34, received by certificate 46, and
officiated at 86 funerals. January 18th, 1880, Rev. John J.
Fisher, the present pastor, took charge, and was ordained Febru-
ary 5th, and during the years he has received 12 by confirmation,
10 by certificate, and officiated at 4 funerals.
The congregation originally consisted of 53 members, and the
first consistory was as follows: Elders-Peter Hartman and Mat-
thias Haldeman; deacons-August Wetterau, L.F. Fritsch, Jacob
Eisenacher and George Eckhardt.
__________________________________________________________
HENRY A. WELDY.
The subject of this sketch was born in the city of Reading,
Berks county, Pa., September 19th, 1831, and was the youngest
child of John and Margaret Weldy. On his father's side he is of
Swiss and on his mother's of French-Huguenot descent. His grand-
father, John Weldy, as also his father, was born in Reading. The
former, born in 1768, married in 1797 and died in 1853. He was a
carpenter by trade. H.A. Weldy's father was engaged in the
hardware trade in Reading from the ago of thirteen until his
death, which occurred in 1877. The mother of our subject died in
1835. He had one sister, Catharine, born in 1827, who died in
1829, and one brother, Joseph, who was born in 1829, and died in
1833.
Having received a good common school education Mr. Weldy, at
the age of seventeen, was indentured for four years, with D. & H.
Rhein, to learn the cabinet maker's trade. At the termination of
his apprenticeship, not fancying the cabinet making business, he
took up pattern making, and was employed in that business from
1853 to 1862 in the shops of the Little Schuylkill Railroad
Company at Tamaqua. He then became employed as clerk in the
office of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company's shops
in Tamaqua, in which position he remained until 1864. In March
of that year, in company with C.F. Shindel, he bought of H. Huhn,
a small powder-mill, situated on the Little Schuylkill, and under
the firm name of H.A. Weldy & Co. They commenced the manufacture
of blasting powder. In 1865 E.F. Shindel was taken in as a
partner, and under the same firm name the business was carried on
until April, 1871. At that time the company met with a serious
loss in the blowing up of one of their mills. This accident led
to a change in the firm. Lamont and Henry Dupost purchased the
Messrs. Shindel's interest, Mr. Weldy retaining his. The busi-
ness, many times enlarged, has ever since been carried on under
the old firm name of H.A. Weldy & Co. From the commencement to
the present time Mr. Weldy has had the sole management of the
business, and the success which has followed the enterprise, from
small beginnings until it has become one of the largest estab-
lishments of its kind in the country, sufficiently attests his
ability as a manager and as a business man.
In politics Mr. Weldy is a Republican, and he is an active
worker in his party. For the last four years he has been a
member of the council of the borough of Tamaqua.
November 19th, 1854, he married Annie, daughter of George and
Kate Lambert, of Sinking Spring, Berks county, Pa. Four chil-
dren-Charles H., Kate G., John E. and Clarence S.-are the issue
of this marriage. Charles H. married Henrietta, daughter of
James and Amy Smithham. They have one child, a daughter.
___________end page 336.____________
page 337
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
EDWIN SCHLICHER
BENJAMIN HEILNER.
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A line drawing of
EDWIN SCHLICHER
is in this position
on the page in the original book.
It is listed on this same page in the
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Original text follows the divider line.
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Edwin Schlicher was born in Upper Hanover township, Montgom-
ery county, Pa., January 5th, 1844. He was the third child in a
family of eleven children of George and Sarah (Geisler) Schlich-
er. He is in the fifth generation from Stoefel Schlicher, who
emigrated from Germany and settled in Montgomery county. The
line of descent is as follows: Stoefel, Henry, John, George,
Edwin.
Henry, Edwin's great-grandfather, served in the war of the
Revolution. The ancestors of our subject generally followed
farming. His father and one sister are dead. His mother, four
brothers and five sisters are living, all in Montgomery county.
Edwin spent his boyhood at home upon the farm. His opportu-
nities for education were extremely limited; indeed he is wholly
self-taught, as he never went to school a day in his life. At
the age of nineteen he was apprenticed for two years with Heigner
& Brother, of Hereford township, Berks county, Pa., to learn the
miller's trade. After serving his time as an apprentice he was
employed for two years in the flouring mill of H. & J. Gable, of
Pottstown, Pa.
He came to Tamaqua January 9th, 1866, and was employed as
foreman in the flouring mill of D. Shepp & Co., where he remained
until January 1st, 1879. He then began dealing in flour and
grain on his own account, and he is still engaged in that busi-
ness.
In the fall of 1880 he was elected on the Democratic ticket
to the lower house of the State Legislature for a term of two
years. He holds positions in that body on the committees of
Elections, Public Buildings and Public Grounds. He is a member
of the Reformed church of Tamaqua.
Mr. Schlicher married December 25th, 1866 Sallie, daughter of
Jacob and Mary (Reader) Smith. She was born in North Coventry,
Chester county, Pa., in 1843. They have six children, viz.:
Mary E., Sarah Effie, Emma E., George M., Kate O. and Charles.
_________________
BENJAMIN HEILNER.
__________
Hon. Benjamin Heilner, for two terms (ten years) associate
judge of the Schuylkill county bench, constituted in himself a
rare example of that class of adopted citizens of which this
country has good reason to feel proud.
He was born in Memelsdorf, Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, October
17th, 1806. Having received a good education in the schools of
his native place he, at the age of sixteen, emigrated to America,
to accept a clerkship in the store of his cousin, Samuel Heilner,
then residing at Rockland, Berks county, Pa. After the lapse of
two he proceeded to Weissport, Lehigh county, Pa., where he kept
a store on his own account for eighteen months. In 1827 he left
Weissport and locate permanently at Tamaqua, where he at once
built himself a habitation in which he established what is known
as a country store. He soon afterward married Elizabeth, a
daughter of John and Mary Agatha Kerschner, who were the first
settlers of Tamaqua. Mrs. Heilner's sister, Mary Magdalene, was
the first white child born in the place, and Mrs. Heilner herself
was born there April 8th, 1812. The log house in which they
lived still exists in a state of tolerable preservation.
Mr. Heilner continued a successful mercantile business until
1851. In 1833 he entered into partnership with S. Morgenroth, in
the manufacture of blasting powder, and they continued in that
business, under the firm name of Heilner & Morgenroth, for about
twenty years, the works being situated at Owl Creek, about two
miles from Tamaqua. The mill was destroyed in 1853 by an explo-
sion, whereby two men lost their lives, and Mr. Heilner was so
deeply affected by the accident that he determined no longer to
be engaged in a business fraught with such dangerous possibili-
ties. In 1843 he became interested in the mining of anthracite
coal, an industry which at that time was just emerging from its
infancy and was yet far away from the gigantic proportions it has
since attained. In this he associated himself with Robert Rad-
cliff, operating the mine since known as the High Mines, in the
borough of Tamaqua. Soon after this he became interested with
Henry Guitermann in other mining operations at Silver Creek, and
subsequently at Coal Hill. In all these various pursuits he was
crowned with reasonable success, and secured thereby an inde-
pendent competency.
Being elected in 1861 to the office of associate judge he
disposed of his mining and other business interests and devoted
himself exclusively to the conscientious fulfillment of his
official duties as a judge of the Schuylkill County Court.
He was post-master of Tamaqua under the administrations of
Presidents Van Buren and Polk. He was president of the first
school board of Tamaqua, and a director of that board continuous-
ly until a few years before his death; being ever an earnest
friend of the public school system and neglecting no effort to
promote its usefulness and efficiency. His children are espe-
cially hopeful that he may be well remembered in connection with
his untiring devotion to the cause of public education.
___________end page 337.___________
page 338
HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
_______________________________________________________________
Judge and Mrs. Heilner were blessed with ten children, name-
ly: Louise, Isaac Newton, Zillah, Thomas J., Ada, Mary, Caro-
line, Lewis C., (since a graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapo-
lis and now lieutenant in the United States navy), Benjamin F.
and Lizzie May.
January 2nd, 1872, Mr. Heilner had an operation performed
upon himself for the removal of a tumor, which, though apparently
successful at first was soon followed by inflammation of a malig-
nant character, terminating fatally on the 23rd of May following.
It was an irreparable loss to the grief-stricken family when thus
passed away from their midst the kindest of husbands and best of
fathers; for, which he ever commanded, and deservedly so, the
highest regard of all who knew him, yet it was in his own family
where his sterling qualities and true nobility of soul were best
understood and appreciated.
Judge Heilner was by nature a scholar; a great reader always,
and most happily endowed with the faculty of remembering what he
read. His knowledge of history was most extensive, so that he
was regarded by all who knew him as reliable authority to settle
points in dispute therein. In business as well as in his social
and domestic relations he was scrupulously accurate and methodi-
cal. The good judgment and sound sense which he ever exercised
in the conduct of his daily enterprises were most conspicuously
exhibited in his official capacity as judge. It has been repeat-
edly averred to the writer of this sketch, by the most eminent
members of the Schuylkill county bar, that at no time was their
bench graced by a more dignified, more thoroughly just, yet
eminently obliging judge. He was especially rigorous and inde-
fatigable in the fulfillment at Orphans Court of testators'
wishes-endeavoring always to straighten out matters of legacy in
the shortest way, and with the least expense to those concerned.
The history of a life like that of Benjamin Heilner should
awaken the most noble aspirations in all young men; for it illus-
trates most admirably what a stout heart may achieve when moved
by honest purposes and persevering industry.
_______________
WILLIAM DONALDSON.
Among the many instances of men of foreign birth who, having
followed mining as an occupation in their native country, natu-
rally settled in the mining regions of Schuylkill county, and
who, by industry and native force of character, have acquired
fortunes and built up for themselves a reputation which has left
its impress upon the communities in which they lived, William
Donaldson is a marked example. He was born in Middleton, county
of Durham, England, December 13th, 1803. His father, John Don-
aldson, was a lead miner in that county, and was killed in the
mines there. He had two brothers and two sisters, all deceased,
except one sister, who lives in England.
Early in life William became a miner, and followed that occu-
pation while in England. His opportunities for education were
very limited. He married, January 10th, 1828, Maria F. Redfearn.
She was born in Allston, England, October 23d, 1807. Her father,
Teesdale Redfearn, was a miner in the lead mines in Allston,
County of Cumberland, England. He emigrated and settled with his
family at Tamaqua, where he worked in the coal mines, and eventu-
ally he and a son were killed while so employed.
In July, 1830, William Donaldson, with his wife and child,
took passage on an emigrant ship for America. The voyage was a
boisterous one, and occupied thirteen weeks. He landed at Phila-
delphia on a Sabbath morning. Taking a short stroll up Market
street of that city, he soon found himself in the country. The
first man he met was the Rev. Mr. Sutherland, an Episcopal cler-
gyman, whom he had known in England. On the Monday following he
took a canal boat for Pottsville, and after a week's journey
arrived at his destination. He was employed as a miner, at $3
per week, until the fall of the same year, then at Nesquehoning,
and in the early part of 1831 moved to Tamaqua, and lived in a
house on the grounds now occupied by Carter & Allen's machine
shops. For a number of years he was inside superintendent f the
Little Schuylkill Company's mines. He then engaged in mining on
his own account, at Sharp Mountain, where he built a small col-
liery, capacity about fifty tons per day. The breaker was what
was called a "coffee-mill" breaker, and was run by horse power.
He afterward leased a breaker erected by the Little Schuylkill
Company near the same place, which he worked until it was burned
down in 1854. Prior to this he had contracted with the same
company to sink a shaft 360 feet in depth, and after the breaker
was completed he took a lease of this colliery, which he contin-
ued to run until his death, which was occasioned by an explosion
of fire damp in this mine. His son, John Donaldson, was with him
at the time of the explosion, and was severely burned, but es-
caped with his life. Lingering eight days after the accident, he
died on the 20th of July, 1859.
At the time of his death Mr. Donaldson was president of the
Anthracity Bank of Tamaqua. He was the founder and principal
supporter of the Primitive Methodist church of Tamaqua. He
always took great interest in Sunday-school work, and was for
many years superintendent of the Sunday-school of his own church.
All public and benevolent enterprises found in him an earnest and
efficient friend. In his habits he was strictly temperate,
abstaining from all use of tobacco and ardent spirits. In socie-
ty he was genial and companionable; but it was within the limits
of his own family circle that his excellent qualities shone
brightest and were best appreciated.
His widow survives him, living at the old homestead in Tama-
qua. Nine children were the issue of this worthy couple, viz.:
John, born in England, November 3d, 1828; died May 26th,
1834, in Tamaqua.
Elizabeth, born October 27th, 1830, at Five Points, Schuyl-
kill county.
Margaret, born August 8th, 1832, at Tamaqua.
John, born November 24th, 1834, at Tamaqua.
Hannah, born December 14th, 1836, at Tamaqua; died at Tana-
qua, October 6th, 1862.
William F., born December 24th, 1838, at Tamaqua.
Mary A., born August 1st, 1841, at Tamaqua; died there Sep-
tember 15th, 1850.
Samuel T., born March 10th, 1844, at Tamaqua; died in Phila-
delphia, April 19th, 1879.
Maria J., born April 3d, 1847, at Tamaqua.
__________end page 338._____________
page 339
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES-DANIEL SHEPP.
______________________________________________________________
DANIEL SHEPP.
_________
Mr. Shepp was born in the city of Reading, Berks county, Pa.,
March 26th, 1830, being the fifth of the seven children of Daniel
and Elizabeth (Zachrias) Shepp.
Conrad Shepp, his grandfather, emigrated from Germany and
settled in the township of Alsace,-afterward Muhlenburg,-in that
portion of it now included in the city of Reading. He married
there a Miss Klohs, and they had six children, a son and five
daughters. coming to this country without means, he worked at
day wages until he had accumulated sufficient money to buy one
ox, his employer becoming his security for a second one, and he
drove the two to Philadelphia and thus laid the foundation for
his subsequent successful career as a drover. He eventually
purchased a farm of 100 acres, which under his management became
one of the most productive in the region. Here he raised his
family. He died in the year 1840. His wife died a number of
years before him.
Daniel Shepp, Conrad's only son, and father of the subject of
our sketch, was born February 16th, 1802. He was brought up a
farmer and drover. After the death of his father he came into
possession of the home farm. He married Elizabeth, daughter of
Daniel Zachrias. She was born September 30th, 1800. Their
children were Susannah, Elizabeth, Samuel, Rebecca, Daniel and
John. The daughters are now (1881) deceased; the sons are all
living. Daniel Shepp, sen., died march 15th, 1880. His wife
survives him and is living at the homestead.
Daniel Shepp, his son, passed his childhood at home, receiv-
ing his education in the district school of his native town,
supplemented by six month's attendance at Unionville Academy in
Chester county. In February, 1851, in company with twenty others
from Reading and vicinity, he started for California via Panama.
He engaged in gold mining while there, and after an absence of
seventeen months, during which time he had saved over and above
expenses $5,000, he reached home in August, 1852. November 1st
of that year he became bookkeeper for W.H. Chiner Co., at Mount
Laurel furnace, where he remained sixteen months. In March,
1854, he came to Tamaqua, and in company with A.W. Kauffman and
Daniel Baum built the stone flouring mill, known as the Tamaqua
Steam Mills. Under the firm name of Daniel Shepp & Co. the
business was carried on for two years. In 1856 Adam Aulthouse,
his brother-in-law, purchased Kauffman & Baum's interest, and
under the firm name of Shepp & Aulthouse the business was con-
ducted up to January, 1861. At that time Henry F. Stidfole
purchased Aulthouse's interest, and for six years the mill was
run in the name of Shepp and Stidfole. In 1867 Joseph B. Hursh
purchased Stidfole's interest, since which time the business has
been conducted under the old firm name of D. Shepp & Co. During
all of this period, except when Mr. Stidfole was a partner, Mr.
Shepp has been the sole manager of the business. On the first
day of March, 1869, in company with Conrad Graeber and John
Kempel, he purchased the lease of the Locust Gap colliery from
John W. Draper, and he has retained his interest in the property
to the present time. Both his milling and coal interests have
been successful.
For twenty-four years Mr. Shepp has been a member of the town
council of the borough of Tamaqua. This fact alone sufficiently
attests the estimation in which he is held by the citizens of
Tamaqua. During that time he has also been a member of the
special police to the borough. His efforts as an officer of the
borough to ferret out and bring to trial the murderers of Benja-
min F. Yost, his brother-in-law, made him especially obnoxious to
the Molly Maguires, and he was "marked" for one of their victims.
The subsequent arrest, trial, conviction and execution of many of
the leaders of that organization undoubtedly saved his life. The
outlaws succeeded, however, in burning his coal breaker, by which
his company incurred a loss of $25,000.
In politics Mr. Shepp has been identified with the Democratic
party. During the war of the Rebellion he was a war democrat,
and voted for President Lincoln for a second term, on the princi-
ple suggested by the latter, that "it is not well to swap horses
when crossing the stream."
He has been for many years a member of the German Reformed
church, and is an active member and a liberal supporter of that
church in Tamaqua. He is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows,
and Knights of Pythias fraternities, and of Doubleday Post of the
Grand Army of the Republic.
October 14th, 1857, Mr. Shepp married Mary Isabella, daughter
of Joshua and Susanna Boyer. Mrs. Shepp was born in McKeansburg
July 26th, 1839. They have had children as follows: Kate Olive,
Mary Rebecca, William Henry, Annie Louisa, Edward Milo, Rosa
Bella, Daniel Franklin, Bessie Fidellas, and an infant; all are
living except Kate Olive and Bessie.
__________end page 339.____________
page 340
HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
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A line drawing of
GEORGE WIGGAN
is in this position in the original book.
The page number is 340
in the
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Original text follows below the divider line.
_____________________________
George Wiggan, born in London, May 21st, 1800, was married
August 6th, 1826, at St. George's church, Hanover Square, to
Susannah, daughter of Samuel Draper, Hertford, Herts, England.
Five children were born to them, viz.: two sons and three daugh-
ters; the latter died in England and one son in Philadelphia; the
remaining eldest son, George F. Wiggan, now resides in German-
town.
George Wiggan remembers seeing, when a child, the funeral of
Lord Nelson; and was present when Sir Francis Burdett, escorted
by the King's Life guards, was taken to the Tower of London.
Prior to leaving England he had visited nearly all the prisons
and hospitals in London for benevolent purposes. He was locked
up at one time in Newgate for two hours with a number of crimi-
nals, all double ironed. The Bible was chained to the desk. He
was on a committee of St. Clement's parish to visit the homes of
misery and wretchedness about Drury Lane and Wylde street, and
assisted in relieving their temporal wants.
On the 19th of October, 1834, Mr. Wiggan, with his wife and
his son (aged six years), set sail from London in the good ship
Samson, Captain Chadwick. They arrived at New York November
25th, 1834, and put up at a boarding house near Pearl street.
The first night the father had to sit up most of the time and
keep the rats from devouring the child with a stick. The next
years occurred the great fire which destroyed millions of these
pests.
Having located his family in Philadelphia Mr. Wiggan went to
Washington to deliver letters and documents to B.F. Butler,
attorney-general of the United States, General Jackson being
President. He went by boat from Philadelphia to Baltimore, and
thence by stage over a corduroy road, arriving at Washington at
11p.m. There was no room for him at any of the hotels, so he
walked the street from the White House to the Capitol back and
forth nearly all night. At daybreak he went for breakfast to a
hotel, where he had been refused the night before, and on talking
with the landlord found that the latter had a brother in London
who was a very intimate friend of Mrs. Wiggan. The landlord gave
the traveler the best room in the house as long as he remained in
Washington. After delivering his despatches (sic) Mr. Wiggan was
introduced to the President, General Jackson, who sat down with
him by his hickory fire, and they had a long talk, Mr. Wiggan
being promised that if he would stay a position should be found
for him. He preferred
____________end page 340.____________
page 341
HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
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A line drawing of
Mrs. GEORGE WIGGAN
is in this position in the original book.
In the
TABLE OF CONTENTS
it is listed on page 341.
Original text follows the divider line.
_________________________
Mrs. GEORGE WIGGAN.
Philadelphia however, and was engaged by Edward Biddle, then
president of the Little Schuylkill Navigation Railroad and Coal
Company, to attend to their coal yard on Spruce street; afterward
he was appointed their shipping agent on the Pine street wharf.
Having united with the temperance society of Philadelphia, he
took an active part in promoting its cause. He was secretary for
three of the societies, and treasurer for one, and was appointed
one of the marshals of the first temperance parade in Philadel-
phia; Rev. S. Tyng, Rev. John Chambers, and Father Hunt were the
orators of the day, and held forth at the Chinese museum in 10th
street. January 11th, 1840, Mr. Wiggan was appointed a delegate
to the first temperance convention, held at Harrisburg. In 1836
the temperance people petitioned the council to have dippers
chained to the pumps of Philadelphia for the use of the citizens,
which was done. In 1838 Mr. Wiggan was introduced to John B.
Gough, who made his first appearance as an advocate of the tem-
perance cause in a little church on 8th street, Philadelphia.
In March, 1840, Mr. Wiggan became the Little Schuylkill Compa-
nys agent at Port Clinton. He instituted the first Sabbath
school there, and was elected and ordained an elder of the Pres-
byterian church for Tamaqua and Summit Hill churches, connected
with the Presbytery of Luzerne. He had been commissioned by the
Presbytery of Luzerne and the Presbytery of Lehigh eight times,
to represent those Presbyteries in the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church of the United States of America, the sessions
being held as follows: Baltimore, May, 1848; Charleston, S.C.,
1852; Lexington, Ky., 1857; Rochester, N.Y., 1860; Cincinnati,
O., 1867; New York City, 1869; Pittsburgh, Pa., November, 1869;
Baltimore, 1873.
In 1847 he removed from Port Clinton to Tamaqua, and went
into coal mining, establishing the firm of Wiggan & Son. In 1854
he was elected chief burgess of the borough of Tamaqua. In 1856
he was the nominee of the Republican party for associate judge
for the Court of Schuylkill county. He has been a director of
the First National Bank since its organization in 1853. In 1866
he was appointed treasurer of the Tamaqua school district, and in
1873 treasurer of the Mahanoy City Water Company, both of which
positions he now holds. For several years connected with Benja-
min Bannan and others, he took an active part in furthering the
erection of a miner's hospital for this county, which is now
being erected at Ashland.
__________end page 341.__________
page 342
REILLY TOWNSHIP.
______________________________________________________________
This township was so named in honor of Bernard Reilly, late
one of the associate judges of this county. It was formed out of
the southwestern part of Branch, and was laid out in 1856. It
was surveyed by Samuel Fisher. Its present boundaries are: on
the north Foster and Cass, on the east Branch, on the south Wayne
and Washington, and on the west Frailey. From north to south it
extends about four and a half miles, and from east to west about
four miles, and contains about eighteen square miles. Through
this township all the coal veins known in the Mine hill and Broad
mountain extend. For agricultural purposes neither the soil nor
the surface is generally well adapted. There are, however, some
portions of the township where the ground is free from stones and
otherwise tillable. No doubt the first settlers were attracted
by the appearance of these spots, and located thereon and began
clearing with the intention of farming for a livelihood. Outside
of the small patches used by the miners and workingmen as gar-
dens, in and around the colliery villages, there is now within
the limits of the township very little land under cultivation,
the former clearings being abandoned, and some of them overgrown
with scrubby pitch pines. The population of the township in 1860
was 2,900; in 1870, 1,890; and in 1880, 1,452.
Jacob Fox, his wife, two sons and two daughters, were the
first settlers of this township. They came from near Womelsdorf,
Berks county, in 1790, and located about half a miles south of
the site of Branch Dale. Their first improvement was the erec-
tion of a one-story log house. They cleared the Fox farm. The
country westward from Fox's residence is called Fox valley.
George Werner, father of Christopher Werner, who died about
1850, was a Revolutionary soldier. Peter Starr served in the war
of 1812.
At the time Jacob Fox settled here deer and other game were
plenty, and meat could be easily obtained. Shingle timber was
plenty, and flour and groceries were procured by shaving out a
load of shingles, hauling them often as far as Reading, and
exchanging them for such articles as were needed in the family.
There was no mill within many miles, and the first settlers used
to boil their wheat and eat it with milk. In 1803 Peter Starr, a
young man, a tailor, and a former acquaintance of the family of
Jacob Fox, joined them; and, in 1894, was married to Elizabeth,
the eldest daughter, and commenced housekeeping in Fox's small
log house. This was the first marriage in the township. Starr
settled not far from his father-in-law's house, and there erected
a hewed log house, and in course of time cleared about forty
acres of land. In 1804 his wife gave birth to a girl baby, who
was named Elizabeth in honor of her mother. This was the first
birth in the township. Starr raised a large family, of whom
three sons and four daughters are yet alive. Some time after the
marriage of Starr to Elizabeth Fox, George Haeffer married Susan,
the second daughter of Jacob Fox, and also commenced house-keep-
ing in the log house of Jacob Fox, and in course of time also
built a hewed log house, and cleared about twenty-five acres of
land. These three families it may be said were the earliest
settlers within the borders of this township. Many reminiscences
and stories of attack by, and hair breadth escapes from, wounded
deer, prowling wolves, wild cats and bears might be related of
grandfather Haeffer, and others.
It is said that in 1811 John Bretzius, with his family (con-
sisting of his wife, a son and several daughters) and accompanied
by some neighbors, came from Blue mountain valley in Wayne, with
several loads of household goods and some boards, via Pine Grove
and the mountain tavern to Fox valley, where at Black Horse they
unloaded the goods under two large oak trees, make a tent or
shelter of some linen cloth, laid down a floor of rouge boards
and had a regular old fashioned country dance the night of their
arrival. Bretzius, with the assistance of some of his friends,
built a one-and-a-half story log house, and for many years kept a
tavern there, which was the first in the township. Mr. Bretzius
was succeeded as "landlord" by Philip Cares; Cares by Daniel To-
bias, who built the Black Horse Hotel, which he kept many years,
and was succeeded by Beneville Witner, Abraham Evans, Thomas
Evans and John Graves. At present the house is occupied as a
dwelling.
About 1846 the first mail was carried through this township by
L.M. Gager, who drove a stage between Pottsville and Tremont. In
1848 Swatara post-office was opened, with Daniel Tobias as post-
master.
VILLAGES AND TOWNS.
The beginning of the village of Branch Dale, Muddy Branch or
Weaverstown, as it has been variously called, dates about 1836,
with the opening of the mines by Martin Weaver. It is not a
regularly laid out town; most of the houses first erected were
mere log shanties. the village received its name from being
located on the banks of the extreme western tributary of the
Schuylkill. The
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VILLAGES IN REILLY TOWNSHIP-ROADS-MINES.
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present limits of Branch Dale embrace the village formerly known
as New Mines. In the latter place there are a number of good
houses. The two places together have considerable population.
In 1875 there was a Methodist church erected here.
Ezra Cockill was the builder, and Rev. Richard Kaines was the
first preacher. The congregation numbers about 50. The village
of Branch Dale contains a post-office, one church, two public
schools, three stores, three hotels and several saloons and small
shops. Scott & Crow are the leading merchants. Robert Wier
keeps a hotel and store. In connection with a hotel Mr. Conly
also keeps a store.
Swatara Village is about two miles west of Branch Dale on
Swatara creek, a short distance south of Swatara Falls. A visit
to these falls is never a matter for regret. The water here
rushes over an almost perpendicular precipice eighty feet high,
and when the stream is swollen the roaring waters is heard a
mile. Swatara village contains a Methodist church, built in
1868, a public school-house, a hotel, kept by Alexander Griffith,
and a store, kept by Jonah Williams. It is a mining village and
contains not half the population it did ten or fifteen years ago.
A short distance west of Swatara is a small settlement known as
Tuckerville. The post-office for Swatara is kept there. Mr.
James Coffy is the post-master.
New town is situated about three miles east of Tremont and
about one mile southwest from Swatara. It is on the lands of
George Patterson. The lots were surveyed by Allen Fisher. The
original land grand of this town was by patent to Michael Kunkel
bearing date 1703. It contains two hotels, a large double public
school-house, two small stores, and several smaller shops. The
hotels are kept by John Aller and Conrad Ossman. It connection
with his hotel, Ossman keeps a small store. The first house
built in this place was erected by John P. Bettinger and was
intended for a store house. It is now the hotel of John Allen.
Soon after the commencement of the town the two Zerbey brothers,
Martin and Henry, erected a large three-story house for a hotel,
which is at present occupied as a private dwelling.
PUBLIC ROADS.
The date of the first road located in and passing through
this township is not known. The first road leading into Fox's
valley connected with the Reading and Sunbury road at the house
of Emanuel Jenkins (late Keffer's tavern) and passed between
Tremont and Donaldson, and through the township to Pottsville.
This road was never surveyed. It was first used as a log and shi-
ngle road, and was extended as necessity required. The next
road, known as the Pottsville road, from Pine Valley in Hegins
township, extended over the Broad mountain at Sherman's tavern,
and passed through this township. It was never surveyed. Simply
located by jury, with but little alteration, it is used as origi-
nally located, intersecting the Tremont road at Newtown. Another
road was made from Tuckerville to Clauser's mill in Branch
about 1841. It passes through Swatara, Branch Dale, and Muddy
Branch.
COLLIERIES.
About 1836 at "Weaverstown" (now a part of Branch Dale), Mar-
tin Weaver opened the first colliery in this township. Like many
of the past openings, his were on water level, and the producing
facilities were not on as large a scale as those of colliers
worked at the present day. Mr. Weaver however operated his
colliery for many years, employing a large number of men and
boys, and shipping a great quantity of coal. The colliery is now
abandoned and dismantled.
Some time after the opening of the Weaverstown colliery the
Forest Improvement Company opened a colliery about a mile west of
it on the Otto tract, known as the "New Mines." John Spencer also
opened and for some time operated a colliery here. It is said
that the Spencers erected all, or nearly all, the stone houses
belonging to these mines, and owing to the number of such houses
the place was very frequently called "the stone houses." The
colliery is at present known as the "Otto." These colliers were
successively worked by different operators, one of whom was
Thomas Shollenberger. Under his management the colliery became
one of the largest and most productive in the county. It is
owned and operated by the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron
company, and from its producing capacity, and for the superior
quality of its coal, is noted as one of the best in the county.
Its combined steam power is about 700 horse-power, and when in
full working order its shipments amount to about 1,250 tons per
day. About 250 men and boys are employed inside, and 150 out-
side.
About 1850 the late Samuel Fisher or Howell Fisher opened and
for some time afterward operated the Swatara colliery, about two
miles west of the Otto. Later the colliery was successively
operated by Messrs. Brown & White, Mr. Hewit and Major J. Claude
White. It is at present operated by the Philadelphia and Reading
Coal and Iron Company. Formerly this colliery produced about 150
cars per day, and employed a large number of men and boys. Its
present capacity is about 50 cars per day, and employs about 100
men and boys inside and outside. About 1850 also John B.
McCreary opened a small colliery at Swatara. This colliery was
afterward worked by James Gilfillan, but, owing to the inferiori-
ty of its coal, it was abandoned.
About 1856, Allen Fisher opened a small colliery in Sharp
Mountain, which is abandoned. There were several other small
collieries opened at various times, but, not proving remunera-
tive, they were soon abandoned.
SCHOOLS.
The first day school in this township was kept in a spring
house on the farm of William Gebert, by Peter Haupt, a German.
The German language only was taught. The only surviving pupils
are a daughter of Mr. Gebert, married to J.S. Zerbey, and Jacob
Zerbey, both residing in Ohio. The first public school was held
in a
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page 344
HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
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small house belonging to Philip Cares, about seventy-five yards
east of the Cross Keys hotel. This school was opened about 1841
or 1842. Among the successive teachers of this school may be
mentioned James Love, Isaac Betz, Nathaniel Bressler, Henry S.
Strong and Peter O. Bressler. There are still a number surviving
of the early attendants at this school. The first school-house
in the township was built about 1852, on the south side of the
public road and about one hundred and fifty yards west of the
Black Horse Hotel. Philip Cook was the first teacher in this
building, and during the term of 1852 Mr. Cook, assisted by
Abraham H. Tobias, organized the first Sunday-school, Mr. Cook
acting as superintendent.
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