Interesting Items From The Carbon Advocate, 1873-1894

When extracting vital records from The Carbon Advocate, I came across the following items that could be useful to genealogists.

Volume 2, Number 1, Saturday, November 22, 1873

A Relic. George Kemerer, of Mahoning Valley, in tearing down a chimney in an old log house, a few days ago, found an iron plate about two feet square, bearing the following inscription: das, weib. des svcht Joseph. Zv. entzvvde im. I. B. mose. 12. 6, 1749. Beneath which is a man holding a club in his uplifted hand over a woman in a recumbent position. Can any of our readers give us light in regard to this ancient plate?

Volume 2, Number 9, Saturday, January 17, 1874

Hon. Charles Albright, Congressman at large from this State, will please accept our thanks for a copy of the Congressional Directory. The following sketch of the honorable gentleman, taken from the Directory, will no doubt prove interesting to a large number of our readers: Charles Albright, of Mauch Chunk, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, December 13, 1830; was educated at Dickinson College; studied law at Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, and was admitted to the bar in 1852; in 1854 went to Kansas and participated in the early struggles of the Territory for freedom; in 1856 returned to Pennsylvania and resumed the practice of law at Mauch Chunk, where he has since resided; in 1860 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention; entered the army in 1862 as Major of the 132d Pennsylvania Volunteers; after the battle of Antietam was made Lieutenant Colonel; on February 22, 1863, was commissioned Colonel, commanding the Third Brigade, Third Division, Second Army Corps in the spring campaign and until after the battle of Chancellorsville; in June of the same year was placed in command of Camp Muhlenburg, Reading, Pennsylvania, to organize troops for emergency incident to the invasion of Pennsylvania; in July he was sent to Philadelphia to assist in enforcing the draft; In September, 1864, he was commissioned Colonel of the 202d Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and soon afterwards resigned to an independent command to protect the Orange & Alexandria, and Manassas Gap Railroads, and the outer defenses of Washington, against the raids of Mosby; in March, 1865, was promoted to Brevet Brigadier General of volunteers; after the surrender of Richmond he was sent to the command of the Lehigh military district to pacify the tumults in the mining regions; in August, 1865, he was mustered out of the service and resumed business at Mauch Chunk; in 1872 was a delegate to the Republican National Convention at Philadelphia, and was elected to the Forty-third Congress as one of the three Congressmen at large, as a Republican, receiving 360,574 votes, against 314,036 votes for Richard Vaux, Democrat.

1 Volume 2, Number 41, Saturday, August 29, 1874

Local and Personal. A correspondent informs us that N. C Strohl, of Lower Towamensing, is 73 years of age, and the father of 30 children, 23 of whom are living, the youngest being only four months old. Carbon is only a small county, but we doubt if there is any other county that can equal this production.

Volume 3, Number 19, Saturday, April 3, 1875

Two Old Veterans. In East Penn Township, this county, reside peaceably and harmoniously together, John Rehrig, who has attained the ripe old age of 93 years, and Mrs. Rehrig, his first "better half," aged 89 years. Both healthy and robust. Mr. R. faithfully provides for their support, pursuing arduous bodily labors, such as mowing, chopping wood and all other farmers' pursuits, tiresome to the youngest and most robust. His principal hobby, however, always was hunting, many a deer's life was ended from the effects of his deadly aim while following them barefooted. A peculiarity of his is never to wear boots, always broad soled and comfortable shoes. Never was known to have been sick of any account. His wife also performs well her part of the domestic duties, without any assistance; has also been healthy all her life time. Conclusively, I would add that it frequently astonishes people to learn to what an advanced age some people arrive at, but, it is oftentimes due to nothing else but their mode of living-- substantial but spare diet, their comfortable style of dress, and general department.

Volume 3, Number 34, Saturday, July 17, 1875

A Numerous Progeny. Mr. Nicholas Strohl was born and raised in Lower Towamensing township, Carbon Co. A friend of ours was down to see him some time ago. He says he is 74 years of age and is the father of 30 children, 23 living. He has his third wife. He had eight children with his first wife, and eleven with each of the other two. His youngest child is 12 months old. His oldest son is the father of 17 children with one wife. He has over 200 grand- children, and between forty and fifty great grand-children. His third and present wife was only fourteen years old when he married her. She is now thirty-three. He is hale and hearty yet and bids fair to live many years.--He has a farm of 159 acres which he works himself. He has always been a working man and has never been sick a day in his life. When he was 17 years old he, in company with some others, walked from Towamensing to near Fennersville, and back again to a trarning for one Samuel Brehlee for 50 cents--the distance each way being 29 miles. It seems he succeeded in making good citizens of his children. Our informant says that for a long distance around the old gentleman if a stranger inquires, "Who lives here?" The answer will be--Strohl-- one of Nicholas Strohl's sons or somebody married to one of his daughters.--Monroe Democrat.

Volume 4, Number 35, Saturday, July 29, 1876

An Old Bible. During a ride with our friend Dr. C. S. German, on Tuesday last, through Franklin

2 township, we called at the residence of Daniel Wentz, Esq., where we were shown a German Bible, in 2 large folio volumns, printed at Tuebingen, Germany, by John George and Christian Gattleib Cotta, in the year 1729. It is bound in parchment, with clasps and brass corners, and is in a most excellent state of preservation. He also showed us a copy of the Germantown Wochen- Blot, published on Thursday, October 26th, 1775. It is very neatly printed on two pages, 10x16 ins., and was published by Christopher Saur, at three shillings a year. The following letter will explain itself: Parryville, Pa., July 25, 1876. Mr. H. V. Morthimer, Dear Sir,--I feel sorry that I was absent from home to-day, when you and Dr. C. S. German called at my office, for I have not been absent from home more than about two hours for several weeks except to-day, for could show you another old book, which was brought from Germany by my Grandfather, John Jos. Wentz, in or about the year 1770, but part of it was torn off before I had it--it was printed MDCCLXIV, and the beginning reads as follows: "Der apostollischen histore welche (abdias Bischoff zue Babylonia) uend iuenger der apostein verfasset uend africanues aues der hebraischen in die lateineschen uebersetzet, erstes Buech--von den fuertrefflichen thaten, welchen you dem heiligen Petro, dem fuernehmsten uenter den apostln verrichted worden, uend Paulus, Andreas, Jocobi, Johannes, Matthais uend audren uend auech noch wie the ersten Christen gemorted uend gepeingt geworden sint." I have also an old prayer book which was brought from Germany by Mr. William Bicking the Grandfather of Mrs. John Painter, also Mr. John and George Schell, on or about the year 1785, but the date is also torn off. Yours Truly, Danl. Wentz.

Volume 6, Number 7, Saturday, January 12, 1878

HISTORICAL SKETCH Of the Progress of Education in Carbon County. By R. F. Hofford, Co. Supt. Carbon county was formed from parts of Monroe and Northampton, by act of Assembly of March 13, 1843. The townships of Mauch Chunk, Lausanne, Upper and Lower Towamensing and East Penn were taken from Northampton, and Penn Forest and Kidder from Monroe. It is twenty miles in length and nineteen in breadth, and contains about 330 square miles. The surface is very irregular, being traversed from north-west to south-east by numerous ridges of hills and mountains, some of which are wild and extremely picturesque in appearance. The Lehigh river divides the county into two nearly equal parts. Most of the soil is gravelly and but poorly adapted to agriculture, although much of it may, by skillful culture, be made to produce good crops. There are numerous valleys through which flow rapid streams, affording excellent water powers for mills and factories, which are, however, but little utilized for that purpose. Some of the valleys, although but small in extent, have alluvial soil and produce excellent crops. The first settlement within the limits of what is now Carbon county, was made in 1746, by the Moravians, who purchased 200 acres of land on the north side of Mahoning creek, about half a mile from its junction with the Lehigh. A number of houses were built at this place for the Indians and missionaries who labored among the Indians. The place was called Gnaden Huetten. In the same year a church was built, in which the Indians were gathered daily for prayer, they were also taught to read, the mechanic arts, and how to cultivate the soil. These were the first

3 educational efforts we have any knowledge of within the limits of the county. These efforts seemed to be very encouraging at first; but, in the course of a few years, the land became impoverished through improper treatment in cultivation. The population increased, and the soil failed to produce a supply of provisions. The old church was too small; so, after due deliberation, it was determined to change location. A site was selected on the north-east side of the Lehigh river, where Weissport now stands. The dwelling houses were removed to this place, and a new church erected in 1754. Everything went well until after Braddock's defeat, in 1755, when the whole frontier was thrown open to the hostile Indians. On the 24th of November the mission-house was surrounded by the hostile Indians, the house was burned and the inhabitants brutally murdered. In 1756, Benjamin Franklin was sent here with troops to protect the settlers. He erected a fort, which he named Fort Allen in honor of General Allen. A well, dug under Doctor Franklin's instructions to supply the fort with water, can still be seen, although in a dilapidated condition. There are many other historical reminiscences in this vicinity well worthy of notice, but the limits of this sketch will not allow. From 1757 to 1815, when the coal and lumber interests began to be developed, the educational interests were a blank. In 1755, the Gilbert family settled on a farm near Mahoning creek, and after five years of prosperity and happiness, they were surrounded by the Indians, captured and carried into captivity. In 1783, a few cabins were found scattered along in the secluded valleys of the Lehigh. With these exceptions the whole county was a dreary wilderness. Coal was discovered in 1791; and in 1792 a company was formend, called the Lehigh Coal Mine Company, and opened a mine at the summit; but as there was no demand for the coal, but little progress was made in mining until 1818, when the Lehigh Navigation Company and the Lehigh Coal Company were formed. From this time forward mining interests were rapidly developed. Capital was attracted hither, and large profits were returned on judicious investments. Along with the mining interests; lumbering claimed its share of attention. Lumber and coal had now become staple productions; the demands for them were rapidly increasing. In order to supply the increasing demand, extensive improvements became necessary, which required large numbers of miners, lumbermen, and various kinds of mechanics, book-keepers, clerks, and common laborers; labor as well as capital proved remunerative to these hardy and industrious pioneers. Towns and villages sprang up as if by magic. Many different nationalities were brought together here, and many of them illiterate. It soon became evident to the proprietors of the mines and lumber mills, that the thousands of children, who could neither work in the mines nor the mills were growing up in idleness with all its attendant vices, must be educated, or these sources of wealth would become a curse, instead of a blessing, to society. In view of these facts schools were provided for some of these children. The results of these experiments proved so successful, that, a few years later, a school house and a flourishing school were found in nearly every mining and lumbering village in the county. The houses were generally provided by the land owners or the operators, and given free of rent for school use. The teachers obtained the right to teach in these houses from the legal owners of them, or from a committee who had them in charge. The teachers had the entire control of the schools, and managed them to suit their own peculiar views, and for their services charged tuition fees, varying from $1.50 to $2.50 per quarter for each pupil. Many families connected with the mining and lumbering business had left comfortable homes in towns and cities, where ample provision was made for the education and moral culture of their children, and were willing to make their homes with their families in these wild mountain fastnesses, and in the midst of dense forests, surrounded by wild beasts of prey, rattlesnakes, and poisonous malaria arising from the swamps of the forests. They were willing to submit to all these inconveniences; but to see a generation of children growning up in ignorance, this they

4 could not bear with indifference. Some of them could send their children from home to be educated; but this would not purify the social and moral atmosphere surrounding those homes, which was more dangerous than the venom of the rattle-snake or the poisonous exhalations from the swamps. They saw the only safety consisted in providing means for the culture, not only of their own children, but also for those with whom their social and business relations would bring them in frequent contact. It is a source of much regret that no record was kept of those early and useful educational means. The first record we have of a regularly organized school was at Mauch Chunk, in 1812, in a log-house owned by the Lehigh Coal Mine Company. It was a subscription school, and only the common English branches were taught. Each pupil paid a stipulated price per quarter for tuition. In 1750, an English colony settled in East Penn, some of whose descendants are still living in the district, says the relator, "with their prejudices against the Germans intensified." But being too few in number, and too poor to maintain a school of their own choice, and refusing to give aid to German or mixed schools they were entirely without schools until 1817, when they succeeded in establishing an entirely English school. A good substantial stone-house was built near what is now called Pennsville, and a three months' term of English school was taught by Lawrence Enge, who was the first teacher in this place. He was succeeded by the following up to 1850: James Campbell, Andrew Cronican, James Wood, Godfrey Zulick, Abraham Low, Calvin Bertolette, and Oliver Musselman. In 1820, a board of school trustees was elected at a town meeting held at Summit Hill. It consisted of three memorbers, whose duty it was to provide schools, rather school-houses, for the accommodation of those who wished to send their children to school, and pay the stipulated tuition fees, which were fixed by the teacher. The following is a certificate given by the teacher to a pupil: "This is to certify that the Bearer Hannah Andreas is head of her class by her good Attention to her Book and hereby has gained the good will of her Tutor, Andrew Cronican the 30th of January, 1821." After several ineffectual attempts at Summit Hill to raise money by voluntary subscription to build a school-house the Lehigh Company then came to their relief, built a house on their own ground, and gave it to the board of trustees to hold in trust for school purposes. It was furnished with very plain furniture, long board benches and desks, a rough board table for the teacher, and an old stove--blackboards were not in use at that time. George Adams was engaged to teach the school. The branches taught were reading, writing, and arithmetic. In 1825, a school was opened in Mahoning, on the old Gnaden Huetten ground, the house was a log building, one story high, divided into two rooms, one of which was used for school and the other for church purposes. The furniture consisted of slab benches and rough board desks, with a table of the same material for the teacher. This school was kept open during the winter season for many years, and many boys attended this school, who are now among the prominent business men of the county. The property was owned by the citizens of the place and held in trust for them by a board of trustees. A school was started at Nesquehoning in 1830, on the same plan as the one mentioned above at Summit Hill. The branches taught were spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic. The programme of exercises for each day were as follows: four reading lessons, two spelling lessons, and the remaining of the time was devoted to writing and doing the sums in arithmetic. The text-books used were Comley's Primer and Spelling Book, Murray's Introduction and English Reader. The Bible was also used as a text-book. Writing was all done with quill pens, which were all prepared by the teacher. This was quite a task, especially if he chanced to have a dull knife and a large number of pens to mend. On visiting a school, it was not an unusual thing to hear a half dozen urchins call out, "Master, will you mend my pen?" The Master's reply depended very much upon the humor he was in at the time, whether it would be a

5 pleasant yes, or surly gruff, "I got no time." In these early days of Carbon county's schools, the masters did not, as a general thing, have very strong conscientious scruples against corporal punishment. In conversation with an old gentleman whose schoolboy days happened to be about that time, he remarked to me, "when I went to school, there was plenty of whipping, little studying, and less teaching." From 1825 to 1835 schools were established in different section of the county on pretty much the same plan. When it was thought necessary to start a school in a neighborhood, a town meeting was called for by the citizens, and three or five persons selected for trustees, who held their offices during good behavior, under a sort of civil service reform principal. As there were no salaries or fees connected with the office, politicians never interfered. The duty of these trustees was to raise money by voluntary subscription or contribution, select and purchase sites, superintend the erection of school-houses, and hold them in trust for school uses. As it was a difficult matter to raise a large amount of money in this way for such purposes, (the burden generally had to be borne by a few persons,) the strictest economy had to be exercised, and sites selected where they could be had for the least money, without considering the conveniece or adaptability of them for their intended uses. Consequently they were mostly poorly chosen and out-of-the-way places, hard by a public highway or upon some waste ground that oculd not be used for farming, and made no suitable play-ground. The trustees did not hire the teachers. All a person had to do who wished to become a teacher was to get permission from the trustees to use the house, and write a subscription heading, if he was able to do it; if not, he could easily find some 'squire who would do it for him according to form. This being done, he had only to fix his rate of tuition, which was from one dollar and fifty cents to two dollars and fifty cents per quarter, (three months or seventy-two days,) and secure the names of a sufficient number of children. Of course, the larger the number the better it paid; but as a financial venture, the risks were not so great as some might imagine. In those days teachers needed but little, as they generally boarded round. There were no high board bills to be met at the end of the month. If there chanced to be a tavern or grocery store within reasonable distance, they were kept, of course, by good-natured fellows, who would trust to sell to the master his drinks on "tick" for a month, or even for a quarter, knowing that the first money collected would be used in wiping out the old score, so that his credit should remain unimpaired when he wished to start anew. The children of poor parents, who were unable to pay tuition for their children when sent to school, which was very seldom, were enrolled as paupers, and their tuition collected from the county treasurer. In 1827, a school was opened in Mauch Chunk, by Mrs. Landers, of New Jersey, and another, in the same year, by Mrs. Teeple, in her own house. Spelling, reading, and writing, were the only branches taught in these schools. The furniture was of a very primitive order, consisting of slab benches and desks, all told. About the same time, a school was opened by a gentleman named Hunter, in a building owned by the Lehigh company. Mr. Hunter taught all the common English branches, and the higher mathematics, particularly, land surveying. Tuition fees were, $2.50 per quarter. This school was kept in operation until 1829, when the board of trustees obtained possession of an old slab-house, near the upper end of the town, which was fitted up and furnished with slab furniture, after the rustic order of architecture, with no blackboards, wall maps, mottoes, or any other ornaments to decorate the rough, gloomy walls, and cheer the minds of the pupils. James Nowlins, a native of Ireland, was the fortunate master who secured the honored privilege to teach first in the new school-house. He was a gentleman of fine literary attainments. This school, with its teacher, became famous as the "Alma Mater" of a large number of the prominent men of the State, among whom are the Hon. John Leisenring, Robert

6 Sayre, of the Lehigh Valley railroad; S. Roberts, of the North Penn railroad; A. Leisenring, cashier First National Bank of Mauch Chunk; R. Q. Butler, Esq., a prominent public spirited school man, and Secretary of the Mauch Chunk school board, and Rothermel, Pennsylvania's great artist and author of the great Gettysburg painting. It was a mixed school, composed of male and female pupils, numbering over a hundred, many of whom came quite a distance, thinking it quite a privilege to be permitted to sit under the teachings of so great a master. All the Common English branches, and some of the higher were taught. He would allow no dull scholars to remain in school. When he chanced to get hold of such an unfortunate one, he would tell him at once, "What God has denied you, I cannot give you; take your books, and go home." The chief instrument for inflicting punishment, was a short hickory club, with leather thongs fastened to one end, which the professor called his "taws." The relator of this, who was one of those fortunate pupils, says, "while telling this, my back itches, and the hairs on my head bristle up like a porcupine's quills, while the ghost of Jimmy Nowlins, with his "taws" in hand, seem to rise up before me." So deep and lasting were the impressions made on the minds (or, perhaps, rather on the backs) of his pupils, that after a half century has passed away, and almost everything else of those early days has passed into oblivion, they remain as fresh and vivid in the mind as if they were of but yesterday's occurrence. This school was kept in successful operation until the adoption of the public school system, in 1835. At this time the schools, generally, were in a poor condition. The houses were small, and nearly all of logs, very simple in construction. The logs were hewn on two sides, notched at the ends, and then laid up with the notched ends resting crosswise upon each other, and the chinks filled with short pieces of wood, and roughly plastered with clay mortar. The ceilings were low, and made of unplaned cullings laid upon roughly hewn joists. Light was admitted, generally, through three small windows of six or eight lights, each, eight by ten inches in size. Benches and desks were made from slabs resing upon four or six legs, the number depending on the length. No blacboards adorned the rude walls of these ancient halls of lore. The heating apparatus consisted of some old cast-off wood-burning stove, purchased from the scrap pile of some iron-monger. The wood was purchased by the teacher, and an extra charge added to the tuition fees for it. Some of the larger boys were detailed each day to cut wood for the next succeeding day. The houses were either deficient in smoke flues, or altogether without them; hence, the stove-pipe had to answer a double purpose. In order to save pipe, it was usually made to pass through the ceiling, (loft floor,) where the smoke was left to find its way out through the chinks, or be forced down into the school-room. At best, these flues were often defective, causing a poor draft, and the wood green, in consequence of which, the school-room was frequently filled with smoke, to the great annoyance of teacher and pupils. The neighbors would sometimes take advantage of this by getting the teachers to smoke their pork and beef for them in the school-house. The early settlers of East Penn and Towamensing were, with few exceptions, Germans or their descendants, and of the Lutheran and Reformed religious persuasions; and, as was their custom in those days, they built a house in connection with each church, for the use of the organist or choir leader. One room in each of these houses was fitted up for a school-room, and the organist, no matter how limited his education might be in other branches, was considered the school-master. These were called "Church Schools," and were almost entirely confined to teaching the German language, reading and writing. The books used were a primer, psalter, new testament and catechism. In 1834, when the Free School act was passed by the Legislature, there were twenty-eight schools within the limits of what is now called Carbon county. Many of the teachers employed were poorly qualified to teach. In the rural districts, the schools were kept open only three or four months in a year, and that in the winter when it was impossible for small

7 children to get to school. It was thought sufficient for girls to be able to read the psalter and catechism. As soon as that was attained they were kept home to spin and sew during winter, and to work on the farm during the summer. After the adoption of the free school system, which, be it said to the credit of the people, was soon after the passage of the act by the Legislature, the old school-houses--which were suitably located and considered fit for use--were obtained by the directors of the public schools as gifts from the people or by purchase. Progress, under the new system, was very slow. It was a new departure on which public opinion was divided. Success depended very much then, as now, upon the boards of directors in the various districts. The sparsely settled and rugged, mountainous surface of the county, made it very difficult to locate schools, so that, with a reasonable number, all could be conveniently accommodated. It required judgment, as well as nerve, on the part of the friends of the new system, to over come all these difficulties in the face of a considerable oppositior. this was, however confined chiefly to the agricultural portions of the county. "One of the first public school-houses that is to be met with in the State, outside of Philadelphia, is found at Mauch Chunk. Her schools are well managed." (Rupp's History of Carbon County.) "The people of Mauch Chunk are remarkable for their industry, enterprise, intelligence, and hospitality. A splended edifice erected at Mauch Chunk, for public school purposes, will vie with any building of the kind in the State." (Historical Collections of Pennsylvania.) In the mining and lumbering portions of the county the free system of schools grew rapidly into public favor. In 1843, when the county was organized, all the townships within its limits had adopted it, and had schools in active operation. In 1844, there were three schools in operation at the mines of Summit Hill. Nesquehoning, Rockport, Beaver Meadow, and Weatherly, all had flourishing schools. the spirit of progress seems to have caught the fire, and began to show signs of educational life in the agricultural districts, which are always slow to move. Friends of the cause were elected for directors. The townships were divided into sub- districts. Old houses were re-modeled, and new ones built where it was deemed necessary. As the population increased, new sub-districts were created, and new and improved houses erected, to meet the growing demands of the schools. The first tri-ennial convention of directors met in Mauch Chunk, on the first Monday in June, 1854, and elected J. H. Siewers, a gentleman of culture and experience in teaceing, to the office of county superintendent. Mr. Siewers was a warm friend of the public school system, and by his indomitable energy during his term of office, (three years,) did much to break down whatever prejudices existed against it, by visiting schools, giving advice to teacher, holding public meetings, and addressing the people on the importance of more liberal means for the education of the young. "We must have better houses and better teachers, if we expect to receive all the benefits contemplated by the law." At the expiration of the first three years of the county superintendency the number of free schools had increased from fifty-six to sixty-five, an increase of sixteen percentum for the term. The houses were greatly improved, and the schools more efficient in every respect. Mr. Siewers was succeeded, in 1857, by Thomas L. Foster, Esquire, a gentleman of excellent literary attainments, (a lawyer by profession). Mr. Foster held the office for two successive terms. The schools continued to improve under his supervision. He gave more attention to improvement in houses, ventilation, furniture, methods of instruction, and better classification of schools. Mr. Foster, after six years' service in the office, retired with the kindly feelings and good wishes of teachers and directors accompanying him. He was succeeded, in 1863, by the present incumbent, R. F. Hofford. The number of schools had increased from sixty-five to ninety-six, but up to this time no attention had been given to grading any of them. Mr. Foster, in his last annual report, says: "There are no graded schools in the county. The nearest approach to it is in the towns and villages. Where two

8 or more schools are required near each other, some effort is made by directors to distribute the pupils among the schools according to their advancement, but a regular system of examinations and graduations from a lower to a higher school has not been adopted. Admissions and advancements are made by orders from the secretaries, and upon recommendation from the teachers. This system is adopted in Mauch Chunk borough, part of East Mauch Chunk, at Summit Hill, Nesquehoning, Weatherly, and Beaver Meadow. The other schools are neither graded, nor, in the modern sense, classified." District institutes were held in all the districts where it was practicable. Up to this time no effort had been made to organize a county institute. In the fall of 1864, a call was issued by the county superintendent to the teachers, directors and other friends of education to meet in convention at Mauch Chunk, to adopt measures to secure a better co-operation of the educational forces of the county, which resulted in the permanent organization of a "county teachers's institute," having for its object the moral and intellectual culture of its members, and the general advancement of the educational interests of the county. It has continued to grow in favor with both teachers and directors, and has done much towards elevating the teacher's profession and inpromoting the cause of popular education. Among the noticeable signs of educational progress, may be mentioned: 1st. Improvement in school houses, furniture and school-grounds. In 1863 there were only two first-class school-houses in the county--one at Mauch Chunk and one at Rockport. Now we have two in Mauch Chunk, one at Summit Hill, one at Weatherly, one at East Mauch Chunk, one at Parryville, one at Weissport, and one at Lehighton. Packerton independent district has an excellent new brick schoolhouse, received as a present from Honorable Asa Packer; all furnished with improved patent furniture. There are also a number of very good houses, well furnished, in some of the agricultural districts. 2nd. The schools, in all the districts where it is practicable, are graded. Mauch Chunk has an excellent high school, with Professor Barber as principal. Mauch Chunk township has a central high school, which is meeting with much favor. Many school-rooms have been adorned with maps, charts, globes, mottoes, dictionaries, etc., to aid teachers and pupils in their work. 3rd. Higher culture in teachers, with improved methods of instruction. Liturature, music and drawing are beginning to receive considerable attention in some of the schools. Whatever of prejudices may have existed in the minds of men in reference to the free school system, have been dispelled by the irresistable tidal wave of light and knowledge flowing from the great free school system as its fountain source. This brief and imperfect sketch would be still more so, if I failed to say that the people of Carbon county owe a debt of lasting gratitude to such men as R. Q. Butler, Gen. John D. Bertolette, Fisher Hazard, Dr. N. B. Reber, Judge Arner, Charles Meendsen, J. J. Kemerer, Paul Kresge, the late Anthony Schneider and James Anthony, for the untiring zeal in laboring for the good of the public schools. While the public schools have had such a grand march of progress, private efforts were made, at different times, to establish schools, but have not succeeded in making them permanent. In 1832, a stock company was formed for the purpose of starting a school. The stock was sold, a house purchased and neatly fitted up for school uses, (Park Seminary,) and a lady of high literary attainments and experience in teaching employed to take charge of it. It flourished for a short time, and then closed its career for want of patronage. Several other efforts, of a similar kind, were made at Mauch Chunk, but all failed. A parochial school was opened in connection with the Episcopal church, which is still kept open, although not in a very prosperous condition. Another was opened, in connection with the Catholic church, in East Mauch Chunk, which is well patronized. in 1853, a stock company was formed at Weissport, under the title of "Carbon Academy and Normal School Association." A house was

9 purchased and remodeled into an elegant school-house, with costly furniture. Professor Eberhart, a gentleman of culture and experience in teaching, was hired to take charge of it. He was paid a monthly salary which, with the other current expenses, was to be paid from the tuition fees, which was charged and collected form each pupil; the balance of tuition was to be divided amount the stockholders in the shape of dividends. After a seemingly prosperous career of two years, an investigation of the finances of the company showed no surplus on hand to be divided, but a debt of some hundreds of dollars to be provided for. Prof. Eberhart resigned, and Pliny Porter, a man of only ordinary attainments, succeeded him. Under his management, the school was continued another year, and was then sold at public auction for the debts. R. F. Hofford became the purchaser. The house was refitted, and school opened May 1, 1867, with ten pupils. It gradually gained in favor with the people, and its patronage rapidly increased. An additional teacher was employed. In 1862 the building was destroyed by the freshet in the Lehigh river, and rebuilt the same year in Lehighton. In 1867, the late A. S. Christine became proprietor. He was a gentleman of superior abilities, and the school continued its prosperous and useful career until June 1868, when, to the regret of its patrons and educators in general through the county, it was closed by the death of Prof. Christine. Several attempts have since been made to re- establish it, but all failed. There are no academies or any other schools, and never have been, in the county, that received State aid. For much of the above information I am under obligations to the following gentlemen: Major Robert Klotz, R. Q. Butler, Thomas Kemerer, Lewis Haney, Henry Boyer and Charles Nimson, Esquires.

Local and Personal. Mr. Dennis Gallagher of Yorktown, says he is one hundred and four years of age. Recollects well the days and times of Ninety-eight, and other revolutionary eras in Ireland. The old gentleman is yet healthy and lively and as full of frolic as a young of twenty; and gives promise of living for some years to come. He furnished one son for the Union who was killed at the Wilderness. About two years ago Mr. G. applied to the government for pension, and found that for twelve years somebody had been drawing from the government the pension which he ought to get.--Hazleton Sentinel.

Volume 6, Number 50, Saturday, November 9, 1878

An Old God's Acre. It is always interesting to call up the past, to remember our fore-fathers and to visit their places of slumber and rest. Such an Acre of God is opposite the farm house upon the hill on the farm of Mrs. M. Guth in Franklin township. This God's Acre was long since ploughed by the hand of Death, and sown in its furrows--graves. The seed of the future resurrection. This burial ground is not cultivated. This is right and proper. It is the acre of God. It belongs to Him. In it is sown the seed from which shall spring a new and spiritual life. No tombstone or monument marks the resting place of the silent dead. No marks of the age of this place can be noticed, yet we may safely place the date before the year 1841. Since the year 1841 the Big Creek people have a church building and church yard. In the above named year was organized the St. Paul's Reformed and Lutheran Congregation, now commonly known as the Big Creek Church. Here are some of the names of those persons who sleep in this old grave yard. These names were given me by Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Solt, now living in their old

10 homestead, about a half mile from this city of the dead: viz: Jacob Solt, father of the Jacob Solt who gave me this information; Jacob Solt, Sr's., mother: Jacob Solt, Jr's., brothers, viz: Conrad, John, Paul and Daniel; Lewis Schnell; Daniel Arner's wife, sister to Jacob Solt, Jr., also her child; John Arner and Mrs. Read of Weissport and Mrs. Dr. German of Lehighton are brother and sisters to this young child buried here. Also, Mrs. Dan. Solt, Jacob Solt Sr's., brother's wife. many more are here slumbering their last sleep until the twilight of the Sun of Righteousness shall dawn upon the eternal eastern hills arousing the sleeping from their slumbers to enter upon the eternal day of joy or sorrow. J. E. F.

Volume 6, Number 52, Saturday, November 23, 1878

East Penn Dots. The oldest house in this vicinity, and perhaps in Carbon county, is standing on the farm known as Jacob's Rehrig's; it has the date of 1767.

Volume 7, Number 2, Saturday, December 7, 1878

Local and Personal. History records the fact that this county was very early settled by white people. The log house, now occupid by Nathan Gauber, in Mahoning Valley, stands within a few feet of the site of the old Gilbert house, which was, with its inhabitants, so mercilessly destroyed by the Indians on the 24th day of November, 1755. As this house was erected shortly after the destruction of the Gilbert house, (probably in the same year), it is now 123 years old. It may also be of interest to the reader to note that the lock and key with a rude piece of chain attached has been dug out of the old ruins, and it is no doubt the identical lock and chain that so successfully barred the door against the red men, until they applied the torch to the building.

Volume 7, Number 25, Saturday, May 17, 1879

REMINISCENCES. Lehighton, 125 Years Ago. The lover of the beautiful and sublime in nature will find a mental feast, any fine day just now, when the breath of spring is infusing new life into everything, to climb to the top of the Mahoning mountain. After threading along upon the table-like top admiring the peaceful and fertile farms that dot its southern slope, and glances at the serpentine river and creek that flow at its base, let him return to some prominent peak overlooking the Lehigh river and Mahoning creek, and there pause to drink in the entransing panorama spread out in front and upon either hand. Away to the north and northwest the bold and rugged spurs of the Broad mountain, with intervening valleys, seem to undulate like the billows of the storm-troubled ocean to the north- east, with the borough of Weissport in the foreground lies the hill, swamp and forest-clad Franklin township and the Towamensing (wilderness). It is not hard for the poetic imagination to picture in the latter still the home of the "Hermit of the Blue Mountains." After the massacre of Wyoming on the 3d of July, 1778, the refugees hither called this locality the "Great Swamp, or, Shades of Death," a name which it has well sustained in the politics of Carbon County, in latter days; for, many a hopeful aspirant for official honors and emoluments, has read his political

11 death-warrant in the election returns from Towamensing. After tracing the irregular line made by the looming Blue Ridge against the eastern horizon we will descend into the Mahoning valley, for the purpose of taking a local "look round." In the western suburbs of Lehighton is what should be the famous "Mineral spring," the sparkling waters of which are said to possess a health-giving quality for many physical infirmities. Its medical virtues were known to the Indians, who called it the "Spring of the Healing Waters." A short distance away is the site of the tragic Gnaden-Huetten, (Tents of Grace, or more literal perhaps, Mercy Huts, or Mission House). Here, in 1746 was made the first effort to plant a white colony above the Blue mountains, among the Bear mountain tribe of the war-like Delawares. The effort was made by Moravian missionaries who had successfully established a colony at Bethlehem. In 1742 Count Zingendorf ascended the Lehigh with two friendly Indians, who had been converted to christianity, as interpreters, and near the present site of Heilman's mill held a parley with some of the Indians who hunting-grounds were the Mahoning valley and adjascent mountains. They smoked the pipe of peace with this intrepid missionery, and from thence forward, as the colony at Bethlehem gathered strength from the influx of immigration they pushed forward their efforts to convert the Indians in this direction. It was four years, however, before they established a mission house at Gnaden Huette, a providential circumstance favoring this measure. About 40 of the Mohegan Indians, who had been converted to Christianity through the instrumentality of Henry Rauch, at Shekomeko, near Connectict, fled from prosecution to the brethren at Bethlehem. And these were sent forward to plant the Standard of Peace at Gnaden-Huetten. With these mutual friends at the outpost the colony at Bethlehem began to extend its way up the Lehigh valley. These efforts were rewarded with great success. Their relations with the Indians had been of a most amicable character, and prosperous farms dotted the Lehigh valley and its tributaries, the results of seven years effort; and the congregation composed of Indians and colonists who worshipped at Gnaden-Huetten numbered 500 or more. But in the meantime the French and English became embroiled in a war over rights which each claimed in the American Colonies, and each sought an alliance with the Indians. After the disastrious defeat of the ill-fated Gen. Braddock, on the 9th of July, 1755, the French, flushed with victory, sent emissaries to the frontiers in various directions, and by appealing to the prejudices of the Indians, and by false promises, incited the aboriginees to insurrection against the border colonists. A portion of the tribes in the Mahoning felt some jealousy at the influence which the Moravian missionaries exercised over some of their people, taken in connection with some old feuds growing out of the sale of their lands to their astute pale-face brothers, and on the evening of the 24th of November, a band of painted warriors fell upon the peaceful and God- fearing little settlement at Gnaden-Huetten, shot and tomahawked eleven men, women and children, and burned every house in the little hamlet to the ground. Those who escaped the terrors of that night fled across the Lehigh to New Gnaden-Huetten--now Weissport--where the year before another mission house was erected, and where the Mohegans, before referred to, and other friendly Indians, had been removed. Of this fearful massacre--this shedding of innocent blood--a mound in Gnaden-Huetten cemetery upon which rests a blue-gray marble slab placed there in 1788, and a small white obelisk on a red sandstone base and granite sub-base, the work of a more recent date, tell in brief the sad story. The inscriptions on the slab says: To the memory of Gottlieb and Christiana Anders, with their child Johanna; Martin and Susanna Fishman; Ann Catharine Senseman, Leonard Gattermyer, Christian Fabricus, clerk; George Schweigert, John Frederick Lesley, and Martin Presser, who lived at Gnaden-Huetten unto the Lord, and lost their lives in a surprise from Indian warriors, November the 24th, 1755.

12 "precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of his saints."--Psalms cxvi. 15. The inscription on the marble obelisk reads: To honor and perpetuate the remembrance of the Moravian martyrs whose ashes are gathered at its base, this monument is erected. With the exception of Christian Fabricus who was shot while attempting to escape and scalped, the bodies of all the other martyrs were consumed in the burning buildings, some of the unfortunates being charred alive in the upper story of one of the houses whither they had sought refuge from the yelling red fiends. From 24th of Nov. to the 1st of Jan, 1756, a reign of terror pervaded this section. The Moravians were opposed to war measures on principle, and were therefore totally unprepared to protect themselves against the nightly assaults of the blood-thirsty Delawares upon their homes. Robt. H. Morris, Governor of the Pennsylvania colony, was appealed to for assistance. He commissioned Benjamin Franklin, who with a force of 560 men preceeded to Bethlehem to protect the northwestern frontier. He divided this force into three division, and with one of them he proceeded to the distressed people of Gnaden-Huetten. In his autobiography, he says of his arrival here, the first of January, 1756: "Our first work was to bury more effectually the dead we found there, who had been half interred by the country people." Of his further labors here we shall have occasion to speak more at length next week, in an article on the early settlement of Weissport. Such was Lehighton in embryo, 125 years ago. Such the struggles to open the roads to the wealth which generations since have reaped in the Lehigh Valley. How little our progenitors knew for what they were really struggling? And future generations may say the same of us; for there is an immensity in nature's provisions for man's comfort that should put to shame his short- sighted cupidity.

Volume 7, Number 26, Saturday, May 24, 1879

NEW GNADEN-HUETTEN Weissport 125 Years Ago. All the motives that impelled the Moravian colonists at Gnaden-Huetten to remove the Indians who were living in community with them to the east side of the Lehigh in the spring of 1754, is now lost in the debris of years. It was said that the land at Gnaden Huetten had become so much impoverished as to necessitate this change. This must have been a mistake; there must have been other reasons paramount to this for dividing the Indian and white portions of the community. The settlement at Gnaden-Huetten was eminently prosperous, and had become an important trading post; and besides this, Nathan Dunkle had built a grist and saw mill on Mahoning creek near where Heilman's mill now stands. But the times had now become troubulous and war-threatening. Independent of the English and French war raging on the Susquehanna there were dissentions and bickering among the Indians themselves, and especially a feud between the Delawares and the Five Nations. In the commencement of 1754, a young white man having murdered the peaceable old chief Tattemi, that astute diplomat and Quaker Indian, Tadeuskund, was chosen leader and King of the Delawares. Tadeuskund had been converted to Christianity and babtised; and his chief purpose was to preserve an equilibrium of peace between the white colonists and his own people, and it is likely he saw in this peaceful living together of whites and Indians at Gnaden-Huetten a serious cause for jealousy among the tribes outside, and so arranged with Bishop Spangeberg at Bethlehem to bring about this separation. And thus was established New Gnaden-Huetten, now Weissport.

13 In the removal of the Indians were kindly assisted by the congregations at Bethlehem, Nazareth, Christianbrunn, and Gnadenthal who furnished not only workmen and materials, but even contributions in money. Unanimity and diligence contributed so much towards the progress of this work, that the first twenty houses were inhabited by the 4th, and the foundation stone of the new chapel laid on the 11th of June. Bishop Spangenberg offered up a most fervent prayer, and delivered a powerful discourse on this solemn occasion. The houses were soon after completed, and a regulation made in all the families, for the children, of each sex, to be properly taken care of. The dwellings were placed in such order that the Mohegans lived on one side of the street and the Delawares on the other side. The brethern at Bethlehem took the culture of the old land on the Mahoning, upon themselves, made a plantation of it for the use of the Indian congregation, and converted the old chapel into a dwelling, both for the use of those brethern and sisters who had the care of the plantations, and for missionaries passing on their visits to the heathen. A synod was held in New Gnaden-Huetten, from the 6th to the 11th of August, 1754, and the chapel consecrated. Many Indian assistants were invited to this synod, the chief intention being maturely to consider the situation of the Indian mission. But despite these efforts, as described in our article last week, French emissaries incited a massacre at Gnaden-Huetten on the 24th of Nov. in the following year, which, for the nounce set at naught Tadeuskund's pacific policy, "let slip the dogs of war," and converted the northwestern frontier into a scene of bloodshed and destruction. With a force of 120 men Benjamin Franklin, by commission from the Governor of the Pennsylvain colony came to assist the distressed people of Gnaden-Huetten. In his autobiography Franklin describes his march from Bethlehem through the rain, the night spent at Uplinger's farm near Lehigh Gap, his arrival here on the afternoon of the 18th of January, 1756, and his subsequent building of Fort Allen. he says: "The next day being fair, we continued our march, and arrived at the desolated Gnaden- Huetten. There was a mill near, round which were left several pine boards, with which we soon hutted ourselves; an operation the more necessary at that inclement season, as we had no tents. The next morning our fort was planned and marked out, the circumference measuring four hundred and fifty-five feet, which would require as many palisades to be made, one with an other, of a foot diameter each. Our axes, of which we had seventy, were immediately set to work to cut down trees; and, our men being dexterous in the use of them, great dispatch was made. Each pine made three palisades of eighteen feet long, pointed at one end. While these were preparing, our other men dug a trench all round, of three feet deep, in which the palisades were to be planted; and, the bodies being taken off our wagons, and the fore and hind wheels separated by taking out the pin which united the two parts of the perch, we had ten carriages, with two horses each, to bring the palisades from the woods to the spot. When they were set up, our carpenters built a platform of boards all round within, about six feet high, for the men to stand on when to fire through the loopholes. We had one swivel gun, which we mounted on one of the angles, and fired it as soon as fixed, to let the Indians know, if any were within hearing, that we had such pieces; and thus our fort, if that name may be given to so miserable a stockade, was finished in a week though it rained so hard every other day, that the men could not work. This gave me occasion to observe, that, when men are employed, they are best contented; for on the days they worked they were good natured and cheerful, and, with the consciousness of having done a good day's work, they spent the evening jollily; but on our idle days they were mutinous and quarrelsome, finding fault with the pork, the bread, &c., and were continually in bad humor; which put me in mind of a sea captain, whose rule it was to keep his men constantly at work; and, when his mate once told him that they had done everything, and there was nothing further to employ them about: "N," said he, "make them scour the anchor." This kind of fort, however

14 contemptible, is a sufficient defense against Indians, who have no cannon. Finding ourselves now posted securely, and having a place to retreat to on occasion, we ventured out in parties to scour the adjascent country. We met with no Indians, but we found the places on the neighboring hills, where they had lain to watch our proceedings. I had hardly finished this business, and got my fort well stored with provisions, when I received a letter from the governor, acquainting me, that he had called the Assembly, and wished my attendance there, if the posture of affairs on the frontiers was such that my remaining there was no longer necessary. My friends, too, of the Assembly, pressing me by their letters to be, if possible, at the meeting; and, my three intended forts being now completed, and the inhabitants contented to remain on their farms, under that protection, I resolved to return; the more willingly, as a New England officer, Colonel Clapham, experienced in Indian war being on a visit to our establishment, consented to accept the command. I gave him a commission, and, parading the garrison, had it read before them; and introduced him to them as an officer, who from his skill in military affairs, was much more fit to command them than myself; and, giving them a little exhortation, took my leave. I was escorted as far as Bethlehem, where I rested a few days to recover from the fatigue I had undergone. The first night, lying in a good bed, I could hardly sleep, it was so different from my hard lodging on the floor of a hut at Gnaden-Huetten, with only a blanket or two." Fort Allen was so named by Franklin in honor of his old friend, Chief-Justice Wm. Allen whose son at a later date laid out the city of Allentown. Immediately on his return to Philadelphia, Franklin caused an additional cannon to be added to the armament of Fort Allen. The fort was a quadrangle; the two walls running north and south were 100 feet; those east and west 120 feet. At the northeast and southwest corners were added two angles with loophole so constructed as to enable the garrison, in case of attack, to enfilade the four sides of the stockade with the two cannon. Inside the fort were suitable barracks and an excellent well to supply the garrison and others seeking refuge there with shelter and water. This fort was one of a line of frontier defenses extending from the Susquehanna, near Lancaster, to the Delaware Water Gap. The wisdom of Franklin in locating Fort Allen is characteristic of the man. It effectually barricaded the Indian trails up and down the Lehigh; and in the after years of Indian atrocities and troubles along the borders, it is a voucher of the dread they had of it that they never attacked Fort Allen, but always gave it a wide berth. Up to the building of Fort Allen, efforts to colonize that portion of Northampton county now included within the limites of Carbon, had been confined to the Moravian brethren at Bethlehem, except, perhaps, a few emigrants from New York who had a few emigrants from New York who had taken up farms in the valley of Poho Poco creek. But the massacre at Gnaden-Huetten and the continued war-like attitude of the Indians very much discouraged the colonists here, whose houses had been destroyed and their stock stolen and carried away; and a serious check was this put upon emigration hither. In the meantime Tadeuskund continued his misnamed peace-policy with the whites and his ceaseless intrigues to retrieve for the Delawares the position in the Six Nations which the Iroquois had despoiled them of under Tattemi. His policy, far from bringing peace, formented continual trouble and bloodshed along the frontier, while his intribgues caused his sincerity to be distrusted by the whites and to be watched by his own people and envied by neighboring tribes. He never tired of "kindling the council fires" with the whites at Easton; was vain of his title of "King of the Delawares;" delighted to be called the "War Trumpet," when passing to and fro among his people, and breasted the storm of opposition to himself by his intrepid manhood, innate cunning, enthusiasm and eloquence. Had he been less fond of the fatal "fire water" which finally brought him to an untimely end at his home in Wyoming, he might have consummated the

15 central ambition of his life in being dubbed King of the Six Nations, and a valuable ally to the Pennsylvania colony. But surrounded as he was, with enemies, Tadeuskund could not escape the fate that had long been intended for him. In the spring of 1763, when the European nations had made peace, but the Indians were still at war, he was burnt up, together with his house, as he was lying in his bed asleep. A number of Indians were witnesses to the fact that the house was set on fire from the outside. Suspicion fell principally upon the Mingoes, who were known to be jealous of him, and fearful of his resentment, if he should succeed in insinuating himself into the favor of the English, and making good terms with them for his nation. His greatest weakness was a fondness for strong drinks, the temptation of which he could not easily resist, and would sometimes drink to excess. This unfortunate propensity is supposed to have been the cause of his cruel and untimely death. Of the old fort at Weissport there remains at this date no landmark except the old well. This, though unused for a number of years, is still in a perfect state of preservation, contains five or six feet of chrystal water; and the circular stone curbing is as compact now as the day it was put there under the supervision of its philophic architect. The question of fitting up this old well as a place of popular resort, on account of its historic associations, is now being agitated, and it is hoped it will be done. That the valleys and hills in this vicinity were extensive hunting grounds of the red man whose race is fast becoming a matter of history, the numerous imperishable relics which are found at almost every hand's turn, abundantly testify. H. V. Morthimer, Jr., son of the publisher of the Advocate, has interested himself in a collection of these relics, having a hundred or more of arrow and spear-heads of various designs, tomahawks, war-clubs, etc. One of these, a large war-club, has the top broken off, probable in conflict; has an unmistable bloodstain upon one side of it, which had become indelibly impressed into the stone. It was picked up near the mouth of Poho Poco creek a few years ago.

Volume 7, Number 37, Saturday, August 9, 1879

Local and Personal. About six miles from Weissport, in this county, live three old people, a brother and two sisters, who are remarkable in severl particulars. They are named Abraham, Barbara, and Maria Heibner, and strange to say neither of them have ever ventured to slip into the hymenial noose. Barbara is eighty-six years, Abraham seventy-seven, and Maria seventy- four. They are plain, honest old Pennsylvanians, care little for the turmoils of the great world beyond their humble home, and await patiently for the call that will end their earthly pilgrimage.

Volume 7, Number 38, Saturday, August 16, 1879

Local and Personal. Christian Freeby now resident in East Penn township, was born in Germany, on Christmas day 1777, and was, therefore, 101 years old on his last birthday. He has been a widower for the past 18 years. His married life was blessed with 12 children, 6 girls and 6 boys, eight of whom are still living--3 girls and 1 boy having died. Mr. Freeby is a forgeman by occupation, and until quite recently has been in the habit of visiting this borough, on foot, to purchase supplies, &c. Next old residenter?

16 Volume 7, Number 46, Saturday, October 11, 1879

Big Creek Items. Peter Beltz, of Walcksville, is one of the oldest citizens of Franklin--he is, since April last, in his 85th years. Mr. Beltz formerly resided near this place, and is well-known throughout these part and highly respected.

Volume 8, Number 18, March 27, 1880

Biographical Sketch of Hon. R. Klotz. We find the following interesting sketch of our member of Congress, Hon. Robert Klotz, in the National Free Press, of the 20th inst., published at Washington, D. C. It will no doubt be read with much interest by his numerous friends in this section: Hon. Robert Klotz, of Pennsylvania, son of Christian and Elizabeth (nee MacDaniel) Klotz, was born in Northampton (now Carbon) county, Pa., October 27, 1819. He received only such education as the winter country schools afforded, except six months at a private school in Easton, after he was 23. He utilized his spare opportunities so successfully that at the age of 24 he was elected the first Register and Recorder of Carbon county. In 1846 he went to the Mexican war as lieutenant of company K. Second Pa. volunteers, and was afterwards made adjutant of same regiment, under col. John W. Geary, serving at Vera Cruz, first and second battles of Cerro Gordo, at the National Bridge, Huamantla (where Walker fell) and at Puebla (to relieve Col. Reilly, who was surrounded by Santa Ann's forces), and in other engagements. In the engagement at the second battle of Cerro Gordo he is honorably mentioned in the War Department Records, No. 411, by the commanding officer in that affair, and to his experience and enthusiasm is due mainly the success, as is alleged by the officers and men in the warm engagement of the National Bridge, 15th of August, 1847. Lt. Alonzo Loring, of Wheeling, Va., who served with him in that memorable charge, is well known to the writer, and is also honorably mentioned in the War Records. It was here that Lt. Klotz was placed under arrest for disobedience of orders--the disobedience consisting in himself and Lt. George D. Twiggs refusing to obey orders to spike their cannon--which they two were manning--and retreat. Klotz's reply was, "------, I didn't come to Mexico to spike cannon." Poor Twiggs had just fallen at the peace. Klotz was relieved the next morning, and sent with the command to dislodge the enemy at the affair at Cerro Gordo. On his return home, in 1848, he was elected to the Pennsylvania Legislature, and re elected in 1849. In 1854 he removed to Kansas, by especial invitation of Gov. Reeder, located the town of Pawnee, and was elected president of its building association. he helped to build the first hotel in Leavenworth--the old Shawnee House--in the fall of 1854, and in 1855 built the first hotel in Western Kansas, at Pawnee. This house was the stopping place of both parties to the celebrated Free State discussions in Kansas in those early days, and in lively controversy frequently met around his hospitable board Jim Lane, Reeder, Stringfellow, Woodson, Atchison, Conway, Gen. Coffee, and all the leading spirits of the then struggling territory of Kansas, when the first session of the Legislature adjourned from Shawnee Mission to Pawnee. He was a member of the Topeka Convention, being the first signer of that constitution, and after its adoption was appointed, as a Democrat, Secretary of State, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the absence of Hon. Philip C. Schuyler, under Governor Robinson's administration. In 1856 he was one of the celebrated "Committee of Safety" to protect the State from invasion, and was appointed brigadier general of the State troops at Lawrence, where he was associated with major G. W. Dietzler, Gaius Jenkins, Gov. Charles Robinson and others.

17 He was one of the important factors in the selection of Topeka as the capital of the State, having by his personal influence carried the entire western portion of Kansas in favor of that place, and other important measures then pending. He returned to his native State, and in 1859 was elected treasurer of Carbon county. At the breaking out of the rebellion, in 1861, he enlisted in the United States service and served three months under General Patterson, and in 1862 was made colonel of the Nineteenth Pennsylvania regiment, serving, among other places, at Chambersburg "in the emergency." Mr. Klotz has been a busy man all his married life, having had constantly on hand from one to half a dozen commercial enterprises. At present he is one of the trustees of the Lehigh University, at Bethlehem, one of the board of managers of the Laflin & Rand Powder Company, of New York, besides having various commercial, mining and financial enterprises under his supervision and presidency. One of the Mexican veterans himself, and one of the vice presidents for Pennsylvania of the "National Association of Mexican Veterans" ever since its organization, he has evidenced his interest in the welfare of his old comrades by his ceaseless activity in their behalf, in and out of Congress. During the extra session of the Forty-sixth Congress he prepared and introduced a bill for pensioning surviving soldiers, or the families of deceased soldiers, of the Mexican war. The bill was referred to the Committee on Pensions, who, during the present session, have presented a bill embodying its main lectures. His chief legislative efforts have been to benefit the soldiers of the United States, as, indeed, have all his activites been engaged in any capacity he has filled. Mr. Klotz has ever been a staunch Democrat, although personally popular and trusted by all parties. As a Democrat he was elected to the Forty-sixth Congress from the eleventh Pennsylvania district, in one of its most hotly contested political battles, receiving 8,211 votes, against 8,116 for the Republican, 5,173 for the Greenback, and 4,345 for the Independent Democratic candidate. As a congressman he is bold, practical and industrious, more of a worker than a speaker, and respected for his sound, practical views. He is on the Committee on Mines and Mining, having in their charge the mineral developements of the great West; also on the Committee of District of Columbia, one of the most important and hence most laborious committees in Congress, his well known characteristics of industry, practicability and unswerving fidelity being the inducements to his appointment thereon.

Volume 8, Number 38, Saturday, August 14, 1880

Our Weatherly Specials. The late Wm. H. Wilson father of our townsman E. C. Wilson, located at Beaver Meadow in 1826 and was considered good authority in the primitive coal history of that section. From a statement made by him we learn that the first coal was mined at that place by Nathan Beach and was hauled by them to adjacent districts in Columbia county and then sold. About the year 1824, it was transported by team over Broad Mountain to the old Landing Tavern, one mile north of Mauch Chunk, on the Lehigh river, and thence conveyed in arks to Philadelphia where it was sold for $8 per ton, the arks being disposed of for what they would bring. The cost of hauling from Beaver Meadow to the Landing was $2.25 per ton.

Volume 9, Number 45, Saturday, October 1, 1881

The Democratic Nominees.

18 Associate Judge Harry Eldred Packer.--This young and popular Democrat was born at Mauch Chunk in 1850, and in every respect may be considered a representative Carbon county man. He is bright as a dollar, a graduate of Lehigh University, and possesses the qualities of firmness and sound judgment to a greater extent than many an older head. He is Vice-President of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and so popular among the people from his liberality and modest demeanor, that our Republican friends, finding that his nomination meant an election, gracefully endorsed him on their ticket, their party leaders at Mauch Chunk having of late years changed their tactics somewhat, concluding that it was a wise thing not to drive this young gentleman with his large interests away from the county as they had his esteemed father, the Hon. Asa Packer, by continuous shabby treatment. Mr. Packer is a chip from the Yankee stock, a representative of the young Democracy and will wear the judicial ermine quite fitting the son of the first Associate Judge of this county. He is heart and soul for the whole ticket, and will use all honest endeavors for its success.

Treasurer. Samuel Rickert--Of Summit Hill, a successful railroader, mechanic and merchant, about 45 years old, in the prime of life, careful, honest, upright, sober and industrious, of Pennsylvania Dutch stock, a good accountant, and having managed his own affairs in the past, is the man to entrust with the county's finances. He at present conducts a large stove and tin ware store, and at the end of each day retires to rest at peace with the world, with his account books posted and balanced. He will without doubt make a strong run throughout the county.

Register and Recorder. Henry E. Swartz--Is a representative type of the sturdy German element of our county having commenced his life in the backwoods of Kidder township as a wood chopper and lumberman. At the breaking out of the war he joined the famous Bucktail Rifles, one of the bravest in the field, and was promoted for meritorious conduct. Having a thorough German and English Education, he taught school for a number of years, until he accepted the clerkship of the County Commissioners. He is warm-hearted and sociable to a fault, and without doubt one of the most rapid and best penmen in the county. He speaks, reads and writes German as well as translates it readily into English, and will keep the books and records of the Register and Recorder's office in an accurate and first-class condition. Captain Swartz is in the prime of life-- is a man of large family and in humble circumstances, but has hosts of friends who will see to it that he is elected.

County Commissioners. J. J. Gallagher--Is an intelligent representative of the Irish miner and laborer, having served a full apprenticeship in this dangerous vocation for years in the mines near Beaver Meadow, in this county. He is honest and liberal in every respect, and has for years been a strict teetotaler. He is about forty-five years old and was nominated three years ago by the Democrats for County Commissioner, and through prejudice in the county, although he was cut some 350 votes and lost 50 more by the misprinting of his name on some of the tickets, yet he ran so well that he had the largest majority of the three Commissioners. Since holding this office, he has been the controlling spirit of the Board and as such has proven himself careful, practical, honest and judicious, and has made as acceptable a Commissioner as the county ever had. During his term the tax valuation of the miner, laborer, mechanic and railroader have been rduced from 50

19 to 100 percent, from their previous valuations; the county tax rate that notwithstanding the hard time was 10 and 15 mills on the dollar, is now only 8 mills; important surveys of the bounddry lines between Carbon and Luzerne and Carbon and Schuylkill counties were made at his instance; several new county bridges were built and the old ones placed in capital repair; the county buildings put in the best repair, and the Court House, which for years and especially in winter was almost untenable, judges and jurymen often getting sick, and Judge Dreher being compelled to sit over hot bricks and attorneys with their legs enveloped in buffalo robes to keep comfortable, the whole building has been put in such an improved condition that the new Court House agitation is now a thing of the past; doing all this, after reducing the interest on the bonds from 8 to 6 per cent. Notwithstanding the county property is in better condition than it has been for 20 years, our county is virtually out of debt, with an assessment tax valuation lower than any county in the State. Mr. Gallagher, having more than stood the old Jeffersonian test of "honesty and fitness," should be re-elected by an overwhelming majority--a just tribute to the peoples faithful servant Edwin Sensinger--The second candidate for County Commissioner, is a thriving and well-to-do farmer of Franklin township, and a good representative of the honest, old Pennsylvania Dutch farming interests. He is honest and upright, careful and prudent, and like old Davy Crockett, "is always sure he is right before he goes ahead." In years he is past forty, and with his farming and business experience, and reputation, will poll an unusually large vote, for in him all have full confidence.

Auditors. Samuel Zeigenfuss--A prominent farmer and successful merchant, of Millport, Lower Towamensing township, and at present Justice of the Peace, has been selected as one of the candidates, and a better choice could not have been made. Mr. Zeigenfuss is known throughout the lower part of the county for his honesty and exactness, having been brought up to add up a column of figures twice before he puts down the result, and if anyone else does the computing, to always go over the figures himself before he sais "yes." With him is J. W. Hunter, Esq., a practical farm and retired merchant, of Weatherly, of English extraction, who likewise is a Justice of the Peace, and for carefulness and fairness is well known throughout his neighborhood, and taken together, these men are the right men for the right places.

Volume 10, Number 10, Saturday, January 28, 1882

Old Town and Old People. Through the kindness of Mr. J. C. F. Snyder, more commonly known as 'Cheap John' we were Thursday treated to a sleigh ride, and a visit to our old friends at Beaver Meadow. We found the "oldest coal town in Pennsylvania" just where it always was, and strange to say, met the familiar faces we saw there on our first visit, which was many years ago. In making inquiry about those we did not see Thursday we ascertained that, like the town, they were "old but still solid." As a matter of interest to our readers we give the ages of a few of Beaver Meadow's old residents who are still in the land of the living, and enjoying good health and the average of their ages will prove to be a healthy town. Mr. N. R. Penrose heads the list at the ripe old age of 81; John Roderick next, at 77; then follows, Henry Smauch at 72; Peter Gensel at 70: Charley Britton, 71; John B. Tweedle, 70; Jas. McClosky, 70; John Fry, 67; Sam Van Horn, 60; Chas. Scrimshaw, 60; Robert Allen, 60; with Steve Meixwell, the youngest of the "old ones" at 59. Twelve men healthy, sound, hearty and all hard working men whose ages

20 aggregate 796 the average being 66 1/2 years. We doubt if any town in the state, of the same size, can make a better showing of old citizens than does Beaver Meadow.--S. B. Macquade in last Friday's Hazleton Daily Bulletin.

Volume 10, Number 27, Saturday, May 27, 1882

Summit Hill and Lansford Items. Summit Hill. Captain S. A. Webb Friday received 13 marble headstones from the Government to mark the resting places of the following soldiers buried in town: Charles Fritz, Wm. A. Kelley, John McHugh, Thomas McGeehan, Douglass Boyle, B. S. Yonker, F. W. Fisher, James Glenn, John Campbell, D. C. Thomas, William Clemens, Lewis Schultz, D. D. Davis. When the stones are properly set they will show 15 inches above ground. The graves of 14 soldiers are yet unmarked, but orders have been sent for the required number of stones. Each stone contains the name and company and regiment to which they belonged.

Volume 11, Number 22, Saturday, April 21, 1883

Lehigh Gap Items. Mr. Charles Straup is said to have an old bible printed A. D. 1693.

Volume 13, Number 5, Saturday, December 20, 1884

Our Neighborhood in Brief. Joseph Beltz, of Parryville, with another person, were on the bottom land opposite that place, last Tueaday, when he noticed a round, shining substance protruding from the earth, which upon examination proved to be a human skull. The cavity of the mouth contained a full set of splendid teeth, with the exception of two missing from the upper jaw. Is this a relic of the great freshet of 1862?

Volume 14, Number 20, Saturday, April 3, 1886

History of Carbon County. By Mrs. S. R. Seiple, Sec'y. C. L. S. C. Carbon county was taken from Northampton and Monroe counties by an act of the Legislature in 1843. Length, twenty miles; breadth, nineteen miles; acres, three-hundred-and- ninty square miles, and is divided by the Lehigh river into nearly two equal parts. The county comprises the most mountainous region on the Lehigh river above the Kittatining or Blue mountains; a region rugged and wild in appearance, and poorly adapted to agricultural purposes, but abounding in mineral wealth, in extensive forests of pine-lumber and in water power. The first settlement was made by the Moravian missionaries in the year 1746, and was established as a home for the Mohegan Indians, which was successfully maintained until the massacre in 1755. This settlement which was an off-shoot from Bethlehem, was located on the north side of the Mahoning creek, near Lehighton. The location had, doubtless, been selected by Lewis Count Zinendorf, a descendent of a noble Austrian family, who in 1742 ascended the Lehigh with two friendly Indians, who had been converted to christianity as interpeters, and held a conference with the dusky dwellers by the Mahoning. The land--120 acres--was bought, and a town laid out

21 upon it which was called Gnaden-Hutten, meaning "Tents of Grace" or, more literally translated, "Mercy Huts." The congregation, we are told, numbered five hundred souls. Each Indian family was allotted a portion of the land and had their own homes. A log church was built in the valley, and the houses half surrounded it, extending over the higher ground in the form of a cresent. On the 18th of August, 1746, the missionaries and Indians partook of the first fruits of the land and of their toil at a love feast, and gave their thanks to God for thee blessings that he had bestowed upon them. Discourses were delivered every Sunday by the missionaries, and sev eral portions of the scriptures translated into the Mohegan language, was read whenever the congregation assembled. The Holy communion was administered every month. The day was called by the Indians, "The Great Day." Christian Rauch and Martin Mack were the first missionaries who resided there. The church built during the first year was too small for the congregation of five hundred, and the missionaries; usually preached in the open air. All went well until 1754 when a part of the Indians were led to desert the mission and go to the Wyoming Valley. Efforts to alienate the affections of Mohegans from the missionaries had for some time been making by the Shawanese and Delawares on the Susquehanna, who had began to waver in the their allegiance to the English, and doubtless, looked forward to the time when they could boldly raid the settlement. The christian Indians had until now steadfastly refused to leave Gnaden-Hutten, and when finally some of them did so, it was doubtless through the influence of that eloquent, wily and active chieftain of the Delawares, Teedyuscung. Teedyuscung was converted by the Moravians and baptized at Gnaden-Hutten, at the age of fifty years. He lived among them until 1754 when he joined his wild brothers, and soon afterwards took up the hatchet. During the same year (1754) the mission was removed to the north-east side of the Lehigh. The dwellings were removed from the opposite side of the river and a new chapel was erected and the place was called New Gnaden-Hutten (now Weissport). The dwellings were placed in such order, that the Mohegans lived on one side and the Delawares' on the other side of the street. The Moravians fondly hoped that the prosperity of their little colony might be increased, that it should remain a permanent abode of peace and of christianity. But destiny ruled otherwise. The massacre at Gnaden-Hutten was only one incident in the series of border horrors, but it is the principal one with which we are concerned. My limit will not admit of giving a thorough account of this interesting incident. Late in the evening, of the 24th of November, the mission house was attacked by the Indians, who were allies of the French, and burned it to the ground, eleven of the inmates perishing. Brother Sensaman, with several others, escaped, but they had the inexpressible grief of seeing his wife (Sensaman) consumed by the flames. Sister Partsh hid herself behind a large tree on an elevation, near the scene; and from there she saw Sister Sensaman, surrounded by the flames, standing with flolded hands, and heard her calling out "Tis all well dear Savior, I expected nothing else." After the enemy had retired the remains of the killed were collected from the charred ruins and interred. A marble slab in our Gnaden-Hutten grave yard, placed there in 1788, and a small, white obelisk, on a sandstone, erected at a more recent date, tell in brief the sad story of the Gnaden-Hutten, and preserves the names of those who fell as victims to savage hate. The second settlement was comprised of people who made a permanent home here, developed the resources of the county and ultimately, as a natural result of their thrift and energy, brought about the organization of Carbon county. About 1804, a number of enterprising men, who had the hardihood to take up the work of making homes for themselves in the forest, began to come into Penn and Towamensing township, and then really was crowned, what we may call, the enduring settlement of CARBON COUNTY.

22 Gradually the frontier population extended northward, civilization each year encroaching upon and effacing a little more of the great wilderness. Agricultural pursuits were commenced, and so well carried on, that in a few years the people were in comfortable circumstances. Most important among all of the settlements, were those which were planted by Josiah White and Erskine Hazard, the leading spirits of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company (descending navigation) which was commenced in 1818. The task which they undertook, that of making the Lehigh river a navigable stream by artificial freshets, was one which had been attempted several times before, and abandoned as often as being too expensive as well as difficult to be successfully carried out. In 1820 the first anthracite coal was sent to market, the whole quantity being three hundred and sixty-five tons, which completely glutted the Philadelphia market, and was with difficulty disposed of during the year. It was sold for $21.00 per ton. The boats used in this artificial system of navigation, commonly called "Arks," were simply great boxes, from sixteen to eighteen feet wide and from twenty to twenty-five feet long and were linked together almost like railroad cars; the steering was done with long oars, as upon a raft. None of the boats made more tha one trip; at Philadelphia they (the boats) were broken up and the planks were sold as lumber, while the spikes, hinges and other iron were returned to Mauch Chunk. In 1827--nine years later--the canal, or the improved navigation, called the Slack-water or Ascending Navigation of the Lehigh, was commenced, vigorously prosecuted, and completed in two years. At present this company owns land which is estimated to contain, after allowing for faults in mining and waste, the enormous quantity of six hundred million tons of coal. We cannot help noting the difference in this county now, and what it must have been fifty years ago, when only a few tons of coal could be hauled to the river bank at a time, and from thence boated to civilization, with ten chances to one against its reaching market in safety. Now, there are hundreds of canal boats being loaded and as many more awaiting their turn in a day, whilst seemingly, almost endless trains make their way through the valley with their precious freight rumbling, and shrieking songs and cries of triumph, as if rejoicing at the wondrous things which had been accomplished in so short a time by brain and muscle. In 1791 coal was first accidentally discovered on the sumit of Sharp Mt., (now Summit Hill) by Philip Ginter, a hunter, who observed it adhering to the roots of a tree which had been blown down as he was tramping over the mountain in search of game. He carefully took it with him to his cabin, and the next day carried it to Col. Jacob Weiss, residing at Fort Allen, (now Weissport. The Colonel took the specimen to Philadelphia and submitted it to the inspection of mineralogists, who pronounced it stone coal. The Switchback, or Gravity road, which was constructed for the transportion of coal, is said to be the oldest track in America, excepting one of two or the miles in Massachusetts. It is now used exclusively as a pleasure road, and is the great attraction of Mauch Chunk. Mauch Chunk is the County seat and owes it origin to the enterprise of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. It is considered the most picturesque town in the Union. There are in it several fine churches, schools and hotels, fine stores and the spacious and elegant homes of men who by their enterprise, energy and public spirit, have contributed so greatly to the enrichment of the whole valley. The settlement, when about one year old, contained forty buildings for different purposes--a saw-mill, grist-mill, smitheries, work shops, &c. Nicholas Brink came from Philadelphia, as company steward, in 1818. His wife was the first woman who came to Mauch Chunk. They brought four children--three sons and one daughter. The daughter is Mrs. John Painter, who is the only survivor of the family. There was another child born to them, which was named in honor of the three pioneer proprietors Josiah White Erskine Hazard

23 George F. A. Brink. As this was the first birth at the settlement, it was celebrated by the laborers in quite a demonstrative manner. The forest was illuminated with pine torches, plenty of what they called good old, pure whisky was drank, and the noise and dancing were so great that it seemed as if the very tops of the pines had caught the infection and kept time with it. This boy grew to manhood, and at the time of his death, in 1877, was an engineer at Summit Hill. Their house, with a bakery attached, was the first built, and Mrs. Brink had six hundred boarders to care for. Of the borough of Lehighton, the southwestern part was occupied by the Gnaden-Hutten mission. The original town plot was part of a tract of land which, in 1794, was owned by Colonel Jacob Weiss and William Henry, and at their instance the plot was laid out with street, alleys and a square, called the "town square," which was reserved for public use. The growth of the settlement was slow until the building of the canal in 1828-9. At about the same time a postoffice was established at the public house of Reuben Haugenbach, previously kept by his father. It being the first tavern in the vicinity and was on the site of the present Exchange Hotel. The first tannery was built on the site of the Linderman block. The borough was incorporated in 1866, since which time it has gradually been growing. There are several industries carried on here, besides the claim we hold on Packerton--the extensive car works - we have stove works, carriage manufactories, &c. The Packing House of Joseph Obert, is the only one of the kind in the valley and is the largest enterprise carried on in Lehighton. To our neighboring town. Weissport, no effort was made to establish a village until the construction of the canal, when Colonel Weiss, (if I am not mistaken, the great grandfather of our friend Mr. Clarence Weiss) offered the company right of way free through his many acres of land. The proposition was accepted, and the Colonel and his sons laid our a village plot into lots, streets and a public square, and formed a lottery scheme, in which each ticket was placed at a cost of $75, and was to entitle its holder to a lot, the only difficulty being in location. The building of houses soon commenced, but after the destructive floods of 1841-62, the growth of the town proper has been very much retarded. Nevertheless there are some industries of note carried on and worked by enterprising men. Namely: The Emery Wheel Works, (the only one of the kind in the valley). A large foundry, two planing mills, &c., which are evidences of progress, and improvements are constantly going on. Since my subject has already exceeded its limits, I will only add yet that the latest and most important progressive movement is our Aryan C. L. S. C.

Volume 14, Number 22, Saturday, April 17, 1886

Pleasant Corner Splinters. Our friend Nathan Gerber is in possession of an old relic in the shape of an old lock and chain with five links and the key in the lock all complete, as it was dug out by him, 18 inches under ground. It is supposed to have belonged to the Gilbert family, and buried in the rains for over one hundred years.

Volume 14, Number 25, Saturday, May 8, 1886

Decoration Day--Programme. [A long article, only the last section has particular interest] The following is a list of comrades buried in the several cemeteries in this borough and

24 neighborhood so far as we have been able to ascertain, should any of our friends know of others they will confer a favor by handing the names to us during the coming week, so we can make the necessary corrections: Interred in Lehighton Cemeteries. War of 1812: John Lentz, Beaver, Ben Kolder, Leonard Hontz, Daniel Klotz. Late Rebellion. J. W. Heberling, Charles Kemerer, Elias Weiss, Henry Meighan, Mathew Meighan, F. P. Longstreet, William Hontz, Charles Mulhearn, Charles Patterson, Jeremiah Koons, Daniel Xanders, Henry Miller, James Holmes, Horace DeYoung, A. L. Patterson, Lewis Klinger, Nathan Trine, David O'Brian, E. F. Mulhearn, Adam Buchman, John D. Bertolette, George Dick, James H. Campbell. Parryville Cemetery. Charles Wintling, John Millham, Alex. Belford, Charles Ramaly, August Wintling, Robert Phifer, Charles Brown, Baumgarten. Weissport Cemetery. Jacob Weiss, 1776, Frank Weiss, 1812, John Arner, 1812, Jacob Schwank, 1812. Late Rebellion. Amandes Moyer, Francis Koons, Albert Herman, Alfred Laurich, George Buck, Jacob Wisner, John Guth, Alex. Lentz, Alex. Hartman, Frank Sourwine, John Powell, James Powell, Jona. C. Ruch, Charles Brown, Charles Boyer, Martin Blose, George Derhammer, Jos. C. Connor, William F. Klotz, Robert Weiland, William Kline, Bachman. New Mahoning Cemetery. O. F. Musselman, Henry Snyder, George Arb, Joseph Mertz, Augustus Walton, Henry Wehrstein, Willioughby Koons.

Volume 14, Number 26, Saturday, May 15, 1886

Our Neighborhood in Brief. Robert Henry, of Lehigh Gap, this county, is at present having the old hotel at that place demolished with the view of erecting a new and more substantial structure. On Tuesday of last week, while the workmen were digging near where the old bar stood, they came across a package of cigars, neatly wrapped in a piece of paper which bore the date 1783. There were eighteen cigars in the pack and all but a few of them were well preserved. Mr. Henry will preserve the cigars as a relic. The building was one of the oldest in that section of the country and ever since its erection, over a century ago, was used as a hotel.

Volume 14, Number 33, Saturday, July 3, 1886

Reunion of the Bowman Family. About 150 persons, from Trenton, N. J., Easton, Allentown, Mahanoy City, Wilkesbarre, Mauch Chunk and immediate neighborhood, members of the Bowman family, celebrated the 113th birthday of John D. Bowman, the head of this family, in a grove near the old homestead where he died. Justice was done to the good things brought by the relatives and spread on a long table, headed by the oldest living members of the family. At this table was old age, men and women in the prime of life, bachelors and old maids, marriageable young men and maidens, school boys and girls, and the recruits, babies. An organization was formed by the election of Dennis Bowman as chairman, A. H. Bowman secretary, and the necessary committees. The proceedings in detail are to be published in a pamphlet for distribution among the members. Mr. Wm. Deshler, of Allentown, who is married to Clara, daughter of Sarah Bowman,

25 married to D. Keiper, deceased, read a history of the Bowman family. Mr. Deshler is an attorney-at-law, and to use his own language--not the natural product of the Bowman family, "an enemy has scattered the tares among the wheat." This very excellent and full history condensed below was very much appreciated, and will be published in the pamphlet in full. Henry Bowman the grandfather of the oldest participants of the day's festivitiy, emigrated from Germany, and was one of the first settlers of Northampton county, north of the Blue Mountains, now known as Lower Towamensing township, Carbon county, one hundred and more years ago, when nature was undisturbed by the rude hand of man. This early Pioneer although on the best of terms with the Indians, yet was frequently persecuted by them. He was forced at one time to send his wife and family to Easton for safety. At the age of maturity his sons were married. The oldest John D. Bowman, the head of this family was married to Maria Margaret Newhard. His early occupation was that of his father Henry, clearing lands, farming, lumbering, fishing, hunting and trapping. He reared a large family, consisting of four daughters and eight sons, married as follows, and classified according to age: Catherine intermarried with Jonas Peters. Jacob married to Lessie Weiss. John married to Sarah Dinkey, Sallie Heimbach, Betzy Treichler. Susan married to Jonas Andrews. Jonas married to Kittie Koons. Daniel married to Susan Lentz. Sarah married to Daniel Keiper. Henry married to Levina Peters. Peter married to Polly Romage, Rebecca Kline. Rebecca married to James Dinkey. Dennis married to Mary Kress. Josiah married to Louisa Berkemayer. The Bowman family is largely made up of men occupying positions of honor. They have been the instruments of developing and bringing to the surface thousands of tons of coal, iron ore, stone, sand and mineral; giving employment to many and shelter not to a few. The family has its railroad men, machinists, bankers, electricians, manufacturers, printers, farmers, miners, merchants, doctors, hotel keepers, photographers, clerks, musicians, teachers and preachers. Thomas Bowman, son of Jacob Bowman, reached the highest round in the ladder, being a bishop of high standing, and at present traveling in Europe in the interest of the church of his choice.

Volume 14, Number 37, Saturday, July 31, 1886

Our Weissport "Scribe" Speaks. Among our self-made men in this section is Dr. J. G. Zern, a descendent of the fifth generation of Adam Zern who emigrated from Germany at an early day. Dr. Zern was born in New Hanover, Montgomery county, in the year 1845; his earlier life was passed in farming pursuits, during which time he also attended the district school. At eighteen years of age he entered the Millersville State Normal school, after which he became a teacher in the public schools of Lancaster county. In 1861 he enlisted in company C. Pennsylvania Volunteers and served until the close of the war. He is now a member of John D. Bertolette Post, No. 484, G. A. R., of Lehighton. Upon his return home he commenced the study of medicine and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1868; shortly after his graduation he

26 located in our midst and is now classed 'mongst the most successful practioners in the county. He has, also, identified himself with the various industries in this place, and at the present time is largely engaged in the lumbering business under the firm name of Marsh & Zern. He has also taken a prominent part in matters of a political nature and was elected to the State Legislature in 1878 and re-elected in 1880. During the two terms he served on many important committees with much satisfaction to people of both parties.

Volume 14, Number 38, Saturday, August 7, 1886

Our Weissport "Scribe" Speaks. Among our enterprising and successful business men, Wm. Miner, of Miner Bro., plays a conspicuous part. Mr. Miner was born in Mauch Chunk, in the year 1837, and is the oldest son of Elias and Mary Miner. After attending the public schools at that place until his twentieth year, he went into his father's moulding establishment, which was located at that place, and where he served until the breaking out of the late civil war, when he enlisted in Company F., 135 Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nine months when he was honorably discharged--he is now a member of John D. Bertolette Post 484, G. A. R., of Lehighton. Mr. Miner moved to this place about 15 years ago, and with his brother C. Miner, erected the Fort Allen foundry, which they have been running ever since; this enterprise has grown rapidly during the past few years and is now recognized as the leading feature of our town--giving employment to about thirty-five men who are kept busy all the year round. Mr. Miner has filled various borough offices during his residence here, and always to the satisfaction of the people. He is also a prominent member of the Knights of Honor.

Volume 14, Number 39, Saturday, August 14, 1886

Our Weissport "Scribe" Speaks. Among our oldest residents here we notice Samuel Welsh, who moved to Weissport with his family sometime during the year 1874. Mr. Welsh was born in Lehigh county, August 22, 1819, and is a miller by trade, but after locating here he commenced to work at the carpentering business, which trade he has followed more or less ever since. Mr. Welsh has filled the office of constable very acceptably to our citizens for the past five or six years.

Volume 14, Number 40, Saturday, August 21, 1886

Our Weissport "Scribe" Speaks. One of the most notiable personages of this borough is Solomon Yeakel, a descendant of the fourth generation of David Yeakel, who emigrated to this country from Germany during the year 1734. He was the father of eight children, six sons and two daughters: Christopher, Abraham, Balthasar, Jeremias, Hans Heinrich, Casper, Susanna, Rosina. Solomon, son of Abraham Yeakel, was born in Upper Milford township, Lehigh county, November 22, 1828, in which locality he attended the common German schools until his fifteenth year; making himself generally useful as a help to his father until he reached his majority, after which age he "worked for himself" several years and succeeded in accumulating sufficient capital during the year 1852 to defray his expenses to California over what was then known as the old Vanderbilt route. He made his home in that then wild region of the West for

27 about six years, during which time he became a "digger for the precious metal" with more or less success. During the year 1858 he returned to his Lehigh county home, where he remained for about one year, when he went into the lumbering business at Black Creek; at the breaking out of the late civil war "Sol" was among the first to respond to the call for three months' men and enlisted as a private in Company C., 7th Penna. Volunteers; at the expiration of the three months he reenlisted as a second lieutenant in Company K., 94 Penna. Volunteers, and was promoted to first lieutenant, serving three years when he was honorably discharged.--He is a member of John D. Bertolette Post, No. 484 G. A. R., of Lehighton. Mr. Yeakle came to this place in 1870 and entered the lumbering business which he folowed for a number of years. Since 1876 he has been employed miscellaneously. Politically he was always a staunch Republican up to a few years ago when he joined forces with the Prohibition party. He has filled various borough offices, and was made a candidate for County Commissioner at the late Prohibition county convention.

Volume 14, Number 42, Saturday, September 4, 1886

Henry Graver, one day last week, found a common land turtle on his premises in South Lehighton with "H. Y., 1777," cut on its shell.

Volume 14, Number 47, Saturday, October 9, 1886

The Work of Loving Friends. OUR HATTIE, Beloved Daughter of Samuel and Deborah Williams, Born August 9, 1865, Died January 29, 1886, Aged 20 years, 5 months and 20 days. God called her home He thought it best. The above transcription on a neat marble stone, a loving tribute from many friends, in the Lehighton cemetery, marks the last resting place of she, whom God in his infinite wisdom, called early home. Friends as they pause beside the mound to breathe a silent prayer are taken back in fancy to the days when they walked hand in hand in christian fellowship, and beyond the mist which obscures the past they see the old life with its "mingled doubts and fears." And, if as they breathe a silet prayer to Him who shapes our destinies, a tear comes to their eye in memory of she whom has joined the angle band, it is but indicative that the love and esteem of other days has followed her into the "land from whence no traveler has ever returned." "When the Summer moon is shining Soft and fair. Friends she loved in tears are twining Chaplets there."

28 Volume 14, Number 50, Saturday, October 30, 1886

Current Events Epitomized. Hiram Sherry, of Waverly, N. Y., is said to have been the first child born in Mauch Chunk.

Volume 15, Number 1, Saturday, November 20, 1886

Interesting Notes of Men and Places. Banks Township was erected from Lausanne about 1841, or just prior to the organization of Carbon county, and was named after Judge Banks, then presiding in Northampton county. Banks township is probably ten miles in length and fully two miles wide. It is located on Spring Mountain, fully fourteen feet above tide water. A small creek named Beaver, rises somewhere near Jeansville, on the Norhtern line of the township and flows sluggishly Eastward, connecting with Hazle creek, near Lausanne township, at which point its descent becomes very rapid. Banks township was first brought into public notice by the discovery of anthracite coal in 1812, of which the first was mined by Nathan Beach, in 1813. In those early days when the transportation of articles in bulk were laborious, and very inconvenient; coal was taken to Philadelphia in arks (boats) where it was sold at $8 and $10 per ton. In many instances coal was carried overland in drays which, with the other inconveniences attached to the mining of the dusky diamonds made its use in many households a rarity. The mines in Banks township since their opening have passed through various hands, but at present are being worked by Coxe Bros. and the L. V. R. R. Company. The population of the township is closely estimated at about four thousand five hundred, and embraces Beaver Meadow, Yorktown, Audenried, Jeansville and Tresckow. Beaver Meadow is located six miles from Weatherly and has eight stores, two or three churches, two school houses and a number of beneficial societies. Audenried, anamed after Lewis Audenried, a Philadelphia coal operator, lies close on to the line of the counties of Schuylkill and Luzerne, and has five churches, a number of stores and good schools. Jeansville lies almost wholly in Luzerne county, has about fifteen hundred population. Tresckow has five or six hundred population, a number of company houses and stores.

Interesting Notes of Men and Places. Hon. Robert Klotz.--Among the older residents of Mauch Chunk the genial countenance of the above named gentleman is probably the most conspicuous. "Bob's" happy-go-lucky disposition attracts attention wherever he goes and with whom ever he comes in contact. Robert Klotz is a descendent of Jacob Klotz, who emigrated to this country from Germany sometime during the year 1749. "Bob" was the second son of Christian and Elizabeth Klotz, and was born in this country, October 27, 1819. His boyhood was passed, no doubt, in the usual manner, and abounds with laughable as well as serious incidents, which to the Honorable gentleman are but a memory now. He was educated in the common schools of the county; but by utilizing his "spare" moments he advanced far beyond the other scholars in point of intelligence and at the age of twenty-four he was elected Register and Recorder of this county. The Major served his country with honor and courage during the war with Mexico. In 1848 he was elected to the State Legislature, and re-elected in 1849. Mr. Klotz has filled many other county offices, and also served two terms as a member of Congress, with credit to himself and the party he represents.

Interesting Notes of Men and Places. Summit Hill, owes its origin to Jacob Ginter, who

29 discovered anthracite coal there sometime during the year 1791. It was a number of years afterward, sometime during 1818, before operations for the precious mineral were commenced on a systematic basis. However, at that time the lands became the property of a corporation known as the Lehigh Coal Company, who instituted a settlement and commenced the mining and transportation of coal; but the region being wild and mountanous it required a goodly number of years before the settlement put on the appearance of an established town. Following the history of Summit Hill, as it passes from one age to another, we notice that it abounds with the usual comical as well as serious incidents connected with the establishment of mining towns. Summit Hill to-day, is no doubt, far beyond what the early coal pioneers dreamed it would be. It is a thriving town, with many possibilities, which the enterprising citizens can make facts if they but stick to it. The population of the town is probably nearly two thousand, and with its beautiful churches, school house and many elegant business places and hotels and restaurants, in connection with the natural curiosities, the burning mine, the ice cave and the world famous switchback railroad, Summit Hill ranks in point of popularity far above any town in the Lehigh Valley.

Volume 15, Number 2, Saturday, November 27, 1886

Interesting Notes of Men and Places. Lehighton.--No matter how often we sing the old story concerning the early settlement of our beautiful town, there always seems to be that charm about the heroism and faithfulness of the brave settlers which makes the heart of the patriotic citizen beat with pride as he looks at the surroundings and notes the rapid and gigantic strides with which we are forging our way to the front. History tells us that somewhere, way back in 1746, a noble and self-sacrificing band of Moravian missionaries built their log houses and made preparations for a permanent settlement along the Mahoning Creek, just on the outskirts of Lehighton. During the same year the Mohegan Indians, having been driven out of Shekomeko, in the State of Connecticut, found an asylum for a short time at Friedenshitten, near Bethlehem. It being inconvenient to maintain a very large indian congregation at that point, the missionaries purchased two hundred acres of land on the North side of the Mahoning creek. Each Indian family was apportioned its own lot of ground and thus commenced housekeeping. The new settlement was christened Gnaden Huetten and soon began to wear an appearance of prosperity-- the Indian dwellings forming a cresent upon rising round and the house of worship stood in the Valley. The road to Wyoming and other famous Indian camps lay through this settlement. The missionaries and Indians labored harmoniously together and on the 18th of August, 1746, they had the satisfaction to indulge in the first fruits of the land at a love feast. Things in the new Gnaden Huetten had prospered, a new church had been built and the Indian population numbered between five and six hundred and everything seemed to be in a state of perfect serenity until 1754, when the Delawares and Shawanees on the Susquehanna began to waver in their allegiance to the Enlish, and were preparing to take up the hatchet and co-operate with the French, it became a matter of importance with them to withdraw their Indian brethern in missionary settlements beyond the reach of the white settlers, in order that they might more freely descend upon white settlements. That they were successful in their manouvering to withdraw the Indians and destroy the whites is explained by the fearful slaughter of the Gnaden Huetten settlers, and the burning of the village. The blood curdling massacre at Gnaden Huetten had its disheartening effects upon the people, but urged on by the divine will of God they persevered in their noble efforts to establish a town and spread civilization. In another issue we

30 will continue this interesting tale which one never grows weary of reading.

Interesting Notes of Men and Places. Dr. J. C. Kreamer.--Among the prominent physicians of this county the above named gentleman holds a conspicuous place. The doctor was born at Hecktown, Northampton county, Pa., December 18, 1833. His younger days were spent in securing an education. At the age of sixteen he went to Allentown and entered Reynold's Seminary, now known as Muhlenberg College. From Muhlenberg College he went sometime in the year 1855 to Seagersville, Lehigh county, and began the study of medicine under Dr. Josiah Kern, from whence he entered the Pittsfield Berkshire Medical College, graduating therefrom in 1859. During the same year he located at Aquashicola, this county, where he has since resided, and built up a very lucrative practice. The doctor has filled a number of public offices, including coroner for three years from 1865. In 1877 he was elected to the legislature by the Democrats of the county, which position he filled with honor and credit. On December 12, 1858, he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Schler. Three children were the fruits of their union--two of whom are still living living--Emma A. and Lilly J. The doctor is a modest, unassuming gentleman, and has hosts of friends in all parts of the county.

Interesting Notes of Men and Places. Parryville.--About two good miles from Lehighton and situated on the Eastern bank of the Lehigh river we come upon the first town above the Lehigh Water Gap. Between the Gap and Parryville the railroad crosses what was formerly known as Lizard creek, upon which in early days was located the Indian missionary village of Wechquetank. In the year 1763 the little settlement was severely threatened by the Pontiac's. The early history of Parryville abounds with the usual recital of the hardships and dangers which had to be undergone by the settlers. Parryville was named after a gentleman named Parry, a representative of the Pine Run Lumber Company, who was extensively engaged in the lumbering business near that place. In 1874 the court was petitioned to incorporate the village into a borough, which was granted, and in 1875 the first election in the borough was held. Parryville has several churches, a public school and a number of stores and hotels.

Volume 15, Number 3, Saturday, December 4, 1886

Interesting Notes of Men and Places. Dennis Bowman.--The ancestors of the Bowman family emigrated from Germany. The grandfather of the subject of our sketch was among the first settlers of Northampton county, North of the Blue Mountains, in Towamensing township, now known as Lower Towamensing, Carbon county. John D. Bowman, the father of Dennis was born in the year 1772, and during 1796 he located in what is now known as Bowmanstown, where he engaged in farming and trapping. The early life of Dennis Bowman was spent at home assisting his father in trapping and farming. He obtained the benefits of an education in the common schools of the township and also a seven month term at Mauch Chunk. At the age of twenty, feeling the need of a better education, he spent two winters at a boarding school in Bucks county. Mr. Bowman has held a number of county offices with dignity and credit to himself and the people of the ocunty. He has also been prominently identified with many enterprises, among which we might mention the Carbon Iron Company, of which he was president, the Carbon Metallic Paint Company, &c.

Interesting Notes of Men and Places. Lehighton.--About this time (1753) the land along the

31 Mahoning Creek being considerably impoverished, and other circumstances arising which necessitated a change, the inhabitants of Gnaden Huetten moved to the North side of Lehighton, (Weissport) where in 1754 a new chapel was built. The new settlement took the name of New Gnaden Huetten, and the dwellings were so erected that the Mohegans lived on one side and the Delawares on the other side of the street. Missionaries from Bethlehem took in charge the task of cultivating the land at Mahoning, converting the old chapel into a dwelling, both for the use of the "brethren and sisters" who had the care of the plantation and also for missionaries who might be passing that way. After the terrible massacre at Gnaden Huetten, the whole frontier was in terror, every day disclosed new scenes of barbarity committed by the Indians, and the inhabitants of the New Gnaden Huetten fearing that the French and Indians would descend upon them, took to the woods, thus leaving the settlement open to the savages. By the order of the Governor troops were soon after stationed at the forsaken village and a fort erected under the supervision of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin's first duty was to bury the dead which he found lying partially underground. The erection of the fort had the desired effect, as but little is heard in history of the troubles of the Indians at this point afterward. In another issue we will continue on the later history of Lehighton.

Interesting Notes of Men and Places. Daniel Olewine.--Among the old residents of this place is Daniel Olewine, a son of George Olewine, who was born in Lower Towamensing. Daniel was the seventh son of eight children. He was born at the old homestead in Lower Towamensing, April 13, 1815. He enjoyed the full benefit afforded by the early country schools, until the age of 17, when he was apprenticed for 3 years to learn tanning and currying, which occupation he pursued for ten years as a journeyman. In 1847 he moved to Mauch Chunk and engaged in tanning and shoe manufacturing. During the year 1850 he met and married Miss Esther Zoll, of Orwigsburg, Schylkill county. In 1856 Mr. Olewine and family moved to this place, and commenced operations in the tanning business which he pursued up to the year 1873 when the fire fiend burned his buildings to the ground. Daniel Olewine has been prominently connected with a number of successful enterprises in and around Lehighton.

Volume 15, Number 4, Saturday, December 11, 1886

Current Events Epitomized. George Derhammer, Jr., a soldier of the war of the rebellion, was killed in the battle of Antietam, Md., Sept. 17th, 1862. His body was recovered and sent home for interment. One day last week his remains were disinterred from the cemetery at Weissport for removal to the family plot in the cemetery at Lehighton, and on the casket being opened the bullet which had done the fatal work was found amidst the frame and dust remaining.

Interesting Notes of Men and Places. William M. Rapsher, District Attorney elect for this county, was born in Northampton county, this State, on the 23rd day of April, 1843. At the age of nine years he was left fatherless, with five brothers and sisters younger than himself, without a penny for their support and education. His path was not strewn with roses; but, with a determined will, close application and economy he struggled on, and with his own hands earned the means to secure a liberal education. He is a graduate of Albion Commercial College, Michigan, in the scientific and mercantile courses of that institution. When the war broke out--at the age of 18 yars--he enlisted as a private to fight for the preservation of the Union. He enlisted in July, 1861, and served without interruption until August, 1865--a period of more than four

32 years, having re-enlisted on the field after his first term of three years had expired. He carried a musket and participated in the battle of Baton Rouge, La., and through the siege of Port Hudson, and many minor engagements. At Port Hudson, the General commanding made a special call for one thousand volunteers from the different regiments of the command to lead the assault upon that fortress, to which Wm. M. Rapsher responded by tendering his services. Before the close of the war, his learning and abilities became known to his superior officers, and he was detailed for special duty, and rendered valuable services, in a clerical capacity in the office of the General Commanding the Department of Louisianna, while that State was under military government. After the war was terminated, he adopted teaching as a profession, and taught for a period of four years in the schools of this county--two years at Summit Hill and two years at Lehighton and Weissport--with credit to himself and satisfaction to his patrons; in the meantime devoting his leisure hours to the study of law, under Messrs. Albright & Bertolette, of Mauch Chunk. In January, 1871, at the first term of court held by Hon. Judge Dreher, Mr. Rapsher, after passing a very creditable examination, was admitted to the Bar. He was a candidate for Co. Superintendent of Public Schools, in June, 1871, but was defeated by a few votes by Prof. R. F. Hofford. In the fall of 1871 he was a candidate for District Attorney against Ed. C. Dimmick, now of Scranton. Mr. Rapsher ran ahead of his party vote, but was defeated by a small majority. In 1876 he was elected a member of the Legislature on the Republican ticket, and served with distinction during the sessions of 1877 and 1878. He was then again nominated in '78, on the same ticket, but was defeated--the Democratic party being united and harmonious that year. In the fall of 1880, when General Winfield S. Hancock, Pennsylvania's most distinguished soldier, was nominated for President of the U.S., Mr. Rapsher came to his support, giving his reasons therefore in an open letter, a political paper which was published by many of the newspapers all over the State as a valuable and important campaign document. Since that date, he has been an active Democrat. In 1885, the Democratic County Convention declared him to be its choice for State Senator, with power to select his own conferees, but he conceded the right of Pike county to fill the then existing vacancy. In Sept., 1886, the Democratic County Convention nominated him for District Attorney, to which office he was duly elected at the November election, after a peculiar and very spirited contest. He will assume the responsible duties of the office for the term of three years, on the first Monday in January, 1887. Prior to his residence in Mauch Chunk, to which place he removed some two years ago, he resided in the borough of Lehighton, where he served as a member of the Borough Council for nine years and one term as School Director and where he was also engaged and interested from time to time in a number of important business enterprises. He was the originator of "The Lehigh Emery Wheel Co." at Weissport, a concern which has paid as high as forty per cent. annual dividends. He has attained a high position in his chosen profession, soley on merit and by his own exertions, and established a character for honesty and integrity of purpose. He is an orator of no mean ability, ready and fluent in speech on matters pertaining to outside subjects as well as those of the law. In this connection is well remembered the eulogy on the late Francis P. Longstreet, Esq., a colleague, pronounced in the Carbon County Court House in June, 1880, as well as his eulogy on General Grant in 1885. He, probably oftener than any other citizen of this county, has publicly raised his voice in behalf of the laboring portion of humanity. [An engraving accompanies the article.]

Volume 15, Number 5, Saturday, December 18, 1886

Interesting Notes of Men and Places.

33 Anthony W. Raudenbush. The Raudenbush family is probably one of the best known in this county. Anthony W., the subject of this sketch, is the youngest of five chidlren, and was born in Bucks county, this State, on the 30th day of May, 1839. His parents, Adam and Mary Raudenbush, removed to Weissport, this county, in 1856. His oldest brother, Milton W., was elected Treasurer of this county in 1863 and filled the office one term very acceptably. He died in Lehighton in September, 1876. Jacob W. was elected Sheriff in 1870 and again re-elected in 1876. He is at present a well known and popular resident of Lehighton. Anthony's first employment was as cigar maker, but in 1861, at the age of 22 years, he entered the army and enlisted in Company H, (E. H. Rauch, Captain), Eleventh Regt., Pennsylvania Infantry. He was discharged on account of disability from wounds received at the battle of Fredericksburg March 27, 1863. In June, 1863, he entered the employ of the L. V. R. R. Co. and continued so until last July when he met with the accident whereby he suffered the amputation of a foot. Mr. Raudenbush is a man of many good qualities of character, well informed, and always very popular with his fellow workers. In politics he has always been a staunch Republican, the only one in the family. Without any solicitation on his part whatever, the recent republican nominating convention named him as a candidate for Assembly. His nomination was endorsed by the laboring men. He was elected to the office, and in life and health is spared him, his many friends have no doubts whatever, that he will represent Carbon, at Harrisburg, during the term for which he was elected with much credit to himself and honor to the county. His residence is in Lehighton. On December 24, 1867, he was married to Miss Sarah J. Weiss, daughter of Lewis Weiss. Their family consists of three bright and interesting boys. Mr. Raudenbush has long been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church on Bank street, and of which he is a firm and consistent adherent. He is also an enthusiastic worker in the Sunday school cause.

Volume 15, Number 23, Saturday, April 23, 1887

A War Reminiscence. The following item appeared in the Bethlehem Times not very long ago and may prove of much interest to our readers in this section many of whom were, perhaps, acquanted with the dead "soldier boy." Early in the late war George K. Derhamer, who learned his trade with Contractor Hirst of Bethlehem, and was a brother of our townsman, C. M. Derhamer, Main and Ettwein streets, enlisted for three years in Co. E. 12th Regt. Pa. Reserves, which was being mustered in at Easton. He was then 21 years of age. He served his country well, and, at the expiration of his time, was promoted to corporal, when he reenlisted in his old company. At the battle of Antietam, when officers fell right and left and death met many a brave man, an officer of his regiment fell, pierced in the heart by a bullet. Corporal Derhamer jumped on the officer's horse and, with great vim and courage led his men on into the thickest of the fight, only to meet death himself. A minnie ball pierced him in the neck and he rolled out of the saddle to the ground, a corpse. A comrade fell across him, and the two, with all their equipments, were buried off the battle field in one grave. Rev. James Bowman, an Evangelical Association preacher and a brother of Bishop Thomas Bowman of Allentown, was a comrade of Corporal Derhamer, and he carved a headstone and placed it on the grave. George W. Derhamer, the father of the deceased soldier, found his son's grave by this headstone and removed the remains to Weissport,

34 this state, where they were interred in the cemetery, and have there reposed for a score or more of years. Two weeks ago Mr. Derhamer had the remains disinterred and removed to Lehighton and placed in a grave in the family plot in the Lehighton Cemetery. When the remains were disinterred the last time, the army knapsack and blanket were found to be more or less decayed, but the canteen and straps were in an excellent state of preservation. The rubber blanket still encircled the corporal's skeleton and shone as bright and looked as new as the day it left the quartermaster's hands. While the local undertaker was handling the remains, the minnie ball that pierced him on the battlefield of Antietam, twenty-three years ago, rolled down the rubber blanket. It is now in the possession of Mr. Derhamer, father of the deceased corporal, who will present it, together with some other war relics, to some Grand Army post. A number of Grand Army posts are in correspondence with Mr. Derhamer for the relics.

Volume 15, Number 28, Saturday, May 28, 1887

Our Stroller at Weissport. When the new pavement was laid in front of the Fort Allen House several weeks ago, one of the workmen found an old English coin dated 1744. The coin is valuable not only as a gem of antiquity, but also from the fact that it may have been in the possession of one of the Benjamin Franklin soldiers who occupied the fort on the site where the hotel now stands, over one hundred years ago.

Decoration Day--Programme. [A long article, only the last section has particular interest] The following is a list of comrades buried in the several cemeteries, so far as we know: Interred in the Lehighton Cemeteries. War of 1812: John Lentz, Beaver, Ben. Kohler, Leonard Hontz, Daniel Klotz. Late Rebellion. J. W. Heberling, Charles Kemerer, Elias Weiss, Henry Meighan, Mathew Meighan, F. P. Longstreet, William Hontz, Charles Mulhearn, Charles Patterson, Jeremiah Koons, Daniel Xanders, James H. Campbell, George Derhamer, Henry Miller, James Holmes, Horace DeYoung, A. L. Patterson, Lewis Klinger, Granville Clauss, David O'Brian, E. F. Mulhearn, Adam Buchman, John D. Bertolette, George Dick, Joseph Drumbore, Aaron Weidaw. Parryville Cemetery. Charles Wintling, John Millham, Alex. Belford, Charles Ramaly, August Wintling, Robert Phifer, Charles Brown, Baumgarten. Weissport Cemetery. Jacob Weiss, 1776, Frank Weiss, 1812, John Arner, 1812, Jacob Schwank, 1812. Late Rebellion. Amandes Moyer, Francis Koons, Albert Herman, Alfred Laurich, George Buck, Jacob Wisner, John Guth, Alexander Lentz, Alexander Hartman, Frank Sourwine, John Powell, James Powell, Jona. C. Ruch, Charles Brown, Charles Boyer, Martin Blose, Joseph C. Connor, William F. Klotz, Robert Weiland, William Kline, Bachman, Daniel Kresge. New Mahoning Cemetery. O. F. Musselman, Henry Snyder, George Arb, Joseph Mertz, Augustus Walton, Henry Wehrstein, Willioughby Koons.

Volume 15, Number 33, Saturday, July 2, 1887

The Bowman Family Re-Union. There assembled at the old homestead in Bowmanstown, this county, on Thursday, the 30th day of June, A. D., 1887, the descendants of John Bowman, a

35 sturdy pioneer who settled upon the banks of the Lehigh river and established the village which now bears his name. When John Bowman first made his appearance upon the theartre of events in this section the surrounding country was almost an unbroken wilderness, impassable by man or teams. For some years he plowed his land and worked his sawmills, fully carring out the divine injunction "in the sweat of thy brow shalt thou eat bread." The descendants of this man are many, all of whom are prominently identified in the busy world of enterprise. The day was delightfully passed in mirth-making and general good feeling and will long be remembered by all the participants. A year ago at the first family reunion an organization was perfected which will be a means of keeping together by kindred ties this family, the descendants of one of Carbon county's first settlers. The Advocate extends congratulations and best wishes for a continuation of the happy family re-unions in the years which are yet to be.

Volume 15, Number 36, Saturday, July 23, 1887

Mahoning Items. A rare specimen of an Indian relic, a curiously carved war club eighteen inches in length, was found by Col. A. G. Musselman last week.

Volume 15, Number 39, Saturday, August 13, 1887

Current Events Epitomized. Mr. John Hahn, while digging a small foundation at the Fort Allen House, in Weissport, and near the site of the old and famed Franklin well, found an English halfpenny bearing date 1774. The coin is in possession of Dr. W. G. M. Seiple, of town.

Volume 15, Number 50, Saturday, October 29, 1887

George Dolon. Mr. George Dolon the Democratic nominee for County Treasure, was born March 1st 1834, at Packerton, Carbon County and has resided there all the time. When still quite a small boy his father died leaving a dependant family. For twenty-four years he followed the tow path as driver and captain. Having accumulated a small capital, (boating being more remunerative then) he engaged in the grocery business but in a short time sold it again, the confinement and want of interest suggesting it. He then entered the services of the L. V. R. R Co. For some time he was a "bill-tacker" in the Packerton yard. For the past seventeen years he has, been watchman and had charge of the turn-table. Mr. Dolon is a hard-working, honest, upright citizen, genial in manner. He has always been a Democrat in politics.--Weatherly Herald.

Volume 15, Number 51, Saturday, November 5, 1887

C. Harrison Bower. C. Harrison Bower, Republican candidate for County Treasurer, was born in Berlinsville, Northampton county, on January 18, 1824. When Mr. Bower was five years of age his parents moved to this place where he has since resided. He attended the schools of this place until his fifteenth year when he was apprenticed to learn the saddler trade, after which he went to carpentering; he worked at the latter trade for upwards of fourteen years when he drifted into the mercantile business and later on was identified with the German Pennsylvania Coal Company

36 and the Lehigh Caol and Navigation Company. Mr. Bower is an enterprising and progressive citizen of this borough and is highly respected by our towns people.

Volume 16, Number 2, Saturday, November 26, 1887

Our Stroller At Weissport. A copy of the Weatherly Herald strayed our way this week, from which we cull the following: "Henry Miller, one of the newly elected County Commissioners was born Jan. 1st 1850 in Kurhessen, Germany. His parents emigrated to this county in 1854 and young Henry worked at home and attended school until twelve years of age, when he was placed in the employ of the Lehigh Coal & Nav. Co. and worked for that company for two years--water carrier and mule driver. During 1865 and '67, while the Packerton car shops were building, he was employed on them by the L. V. R. R. Co. He then left for Allentown and there learned the butchering trade, returning to Weissport in 1869. This business he followed, running a wagon to East Mauch Chunk, until 1886. On September 1st, 1885 he became proprietor of the Weissport planing mill and is now devoting his whole time and attention to its interests. Mr. Miller is held in high esteem in the community in which he resides as a man of honesty and integrity and of good business qualifications. He will use every endeavor faithfully and impartially to discharge all the duties of the office to which he has been chosen.

Volume 16, Number 10, Saturday, January 21, 1888

Current Events Epitomized. Lehighton has several old ladies who have passed their four score years, viz: Mrs. Nancy Flick, "Auntie" Letterer and Mrs. Daniel Clauss.

Volume 16, Number 13, Saturday, February 11, 1888

Current Events Epitomized. Lewis Weiss, George Derhamer, Chas. German, Fred. Leuckel, George Williams, all residents of town, are nearing their four score years.

Volume 16, Number 29, Saturday, June 2, 1888

Pleasant Corner Dots. Mr. Nathan Gerber has a key and lock which he holds as a relic. It was found where the house was burned down by the Indians, occupied by the Gilbert family, some one hundred and eighty year ago.

A Well-Known Lehightonian. Frank P. Semmel first saw the light of day at Neff's, Lehigh county, in the year of our Lord A. D. 1847. He came to Lehighton in 1864 after clerking for several years in general stores at Slatington and Fogelsville. He was for three years assistant postmaster and Deputy Revenue Collector under the late Thomas S. Beck. He was collector of war taxes in the Lehigh region, a position of much importance, around which clustered many dangerous possibilities, he being compelled to have armed assistants. For three years following he was book-keeper and buyer for Jos. Obert, proprietor of the Lehighton Pork Packing Establishment. At Weissport in 1869 he was married to a daughter of Judge Heberling, and

37 shortly after originated the firm of J. W. Heberling & Co., now doing business at Mauch Chunk. Returning to Lehighton in 1872, Frank opened up in the dry goods and hardware business which he carried on successfully for a number of years. During the early part of the 70 decade he purchased the "old tannery property" on Bank street, and erected the brick building now owned by J. L. Gabel. He was twice elected mayor of our little city, and under Sheriff Raudenbush was a deputy, as he also was deput under Prothonotary Esser; he now holds the position of mail agent on the L. V. R. R. Frank was one of the many who went down in the big crash of 1877-78. However, since then he has always been up and moving. He will be a candidate before the Democratic County Convention for the nomination of Prothonotary.

Volume 16, Number 31, Saturday, June 16, 1888

Current Events Epitomized. William Moulthrop, of town, left at this office on Saturday a picture of the old Moravian building's destroyed by the Indians, more than a century ago. The picture is yellowed by age and is somewhat of a relic of ye ancient times. The picture shows three buidlings: a church and two dwellings, one of which is on fire, the flames and smoke shooting out and upward. On the north end of the burning building the form of a woman can be deciphered, with hands clasped in earnest supplication--it is supposed to represent Mrs. Schlar, who was lost in the flames.

Volume 16, Number 40, Saturday, August 18, 1888

In the year 1841 Samuel Noll, who is now, and has been, for many years, a resident of East Penn township, and a prosperous farmer vosted for Harrison. Mr. Noll has been a staunch, life long Republican. He is eighty-four years of age, and if he lives until November 6th he will ride to the election polls on a horse that is thirty years old and cast his vote for Cleveland, Thurman and Reform.

The Perambulator. "Talking about old residents," remarked a gentleman to the "Perambulator" the other day, "why, old Lewis Graver, the brick manufacturer, in South Lehighton, has been in this town since he was twelve years of age, and he is now well advanced in the seventies. He frequently aided his father to clear land for the Moravians and he knew Frederick Misca well. He has deeds for lands in his possession direct from the Moravians; of course, they are somewhat of a curiosity, being written on foolscap paper and are now worn through by age. Yes, he came here long before Fred. Leuckel, George Derhamer, Lydia Klotz, Nancy Flick or any of the rest of our old townspeople."

Volume 16, Number 43, Saturday, September 8, 1888

The Prohibition Candidates and the Platform They Stand On. Levi Wentz, candidate for Associate Judge, has always resided in this section of the country. He was in the mercantile business at Weissport from 1851 to 1857, where he is well and favorably known; from Weissport he moved to Millport and continued in the mercantile business up to 1884. Sometime during the year 1872 he was appointed Associate Judge, to fill a vacancy, by Governor Geary. He was again nominated for that office and at the election following he was

38 elected and served the full term with much credit. Mr. Wentz is held in high esteem by his neighbors, as he is in fact by all who know him. Samuel Yeakel, candidate for Jury Commissioner, first saw the light of day in Lehigh county; he is a descendent of an old German family who emigrated to this country in the year 1726. Solomon Yeakel is now fifty-nine years of age. At the outbreak of the rebellion he answered the first call for troops and marched boldly in defense of his country. On account of meritorious service he was promoted to first lieutenant, which office he held when discharged from active service. After the strife of civil discord had ended he engaged in the lumber business at Weissport, where he now resides, an honored citizen. Robert Walp, candidate for Sheriff, was born in Lehigh Gap, on the 27th day of October, 1853. He was educated in the common schools. Up to the time he was fifteen years of age he was employed in the capacity of lock-tender on the canal at that place; later he clerked in the general store of Craig Bro., of which firm Colonel John Craig was a member. After more than two years faithful service in that capacity he secured a position with Nathan Snyder, of Franklin, as salesman in his general store. A few years later we find him launched in the mercantile business at Hazzardville, this country, from which place he moved to Packerton, there taking possession of the large general store of Weiss & Andrews. For eight years he carried on a successful business in that place, making many friends and being much respected. Almost two years ago he moved with his family to this place, selling out his Packerton stand, and opening a large general store on Bank street, opposite the Valey Round House. He is a member of the Evangelical church and the teacher of a German class in the Sunday school. He is one of Lehighton's progressive citizens. J. W. Hunter, candidate for Prothonotary, is a native of Columbia county, and has lived quite a half century. He received a good practical common school and academic education, and possessing natural ability combined with the highest integrity, he has distinguished himself as a useful and influential citizen. For a score of years he has been a resident of Weatherly, enjoying their full faith and confidence--having twice been elected magistrate. He is one of that town's solid citizens.

Volume 16, Number 44, Saturday, September 15, 1888

A Jubilant Democracy. Sketches of the Candidates. Charles W. Lentz, of Mauch Chunk, chairman of the Democratic county committee, was born "way down in Towamensing" township, on May 28, 1856. Charley was "riz" as most boys at that time. In 1873 he was in the drug business at Lehighton, later he moved to Weissport where he carried on the same business. He graduated from a Philadelphia College of pharmacy with high honors. While a resident of Weissport he was elected coroner and in 1882 was elected sheriff. He was defeated for Register and recorder last year by Jas. Handwerk, but with all he is a red-hot and indefatigable Democratic worker and his reelection shows the good sense of the committee. Charles H. Seidle, the Democratic nominee for Associate Judge, stands about five foot ten, is of medium build and first saw the light of day on the 8th of December, in the year 1842, in the township of New Mahoning, one of the most prosperous farming localities in this section of Pennsylvania. He was educated in the common or public schools and for one or two winters attended the Weissport Academy, where he exhibited a wonderful aptitude and soon

39 distinguished himself in the class studies. After leaving school as a student he accepted a position as teacher in one of the district schools, whic h position he held and the duties of which he faithfully discharged for five consecutive winters. For nigh onto a quarter of a century he has been in the mercantile business at what is now known as Normal Square, here, also, a few years ago, a post office was established through his efforts and he was appointed post-master. During the late rebellion he served in the three months malitia service under Gen. Albright. Mr. Seidle is one of Carbon County's best citizens, a staunch dyed-in-the-wool Democrat, and fully equipped to discharged the duties connected with the Associate Judgeship. Nathan Stemler, the nominee for Jury Commissioner, is a son of Daniel Stemler, who more than a half century ago emigrated to Carbon county and commenced to till the soil in Towamensing township. Like his father before him Nathan Stemler is a staunch Democrat. He was born on December 7, 1840. For the past sixteen years he has been the popular landlord of the Stemlersville Hotel and is the incumbent of the office for which on Monday he received the unanimous nomination. Mr. Stemler is respected by his neighbors and the people of the county generally, irrespective of party. Hugh Ferry, the nominee for Assembly, first saw the light of day on the 15th of March 1851, in Jeansville, Luzerne county. He was educated in the schools of the township. When about ten years of age his father who was a miner died, and he along with several other brothers went to work as slate pickers, in order to support the family. Mr. Ferry has followed the mines ever since; he is a careful and observant gentleman, a well-known and popular labor man, a thorough Democrat, and if elected to the office to which he aspires will be a credit to the voters of Carbon county. Mr. Ferry has off and on filled various district offices, and is at present one of the township school directors. He resides at Audenried. G. W. Esser, nominee for prothonotary, was born in Allentown, Pa., on the fourth day of April, 1844. His parents came to Mauch Chunk in 1847 and he has lived there ever since. He was educate din the public schools of that borough, and in the Mauch Chunk Academy along with a number of other young men, who have since become prominent in business and places of trust At an early age he obtained a position as clerk for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Co., at the the weighlock collector's office at a salary of $25 per month, which position he filled for five or six years, with great credit; and also acquired a thorough knowledge of the coal traffic. His knowledge, abilities and energy well equipped him for his successful career in the future. His actively brilliant mind caused him to resign his position with the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Co. His services were eagerly sought after, and he accepted agencies for the Morris Canal & Banking Co., Bounton Iron Co., Wilkesbarre Coal & Iron Co., Franklin Coal Co., New Jersey Coal Co., and a number of Coal Companies; and at the early age of 21 or 22 his salaries aggregated over six thousand dollars per annum. His spirit was still restless, and after holding these valuable positions for about three years he resigned them to engage in the wholesale coal business. In the selling of coal he was an expert and soon amassed considerable money. He afterwards engaged in the mining of coal in Mahanoy City and was at one time the owner of the coal collieries now owned by Lentz, Lilly & Company, at Park Place. During the coal disaster and financial crises of 1871 and 1872 he was forced to the wall, and with many others compelled to succumb to the inevitable. As a matter of fact coal was then sold in New York for $1 per ton less than it cost to mine it and deliver it there. He afterwards continued as coal salesman until the Democratic party nominated him for the office of Prothonotary and clerk of the courts of the county of Carbon, in 1879. In the new field of politics, his experience, brains and energy soon made themselves felt in Carbon county, and he acquitted himself so satisfactorily in the conduct and management of that responsible office that the Democrats renominated him in 1882 - 1885,

40 and to his credit be it said, again on last Monday, for another term of three years, with greater unanimity and less opposition than when he was nominated the first time. This proves that when the people really want a good and faithful public servant to continue to serve them, that a few politicians can not always defeat their wishes. In 1882 he received the highest majority over his opponent, that any candidate ever received in the county. When he leaves the office it will be with a clean and enviable record, his friends can point to it with pride. And while it is proper to say that he has a number of bitter political enemies, he also has more sincere friends, ready to fight for him than any other man in the county. As a politician he has always been true to his friends. Many a promising politician has gone down to ruin, because he attempted double- dealing with his friends. He is an excellent citizen and a warm-hearted friend, liberal and generous to a fault. His first wife was the daughter of John Davis, President of Easton National Bank, and she died about six years after her marriage. In 1873 he married the eldest daughter of Jonathan Simpson, deceased, with whom he is living and has three children. His generosity, warm-heartedness, energy and pluck are commendable traits of character well worthy of imitation. Hiram P. Levan, the nominee for sheriff, was born in Berks county, on August 16, 1843. He attended the common schools in the township; his early life was spent upon the farm. When about eighteen years of age he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter trade which he followed for about five years. Sometime during the year of 1865 he moved to Franklin township and for several years thereafter he followed the farming and milling occupation. While employed in a sawmill in 1872 he met with an accident by which he lost the fingers on his left hand, disabling him from active employment. He was elected constable in the spring of 1873, which office he has held ever since in connection with the tax collectorship of the township. Mr. Levan is well- known and respected all over the county; he is a good citizen and has made a township official of much excellence. He has always been a Democrat--born and raised in that firm old Jacksonian county of Berks he had early instilled into his mind the great and glorious principles of equality and right as taught by the Democratic party. If elected Mr. Levan will make a safe and reliable sheriff.

Volume 16, Number 45, Saturday September 22, 1888

Republican Co. Convention. Pen Pictures of the Candidates Dildine Snyder, the nominee for Sheriff, first saw the light of day on January 9, 1856, in the township of Lower Towamensing. His early life was spent upon the farm, sometime during the year 1864 his parents moved to Parryville and a new life dawned for Dildine. During the winter months he attended the public schools, and it is said of him that he was as mischievious, but withal as industrious as most boys of his time. Reaching manhood Mr. Snyder launched ino the butchering business which he followed for some time. He was constable of Parryville borough for three years, and was elected councilman for five years. These offices he filled with much credit. For five years he has been the genial and popular proprietor of the Iron Exchange Hotel. Dildine is a live, progressive citizen aad a staunch Republican. George M. Davis, the nominee for Associate Judge, was born in South Wales, on the 1st day of January, in the year 1848. Emigrating to this country sometime during 1866 he located in New Jersey; in 1868, two years later, he moved to Harleigh, near Hazelton, where he was employed as a "breaker boy." From breaker boy, by indomitable pluck and perseverance, he

41 worked himself up to the practical and experienced miner, so that when he moved to Lansford in 1883 he secured the position of mine foreman under the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company. He is now contractor in Spring Tunnel. He was elected Assesser while a resident of Hazel township over a Democratic opponent and a large Democratic majority, and is now treasurer of Lansford borough. Mr. Davis is a married man and the father of eight children. He has always been a staunch Republican. Jesse L. Gabel, the nominee for Prothonotary, was born in Berks county on the 29th day of August, 1845. His father was Abraham Gabel, a prosperous and successful farmer and merchant. He was educated in the common or public schools. When twelve years of age he was apprenticed for three years to learn the machinist trade in Philadelphia, which he followed for some time. Relinquishing this he launched into the mercantile business at Lewisburg, Union county, where for three years of more he was recognized as a live, progressive citizen. From there he went to Philadelphia and was connected with brick manufacturing for four or five years. Growing tired of this he entered the wholesale grocery business as a salesman, which occupation he followed for nigh onto eleven years. In 1877 he located here as a partner of F. P. Semmel, in the coal and hardware business. Mr. Semmel retiring a few years later, Mr. Gabel assumed control of the entire business. He is married to a daughter of the late Judge Daniel Heberling and is the father of a family. Three years ago he ran against George W. Esser, for the office for which he is again nominated, and was defeated. Edward M. Mulhearn, the nominee for Assembly, was born in Mauch Chunk, Carbon county, Pa., on June 15, 1849. At the age of five years he attended the public schools. Sometime during the year 1857 he started to "boat" on the Lehigh canal in which avocation he continued, except when he worked at Hackelbernie and at the "old shutes," Mauch Chunk, picking slate, until 1865, when he was sent to Villa Nava, Deleware county, Pa., where he received a collegiate education which terminated in 1871. Shortly after finishing his college course he entered the law office of Daniel Kalbfus, Esq., and read law for one year, when he entered the law office of E. C. & J. C. Dimmick, Esq's., and was admitted to practise at the Bar on the 20th of June 1873 and has since followed his profession at Mauch Chunk. In 1881 he was elected District Attorney of Carbon county, and three years later was re-elected to the same office. In 1886 he was nominated by the Republicans for the Legislature but was defeated by Daniel Bachman, of Weatherly. O. R. Kistler, the nominee for Coroner, is a native of this county and resides at Nesquehoning where he has a large practice and hosts of friends. If elected to the office for which he is nominated he will make a trustworthly official. Richard Gilbert, the nominee for Jury Commissioner, resides at Beaver Meadow, and by those who know him, he is said to be well qualified to fill the office to which he aspires.

Volume 17, Number 4, Saturday, December 8, 1888

Current Events Epitomized. Gideon Zimmerman, of Lower Towamensing, is the owner of a clock one hundred years old. This is evidently one of "Grandfathers clock," that the boys used to sing about.

42 Volume 17, Number 5, Saturday, December 15, 1888

For the Weissport Post-Office. There looms up prominently this week as an aspirant for the Weissport post-office a prominent and deserving citizen, and one who is justly entitled to the post offical honors and benefits both by reason of his patriotic services to his country in the great hour of her need, and his faithful adherence to the grand old party, we refer to Mr. Amos Marsh, a good citizen, a faithful Republican and an old soldier. He inlisted in Company D., 67th Regiment, Penna. Volunteers, in 1861, and on the 5th day of February, 1864 he re-enlisted; he was seriously wounded in the battle at White House Landing at the time Grant made his retrograde movement on St. Petersburg. He was honorably discharged on June 24th, 1865, on account of disabilities received in that great battle. For fourteen years he has been a resident of Weissport, respected and esteemed by our people. He was the projector of the Emery Wheel Factory and has been prominent in other improvements of progressiveness. The post official trust could be put in no safer hands. We hope our old friend will be successful in his aspirations: and he certainly will be if the coming new administration recognizes the worth of a crippled old soldier.

Volume 17, Number 21, Saturday, April 6, 1889

After Many Years Religious Services are Held in the First Presbyterian Church. After a lapse of almost a decade religious services were again held in the First Presbyterian church on Northampton street, last Sunday morning and evening by Rev. Allen, of Lafayette College, Easton, who has accepted a call to the pastorate. Owing to the bad weather the audiences were not large at either services, though it was pleasant to observe that what lacked in numbers was made up in appreciation. Services will be held at 10:30 a. m., and 7:30 p. m., next Sunday. At 9:00 in the morning a Sunday school will be organized in the church basement. Strenerous efforts will be made to perfect a thorough re-organization of the church. A quarter of a century and five years more have rolled away since the inception of Presbyterianism into this town. It was in the era of scrub-oak desolation, and just as Sunday was beginning to send its radiating influences over the Blue Mountains that Rev. Hodge and Elder Smith, by direction of the Luzerne Presbytery, met Rev. J. Darroch, of the church at Weatherly, in a school house here, where the first sermon from John III, 3, was discoursed to a small audience by Rev. J. A. Hodge, after which certificates were received from five and three more were received into membership on profession of faith, and on this day, December 24, 1859, the congregation by expressed desire was organized into the church of Christ under the care of the Presbytery of Luzerne, to be called the Gnaden Hutten Presbyterian church of Lehighton. Samuel Kennedy was elected Ruling Elder and Rev. J. Darroch was to preach once every Sabbath. The period between 1860 and 1870 is without record to our knowledge, further than the fact that various missionaries held irregular services. In 1872, on the 15th day of February, Rev. Earle, of Catasauqua, and Rev. Belville, of Mauch Chunk, met with the congregation in the old school house on the corner of Pine and Iron streets, at which time fourteen new members were baptised and received into the faith. Philip Miller, of town, and Thomas Harleman, of Packerton, were appointed Ruling Elders. The necessity of a suitable building for worshiping purposes began to be felt with the increased membership, and a subscription book was passed around to raise funds for the erection of a building. The amount thus collected, together with the

43 money left by the recluse of Gnaden Hutten, Fredricka Misca, formed a safe nucleus to begin operations, and on Thursday, the 29th day of May, 1873, the corner stone of the First Presbyterian church, on Northampton street, was laid with services appropriate to the dedicating of a temple of worship to the mercy of a Divine God. The ceremonies were conducted by the pastor, H. F. Mason, assisted by pastors of other congregations. On Thursday, February 19, 1874, Rev. Mason, owing to some difficulty tendered his resignation to take effect June 1. Services were held in the basement of the church building for the first time on March 29th, 1874, and the first communion was administered on Sunday, April 5th. On Thursday, May 7th, the church edifice entire was dedicated with services appropriately fitting to the occasion. The church experienced a measure of prosperity for several years, but finally, owing to hard times, want of members and divers causes, church services were suspended. Church services on Sunday, March 31, 1889, note the re-organization; let us trust that from henceforth its career in the service of Almighty God will be a truly successful one.

Volume 17, Number 28, Saturday May 25, 1889

Local Events Cut Up. There lie buried in the cemeteries at this place, the following old soldiers of the 1812 war: John Lentz, ------Beaver, Benj. Cohler, Leonard Hontz, Daniel Klotz. Of the late rebellion: J. W. Heberling, Chas. Kemerer, Elias Weiss, Henry Meighan, F. P. Longstreet, Matthew Meighan, William Hontz, Charles Mulharen, Jeremiah Koons, Charles Patterson, Daniel Xanders, James H. Campbell, Pete Swartwood, Geo. Derhamer, Henry Miller, James Holmes, Horace DeYoung, A. Patterson, Lew Klinger, Granville Clauss, David O'Brian, Edward Mulharen, Adam Buchman, John Bertolette, George Dick, Aaron Weidaw, Joseph Drumbore. In the Weissport cemetery lie the following dead soldiers: Sacob and Frank Weiss, John Arner, Jacob Schwank, Francis Koons, Amandus Moyer, Albert Herman, Alfred Laurich, George Buck, Jacob Wisner, John Guth, Alexander Lentz, Alexander Hartman, Frand Sourwine, Jno. Powell, James Powell, J. C. Ruch, Chas. Boyer, Charles Brown, Joseph Conner, Martin B. Blose, Robert Weiland, Wm. Klotz, W. Kline, Daniel Kresge, ------Bachman, Jno. W. Gilham.

Local Events Cut Up. A delegation of John D. Bertolette Post, 484, G. A. R., will visit St. John's cemetery, New Mahoning, on Sunday and decorate the graves of the following old soldiers: O. F. Musselman, Henry Snyder, George Arb, Joseph Moyer, Augustus Walton, Henry Wehrstein and Willoughby Koons. The exercises in the cemetery will be interesting and impressive.

Local Events Cut Up. Buried in the Parryville cemetery are the following soldiers who served their country excellently well, John Milham, C. Wintling, Alex Belford, Charles Remaley, August Wintling, Robert Phifer, Charles Brown, ------. Baumgarten.

Volume 17, Number 37, Saturday, July 27, 1889

After Many Years. Following the great, indecisive and bloody battle of Antietam on the 17th of December, in the year 1862, Moses Rehrig, of town, a private in Co. E., 28th Pennsylvania Volunters, under

44 the command of Gen. Geary, picked up from the bloody field of carnage, filled with dead, mained and dying, a small pocket bible, dropped in the frightful struggle for the Union's persevation. On the fly leaf, written in the delicate chirography of a female hand were these words: "Presented by the ladies of Mount Pleasant to the Defenders of our country." Frank Mechling Mr. Rehrig carried the bible with him until he was mustered out of service a year later, when the book was placed away as a relic of the great struggle in which he had participated. In looking over his effects some time ago the thought occurred to him that he would try and find the owner or his family, and accordingly wrote to the postmaster at Mount Pleasant, witht he result that a few days later he recieved the following letter. Mount Pleasant, July 11 '89. Mr. Rehrig--Dear Sir:--I recieved your letter stating that you have in your possession a bible which you found at the battle of Antietam, "presented by the ladies of Mount Pleasant" and the name of Frank Mechling. I am Mary G. Mechling, widow of Frank Mechling. My husband died Feb. 18, 1888, of consumption; he was in the he was in the battle of Antietam and have no doubt but what he lost it there. I would be very glad to have it, and I appreciate your kindness very much. Inclosed find postage stamps and send the bible by mail. Yours Respectfully, Mrs. Mary J. Michling. Closely following the receipt of the above letter Mr. Rehrig mailed the bible to the widow of the deceased soldier who had answered the final roll call and joined the great army on the other side. Mr. Rehrig served throughout the war, first in Co. E., 28th Pa., Volunteers, and later in the famous 116th Irish Brigade, under command of Gen. Mullholand. At Reeme's Station, near Petersburg, he was captured by the Rebels and placed in the in the world-famous Libby prison, later he was removed to Bellis Island and finally to that den of misery Andersonville, where for eleven months he suffered from the hateful cruelties of Southern hate and fury. He went in a strong, healthy man, in the vigor and flush of manhood, and came out broken down in health and bodily diseased. He was born and raised in East Penn township, first seeing the light of day in 1836. He is now 53 years of age, but prematurely old, his hair are of a silver gray. He is only one of the many from whose ranks noble little Carbon furnished to fight the country's battles; and his record stands with the first in the history of self-sacrifice, nobility and faithfulness to the cause for which he fought. In conclusion Mr. Rehrig is a member in cood standing in John D. Bertolette Post, No. 484, G. A. R., of this place.

Volume 17, Number 40, Saturday, August 17, 1889

Our Spice Box. Amelia Patterson, better known perhaps, as "Old Granny" to the later generation, will have a head stone to mark her last resting place in the old Moravian cemetery, if earnest efforts of her friends are of avail. "Granny" Patterson was almost four score years when she died; she came to this place with her husband, who fought in the early wars, more than a half century ago, at a time when scrub oak and disolation run wild and in the period when Sunday was comparatively unknown north of the Blue Mountains. She was a girl when Fredrica Misca, the eccentric recluse of Gnaden Hutten, attracted the attention of the people in the community by her strange actions. She had a wonderful memory, and up to the time of her death could point out and name the dwellers in unmarkd graves inthe Gnaden Hutten cemetery. It was a self-

45 appointed duty to keep the old grave yard in a neat condition, planting flowers here and weeding there, while under her touch transformations were always coming. A monument to mark her last resting place will be a mark of esteem setting forth stronger than words the appreciation of the friends whom she has left behind.

Volume 17, Number 44, Saturday, September 14, 1889

The Democratic Convention. The County Chairman Michael Cassidy, the new Democratic County Chairman, was born in what is now known as Nesquehoning, in Mauch Chunk township, the 25th day of January, 1834. He attended the common schools there and worked in the coal breaker and mines until his boyhood days had fled when he entered the Millersville State Normal School as a student; after two years close application to study he graduated with credit. He passed a successful examination and "taught the young idea how to shoot" from 1872 to 1877. At the county election in 1878 he was elected a member of the State Assembly along with Dr. J. G. Zern. His first term was so creditable that he was again taken up by the Democracy and re-elected for two years. He distinguished himself while a State Legislature for ability, and integrity to the masses of the tax paying people by voting against the Pittsburg riot steal of $4,000,000, thus saving $40,000 to Carbon county people. From January 1885 to January 1889 he acted in the capacity of Commissioner's Clerk. He is now associated with District Attorney Wm. M. Rapsher, under the firm name of Rapsher & Cassidy, attorneys. The management of political campaign is not entirely new to him, he having been for several years secretary of the county committee at the time when G. W. Esser was chairman. He is well and popularly known besides being an indefatigable worker, and will make a live chairman of the ocunty committee. Associate Judge. Samuel B. Price, the Democratic candidate for Associate Judge, first saw daylight in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, in the year 1823. When still a boy he moved to this state,-- entering the private schools at Sunbury, Pa., where the rudiments of his early education was laid. Sometime during the year 1843 he took up his residence in Mauch Chunk, where he read medicine and later during the years of 1844-45 took a course of lectures in the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia. Returning to Mauch Chunk he relinquished medicine and kept books for various coal companies at Nesquehoning for seven years, dating from 1847 to 1854. From 1860 to 1865 he was engaged contracting with the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Co., at Summit Hill. From here, sometime during the year 1866 he accepted the position of chief clerk, cashier and general manager of the company's offices and store at Upper Lehigh, where for twenty years he resided and attended to his multiplex duties with fidelity and ability, and to the complete satisfaction of his employees. On resigning this position in 1885 he removed to Mauch Chunk and located in the residence now occupied by him. Failing in health during 1886 he, on advice of his physician, spent six months in Europe, returning fully recuperated from a score of years close and continuous service. He is at present, and has been for twenty years secretary and treasurer of the Necepec Coal Co. He is also a prominent Mason, being Past Master of Carbon Lodge, No. 242, Past High Priest of Lilly Chapter, No. 181, and a member of Packer Commandery; he is a consistent member of the Presbyterian church of Mauch Chunk, and for some years has been of its trustees. The only county office that he has ever held was that of treasurer during the years of 1857 58. In 1856 he was married and the union has been blessed

46 with three sons. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank at Hazleton, and is now a director of the institution as he is also a director of the First National Bank at Shenandoah. His position in life to-day is an exposition of possibilities open to all young men; born of poor parents in a New Jersey village he has by push and enterprise, honesty, integrity and a natural ambition made for himself a place among the best men in the Keystone state. In personal appearance is short and stout, being almost as broad as he is long; his hair is silvered with the flight of passing years; his face is round and chubby while his eyes gleam with the good nature predominent; he is naturally benevolent, with a heart as big as himself, and no one has asked aid of him who has not been duly given. He is a friend to everybody, and if elected judge will fill the position with credit, ability and fidelity to the whole people of Carbon. District Attorney. Joseph S. Fisher, candidate for district Attorney was born 35 years ago in the mining village of Jamestown, Panthec Creek Valley, Carbon County (now part of the borough of Summit Hill). At the age of 9 years he entered the breaker of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company as a slate-picker, at which occupation he was employed for the next three years. At the age of twelve he moved with his parents to the state of Missouri, where for the next four years he was employed in farming, at the expiration of which time the family returned to Summit Hill. Mr. Fisher then a youth of sixteen years, without even the merest rudiments of an education, again entered the coal mines and labored therein for the next four years, during which time in addition to his daily labor he acquired sufficient education to engage in school teaching when he has barely attained the age of 21 years, which occupation he successfully followed in his native township until the year 1884, attaining the highest grade of Teacher's Certificate. In the year 1884 he entered the law office of Messrs. Craig & Loose in Mauch Chunk and by close application to study, so far mastered the technicalities of the law, as to pass a creditable examination therein, and was in June 1885 admitted to the bar, since which time he has been in active practice in Mauch Chunk. For County Auditor. John Hines, of Weatherly, is of Irish parentage. Born in North Ireland, on the 24th day of February, in the year 1825, he is sixty-four years of age. Sometime during the year 1842 a sailing vessel bound for the new world had on board as a passenger an Irish lad who left the folks at home to seek his fortune in America. That lad was John Hines; he went to Canada, but in 1836 floated to this section. For nineteen years he has been a citizen of Weatherly, respected and esteemed by all who know him. He has been a school director and councilman at home, which offices he acceptebly filled. He is now in the hotel business. His nomination for Auditor came unexpected and unsolicited and as a lifelong Democrat he feels complimented accordingly.

Volume 18, Number 4, Saturday, December 7, 1889

County Condensations. John Fenstermacher, of Lehigh Gap, claims to have the oldest bible in Carbon county. His book bears date of 1704--making it 185 years old.

Volume 18, Number 11, Saturday, January 25, 1890

Lehigh Gap Specials. Charles Straup claims to have the oldest family bible in the county.

47 Volume 18, Number 28, Saturday, May 24, 1890

All Honor to the Heroc Dead. In all times and in all ages it has been the beautiful custom in countries where the the noble deeds of the great and brave are appreciated to set aside one day in the year as a period of grateful commemoration, accordingly John D. Bertolette Post, 484, of town, will in proper order pay tribute to their comrades who have joined the silent army on the other side. In the cemeteries in this neighborhood, viz, rest the following old soldiers: Parryville--John Milham, C. Wintling, Alex Belford, Charles Remaley, August Wintling, Robert Phifer, Charles Brown, ------Baumgarten. New Mahoning--O. F. Musselman, Henry Snyder, George Arb, Joseph Moyer, Augustus Walton, Henry Wehrstein and Willoughby Koons. Weissport--Jacob and Frank Weiss, John Arner, Jacob Schwank, Francis Koons, Amandus Moyer, Albert Herman, Alfred Laurich, George Buck, Jacob Wisner, John Guth, Alexander Lentz, Alexander Hartman, Frank Sourwine, John Powell, James Powell, J. C. Ruch, Charler Boyer, Charles Brown, Joseph Connor, Martin Blose, Robert Weiland, Wm. Klotz, W. Kline, Daniel Kresge, ------Bachman, John W. Gilham. Lehighton--John Lentz, ------Beaver, Benj. Cohler, Leonard Hontz, Dniel Klotz, J. W. Heberling, Chas. Kemerer, Elias Weiss, F. P. Longstreet, Matthew Meighan, William Hontz, Charles Mulharen, ----- Koons, Charles Patterson, Daniel Xander, James H. Campbell, Peter Swartwood, George Derhamer, Henry Miller, James Holmes, Horace DeYoung, A. Patterson, Lew Klinger, Granville Clauss, David O'Brian, Edward Mulharen, Adam Buchman, John D. Bertolette, George Dick, Aaron Weidaw, Joseph Drumbore and Reuben Kemerer.

Volume 18, Number 29, Saturday, May 31, 1890

Carbon County Tips. Nathan Hoffman, of East Penn township, is one man in this county who has followed the biblical injuction of increasing and multiplying, for he is the father of twenty- one children, all alive and kicking. He is only 56 years old, hale and hearty. Just imagine buying dry goods and groceries for such a crowd.

Volume 18, Number 43, Saturday, September 6, 1890

Pen Pictures of the Candidates. Who and What they Are and Where they Hail From. Congress--Hon. Allen Craig, of Mauch Chunk, who is Carbon county's choice for Congress, was born at the old family home in Lehigh Gap, this county, on Christmas day, in the year 1835. He obtained an education in the common schools, prepared for college under private teuition and graduated from Lafayette college, Easton, in 1853. He read law in the office of the late Milton C. Dimmick, and in 1858 was admitted to practice at the Bar, since which time he has continuously resided at the County Seat. In 1860 he was elected District Attorney and served for three years with credit and ability. During 1866 and for two years thereafter he represented this county in the State Legislature and in 1878 was elected State Senator. He is a bright, brainy, able and influential man and would make a good Congressman. Senator--W. M. Rapsher, of Mauch Chunk, was born in Northampton county April 23,

48 1843. Being left an orphan at nine years his path was not strewn with roses; but, with determination and close application he earned the means to secure a liberal education, and graduated from Albion Commercial College, Michigan. He was eighteen years of age in 1861 when Abraham Lincoln called for troops, but age did not deter him, and he enlisted, and served without interruption until August 1865. He participated in many engagements and was one of the first to offer his services when the special call for one thousand volunteers was made at Port Hudson to lead the attack on the fortress. Before the close of the war he was detailed for special services, and rendered valuable clerical work in the office of the General commanding the Department of Louisianna while that state was under military government. Following the close of the war he taught school fo a number of years--his appointments being at Summit Hill, Lehighton and Weissport. During his leisure hours he read law in the office of Messrs. Albright & Bertolette, Mauch Chunk, and in 1871, at the first term of court held by Judge Dreher, he was admitted to practice at the Carbon county Bar, after passing an exceptionally creditable examination. In 1871 he was defeated for Supt. of Public Schools by R. F. Hofford--the margin being but a few votes. In the fall of the same year he was a candidate for District Attorney, but was defeated by Ed. C. Dimmick. He was elected a member of the legislature by the Republicans in 1876 and served with distinction--having succeeded in the framing and passage of a bill for the abolishing of the pernicious company stores. In the fall of 1880, when Gen. Hancock was a candidate for the Presidency, Mr. Rapsher came to his support, giving his reasons for so doing in an open letter, which was published in the leading papers throughout the state. From the fall of 1880 Mr. Rapsher has been a Democrat, always actively engaged for the best interests of his party, and was in 1888 a campaign orator for Grover Cleveland. In 1885 he was Carbon county's choice for State Senator, but he conceeded the nomination to Pike county. In 1886 he was nominated and elected to the office of District Attorney. He served in that capacity, faithfully and creditably. He is recognized as one of the ablest writers and most profound thinkers in Eastern Pennsylvania; he is a ready and fluent talker and debater and will be more than a mere figure head in the State Senate. He has pronounced views on many of the modern reforms and we can expect some excellent work from him. Assembly--Hugh Ferry, the nominee for Assembly, first saw the light of day on the 15th of March, in the year 1851, in Jeanesville, Luzerne county. He was educated in the common schools of the township. When about ten years of age his father, who was a miner, died, and he along with several brothers, went to work in the coal breakers as slate pickers in order to support the family. Mr. Ferry has followed the mines ever since; he is a careful and observing gentleman, a popular and well-known labor man, a through Democrat, and if elected to the office to which he aspires will be a credit to the Carbon county Democracy. Mr. Ferry has off and on filled various public offices in his district and is much liked at his present home in Audenried. Register & Recorder--Frank P. Semmel who came out a winner in the contest for the above office before the Democratic Convention last Monday, was born in Lehigh county, on the 25th day of April, in the year 1847. His early childhood was spent at home, but the destiny that shapes man's end, placed him, at the early age of thirteen years, behind the counter of a country general store at Fogelsville where he learned the rough rudiments of a salesman; from here he went to Slatington where he followed the same avocation up to February of 1864, when he was offered and accepted a lucrative position with the late Thomas T. Beck who was doing a large business in Lehighton. Three years later he was with Joseph Obert as book-keeper and manager of his general store, always going up by steadfast perseverance and close attention to his employer's business. During 1867 he was married to a daughter of Judge Heberling and associated himself and was, in fact, the originator of the well-known firm of J. W. Heberling &

49 Co., doing business in Mauch Chunk. After three years of close application to business the desire to be the sole proprietor of an establishment took posession of him and he retired from the above firm and launched into the drygoods and hardware business at Lehighton where the goddess of success lavished on him her best gifts, and he became the owner of the old Kistler tannery property and built thereon the massive brick structure now known as Gabel's block. About this time he also made numerous investments in real estate, besides building seven or more blocks of houses, when the hard times of 1878 caught him and scattered the result of his labors to the winds as it had also racked many others in this section. The voters of Lehighton twice elected him Chief Burgess, made him a town councilman, school director, &c. During the time when J. W. Raudenbush was Sheriff, Frank was his Deputy, which office he filled with satisfaction and credit. When Grover Cleveland was President he was appointed mail route agent, and resigned from the service after two and a half years with a record for fidelity and faithfulness to the government without a paralellel. His brothers are John T. Semmel, Cashier of the First National Bank, and Wallace J. Semmel both of town, esteemed and respected citizens, and staunch Democrats. Mr. Semmel is now a clerk for the L. V. R. R. Co., at Packerton and resides in this town with his family, a wife, a daughter Miss Lillie, and son Frank. The convention could hardly have placed the nomination to a more deserving or popular man; Frank having always been a worker in the Jeffersonian cause. Treasure--James T. Mulhearn, of Lansford, who won the nomination for county treasurer after a hard and determined contest, is a native of Donegal county, Ireland. He came to this country when a lad ten or twelve years of age, and went into the mines to work after serving an apprenticeship in a breaker at picking slate. He is forty years of age and has always voted the Democratic ticket. He was a member of the borough council of Lansford for several years, being elected over his Republican opponent in a staunch Republican strong hold. He is now in the liquor business in the above town. Jimmy is popular where ever known, has hosts of friends who will help pile up a majority for him on November 4th. Commissioner--Henry Miller, who was the first choice of the convention for this important office, is at present serving in the same capacity--his renomination standing as an eloquent compliment to his ability and popularity. Mr. Miller is a resident of Franklin township, with extensive business interests at Weissport and Lehighton. He is yet a young man with an enterprising and go aheadative ambition and will poll a large vote where best known from the fact that his genial dispostion and open-heartedness had made him hosts of firm friends, not only in the Democratic party, but in the ranks of the enemy. County Commissioner--Daniel Cannon, who was the second choice of the convention for the responsible office of County Commissioner, is agenial hearted fellow with a Democracy dating back to the cradle. He is a native of Lehigh township where he was born thirty-seven years ago. As his father before him tilled the soil he follows the same avocation, in connection with which he is in the saloon business. He is well and favorably known in the upper end of the county, which section rallied strongly to him in the convention. Auditor--George W. Morthimer, of Lehighton, first saw the light of day in Mauch Chunk a quarter of a century ago, and has since resided in the county with the exception of a few years. He was educated in the common school, learned the printer's trade and is now the associate editor of the Carbon Advocate. Auditor--A. P. Peters, of Mauch Chunk, is a hale fellow well met, and has already served three years in the capacity of County Auditor with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public.

50 Volume 18, Number 44, Saturday, September 13, 1890

Winners in the Race for Office. The Lucky Men--Who, What and Where From Spicely Told. James H. Handwerk, who for a period of nine years has continuously held the important office of Register and Recorder of Carbon county, was again unanimously nominated for that office by his party in convention at Mauch Chunk on Monday. Jimmy is an elucidation of the self-made man, having risen step by step from the rustic to position of trust and credit. He was born in Lehigh county on the 19th day of March, A. D. 1851, being a son of the Handwerk's who for many years tilled the soil in East Penn township, this county. The rudiments of an early education were imparted to him in the district school of the township and his boyhood passed much in the same manner as the general run of "boyhood sunny days." Twenty-two years ago he became a Mauch Chunker, where he clerked for A. R. Beers, Chas. B. Rhoads and James Belford, and at one time was in business for himself. In 1884 he was married to a daughter of Francis Yundt, of Weissport, and now lives pleasantly with a happy family on West Broadway, in the County Seat. J. C. Sendel, of Weatherly, who was honored with the nomination for County Commissioner at the Republican county convention on Monday, was born in Mahoning township August 11, 1851. His father was the late John Sendel a well-to-do farmer of the district, and J. C. is one of a family of ten, of whom his brothers are Josiah and Alex., of Mauch Chunk, William of Mahoning and Eli of New Jersey--all staunch Republicans and representative men. J. C. Sendel was educated in the schools of Mahoning and early put to work to "hoe his own row." He worked in various capacities and twelve years ago took up a residence at Weatherly, where he was superintendent of a large truck farm owned by W. W. Blakslee, later he filled the same position for J. G. Eadie, and three years ago launched into the hardware and lumber business for himself. Mr. Sendel is a much respected citizen of the town where he now lives having filled several offices of trust, and is esteemed where ever known. He is an able and careful business man, a jolly good fellow, and promises to make a hard fight for election. Thomas McCready, was born and bred in Summit Hill. His early life was spent in the mines, first as a slate picker, then as a mule driver, later he went on the canal and finally launched into the business world for himself, and is now conducting a merchant tailoring and gents furnishing store in the above place. Mr. McCready was born on July 7, 1851, his father being the late John McCready. Levi Horn, the candidate for County Treasurer, is a son of the late Lewis Horn, of Franklin township, who tilled the soil and was known among men as an honest, fair and square farmer. Levi was born in Weissport on the 31st day of August, back in the year 1848, and like his father has followed farming for a livelihood, with the exception of at various times doing contracting work. He has frequently been elected to various offices of public place in the township where he resides and is known as a careful and judicious servant of the people. He has hosts of friends among both parties--being a hale fellow well met. John S. Miller, of Weissport, candidate for County Auditor was born in Seagersville, Lehigh county, March 12, 1847. He was educated in the township schools and at fifteen was apprenticed to learn the printer's trade at Allentown. He soon relinquised this, however, and went to clerking--filling positions at Seagersville and in Franklin. In 1864 he went to Mahanoy City where he followed carpentering. He returned soon after, and has since been a resident of Weissport, where he has filled many positions of public trust, having for ten years past filled the honorable office of justice of the peace, besides being at this time a town councilman and

51 borough treasurer. He is a life long Republican, and besides, possesses ability. He is now with Jos. F. Rex, of Franklin.

Volume 18, Number 46, Saturday, September 27, 1890

Ripe Old Age. After a busy life of three score years what more pleasant can fancy picture than a quiet, peaceful old age in the old home, midst the scenes of failures and successes, hopes and fears now buried in the past gone forever. Living out this happy dream in the shadow almost of the hereafter Thomas Beltz, four score and five and his good wife but a year younger, now dwell in Mahoning township in the enjoyment of all their faculties and fairly good health. Mr. Beltz worked in the mines when a young man and later drove coach on the old stage line between Mauch Chunk and Tamaqua, when finally in 1830 he went to farming in Mahoning. Once a year, as was the occasion recently, his sons and daughters with their families gather at the old home and in fancy live over again the days now in the mist of the past, while they enjoy feasting and merry making to the pleasure of all.

Volume 18, Number 49, Saturday, October 18, 1890

Republican Nominee for Assembly. George Henry Laury, the nominee, sprang from one of the oldest and best known families in the Lehigh Valley, his uncle being the late Judge Laury, of Lehigh county. He was born in Mauch Chunk in 1849, and is the son of Godfrey Laury, formerly of Weissport, now residing in Kansas. After receiving a common school education, young Laury was sent to the Academy at Weissport, from which institution he graduated with honors. When but 17 years of age, Mr. Laury received and accepted the appointment of teller in the First National Bank, of Mahanoy City, which position he filled for six years with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the officers of the institution. After servering his connection with the bank he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Mahanoy City and 1878 returned to Mauch Chunk, where he has since resided. Mr. Laury at present holds the position of Secretary of the Mauch Chunk Shoe Manufacturing Company and bookkeeper at the extensive factory operated by the Company on West Broadway. In June, 1864, Mr. Laury, then in his 16th year, entered in the Union Army at Mahanoy City, joining Co C, of the 194th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. He served until the close of the war under Capt. Zacharias Pott and Col. Nagle. The nominee is one of the most active members of Chapman Post, No. 61, G. A. R., of Mauch Chunk, and is at present serving as Chaplain. He is the youngest member in ths Post, and his comrades hope to see him elected to a seat in the Legislative halls at Harrisburg. Mr. Laury, although eminently fitted to fill any position, never sought a nomination for public office. While a resident of Mahanoy City he was prevailed upon to accept a citizens' nomination for member of the School Board. He was elected over three competitors, and served the people of his district very acceptably for a full term of 3 years. He was a delegate to the recent Republican convention, and served as chairman of the committee on resolutions. He was not a candidate before the convention, and the present nomination came to him entirely unsolicited. Mr. Laury was prevailed upon to accept only at the earnest solicitation of the most prominent Republicans in the county. Now that he is in the field, he expects to make a winning

52 fight and his friends wish him success. Mr. Laury was married in 1872 to Miss Snyder, daughter of Nathan Snyder, of Weissport, and is the father of two children. He is very domestic in his habits, and is never so happy as when at home with his family. As a citizan of Mauch Chunk, he is held in high esteem by all classes, without regard to party affiliations. Should he be successful in his canvass, we feel sure that he will creditably represent the interests of Carbon county in the General Assembly of the State.--Gazette.

Volume 19, Number 11, Saturday, January 24, 1891

Multum In Parvo. Four old citizens seen on First street Wednesday were Lewis Graver, aged seventy-seven years; Fred Leuckel, aged four score; Lewis Weiss, aged seventy-eight and George Williams, aged seventy-nine. They seemed all to enjoy fair to excellent health and we hope it may continue so with them for many years to come.

Volume 19, Number 34, Saturday, July 4, 1891

A Good Soldier He. The Excellent Record of Moses Rehrig in the Late War. A Brave Soldier and a Heroic Sufferer. For every emergency God provides. The echo of the first gun shot had scarcely died ere the North rose almost in solid phalanx ready to offer themselves for the preservation of a country that had taken so much to establish. The men who fought the great war of the Revolution left behind a love of country, a purity of patriotism that had been engrafted into the generation that followed and which lives to day in the hearts of every loyal American from Maine to California and from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and in all the by-ways that span the space in the curitous route. Thus it was that when the perpetuity of the United States was threatened by the southeran secessionists and an attempt made to establish a government of their own that the North, loyal to the teachings of the past, rose in a body, and with President Lincoln's earnest appeal, offered themselves to fight out the battles and undergo the hardships and sufferings that the grand old stars and stripes might continue to wave in every state and territory of the then threatened union. In the history of the civil war no state has a better record than the Keystone and no country, size and population considered, out ranks little Carbon for the number of soldiers furnished, for bravery, for patient sufferings, and fortitude in all the trials consequent to the great war that is written in blood on the page of history. In our own humble way we will try and recount the story of how some of those whom we know fought and suffered and suffer still, broken in health, crippled and deformed, that the United States might remain in tact. The first person to form the subject of these sketches is Moses Rehrig. Every man and boy in Lehighton and the community surrounding and every old soldier in the Lehigh Valley, knows Moses Rehrig, but few of the former know the trials and sufferings which he endured with patient fortitude while a soldier in the late civil war. On the 25th day of June, in the year of our lord 1861, just thirty years ago, he enlisted in Company E., Regiment, 28, Captianed by L. F. Chapman and Gen. W. Geary in charge. The regiment numbered nearly or quite 1600 and was soon afterwards divided into the 28th and 147--Col. Ario Pardee commanding the 147. Private Rehrig followed destiny of the 28th doing guard duty on the

53 Maryland side of the Potamic River between Harper's Ferry and Point of Rocks. In the early spring of 1862 the regiment crossed the river into Virginia after which the first real fighting commenced with the noted Mosby Guerrillas through the Shenandoah and Louden Valleys. While charging over a fence on the town of Middleburg he was seriously injured and soon after was promoted to 4th sergeant and honorably discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability while at Dunfries, Va. It may seem a strange coincidence, but Private Rehrig was made a sergeant and discharged from service the same day, which fact more than any other attests his faithfulness and good conduct in the service. On March 25, 1864, Mr. Rehrig re-enlisted; being in Tennessee, he entered the service as adjutant's clerk to Capt. Wellington Jones, Company G, 116th, Irish Brigade, then in command of Col. Mulholland. For the first few months he was on detached duty, following which he went direct to the front. When General Grant moved on Petersburg, Rehrig saw eighteen days of continuous and hard fighting and participated in three desperate charges on the fortifications in one day. The history of the Irish Brigade is a good one, the boys knew not what fear meant and were always where the fighting was the thickest and danger the most desperate. James Kressley, now of Weatherly, was also a member of the famous Irish Brigade. In this memorable battle Rehrig received a shell wound in the knee, and to this day he also carries a rebel ball in the same leg. On the 22nd day of June, 1864, three months after his re-enlistement, the Irish Brigade was led into ambush near Williams' Farm, on the Orange and Alexandria Railway, in front of Petersburg, and the entire brigade was either killed, wounded or taken prisoners. Of the latter, Mr. Rehrig was one. He was in Libby Prison for about two weeks when he was, along with many others, taken to the fatal Bell Island. Sometime later the prisoners were transported by railway in box cars from Bell Island to Andersonville, as many as ninety to [page torn] hundred occupying a single car, with the result that every day of the eighteen days which it took to make the journey, saw the death of some poor felllow who had heroically dared the fates of war's bitter carnage. It is beyond the power of pen to tell the sufferings entailed on this journey, often without food or water, standing, packed closely together in almost air-tight cars on a long journey through Southern swamps with the hot sun of summer pouring down on the cars as they sped on and on, each revolution of the wheels taking the prisoners farther and farther away from hope and life. We must leave it to the imagination to paint a picture strong enough to show what they must have endured. But the sufferings on that fateful ride were nothing compared to what they had yet to endure in the prison at Andersonville, Georgia, where thousands and thousands of poor fellows starved, and without hope fell and died, far from home, far from friends and aid. Many a hero was dumped into the pit with jeering coarseness. There was no display or pomp, no valley of artillery to proclaim the death os some noble fellow, but every day was funeral day and the quicker the dead bodies, bruised, sore and beyond recognition with intense sufferings were under ground the better. It would take too much space to tell of the life in that prison pen, let it suffice that not one ray of aught but misery, dark and drear was with those who filled the vertible hell on earth. Here soldier Rehrig was a prisoner until within a few days of the close of the war--almost one year. From a strong, hearty robust man, full of life, courage and vigor weighing almost 200 pounds he was reduced to a tall, gaunt skeleton of less than 120 pounds, broken in health and full of disease, he was released just in time to be saved from following those who had gone over the great devide before. Soldier Rehrig was born in East Penn township, this county, in the year 1836, and on the 17th day in the month of February. He has lived in this county continuously with the exception of a few years in the west and while absent to war. He has regained a fair proportion of former vigor though he still suffers much at times. He is a member of John D. Bertolette Post, 484, G.

54 A. R. of town. G. W. M.

Volume 19, Number 46, Saturday, September 26, 1891

Joseph S. Webb. By request we reproduce the following sketch of Joseph S. Webb, Republican candidate for Sheriff, from the columns of the Coal Gazette: Capt. Joseph S. Webb, candidate for Sheriff, is an old soldier of whom all Lehighton, his present home, is proud. His qualifications for the office are unquestioned, and, if elected, he will make a model public servant. Capt. Webb was born in Bloomsburg, Columbia county, April 14, 1847. When he was only two years of age, his parents removed from Bloomsburg to Maria Furnace, in Franklin Township, this county. Here the family resided for some time, and then removed to Lehighton, where his father died in 1862. At the time of the late war, Mr. Webb, then less than 15 years of age, accompanied Company I, of the 81st Regiment, to Harrisburg, and after considerable trouble he was allowed to join, and was enrolled as Corporal Sergeant. Promotion followed promotion, and in a short time he was transferred to Company A, with the position of first Lieutenant. At the expiration of his three-year term of service, Capt. Webb at once re-enlisted in the same company, then at New Market, in January, 1864. On April 8, 1865, when not yet 18 years of age, he was commissioned the Company's Captain. On June 29, 1865, he was mustered out at Harrisburg, having served for nearly four years. He returned home bearing three wounds received in the conflicts at Fair Oaks, at Charles City Cross Roads, and at Fredericksburg. Besides the foregoing he participated in 32 batles and many minor engagements. On his return from the war, he engaged for a time in the flour and feed business at Lehighton. Later he became landlord of the Weissport House, at Weissport, and this he conducted a period of four years. He then moved to Lehighton, and is at present conducting a restaurant on South First street. Capt. Webb enjoys the respect and esteem of the community in which he lives, and his many friends throughout the county intend to rally to his support, and roll up a large majority for him in November.

Volume 20, Number 1, Saturday, November 14, 1891

Local Catsup. M. G. Clauss, the fashionable cutter with Clauss Bros., has a spinning wheel that was made in 1792. Of course Milt wouldn't give it up.

Volume 20, Number 9, Saturday, January 9, 1892

In Haste. Thomas Thomas, of this city, has a sabre that a man named Rex, of Lehigh county, carried through 1812 war.

Volume 20, Number 24, Saturday, April 23, 1892

WILLIAM LILLY The Republican Candidate for Congressman-at-Large

55 General William Lilly, was born in Yates county, N. Y., June 3, 1821. In 1838 he removed with his father to Carbon county, Pa., and settled at Parryville. He was a conductor on the Beaver Meadow Railroad in 1838, and otherwise employed by the company for six years. He took great interest in military matters and was a prominent figure on training days. In a few years he was elected a brigadier general, the youngest man in the state who had attained so high an honor. He moved to Penn Haven, in Carbon county, and was elected to the Legislature by the Democrats in 1850, and again in 1851, when he barely missed being chosen Speaker, an office which fell to John Cessna, who, like General Lilly, was then a strong Democrat, and who with the general changed hi views during the war and became a pronounced Republican. Until the autumn of 1862 General Lilly was an active Democrat. In that year he became a working Republican and has remained one ever since. He has attended several National Republican Conventions as delegate or alternate and has been a member of every important Republican State Convention since 1863. He served as Republican delegate-at-large in the Constitutional Convention in 1873, taking an active part in the proceedings of the convention.

Volume 20, Number 26 [error for 29], Saturday, May 28, 1892

The Patriot Dead. The Names of Those Who Sleep Their Final Sleep. Another year with its ups and downs has almost passed away. Monday, those of who are left of the soldiers who fought in the late war, will assemble and assisted by our patriotic people will again strew with flowers, the brightest emblems of spring time, the graves of their comrades who have been silently mustered out and are now mingling with the great army on the other side where, the blue and the gray are as one great force in God's own domain. Each year the oblong mounds become more numerous and the ranks of those who commemorate this day becomes noticeably thinner, and yet with the same high spirit the soldier makes this annual march to the city of the dead and performs his duty with stoicism that marked his bravery and patriotism in his country's battles. To convenience our readers in the observance of this day we below give a list of the soldiers dead who sleep in our cemeteries: Lehighton--War of 1812: John Lentz, ------Beaver, Ben Kohler, Leonard Hontz, Daniel Klotz. War of 1861: J. W. Heberling, Charles Kemerer, Elias Weiss, Henry Meighan, F. P. Longstreet, Wm. Hontz, Charles Mulhearn, Charles Patterson, Jeremiah Koons, Daniel Xanders, James H. Campbell, George Derhamer, Henry Miller, James Holmes, Horace De Young, A. L. Patterson, Lewis Klinger, Granville Clauss, David O'Brian, E. F. Mulhearn, Adam Buchman, John D. Bertolette, Geo. Dick, Joseph Drumbore, Aaron Weidaw, Peter Swartwood, Kilian Hofecker. Weissport Cemeteries-Jacob Weiss 1776, Frank Weiss 1812, John Arner 1812, Jacob Schwank 1812. War of 1861--Amandes Moyer, Francis Koons, Albert Herman, Alfred Laurish, Geo. Bush, Jacob Wisner, John Guth, Alexander Lentz, Alexander Hartman, Frank Sourwine, John Powell, James Powell, Jona C. Ruch, Chas. Brown, Charles Boyer, Martin Blose, Joseph C. Conner, W. F. Klotz, Robert Weinland, William Kline, ------Bachman, Daniel Kresge. Parryville--Charles Wintling, John Millheim, Alex Belford, Chas. Remaley, August Wintling, Robert Pifer, Chas. Brown, ------Baumgarten. New Mahoning--O. F. Musselman, Henry Snyder, Geo. Arb, Jos. Mertz, August

56 Walton, Henry Winterstein, Willoughby Koons.

Volume 20, Number 39 [error for 41], Saturday, August 27, 1892

The Democratic Ticket. County Chairman Cassidy, Assembly, W. F. Biery, District Attorney J. S. Fisher. The County Chairman. Michael Cassidy, the Democratic County Chairman, was born in what is now known as Nesquehoning, in Mauch Chunk township, the 25th day of January, 1834. He attended the common schools there and worked in the coal breaker and mines until boyhood days had passed when he entered the Millersville State normal School as a student; after two years close application to study he graduated with credit. He passed a successful examination and "taught the young idea how to shoot" from 1872 to 1877. At the county election in 1878 he was elected a member of the State Assembly along with Dr. J. G. Zern. His first term was so creditable that he was again taken up by the Democracy and re-elected for two years. He distinguished himself while a State Legislator for ability, and integrity to the masses of tax paying people by voting ogainst the Pittsburg riot steal of $4,000,000, thus saving $40,000 to Carbon County people. From January 1885 to January 1889 he acted in the capacity of Commissioner's Clerk. He is now associated with District Attorney Wm. M. Rapsher, under the firm name of Rapsher & Cassidy, attorneys. The management of a political campaign is not entirely new to him, he having been for several years secretary of the county committee at the time when G. W. Esser was chairman. He is well and popularly known besides being an indefatigable worker, and will make a live chairman of the county committee. Representative. The nomination of our popular young townsman, W. F. Biery, by the Democrats for the office of Assembly, meets with the hearty approval of all our people. Mr. Biery is an honest, energetic young business man and will poll a large vote and be elected. Mr. Biery was born in Catasauqua and he was only four years of age when his father moved to Hickory Run where he had a big saw mill; for the past fifteen years, however, the Democratic candidate has been a resident of Weissport. For eight years he has been in the drug business and is looked upon as one of our popular, honest and progressive business men. He has been a member of the school board for six years past, has been for many years an Odd Fellow and is also a Red Man. The nomination of Mr. Biery come unsolicited. He is a strong candidate and will be elected by a big majority because he represents the common people's many interests. District Attorney. Joseph S. Fisher, candidate for District Attorney, was born 38 years ago in the mining village of Jamestown, Panther Creek Valley, Carbon county (now part of the borough of Summit Hill). At the age of 9 years he entered the breaker of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company as a slate-picker, at which occupation he was employed for the next three years. At the age of twelve he moved with his parents to the state of Missouri, where for the next four years he was employed in farming, at the expiration of which time the family returned to Summit Hill. Mr. Fisher then a youth of sixteen years, without even the merest rudiments of an education, again entered the coal mines and labored therein for the next four years, during which time in addition to his daily labor he acquired sufficient education to engage in school teaching when he had barely attained the age of 21 years, which occupation he successfully followed in his native township until the year 1884, attaining the highest grade of Teacher's Certificate. In the year

57 1884 he enterred the laws office of Messrs. Craig & Loose in Mauch Chunk and by close application to study, so far mastered the technicalities of the law, as to pass a creditable examination therein, and was in June 1885 admitted to the bar, since which time he has been in active practice in Mauch Chunk and for three years filled the office of District Attorney to which office he has been renominated.

Volume 20, Number 51, Saturday, November 5, 1892

Prof. N. M. Balliet. In view of the canvass for County Superintendent of Schools, and in view of the candidacy, already announced, of Prof. Nathan. M. Balliet, I take pleasure in submitting the following sketch of that gentleman's life and work. Mr. Balliet is one of Carbon's own sons, a native of the Mahoning Valley. He is thirty- one years old, and is a brother of Prof. Thos. M. Balliet, formerly Superintendent of Schools of this county. Those who already know him will recall a gentleman of pleasant address, refined manners, and broad culture. He received his early education in the rural schools of his district, and supplemented this by study in the Select school founded by his brother at Normal Square. As he approached maturity he adopted the course so common to the students of the Normal Institute, he entered the service of a public school teacher in his own home. In this capacity he served three years with signal success, preparing himself for college meanwhile. As a further preliminary to his colligate work he took a two years course in the Kutztown State Normal School. He entered Franklin and Marshall college, and was graduated with high standing. His teachers speak of his sterling character, his zeal and sound scholarship. Since graduation he has done two years post graduate work. Academic days over Mr. Balliet donned the pedagogue's mantle once more. His professional career briefly stated is as follows: Principal of Normal Institute for three years, Professor of Latin and Greek in Palatinate college two years, 1888-89 and 1889-90. Professor of Latin and History in Ursinus College two years, 1890-91 and 1891-92. This with his public school work gives him a total experience in the school room of ten years, an experience very varied and fruitful. To the public of Carbon county, Mr. Balliet is best known as Principal of Normal Institute at Normal Square. He served in that capacity longer than any other man. It was during his administration that so many young men went out to the different colleges and technical schools of the land. In his work at the Square, Mr. Balliet was eminently successful, nor was it the success of the school room merely. Some men's influence is confined to the class room; they excel in clearness of demonstration, in aptness of illustration; they are drill masters, it may be. Mr. Balliet possessed all these qualities, but more besides. There are those of his pupils who can testify to the quality of his friendship, to the influence he had over their lives and destinies. He was to them counsellor and friend. A teacher is to be judged not so much by the knowledge he imparts as by the influence he exerts over his pupils, these are the marks of true teaching. In his capacity of Principal Mr. Balliet made himself useful in all collateral work of the school. He was a zealous promoter of its literary society, its library and its reading circle. In regard to Mr. Balliet's work in Palatinate college we have the testimony of several of his pupils, speaking his great popularity and success as a teacher. Part of his success, no doubt, was due to his manifest interest in his pupils' welfare. He showed great push and zeal and a

58 desire to renovate and rejuvenate. An improved library, a reading room organized for the first time were among the fruits of his brief stay. I have before me the testimony of one of his co- workers. "His enthusiasm, tack and modes of discipline have won the respect and confidence of all our students. I never have been associated with a person who has shown greater skill in working up a department and in through class drill. My intimate acquaintanc with Mr. Balliet's collegiate work convinces me that he will be a power in any department of school work." From the fall of 1890 to the close of the last school year Mr. Balliet was connected with Ursinus College as Professor of Latin and History. A suggestive commentary upon his work in this new field is the fact that, after the first year, he was appointed general Supervisor of the work in the Preparatory School connected with Ursinus college, that in addition to his collegiate work, and that for two consecutive seasons he was president of a summer school also connected with the institution. These latter facts point not only to live, professive teaching, but to executive ability. Says one of his co-laborers, "He has been successful to the highest degree; and has accomplished, both in and outside of the class-room, what no one else has ever been able to do at this place. He has the faculty of securing more intelligent work from his pupils than the ordinary teacher; and as he always gains the respect and approbation of his students he wields a mighty influence for good. He is one of the strongest men in the faculty of this place; and, as an organizer and educator, he surely stands in the front rank." Mr. Balliet numbers among his pupils graduates and students of many different colleges and universities, including Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Lafayette, Lehigh, Williams, Franklin and Marshall, Ursinus, and Mulenburgh. He has some experience as a lecturer before Teachers' Institutes. He take a dignified view of his profession; is a student of men and of methods. In his capacity of Professor, principal and Supervisor he has had a most valuable experience. He possesses tact and the happy faculty of dealing with boys and with men. If we were asked to give a summary of this man's claims for consideration we should say (a) That he is eminently fitted for the office of County Superintendent, by natural ability, by training, and by experience; (b) That he is very successful and stimulating teacher; (c) That he is a man of ideas, alive with the spirit of progress; (d) And what is worth all these, that he has executive ability and the art of dealing with men.

Volume 21, Number 10, Saturday, January 21, 1893

Weatherly. Undertaker E. F. Warner, during the year 1892, conducted 89 funerals. Of these 52 burials were made in the Union Cemetery, Weatherly; 9 in the Catholic Cemetery, Weatherly; 2 in the Catholic Cemetery, Laurytown; 19 in the Union Cemetery, near Rockport; 4 in the Union Cemetery, near Rockport; 4 in the Church Cemetery in Quakake; 1 in the Hartz Cemetery in Quakake, and 11 were taken to various other cemeteries outside of town. The above deaths did not all occur in Weatherly, however. His records show that within the limits of Weatherly borough, 66 persons died during the year. Of the most prominent the following are noted: Mrs. David Heater, Edwin and Jonas Young, M. G. Kromer, Harry Jenkins, Daniel Derr, Simon Heller, Amos Hinkle, Christy Corcoran, Timothy Houser, Mrs. John Bloomingdale, Mrs. James Beatty, Miss Ella Brong, and Al. Smith, of Weatherly; William Krop, of Packer, and Mrs. Al. Gabrio, Mrs. John Shaefer, John Shaefer, Jr., Samuel Horn and Fred Smithcors, of Rockport, and Mannus McGinty, of Wilkes-Barre.--Mauch Chunk Times.

59 Volume 21, Number 19, Saturday, March 25, 1893

Parryville. James R. Smoyer, on Main Street, has in his possession a chest which is a century old. It bears the name of Katerene Waukem, Anno Domini, 1793. Mr. Smoyer has had this relic for years and it may be exhibited at the World's Fair.

Volume 21, Number 40, Saturday, August 19, 1893

Newsy Occurrences. Oliver Follweiler, of the first ward, has an old fashioned corner cupboard that belonged to his great grandmother. It is over 125 years old and is still in an excellent state of preservation.

Volume 21, Number 51, Saturday, November 11, 1893

Newsy Occurrences. Brinkman Bros., of First street, are the owners of a German bible that was printed in 1768. They prize it highly. The print is large and clear and the book throughout is splendidly illusrated. A $100 bill has been refused for the book.

Volume 22, Number 17, Saturday, March 24, 1894

An Old Land Mark. In writing of the removal of the old Ebbert building on First street, a correspondent to the M. C. News say: “An old building is disappearing from Bank street, Lehighton. It dates back to the days when Lehighton was yet known as Henrysburg, a name that has almost passed out of recollection. On the 25th of June next it will be 100 years that William Henry and Jacob Weiss, who owned 204 acres of land (the site on which Lehighton is now located) surveyed the lot on which the stone house was built and the one adjoining to Robert Morris for fifteen pounds, English money. Robert Morris, who was a Philadelphian, died and willed the lots to Sophia Nixon, Sophia Nixon sold them to Wm. Warner, Warner sold them to Charles G. Bauer, the father of Sheriff Franklin Bower, and the Bauers sold them to David Ebbert. The last sale took place in 1874. The stone house was erected by Wm. Henry, the original owner, and was the second house in the town. It was used for many years as a hotel and was at one time occupied by John Leisenring, the father of the Mauch Chunk Leisenrings. It was in this house that the late A. W. Leisenring, the President of the First National Bank, was born February 11, 1826. Mr. Ebbert proposes during the coming summer to put up a large business edifice.

Prepared by Tony Bennyhoff, December 4, 2010

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