Local History: XLIII - Part III : Davis's 1877 History of Northampton Co, PA
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HISTORY
OF
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
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160 (cont.)
XLIII. THE BOROUGH OF EASTON. PART III.
FLOOD OF 1862.
In June, 1862, the valleys of the Delaware and Lehigh were visited with
another of those sudden and destructive freshets, to which the Lehigh, in
particular, is so liable. Although occurring in summer, without the
auxiliaries of melting snows in the mountains, and loosening ice in the
rivers, it wrought even more ruin than did the winter flood of 1841. At
night, on Tuesday, the third of June, the rain began to fall steadily and
very rapidly, and this continued during the whole of the succeeding day and
night, so that by the middle of the forenoon of Thursday, the Lehigh had
been swollen to a roaring torrent, which swept all before it. The Free
Press, of June 12th, in relating the facts and incidents of the great
disaster, said: "The rise of the water was equal to that on the eighth of
January, 1841. In some positions it is reported as being a few inches
less, in others a few inches more, than on that memorable occasion. The
destruction of property at this time is, however, infinitely greater than
it was then. This difference arose, first, from the large amount of
improvements made in the valley since then; and, second, from the saturated
and soft condition of the ground. During Wednesday night and Thursday
morning, consternation, excitement, lamentation, and distress reigned among
the whole valley. Early on Thursday morning, the river was discovered to be
literally covered with floating timber, boats, houses, stables, bridges,
furniture, and articles of every kind used in civilized society. All the
bridges between Easton and Mauch Chunk are, either wholly or in part gone.
The canal boats, loaded and unloaded, are nearly all carried down the
stream. The houses along the canal, and on the level flats along the river,
though nearly all ruined, or swept away. Residents on the banks awoke in
time, only to save themselves, but leave all their goods at the mercy of
the destroying element. Horror and dismay, terror and destruction, and
darkness was all around. Daylight only served for reveal that which made
the heart sick, and brought sadness and sorrow to the beholder. The
earnings that had been gathered slowly by year, of hard toil and economy,
were swept away in a few hours, and the man, who felt that he had made some
provision for the future, was poor, penniless, and without means. No pen
can describe the amount of misery produced during that fearful night. In
the immediate vicinity of Easton, Messrs. Deshler, Day & Woodring, McKean,
Yohe, Rodenbough & Brother, and others, have lost heavily in lumber.
Colonel Yohe, however, sustained also a heavy loss at his sawmill in the
swamp, so that his whole loss may reach six thousand dollars. James McKeen
suffered loss at South Easton, and also in the swamp, so that his loss is
very heavy, amounting, perhaps, to twenty or thirty thousand dollars. Day &
Woodring had a large quantity of sawed lumber in their yard; their loss
must be great, but at what it is estimated we cannot tell. In short, the
whole valley is almost completely cleansed of sawed lumber and saw logs. In
this respect, the loss is very severe. Many of the poor boatmen have passed
through Easton, homeward bound, some bare footed, without coats, and in a
very destitute condition, having lost their all in a few hours. This want
of transportation in coal will affect the whole community in the line of
fuel. About a hundred and fifty or two hundred tons of coal was swept away
from Michler's coal-yard, and what was left was literally covered with mud.
Near the Lehigh Bridge, in Easton, the water came through the streets, tore
up the pavements, and carried away the brick and ground to the depth of two
or three feet. The brick wall at the end or the bridge was carried away.
Of the bridge, the lower or floor timbers are gone, with the flooring, and
also some of the arch timbers, but most of these remain. Some of the posts
and braces are broken, but most of these, with the top plates and roof, are
still in their position.
161
The test upon that structure was very severe, but it remains in part, and
has already been made passable for foot, passengers. The houses along the
river were all filled with water and mud. The fish market, near Mr.
Sletor's hotel, was carried away, and so was Mr. Sletor's carpenter-shop. A
large stable was carried away from Snufftown, Wolverton &, Walter lost,
perhaps, a thousand dollars, in having grain spoiled. Drake & Hulick will
lose, perhaps, ten thousand dollars, in boats, injury to goods, and various
other ways. The number of dead bodies found up to this time is already
quite large; we suppose it cannot be much less than fifty, and doubtless
there will be many more discovered when all the rubbish along the river
shall be cleared away. In cases, whole families are gone, so that there is
none left to sorrow for the rest. The heart sickens at the recital of this
terrible catastrophe that has befallen the beautiful valley of the Lehigh."
The Lehigh Bridge-built by Chapin, in 1841 although greatly damaged, was
not wholly destroyed; and was, as seen above, at once repaired, so as to
allow the crossing of foot passengers. Proposals were also received by the
Commissioners for rebuilding on the old plan, but these were rejected, and
it, was decided to build a substantial one of iron. The work was commenced
and prosecuted without unnecessary delay; and in due time was completed the
present Third Street Bridge. It is two hundred and seventy-three feet in
length, in two spans, each one hundred and twenty-seven feet, six inches,
clear, with a centre pier of eighteen feet in thickness. It has two
foot-walks, and two carriage-ways, each ten feet wide, over which have been
laid the tracks of the street-railway connecting the borough with South
Easton. It is confidently believed that this bridge will be able to
withstand the fury of even a higher flood than those of January, 1841, and
June, 1862.
THE NEW COURTHOUSE
A century after that bitter strife which existed between the people of
Easton and its tributary country, on the one part, and the western and
northwestern portion of the county, on the other, as to the location of the
old Court House, there sprang into being another contest on the same
subject, the location of a Temple of Justice; to be a successor to the old
edifice, which still stood off its ancient site in the Public Square, but
antiquated, timeworn, and wholly inadequate to the increased and increasing
necessities of the county business.
This time, it was not a war between Easton and the remote parts, of the
county, for none proposed to remove the buildings from the old shire-town:
nor was it a question whether to build or not to build, for it was
admitted, with considerable unanimity, that, a new court house was
indispensable; but, the point at issue was that of fixing upon a proper
place on which to erect it. By some, the old site in the Square was
considered as being the most central and easy of access, and
consequently, the best; while others believed that the selection of higher
add more spacious ground, would be in better accordance with the principles
of modern progress. And so the contest was wailed with much warmth of
feeling between the advocates of the different, locations. The
Commissioner, at that time, were David Hillegass, Samuel Saeger, and Jacob
Houck. Probably before they finished this business of locating and
building, they had nearly as hot an experience as had Thomas Craig and his
associate Trustees, during the old court house war which ran through the
twelve years succeeding the erection of the county, in 1752.
The preponderance of public sentiment proved to be against the selection
of the Public Square, as being too contracted in space, as well as
objectionable in other particulars. This much being conceded, it soon
became evident that the county had no need to incur any expense to the
purchase of land on which to erect its buildings, for offers of gratuitous
transfer of eligible lot, were received from several individuals, among
whom were Hon. D. D. Wagener and James Thompson.
Through the action of the Court of Quarter Sessions, and of two
successive Grand Juries, of Northampton county, the Commissioners were
invested with legal authority to proceed in the purchase of land and
erection of a building for County purposes. Acting under this authority, on
the twenty-third of May 1860, they revoked all prior resolves, touching the
matter, and decided to purchase the land offered by Wagener, for a
consideration of one dollar, and to build a court house upon the same. This
decision was reached by the voices of Commissioners Saeger and Houck;
Hillegass declining to record himself for, or against it.
The lot of ground purchased of Wagener, upon which the county buildings now
stand, is situated in the Sixth Ward, fronting on Walnut street; being
otherwise bounded-west by Seventh, east by Taylor, and South by Lehigh
street; lying on what may properly be called the highlands of the borough
of Easton.
The architect employed was C. Graham, Esq., whose plans of the proposed
building were submitted to the Commissioners, and by them approved. On
the fifteenth of June, the commencement of excavation, for the foundation,
of the building, was made, under the supervision of the Commissioners
clerk; but a few days later-on the twenty-first-the work was placed in
charge of R. H. Horn, as superintendent; and, on the same day, Mr. Wagener
formally transferred the land to the county.
The work appears to have been prosecuted with diligence, for on
February 1st, 1861, invitation was extended to the judges and members Of
the bar, to inspect the interior of the building, although it was still
very far from completion. It was not until the twenty-second of October,
that S. Trumbore was directed to take out certain gas-fixtures., and other
movables, from the venerable building in the Square, and place them in the
new edifice; which, a mouth later, was ready for occupancy, and on the
eighteenth of November, 1861, the first term of court was held within its
walls.
The cost of the Court House was about $53,000, It is a fair-looking
brick building, one hundred and twenty-four by sixty feet, outside
measurement, with six heavy fluted columns in front, and surmounted by a
rather unsymmetrical steeple, which towers one hundred and fifty-five feet
above the foundations, and forms it prominent object in a view of the town.
The grounds are terraced in front, and generally well kept.
Many thought that, when the courts were once fairly domiciled and fit
working order, in the new building, the displeasure, which was felt at the
location, would grow less and finally disappear, but such was not the
result. On the contrary, it seemed rather to increase, it was quite
noticeable among members of the bar, who thought it a hardship to have
their business taken away from so convenient a point, as the Public
Square, and permanently established at a place so remote and inaccessible.
It seems that, of the three Commissioners, Mr. Houck was the most, blamed
in the matter, and some satirical lines, reflecting on him were written, at
the time, by Alexander E. Brown, Esq., a very prominent member of the bar.
His effusion was entitled: "THE HOUSE THAT HOUCK BUILT," The concluding
portion is given below.
These are the wise men who showed their skill
By planting this nuisance on top of the hill,
Regardless of safety, regardless of time,
Or the neck of the people compelled to climb;
For when Court was called it was all the same-
The old or the young, the halt or the lame-
The must mount with lawyers who climb up the hills,
To visit the clerks with their awful long bills,
Who wrote in the house that Houck built.
These are the people who footed the bill
For planting this humbug on top of the hill,
With steps so steep that he who must climb
Must take heed of his neck in slippery time;
When they have climbed to the court-room with trembling and fear
The devil can any one hear,
For this Great Bungle is built on the plan
To annoy the People as much as it can-
To do the least good at the greatest expense,
In defiance of Decency, Prudence, and Sense
For when Court was called they all most climb
To the top of the hill regardless of time:
They must mount up those steps out of the town,
And those may get, up who don't tumble down,
For, parties, jurors, witnesses, all
Must climb up that steep at the criers call;
They must scratch up the steps with grunt and groan,
And a bitter curse on every stone,
And mount with the lawyers who climb up the hills,
To visit the clerks with their awful long bills,
Who wrote in the house that Houck built."
Nor has the feeling of dissatisfaction even yet become extinct. In cold
windy weather, and particularly when the earth has taken on its covering
of snow and ice, one call hardly visit the halls of justice without hearing
expressions condemnatory of the inconvenient location. But, whether good
or bad, it is now a permanency; and the litigants, the judges, the lawyers,
and the people, may console themselves with the thought that their Court of
Easton.
162
THE THIRD COUNTY PRISON.
Soon after the occupation of the, new Court House, it was found that the
jail of 1851 was no longer sufficient for the needs of the county. At the
November session in 1866, the Grand Inquest-whereof Samuel Garis was
foreman-represented to the Honorable, the Judges of the Court of Quarter
Sessions of Northampton county, that, they found the jail unsuitable, and
in bad condition; that the Sheriff wits obliged to confine vagrants in the
lower part of the jail, which was a great nuisance; that they recommend the
building of a new jail, to accommodate the wants of the county, and to
employ the prisoners; they regretted that prisoners sentenced by the Court
for violation of the Sunday Liquor Law, were only nominally confined; and
that, while close confinement could not be expected, on account of narrow
they condemned the laxity with which the sentences were executed. "At
present", they represented, "with almost full liberty except of openly
walking the streets, the fulfillment of their sentence is a farce. The
triumphal entry of some of the prisoners on the evening of their
commitment, with music and banners, after a boisterous parade of our
principal streets, was an open insult to the Court and the community; and
we would ask the animadversions of the Court upon this disgraceful and
lawless proceeding. We have also noticed the aforesaid prisoners being
supplied with lager beer, and allowed its free use; hold nightly carousals
in the jail, and thus practically rendered their sentences a mere nullity,
turning their punishment into a triumph, and insulting the law which would
inflict it."
The action of the Grand Juries and of the Court, having clothed the
Commisssioner-Messr. Charles Kern. Simon Buss, and Jesse Ruch-with the
necessary powers, they proceeded to the erection of a new prison, upon
the county's land adjoining the Court House. Edward Haviland was employed
as architect. His plans were at once submitted to the Deputy Inspector, and
received his signature of approval March 11th, 1868. The Commissioners then
contracted with John Biglin, of South Easton, and John Lee, of Easton, as
the firm of Biglin & Lee, for the construction of the prison; the contract
price being $139,000.
The job was a heavy and an extensive one, and, although it was, pushed by
the contractors with reasonable diligence, it was act until 1871 that the
jail was occupied. Although the contract price was, as has been stated
above, the total cost of the prison has not fallen much-if any-short of
$200,000.
The size of the prison building is 180 x 60 feet, and the walled
enclosure is 220 x 150 feet. The wardens department is 50 x 85 feet in
dimension, embracing, on first floor, parlor, dining-room, kitchen, office,
storerooms, and washrooms. The present warden is Theodore Whitesell.
THE IRON BRIDGE.
Across the Bushkill, at Bushkill street, was completed in 1873. The old
Stone bridge crossing at Fourth Street, and built in 1792, had become
dilapidated, and it was necessary that it new one should replace it, The
first proposition was to rebuild in the same place, but this was afterwards
abandoned, is being less convenient than Bushkill street. The abutments
and pier were built by Jacob F. Rafferty, at a cost of $4,530, and the iron
superstructure by William H, Law. The cost of the latter was $4,850. The
bridge is one hundred and thirty-one feet in length, in two spans, each
span having two wrought-iron arches, connected on the centre pier, and each
end testing on expansion rollers upon the abutments, The floor-beams are
fourteen in number, of the Phoenix pattern, nine inches deep, and
twenty-eight feet in length. On these are placed longitudinal stringers,
laid two feet apart, and cross-planked with three-inch thick white oak
flooring. It is warranted sufficiently strong to safely bear a load of one
gross ton per linear foot. On its completion the old bridge at Fourth
street was discontinued, and demolished.
POPULATION.
The population of the borough of Easton has increased more than a
thousand per cent since the commencement of the century. The following
figures show the population at the end of each decade, to the year 1870
Population in 1800, 1,045
1810, 1,657
1820, 2,370
1830, 3,529
1840, 4,865
1850, 7,250
1860, 8,944
1870, 10,987
If the rate of increase in the ten years from 1860 to 1870 has been
continued till the present time, Easton has now (1877) it population of
considerably more than 13,000.
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
Below the briefly noticed such of the business enterprises of the borough
of Easton its may be classed strictly under the title of manufacturing
industries, the prosperity of which is more or less closely identified with
the prosperity of the town.
Foundry and Machine-shop of Young & Schlough -These works are situated on
Perry street, occupying Nos. 222, 224, 226, and 228. They were established
many years ago by Butz & Hayden, and, after many vicissitudes, were
purchased in 1859 by the present proprietors, who greatly enlarged their
capacity, and by their business tact and superior management placed them on
their present successful career.
The buildings, are built substantially of brick, and comprise machine-
shop, blacksmith-shop, and foundry, complete in their various departments,
The machine-shop is 40 x 60 feet in size, and three stories high. Here will
be found all the most approved laborsaving machinery for iron working,
embracing lathes, drills, planes, &c. The second story of this building is
devoted to pattern-making, The firm has facilities for making patterns of
every description, and likewise employs its own designs. It employs
thirty-five men.
The Delaware Foundry, located on Delaware street and the river, above the
mouth of the Bushkill, was started in July, 1868, by the present
proprietors, Messrs. J. Wilson & Brother, with it capital of $5,000; their
consumption the first year being one hundred tons, which has steadily
increased, until now they are running five hundred tons. The main edifice
is 24 x 52 feet in size, and two stories high. The second floor is the
pattern-shop, where patterns of all kinds are made promptly to order.
Adjoining this is a building 40 x 50 feet in size. Another structure, 25 x
35 feet, is used for engine-room and other matters; while there is still
the carpenter-shop, where the cores, flasks, &c., are made. This is 20 x 20
feet, with an addition for cleaning castings, &c., 15 x 15 feet, so that
the establishment is complete in all its departments, including moulding,
casting, pattern-making, machine-shop, &c., with advantages second to none.
The business of the firm is general iron casting in all its branches, for
which they have ample room, and every facility. The line of their work
embraces rolling-mill castings of every description, and ploughs, sled
shoes, sash-weights, cellar grates, stove grates, barn door rollers and
hangers, railings, building crests, hinges, hangers for shafting, &c., but
they make a leading specialty of rolling-mill work, for which they have a
high reputation. Their father, who died in 1871, had started the same
business at Williamsburg, Upper Mount Bethel township, about 1836, of which
the Delaware Foundry is really a continuation. Power employed twenty-five
horse; number of hands, fifteen to twenty.
Easton Sheet-iron-works, located on north bank of Lehigh River, nearly on
a line with Thirteenth street. Was established in February, 1871, by Simon
Oliver & Son. Upon death of senior, the firm name became Oliver
Co., who are the present proprietors. The works employ about thirty hands.
Easton Lock-works, located on Peach street, near the Lehigh river.
Erected as a glue factory by Flemings & Sants, in 1853. Afterwards carried
on as it sad-iron works, by J. J. & W. H. Hauck and also by E. H. Everman.
Still later used in manufacture of locks, not now in operation.
Easton Brass Works-Established, 1871, by William Young. Business
exclusively brass-founding, and the manufacture of wrought-iron, rubber-
coated, brass cylinder, lift and force pumps. When in full three employs
eight men. Location corner of Church and Sitgreaves streets.
The Easton Cordage-factory, owned by Jacob Rinek's Sons, is one of the
finest and best arranged cordage-factories in the United States. It is the
result of the constant growth of a third of a century. The enterprise was
started in 1840, in quite a modest way, by Mr. Jacob Rinek. All his
operations were carried on by hand labor, with the assistance of a few
persons, but such was the excellence of his cordage, that his orders
increased, kind he was obliged to add to his resources until the
establishment became one of very large dimensions. In 1863, his three sons,
who had been brought up to the business, were admitted to the firm, which
then became J. Rinek & Sons. The father died in 1868, when the three
brothers, Thomas, John, and Henry, continued the business, and have
successfully conducted it ever since, maintaining the credit of the
establishment, and constantly increasing the trade, while they have
improved its capacity and made the concern one of the most noteworthy
industrial establishments in the vicinity. The younger and only remaining
brother became it member of the firm, the beginning of the year 1874.
The works are situated on Bushkill Creek, about, one-half a mile from
Easton. The factory proper, where the hemp is prepared and spun, is a
Substantial brick structure, especially adapted for the purpose. It is
filled with the most improved labor-saying machinery, driven by
steam-power, furnished by a one hundred horsepower Corliss engine, supplied
with steam from two large boilers. Much of the most valuable machinery was
invented by the proprietors especially for their own use. Their productions
have a high reputation and find a ready market in all parts of the United
States. The capacity of the works is about 1,000 tons of rope per annum,
worth at least $300,000, and their operations give employment, when working
on full time, to nearly one hundred hands.
163
Lehicton Paint-mills. C. E. Hecht, Agent and Superintendent. These mill, are
located on the Bushkill Creek (called originally by the Indians, Lehicton).
The power is furnished by the creek upon a fifty-horse American Turbine
Wheel, The building is 30 x 50 feet, three and one-half stories high, The
capacity of the works is about 1,000 tons of paint per annum. The principal
product of the works is paint for coal and freight cars, bridges, barns,
dwelling-houses; while colors of every shade and variety are manufactured
to oil, japan, and spirits of turpentine.
In addition to the paint business, there are soapstone and talc quarries
oil the property, which are being largely operated. The stone is very
finely ground, and belted and shipped in car leads to the cities. An
inexhaustible bed of the pure white stone is lying just below the, surface;
and from it can be taken slabs and masses of almost any size.
There is also on this property a bed of beautiful green Serpentine stone;
and one of pure white hard stone resembling granite in general character.
Both these last are merely uncovered enough to show their existence. But
from present indications they are likely to very soon be fully developed.
The property called "Lehicton" is within the borough limits: being
bounded by Wood street, on the south; Thirteenth street, on the east; and
the borough lines on the north and west.
For a long while after the making of whiskey ceased to be profitable, the
property looked deserted. But since the erection of the Lehicton Paint,
Works on the site of the old distillery, and the improvements to the flour
mill and dwelling houses new life, and thrift are apparent everywhere.
With these and the quarries in full tide of successful operation, the north
west corner of Easton bid, fair to see a good degree of prosperity.
Easton Paint and Mining Company-The works of this company, erected
for the manufacture of dry paints, are located on the north bank of the
Bushkill Creek, about a mile above the centre of the town, and nearly
opposite the cemetery. The company manufactures upwards of eight hundred
tons of dry paints annually.
The Limestone Quarry, of J. & J. Smith, known as the old "Wagener
Quarry," situated in the northwestern part of the Borough of Easton, on the
north side of the Bushkill Creek, opposite the line of Eighth street, is
one of the best in the State. A very superior quality of lime is
manufactured from the stone used principally for building purposes, and a,
beautiful stone is also quarried here for curbs, doors, windows, etc.
Butz's Saw-mill, is on Bushkill above the iron bridge, owned by Michael
Butz. Precise date of erection not known. It is unfavorably situated, as
regards the procuring of logs, and its business probably not extensive.
Uhler's Saw-mill, located on Delaware River at Front and Bushkill
streets. Erected in 1869, by Peter Uhler, the present owner. When in
operation (which it is not, at present) it is stocked by logs floated down
the Delaware.
Lehigh Steam Saw-mill, located on Lehigh River, Dock street, between
Fourth and Fifth Property owned by Henry Green and Jesse Lines. Mill
operated by Rapp & Mitchell, saws principally hemlock lumber. Employs about
ten men, capacity, 2,000,000 feet per annum.
Keystone Planing-mill, located at No, 22 Lehicton street, north side of
Bushkill Creek, above the iron bridge. Erected in 1875, by J. E. Stair.
Manufactures doors, sash etc., Employs twelve to fifteen men.
Butz's Planing-mill, located on the north side of the Bushkill, to the bend
of the stream above the iron bridge, on the same site where Peter Kichline
built the first gristmill in Easton, more than a century ago. After the
death of Colonel Kichline, the mill property was owned by his son Andrew,
who, in the year 1800, sold it to Christian Butz, father of Michael Butz,
the present owner. The original Kichline mill was replaced by another (also
a flouring-mill), which was destroyed by fire, and a planing-mill was
erected on the site. This was also burned in 1870, and replaced by the
present mill. Its business is the same as is generally done by similar
establishments.
Planing-mill, of George Hensel, located on the Lehigh River, in Sixth
Ward was established by Deshler & Rinek, in 1851. Class of Work, same as is
usually done in similar establishments.
Butz's Flour and mill, situated on Bushkill Creek above the Bushkill
Street Bridge, was built by Captain Daniel Butz, in 1837, and was first,
used as a woolen-mill, but after about five years was changed to a
grist-mill, and has so continued till the present time. It is owned by
Michael Butz, Esq., and stands on the premise, purchased by his father,
Christian Butz, of Andrew Kichline, in the year 1800. The mill does an
extensive business.
Lafayette Flouring-mills, situated on corner of Third and Delaware
streets, First established on this site in 1789, by Prutzman & Herster,
Present proprietors, Mann & Allshouse. Have capacity for flouring 63,000
bushels annually.
Mount Jefferson Flouring-mill, owned by Adolph Groetzinger. This stands on
the site on which Peter Kichline built the first saw-mill in Easton. It was
afterwards a fulling-mill, and still later, an oil-mill. It, is located on
the south side of the Bushkill, opposite "Goose Island," Mr. Groetzinger
grinds nearly 30,000 bushels of grain annually.
Lehicton Flour-mill, on Bushkill Creek, north side, near the Thirteenth
Street, Bridge, and adjacent to the Lehicton Paint-mills, is owned and run
by Peter K. Snyder, who is a veteran in the manufacture of good family
flour. The mill is a favorite among the farmers, and other people of the
neighborhood, and does a good business.
The Herster Flourmill is propelled by water of the Bushkill Creek, its
location being at, Fifteenth street, just inside the borough limits. It is
a stone mill, built in the year 1826, The first miller was Daniel Roth It
is owned and operated by Messrs. Pafer & Nolf, in whose hands it is doing
an excellent business.
Easton Tannery, situated on North Third street, was built in 1863, by
J. S. Lehn, at a cost of $15,000. Its capacity is 8,000 hides per annum.
Not at present in operation.
Carriage-shop of O. L. Godfrey, situated at the corner of Front and
Spring Garden streets, Established in 1869, by present proprietor, Business
about, $15,000 per annum.
The Carriage-factory of Albright &. Co., is located at No. 26 North
Fourth street. The business was started by Mr. Ludwig, about 1840. In 1850,
it was purchased by J. Albright, who carried it on alone, until 1866, when
A. Albright and E. B. Oberly were admitted as partners to the present firm.
They manufacture all styles of carriages and spring-wagons. Yearly sales,
about one hundred carriages, and more than sixty sleighs. Number of hands
employed, eighteen.
Easton Marble Company Elisha Allis, B. M. Klein, D. H. Schweyer,
L. H. Liess. Mill erected in 1873. Employs four men. Power, twenty-five
horse. Runs two gangs, and three rip-saws. Has facilities for sawing from
7,000 to 8,000 cubic feet of marble per annum. Receive the marble from West
Refined, Vermont, and from other parts of that State. Marble, which is sawed
to suit the demands of the market.
Easton Coal Oil Works-Located on Lehigh River, at foot of Sitgreaves
street. Proprietor, John Semple. The business was established by Heath,
Fagboner & Clay, about the year 1861. The buildings are furnished with
every facility for the refining of petroleum. Capacity, about one hundred
and twenty-five barrels per week.
The Wagener Oil-mill, located on the north side of the Bushkill, above the
Cemetery Bridge, was built by Judge Daniel Wagoner, many years ago for the
purpose of manufacturing linseed-oil. An addition was made to it, in 1865,
to put in machinery for the grinding of paint. The site is one of the very
best oil the Bushkill, being capable of yielding fully one hundred
horse-power, but the mill is not in operation at the present time.
Three other mills have been built in that vicinity, at different times,
by members of the Wagener family. The one below the oil-mill-the ruin, of
which may still be seen-was built by Judge Wagener, in 1792. It was called
the Spruce Hill Mill, and was used for flooring. In 1845, it was remodeled
by Hon. David D. Wagener, and was then considered the best merchant mill in
this, section. It had three run of stones, and manufactured fifty barrels
of flour, or ninety barrels corn meal per day. In 1870, it was changed to
a mill for grinding Mineral paints. Was burned down April 12th, 1872, then
rebuilt and again destroyed by fire in May, 1875. The cause of these fires
was thought to be the great friction of grinding the hard, gritty material.
On the opposite side of the creek, the old flour and corn-mill-ruins yet
visible-was built by Frederick Wagener, in 1775. The old saw-mill-also-on
the side of the creek towards the cemetery-he also built about the same
time. It stood until the year 1845. Judge Daniel Wagener rented and run the
old grist-mill, when only nineteen years of age.
Brush Manufactory-There is but one establishment, in this line in Easton.
It was established in 1834, by Mr. John Pollock, the present proprietor.
The location is at No. 222 Northampton street, with working rooms on Church
street. When working at full capacity, Mr. Pollock employs about fifteen
hands. Nearly every variety of brush is manufactured here, for the markets
of New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.
164
Glanz & Kuebler's Brewery is properly one of the industries of Easton,
though located across the Lehigh, in Williams township. It stands on the
West bank of the Delaware, and was erected in the year 1854. Capacity,
7,000 to 8,000 barrels annually. Owned and operated by Messrs. Glanz & Kuebler.
Seitz Brothers' Brewery, located at the corner of Second and Ferry streets
two hundred and twenty feet on Second and one hundred feet on Ferry-was
established by Frederick Seitz, Sr., in 1821. Its capacity then was ten
barrels per day. Present daily capacity, eighty barrels ale, and sixty
barrels beer. Main bidding, brick and stone, five stories high, fills whole
of the Ferry street front, one hundred feet. Three other buildings, each
three stories, of brick, 40 x 60 feet. The bottling establishment and
cellars, are at the corner of Front Old Bushkill streets. There are five
cellars, with storage capacity of 10,000 barrels. The site of the bottling
houses and cellars was purchased by F. Seitz, Sr., of Peter Miller, in
1853. The present firm is composed of H. W. Seitz, William A. Seitz, and
John A. Seitz. They employ, in the summer season, fifty men and boys, and
pay out $25,000 annually for labor. Their business is very large,
exclusively wholesale, and they have agencies at Mauch Chunk, Allentown,
and Newtown, Pa, and Somerville and Plainfield, N. J.
Viele's Brewery is located on Locust street, north of Pearl. It was
established in 1835, by Mr. Xevier Viele, who still owns it. It is devoted
entirely to the manufacture of lager beer, and has a capacity, when in full
operation, of forty barrels, per day. The lot is eighty feet front on
Locust, extending back all the way to Seventh street. The brewery is of
brick, 40 x 80 feet, and two stories in height, with vaults capable of
storing 2,500 barrels of beer. The engine used is of eight horsepower.
Sales are principally in Easton.
THE EASTON GAS COMPANY
Was incorporated March 14th, 1850, with a capital of $40,000-which, by
supplements to the charter, is now increased to $200,000. The par value of
stock is fifty dollars, of which 3,000 shares have been issued, making
present working capital $150,000. By supplement, approved April 12th, 1851,
Section 10 of the original Act, giving the borough corporation the right to
buy out the company, is repealed.
On the second of May, 1850, commissioners, under the charter, held their
first meeting at the office of M. H. Jones, when a question arose in regard
to the kind of gas-works most likely to prove satisfactory-that is, whether
rosin or coal works would be preferable.
Theodore R. Sitgreaves, and the late Judge McCartney, were appointed a
committee, June 13th, 1850, to visit Reading and other places, in order to
obtain information on the Subject. Mr. Sitgreaves declined serving, and
M. H. Jones was substituted in his place. This committee made report, on
the sixth of September 1850, in which, after enumerating various facts on
which they based their opinion, they said "In conclusion, your committee is
decidedly of, the opinion that coal is the only reliable source of gas, and
that any other work would only be an experiment."
The first election under the charter was held at the public house of Mrs.
White, on the fifth of May, 1851, when
M. H. Jones
J. M. Porter
W. McCartney
P. H. Mattes
Jacob Weygandt
George W. Barnet
Thomas Deshler
Traill Green
Jacob Rader, were chosen directors.
The Board was organized by electing
President, H. H. Jones
Secretary, W. McCartney
Treasurer, P. H. Mattes
On the nineteenth of May, 1851, several proposals were offered for
building the works, and the contract was given to Philip P. Deilly, for the
sum of $40,500.
On the sixth of December, 1851, the By-Laws were adopted, and at the same
meeting Charles E. Weygandt was elected superintendent.
The works went into operation, and the borough was lighted up on
Thanksgiving night (November, 1851). The number of street lamps was
nineteen; the price for gas, four dollars per thousand feet. The average
nightly consumption was 4,100 cubic feet.
The works have been in operation, without intermission, since 1851, and,
although for the first few years great embarrassment with loss was
experienced, they are now in good condition and successful operation, the
buildings are substantial and well located, on Front street, from Bushkill
street to the Creek.
The works consist of three tanks and gas-holders, retort house with eight
benches, new purifying house, with capacity to purify 125,000 cubic feet
per day of twenty-four hours, with exhauster sufficient to pass that
amount, blacksmith-shop, workshop, office, coal-shells, etc. The large tank
was built in 1872, size seventy-eight feet two inches in diameter, and
thirty feet deep.
Gas-holder constructed by Morris, Tasker & Co., of Philadelphia. The
three gas-holders will store 190,000 cubic feet.
The street mains now extend through Phillipsburg to the Andover Furnace;
also to South Easton; and in the borough of Easton as far as Thirteenth
street, west; and over College Hill, north.
From 4,100 feet per night at the commencement, the consumption has
increased so much, that over 80,000 feet has been consumed in a single night.
The real estate owned by the company is adequate for all uses, consisting
of the several purchases since 1851. Title for which is on record. It is as
follows:
1851 First purchase J. Gangwer consideration $1,000
1853 Second purchase J. Gangwer consideration 2,000
1852 Third purchase Marbacher consideration 1,850
1867 Fourth purchase Seitz (Women's property) consideration 2,600
1869 Fifth purchase Assignee of Geo. Seitz consideration 3,050
1873 Sixth purchase Wilson, admr. Of Gangwer consideration 8,400
The present Board of Directors and officers are:
President, M. H. Jones
Treasurer, Thomas Sletor
Secretary, H. D. Maxwell; and Jacob Rader,
Samuel Boileau
Edward Hilliard
William H. Lawall
Stephen Deshler
and William A. Bush
Superintendent, Samuel Trumbore
Clerk, Samuel M. Cummings, elected May 7th, 1857
Foreman, Valentine Weaver
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND INSTITUTIONS.
THE WATER SUPPLY.
The Easton Water Company was incorporated, by Act of Assembly,
March 24th, 1817-
President, George Wolf
Directors
Nathaniel Michler
John Herster
John Green
James Hays
William Barnet
Philip H. Mattes
The water was carried in wooden pipes from a spring, on Chestnut Hill, to
the reservoir, upon the high ground at Sixth street; and thence distributed
to a few hydrant, in different parts of the town, the inhabitants, however,
being still under the necessity of relying principally on their wells and
pumps, as the supply was wholly inadequate. On this account, in 1840, the
company erected new works on the Delaware, above the mouth of Bushkill,
whence, by means of steam-power, they forced the water to the reservoir on
College Hill, northwest of the college buildings, from which it was
distributed to the town; and as the supply was now sufficient, the street
pumps and hydrants were all removed, to force the people to have the water
led to their dwellings. But although the supply was ample, the pressure,
could not overcome the elevation necessary to supply the west ward, and So
the WEST WARD WATER COMPANY was incorporated, May 4th, 1854, for the
purpose of supplying the inhabitants west of Sixth street. The president
was Henry Keller. A supplement to this Act of Incorporation was passed May
5th, 1855, giving the company the right to supply the inhabitants of the
whole borough.
The Lehigh Water Company was chartered, in 1860, with a capital of $200,000.
President, Charles Rodenbough
Secretary, Henry Green
This company purchased the franchises and property of the West Ward
Company. The steam pumping works are located on the Lehigh, at Spring
street. The water is taken from that river, and raised two hundred feet, to
the reservoir, on Fifteenth and Northampton streets, outside of and joining
the borough line. The supply is now ample for every necessity, and the head
is so great that it can be carried over the tops, of the buildings in the
lower portions of the town.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Organization for the extinguishment of fires in Easton, dates back to
the establishment of the Easton, Humane Fire Company, in 1797. It was
furnished with an engine of the manufacture of Mason, of Philadelphia. It
was, of course, a hand-engine, and was filled for use by means of buckets.
After the establishment of the reservoir, at Sixth street, by which the
town was supposed to be supplied with water front Chestnut Hill, a hose
company was started, under the theory that, with the great head and fall,
fires could be extinguished without the aid of forcing apparatus, which,
indeed, would have been true as regarded the lower parts of the town,
provided the new waterworks had supplied a sufficiency of water; which,
unfortunately, did not prove to be the case. The company was called the
VIGILANT HOSE COMPANY, and was instituted August 4th, 1820. It, motto was:
"Prodesse Civibus"
The object of the organization was set forth in the Constitution, as
follows: "Having oftentimes the same view, before us, and not infrequently
the same objects to attain, as members of a community desirous to discharge
our duty, we hold it right, and deem it beneficial, that each one should
assist the other. When society is thus disposed, and men, possess such
feelings, there is always a satisfaction consequent upon misfortune, that
all human aid was lent; all the affections were enlisted; and what appears,
at first sight, the circumstances of accident, results in the decree of
inevitable fate. With such views we have organized this association,
impressed with the importance of life and the valve of property, as men,
subject to calamity, but willing to avert it."
165
The following was the scale of fines imposed on members of the company
for various shortcomings:
"For neglecting to equip themselves, 25 cents
For nonattendance at fires, 25 cents
For neglecting to appear with badge, 6 1/4 cents
For leaving the stations assigned them at a fire, 25 cents
For neglecting to assist in conveying the hose to
and from a fire or alarm 50 cents
For nonattendance at roll call, 6 1/4 cents
For absence during a meeting, 6 1/4 cents
For withdrawing from a meeting without permission
from the President 6 1/4 cents
For disorderly conduct at a meeting or at a fire, 25 cents
"All lines and forfeiture shall be for the use of the company, who shall
have the power of affixing such other penalties as they may think proper
for offences provided for by the constitution."
By the year 1830, the number of companies had increased to five viz., the
Humane, Phoenix, Neptune, Columbia, and Northampton. These did good service
in the "lumber fire" of Thursday evening, April 14th, 1831, This was
supposed to have been the work of incendiaries, as fire after fire had
followed each other, in quick succession, for several weeks previously.
This fire was in Church alley, and burned the property of Kutz, Meixell,
and others. The hose of the Humane Company was entirely destroyed at this fire.
The increased supply of water, introduced in 1840, revived the old idea
of extinguishment without force, relying alone on the pressure given by the
great height of the reservoir; and so we find, about that time, that every
company in town was a hose company. But the introduction of steam apparatus
has changed all that, and nothing short of steam-power, for extinguishment
of fires, is now considered to be reliable.
Up to the commencement of the present year, the Fire Department of Easton
has been under charge of a Chief Engineer, but that office is now
discontinued. The last person holding it was Major George Finley, whose
term expired December 31st, 1876. The companies composing the Easton Fire
Brigade are as follows:
Humane Fire Company, No. 1.- This company was organized February 22d, 1797,
Its first officers were the following:
President, Abraham Horn, Sr.
Secretary, Christian J. Hutter
Treasurer, Jacob Weygandt
Engine Directors
Napthali Hart
William Barnet
Inspector, Nicholas Troxell
The present organization was incorporated May 7th, 1870. The number of
active members is forty-five. The present officers are:
President, W. H. Werkheiser
Vice-President, Frank Shuler
Recording Secretary, E. H. Hamman
Financial Secretary, William Pohl
Treasurer, Wm. E. Hammann
Trustees
J. J. Smith
George Snyder
E. H. Hammann
Librarian, George Freyberger
The company own a second-class "Clapp & Jones" steam fire-engine, valued
at $4,000; eight hundred feet of base; one handsome parade carriage, valued
at $2,500, and a service carriage valued at $750; also a full parlor sett,
estimated at $1,500, The company is located in a three-story brick building
fit the southwest corner of Centre Square.
The Phoenix Fire Company, No, 2, was instituted January l7th, 1824, being
the second engine company formed within the Borough of Easton. The first
officers were:
President, Alexander E. Brown
Secretary, T. Quintus Hutter
Foreman, Andrea H. Reeder
The present officers are:
President, A. F. Heller
Vice-President, Joseph S. Osterstock
Secretary, John Cummings
Assistant Engineer, Solomon Strauss
The engine house is situated on Ferry street, below Sitgreaves. The company
has three horses, and an Amoskeag engine. Value of their property, about $15,000.
Washington Fire Company, No. 33, was instituted January 25th, 1840, with
the following officers:
President, W. L. Sebring
Secretary, C. R. Lane
Treasurer, John Awalt
The hand-engine and hose formerly belonging to Columbia, No. 2, was used by
them until September 15th, 1869, when they purchased a steam fire-engine.
The property of the company, at present, is one Amoskeag engine, costing
$4,250; one Amoskeag hose carriage, $700; one alarm weight, (1,073 pounds),
$350; other property, $2,200.
The present officers are:
President, John Dachrodt
Vice-President, D. T. Lerch
Secretary, H. A. Seibel, Jr.
Treasurer, Nelson Bishop
Engineer, Nelson Bishop
Fireman, Henry A. Seibel
The company number, twenty-five active members, and the engine house is
located on Sixth street, between Northampton and Pine streets, in the Sixth Ward.
Keystone Fire Company, No. 5, was organized June 2d, 1857, with forty
members. The furniture and building were formerly the property of the Union
Hose. Company, consisting of a four-wheeled hose carriage, built by Charles
Dudley, in 1852; also one double-deck hand-engine, the latter being one of
the first, engines in Easton. In April, 1861 all the members, except three,
volunteered for the three months-service. In August, they re-enlisted, and
placed over the door of the building the words, "All gone to the war,"
February 4th, 1807, they took possession of their present house,, on
Bushkill street, between Third and Fourth. Having received a second-class
steam fire-engine, of the manufacture of Cole Brothers, Pawtucket, R. I.
they equipped themselves by purchase of their first, team of horses,
November 1871. The value of the company property is $7,000; present number
of members, sixty-two.
The officers are:
President, James K. Dawes
Vice-President and Treasurer, G. M. Oberly
Secretary, C. M. Porter
Assistant Secretary, G. H. Lesher
Chief Director, John Stonebach.
The company has fifty-two active members.
Lafayette Hose Company, No. 6. This company was instituted
January 11th, 1872. The first officers of the company were
President, Theodore Schug
Vice-President, E. Bauer
Secretary, Amandus Schug
Assistant Secretary, Nelson Hester
Treasurer, Amandus Steinmetz.
The company is located in a two-story brick building on New street,
Hill. Their property-hose carriage and hose-is valued at about $1,000.
The number of active members is, at present, fifty-two. Tho officers are:
President, Henry Steinmetz
Vice-President Edward Dietrich
Recording and Financial Secretary, Theodore Schug
Treasurer, Amandus Steinmetz,
Foreman, Joseph H. Laros
Assistant Foreman, Thomas F. Burley
Trustees
Daniel Brinker
Charles King
William Brinker
Librarian, Edwin Sandt
Southwork Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, was instituted (as Southwark Hose
Company) August 5th, 1856.
The first officers were:
President, Thomas Dawes
Secretary, William Osmun
Treasurer, William Barnet
Reorganized under its present name, September 12th, 1869, with the
following officers:
President, Max Gress
Vice-President, William H. Troxell
Secretary, William P. Horn
Treasurer, William H. Drake
The company is located in a two-story brick building, on Lehigh street,
between Third and Fourth. They have a hand truck, seven ladders, with
the other necessary apparatus. The number of active member, is thirty-four.
The, officers, at present are:
President, William Troxell
Vice-President, Howard Naylor
Secretary, Albert Gosner
Treasurer, John Bullman
Foreman, Samuel Vanuorman
First Assistant, Charles Genther
Second Assistant, Robert Abbott
Trustees
Roseberry Seip
William Troxell
George Leidy
Librarian, Elisha Johnson
HISTORY OF THE EASTON POST OFFICE.
By JAMES K. DAWES, ESQ.
The Post Office was established at Easton, Northampton, county, Pa.,
March 20th, 1793. Prior to that, date, it is probable that, the residents
conducted their very limited correspondence by sending their letters to
Philadelphia or New York, by the not very frequent travelers, to those
cities.
On February 20th, 1792, the Congress of the United States passed an "Act
to establish the post office and post roads within the United States,"
which, receiving the approving signature of George Washington, President of
the United States, became a law. It established a post route from
Wiscasset, Maine, to Savannah, Georgia, passing through Portland (Me.),
Portsmouth (N. H.), Boston (Mass.), Hartford (Conn.), New York (N. Y.),
Newark, Elizabethtown, and Trenton (N. J.), Philadelphia and Chester (Pa.),
and so on to Savannah (Ga.) This was the post route of the United States,
and from this were a few cross-routes, among them, one from "Philadelphia
to Bethlehem," "Bethlehem to Easton and Sussex Court House," and one from
"Sussex Court House to Elizabethtown," intersecting there the "post road."
This was the first Act passed under the Constitution of the United States,
establishing a postal system in this country. It went into effect, in
accordance with its provisions on June 1st, 1792.
166
In 1792, there was established a line of stages between Bethlehem and
Philadelphia, and in 1796, between Easton and Philadelphia, or perhaps it
were more proper to call it a stage line, as probably but one stage was
required, a round trip being made only twice a week in summer, and once a
week in winter. It may not be amiss to here note the rates of postage first
established in the United States; the weight seems to have been allowed as
one-quarter of an ounce avoirdupois to each letter; the rates of postage
varied with the distance, viz:
under thirty miles, six cents
from thirty to sixty miles, eight cents
sixty to one hundred miles, ten cents
one hundred to one hundred and fifty miles, twelve and one-half cents
one hundred and fifty two hundred miles, fifteen cents
two hundred to two hundred and fifty miles, seventeen cents;
two hundred and fifty to three hundred and fifty miles, twenty cents;
three hundred and fifty to four hundred and fifty miles, twenty-two cents
over four hundred and fifty miles, twenty-five cents.
Newspapers were carried at the rate of one cent for a distance not
exceeding one hundred miles, and one and one-half cents if over one hundred
miles; each publisher of a newspaper could send every other newspaper
publisher one copy of his paper free of postage.
The passage of the Post Route Bill, and the establishment of the line of
stages, seems to have had an influence on the residents of: Easton, for in
the following spring, to wit: "March 20th, 1793," we find from the records
of the Post Office Department, that "the Post Office, at Easton, Pa., was
established."
Since the establishment of the Easton Post Office, the Borough has had
sixteen Postmasters, as follows, viz:
The first Postmaster was Henry Spering. He was a scrivener, and one of
the most prominent citizens of the county at the close of the last century;
he filled all the county offices-Prothonotary, Recorder, Register, and
Clerk of the Sessions and was general official of the town. It is most
probable, though not absolutely certain, that during his term, the Post
Office was located in the southwest portion of the Public Square, in a
frame building, on the lot where the First National Bank is now erected. He
was appointed during the term of President Washington, March 20th, 1793,
and held the office a little over four years.
The second Postmaster was Hon. John Ross, who was appointed during the
term of President John Adams, October Ist, 1797. He was one of the leading
lawyers of that day, and afterwards, became a member of Congress, a Judge
of the District Court, and also of the Supreme Court of this State. He only
held the office about nine months, and during his term the office was
located in the northeast corner of the Public Square, in the same building,
and in one of the same rooms now occupied by the Post Office.
The third Postmaster was Thomas B. Dick, who was appointed
July 1st, 1798, during the term of President John Adams, and held the
office nearly four years. He was a lawyer of prominence and an inveterate
practical joker, the legends of the bar yet telling of some of his
pleasantries at the expense of his fellow practitioners. During his term,
the office was located, most probably, in the stone building at the
southwest corner of Northampton and Fifth streets, now occupied by W. B.
Lane, as a fancy goods store.
(See Illustration of Lane's Fancy Goods Store, Easton)
The fourth Postmaster was Hon. George Wolf, who was appointed
April 1st, 1802, during the term of President Jefferson; he retained the
office, however, only one year; he was a, lawyer of great prominence, was
Clerk of the Orphan's Court, a member of the Legislature, a member of
Congress for three terms, and Governor of the State twice, Comptroller of
the Treasury, under President Van Buren, and Collector of the Port of
Philadelphia. During his term, the Post Office was probably located at the
northwest corner of the Public Square and Pomfret (N. Third) street, in the
building now the office and residence of Drs. Henry and John J. Detweiller.
The fifth Postmaster was John Knauss, who was appointed April 1st, 1803,
during the term at President Jefferson, and held the office a little over
ten years, during the remainder of Jefferson's term, and a part of
Madison's. He was by business a harness-maker and saddler, and kept the
Post Office in an old stone building on the north side of Northampton street,
between Fourth and Fifth, on the lot where Aaron Serfass, Esq., now resides.
The sixth Postmaster was Philip H. Mattes, who was appointed
May 8th, 1813, during the term of President Madison, and held the office
sixteen year, during the terms of Presidents Madison, Monroe, and John
Quincy Adams, he was a prominent citizen, a scrivener of note, and for many
years Cashier of the Branch Bank of the State of Pennsylvania, and
afterwards Register of the County, and for many years Actuary of the Dime
Savings Bank. During his term, the Post Office was located in the building
at the southeast corner of Centre Square and Northampton street, in the
room now occupied by Adam T. Drinkhouse's hat store, the room then being
divided into two, the Post Office being the eastern one thereof, fronting
on Northampton street.
The seventh Postmaster was Abraham Horn, who was appointed
March 9th, 1829, during the term of President Jackson, and continued in
office for ten years, during the Presidency of Andrew Jackson and Martin
Van Buren, until his death. He was by business, a carpenter and builder. In
the War of 1812, he was captain of a company raised in this county, in
which company, by the way, Captain Horn had six brothers and a
brother-in-law; he was also a member of the Legislature; he first had the
office on the south side of Northampton street above Fourth, a few doors,
below the Franklin House, then the "Green Tree Hotel," in the room now
occupied by R. B. Mack as a stove store; about four years after he removed
the office to the north side of the same street, almost directly opposite
the former location, to, the room now occupied by Daniel L. Kutz, as a
saddlery findings store; and afterwards to the frame building on the same
side of the street, a few doom above Bank street, where now is the dry
goods house of Rader & Co., where it was located at the time of his decease.
The eighth Postmaster was Abraham Coryell, son-in-law of Captain Horn,
the late postmaster, who was appointed May 21st, 1839, during the term of
President Van Buren, and who held the office a little over nine years.
Mr. Coryell is, by business, a marble worker. During his term the office
rose to the dignity of a Presidential office, i. e., an office where the
postmaster is appointed, not by the Postmaster-General, but by the
President, and confirmed by the Senate. This change occurred
February 10th, 1840, and Mr. Coryell, being the then incumbent, was
recommissioned, by President Van Buren, February 10th, 1840, served during
the balance of his term, during the term of President Harrison, and in part
of President Tyler's, who reappointed him June 12th, 1844, and he continued
to hold the office during the balance of President Tyler's term, and the
greater part of President Polk's. During his term as postmaster, the office
was located in a frame building, in the southeast part of Centre Square, on
the lot where the First National Bank now stands.
The ninth Postmaster was John J. Herster, who was appointed by President
Polk, June 12th, 1848, and held the office about eleven months. During his
term the office was located in the old stone building of Mrs. Peter Pomp,
on the south side of Northampton street, below Fourth, on the lot where
Able's Opera House now stands, and about where Shimer & Frankenfield's
clothing store is situated.
The tenth Postmaster was Benjamin F. Arndt, who was appointed by
President Taylor, May 9th, 1849, and held the office during Taylor's and
Fillmore's administrations, until April, 1853. He was a soldier of the War
of 1812, and afterwards Clerk of the Orphans Court of this county, and for
many years a Justice of the Peace. During his term the office was located
on the west side of South Third street, between Ferry and Pine, where now
is Glanz & Kuebler's lager beer saloon.
The eleventh Postmaster was John J. Herster, who had been in office,
previously to Esquire Arndt, for a period of eleven months. He was
appointed April 4th, 1853, by President Pierce, and held the office until
April 20th, 1857. He kept the office on the south side of Northampton
street, between Sitgreaves, street and Centre Square, in the room now
occupied by W. H. Hazzard, as a paperhanging store.
The twelfth Postmaster was Colonel William H. Hutter, who was appointed
April 20th, 1857, by President Buchanan, and held the office until
March, 1861. He was, for a long series of years, Proprietor and Editor of
the Easton Argus, and is now Cashier of the Northampton County Savings
Bank, and President of the Board of Prison Inspectors. During his term the
office was located in the stone building on the north side of Northampton
street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, opposite the Franklin House, in
the room now occupied by Charles Crozet as a paperhanging store.
The thirteenth Postmaster was Dr. Charles C. Jennings, who was appointed
by President Lincoln, March 27th, 1861, and held the office until
March 20th, 1865. He was a prominent physician of large practice. During
his term the office was located in the brick building at the northeast
corner of South Third and Pine streets, in the room now occupied by Solon
Phillipe as a sportsman's emporium.
The fourteenth Postmaster was Captain John J. Horn, a schoolteacher and
land surveyor, who was a gallant soldier during the Rebellion, serving as
Captain of Company "E," 41st Regiment (twelfth Pennsylvania Reserves). He
was appointed by President Lincoln, March 20th, 1865, and held the office
until his death, in the spring of 1869. He retained the office at the same
place in which it was located during Dr. Jenning's incumbency. Captain Horn
died while in office, and he and his uncle, Abraham Horn, are the only
postmasters who have died while occupying the office. During the term of
Captain Horn, the Money Order business was extended to Easton.
167
The fifteenth Postmaster was James L. Mingle, a Telegrapher and
Superintendent of Telegraph Construction, who was appointed by President
Grant, April 20th, 1869, and held the office until November, 1871, He kept
the office at the same place as under the two preceding postmasters.
The sixteenth Postmaster, and present incumbent, is James K. Dawes, a
lawyer and the publisher of the Free Press, who was appointed by President
Grant, November 16th, 1871, and reappointed by the same President,
December 15th, 1875. Shortly after his appointment, he removed the office
to the northeast corner of Centre Square, at the corner of Hays place, to
the room now occupied by it, and probably the identical room occupied by
the office, in 1797, eighty years ago. During his term of office,
December 1st, 1873, Easton was designated as a Free Delivery or Letter
Carrier Office, the Post Office at South Easton being discontinued, and the
limits of the "Easton" office extended so as to include Easton, South
Easton, and Glendon.
The extension of the Free Delivery System to Easton has, undoubtedly,
been one of the most important events in the history of the Borough, and
has proved an almost indispensable convenience to the citizens, and they
have so generally availed themselves of its use as to win, for Easton, the
reputation, in the Post Office department, of being "the Boss Letter
Carrier Office of the United States," out of the very large population of
the three towns in its limits, there, being only six parties who retain
their boxes in the post office, all the rest having their mail matter
delivered by the Carriers. The service is performed by six Carriers, who
make twenty-nine deliveries and forty-six collections of letters daily, the
first at five o'clock in the morning, and the last at half-past seven in
the evening. At convenient locations, throughout the town, eighty-four
letter-boxes have been placed for the reception of mail matter; among these
boxes are four very ornamental ones, on iron posts, from which collections
are made every hour, that fact being announced by gilt inscriptions on the
box in seven different languages, viz.: English, French, Spanish, Italian,
German, Russian, and Chinese; these boxes were erected as a memorial of
"The Centennial," having been used during the Great Exhibition in the Main
Building, and being sent to Easton at the close of the Centennial, as a
memorial thereof, through the kindness of Hon. George W. Fairman, then
Postmaster of Philadelphia; of these boxes Easton is justly very proud, no
other city, save Philadelphia, being the fortunate possessor of like
reminder of the Centennial Anniversary of the Nation.
As in perusing the present history of this county it has been found of
interest to note the size and commercial standing of Easton at the birth of
the Nation, it is deemed proper to give here such notes as will show to
those who may read this fifty or an hundred years hence, what the amount of
postal business done at Easton at present is, and who the residents are
connected therewith during the Centennial year, ending December 31st, 1876.
There were delivered by the carriers, 732,561 letters; 61,977 local
letters; 132,437 postal cards, and 364,326 newspapers, a total of 1,291,301
pieces; and there were collected, during the same time 620,649 letters;
125,127 postal cards, and 427,803 newspapers, a total of 1,173,579; or a
total of letters collected and delivered of 2,464,880. There were issued
3,027 money orders, amounting to $41,520.95; and were paid 2,556 orders,
amounting to $42,358.24, a total of order, issued and paid of 5,583 in
number, an $83,879.19 in amount. The total monetary transactions of the
office for the year, were $129,194.79. This, in connection with the fact
that fifteen mail route agents have Easton as a terminal office, will be,
to future readers, of this history, one of the very best proofs of the
business relations and commercial importance of Easton. The officials
connected with the office are as follows (April 1st, 1877):
Postmaster, James K. Dawes
Assistant Postmaster, William Fleming
Cashier and Money Order Clerk, Wilking B. Cooley
Stamp Clerk, Samuel V. Bonstein
General Clerk, C. Jacob Mixsell
Mailing Clerk, William H. Stultz, Jr.
Distributing Clerk, Lawrence F. Kingkinger
Assistant Distributing Clerk, James Ballantyne
Watchman, Edward M. Slawson.
Of the sixteen Postmasters who have filled the office since its
establishment, only four are now living, viz.:
Abraham Coryell
William H. Hutter
James L. Mingle
James K. Dawes
For assistance extended the writer of this article, and valuable
information furnished, we are indebted to A. D. Hazen, Esq., Chief of the
Stamp Division, Post Office, Department, Washington, D. C., himself a
native of this county, Lower Mount Bethel township; and to Mr. Abraham
Coryell, ex-Postmaster, and Hon. John Shouse, of Easton.
NEWSPAPERS.
The Easton Sentinel was established July 1st, 1817, and has been
regularly published, without intermission or interruption, from that date
to the present time. In consequence of the earlier files having all been
destroyed or lost, the present proprietor can give but little information
concerning its early history. The office came into the possession of its
present proprietor on the nineteenth of December, A. D. 1851, who has
controlled and managed it up to the present time. In politics it has always
been Democratic, and has, for many years, enjoyed the confidence and
support of the party whose principles it has sustained, and advocated.
The Northampton Correspondent. -This journal, printed in the German
language, is published at Nos. 530 and 532 Northampton street, by Messrs.
Cole & Morwitz, who also publish the Easton Argus, an English weekly
newspaper. The Correspondent was started in 1800 by Colonel Christian J.
Butter, a vigorous writer, and a man wielding great influence in the German
speaking sections of Pennsylvania. The Correspondent was originally a
diminutive sheet, but is now one of the largest German newspaper in
America. In 1833, the establishment passed into the hands of Major F. W.
Muller, and several years afterwards again became the property of Colonel
Hutter. In 1839, Colonel Hutter disposed of his office to A. S. Senseman,
and retired from active life. In 1861, Josiah Cole, who was then printing
a rival newspaper the Unabbaengige Demokrat-purchased Mr. Senseman's
office, and consolidated the two journals, under the name of the
Correspondent and Demokrat. In 1866, Dr. E. Morwitz purchased an interest,
and since then the business has been conducted under the firm title of Cole
& Morwitz. In 1875, upon the occasion of renewal of the type of the
establishment, the old name, given the paper by its first publisher, was
resumed. The Correspondent is the only German newspaper published in
Northampton county. Notwithstanding the exclusion of German from the public
schools, it has regained a hold upon the popular confidence. It will
compare favorably, both in its contents and its typographical appearance,
with any German newspaper published. It is solely under the control of
Josiah Cole, of the publishing firm. In its political tone it is Democratic.
The Easton Daily Express, published every afternoon (Sunday excepted), is
the oldest daily paper in the county; in fact, was the first daily paper
published in the State north of Philadelphia. It was established in 1855,
by William L. Davis and William Eichman. In 1864, Mr. Eichman disposed of
his interest to Mr. Davis, who continued its publication until his death,
l870, when the present editor and proprietor, George M. Reeder, purchased
it, together with the building, No. 15 and 17 Bank street, in which it is
published. He immediately improved the paper, not only in appearance, but
especially in the quality aud quantity of reading matter, and it soon
became known as one of the best inland daily papers in the State, and at
the, present time is considered the most influential paper in the county.
The Express ignores politics entirely; depends upon no political party for
patronage or support, is independent in its views on all subjects, and by a
bold and consistent course has won the respect and patronage of both the
intelligent, wealthy, and working classes.
The Easton Argus. In 1826, at the time of an active political canvass,
the Democrat and Argus, was brought into the field as an advocate of
General Jackson's election to the Presidency, by Jamb Weygandt and
Samuel Innes. In a few years the partnership was dissolved, and the
business continued by Mr. Innes, a writer of more than ordinary talents,
and under his management the paper rapidly won a front rank among country
journals. He was also a poet, and the files of the paper preserved show
that in this respect his columns were out neglected. Upon the death of Mr.
Innes, in 1841, the business was taken in charge William and John A. Innes,
the former the father, still the latter the brother, of the deceased.
This firm continued its publication until 1844, when Colonel William H.
Hutter, then a young man of but nineteen years, was installed a editor and
proprietor. He at once enlarged his journal, and otherwise improved it. He
also dropped the word Democrat from its title, retaining only that of
Argus. For twenty-five years, Colonel Hutter devoted himself to the
publication of this newspaper, and by his ability as a political writer,
and industry as a collector of news, largely increased its subscription
list, and gave it a Statewide reputation as a foremost exponent of
Democratic principles. In 1869, the establishment was sold to
Mr. James F. Shunk, who, in partnership with Mr. William Eichman,
conducted the business until December, 1870, when Mr. Eichman
retired from the firm, and Cole & Morwitz, then publishing The
Correspondent and Democrat, secured an interest, the business being under
the firm title of Cole, Morwitz & Co., and Mr. Strunk assuming the editorial
management of the two journals. A year later (in December, 1871), Mr.
Shunk's business demanding his attention elsewhere, the remaining partners,
purchased his interest, and have continued the business to this day. The
Argus is now the largest weekly publication in the county. The publication
office is at Nos. 530 and 532 Northampton street, The Argus has always
upheld the principles that induced its founders to commence its
publication, and it is a welcome weekly visitor in all parts of the county.
Especial attention is paid to the collection and preparation of local
intelligence, and this feature has added much to its circulation. The
business and conduct of the Argus is solely in the hands of Josiah Cole,
the senior of the publishing firm.
(See Illustration of Easton Argus Office.)
168
THE EASTON FREE PRESS
Nos. 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66, Centre Square.
Weekly, Estab. 1852. -J. K. DAWES, Editor and Proprietor. -Daily, Estab. 1866.
In 1852, during the memorable Pierce-Scott Presidential campaign, Manning
F. Stilwell came front Belvidere, N. J., to Easton, with the determination
to start a Whig paper, to represent the ideas of the more progressive and
aggressive leaders of that party. "The Easton Whig," Josiah P. Hetrich,
was then the only Whig paper published in the county, and on August 4th,
1852, Mr. Stilwell sent forth the first issue of the new claimant for
public favor. It was called "The Northampton Farmer," was issued once a
week, on Wednesdays, the subscription price being one dollar and a half per
annum; the size about that of the present Daily Free Press. Mr. Stilwell's
office was first located in the frame building on the south side of Church
street, between Second and Sitgreaves streets, now John Pollock's brush
manufactory, and was afterwards removed to a frame building on the southwest
corner of Centre Square, about where H. A. Sage's liquor store now is.
In the fall of 1854, Benjamin F. Stern became associated with Mr.
Stilwell, under the firm name of Stern & Stilwell, and soon after commenced
publishing "The Daily Farmer," in connection with the Weekly: the same
being furnished to subscribers for six cents per week; the office was,
about this time, removed to the frame building on the east side of South
Third street, below Pine, now occupied by David J. Howell's marble yard and
works, and which had been especially erected for the use of "The Farmer."
In April, 1855, Mr. Stilwell sold out his interest in the establishment
to Mr. Stern, who continued the publication of both papers until the close
of the Presidential contest of 1856-Buchanan, Fremont, Fillmore-when he
suspended the publication of the Daily, continuing the Weekly.
In January, 1857, Mr. Stern associated with him Wm. H. Brown, of
Philadelphia, and the publication of the paper was continued under the firm
name of Stem & Brown.
On August 5th, 1857, the came of the paper was changed to "The American
Free Press and Northampton Farmer."
August 12th, 1858, the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Stern retiring, and
the business was continued by Mr. Brown.
On December 24th, 1857, the words "and Northampton Farmer" were dropped
from the title. In the spring of 1859, Mr. Brown became financially
embarrassed, and the publication of the paper was suspended from
March 3d, 1859, to June 2d, 1859, when it was resumed, by Lewis Gordon, who
continued its publication, Mr. Stern being in charge of the editorial
department. Mr. Gordon, on April 10th, 1862, moved the office to the Old
Courity House, on the southeast corner of Centre Square, where the
residences of Mrs. David Garis and Mrs. James Dinkey now stand. At this
time the Free Press was a twenty-eight-column paper, and was published at
the rate of one dollar and a half per annum.
On May 1st, 1866, Mr. Gordon associated with him James K. Dawes, and on
September 25th, 1866, the Daily Free Press was started by Gordon & Dawes;
it was a twenty-four-column paper, price ten cents per week.
On September 3d, 1867, the establishment was sold to Messrs. J. Whit Wood
and Henry L. Bunstein, who continued the publication of both papers, under
the firm name of Wood & Bunstein. April 1st, 1868, the office was removed
to the second-story of Chidsey's iron-front building, on the south side of
Northampton street, between Second and Sitgreaves streets, the building now
occupied by Joseph S. Osterstocks' stove establishment. On June 4th, 1868,
the Weekly was enlarged to thirty-two columns, and the price raised to two
dollars per annum.
On February 28th, 1870, Mr. Burnstein retired from the firm, and the
business was continued by Mr. Wood.
August 1st, 1871, Mr. Wood sold the office to James K. Dawes, one of the
founders of the paper, who April 1st, 1872, removed the office to its
present location, in the northeast corner of Centre Square, Nos. 62, 63,
64, 65, and 66, corner of Hays place.
August 1st, 1872, the Daily was enlarged to twenty-eight columns, and
April 13th, 1874, the Weekly was changed to a quarto, forty-eight columns,
and the Daily to twenty-four columns, the price of the latter being reduced
to six cents per week, which price was raised May 14th, 1876, to eight
cents per week.
The circulation of the Daily Free Press, from about four hundred, in 1871,
has steadily increased until it reached nearly 3,000, by far the largest
circulation ever reached by any Daily paper in the county. The Weekly
circulation also kept pace with the increase in population and intelligence
of the county, and its circulation increased to over 1,700. The Free Press
is the only Republican paper in the county, and has exercised no little
influence upon public affairs in the same.
American Mechanics Advocate. -This paper, now owned and published by William
H. Schultz, at the southwest corner of Centre Square and Third street, was
started in 1869, by the firm of Snyder, Wylie & Snyder, in Lancaster; but
was purchased from them by the present proprietor, and removed to this
borough, in the year 1873, since which time it has been published under the
supervision of Mr. Schultz. As its name indicates, it is devoted to the
interests of the Order of American Mechanics. At a meeting of the National
Council, held at Newark, N. J., September 8th, 1870, it was recognized as
the official organ of the society, and since that time by all the State
organizations. The Advocate is an eight-page paper, published every month,
and devoted to society interests.
The Council Brand. -This is the title of an organ of the "Independent Order
of Red Men," published by T. D. Tanner, at Nos. 5 and 7 Bank street, It was
started in September, 1874, since which time its circulation has increased,
until at the present time, it finds its way into nearly every State in the
Union. It is issued monthly.
RAILWAYS.
Lehigh and Susquehanna. -This is the only line of steam railway, whose
tracks lie in the borough of Easton, although the town is excellently
accommodated by three other roads, the Belvidere Delaware, across the
Delaware Bridge; the Lehigh Valley, across the Lehigh; and the New Jersey
Central, which connects with, and operates the Lehigh and Susquehanna
under lease.
The Lehigh and Susquehanna railroad, extends from Easton to Green Ridge,
two miles above Scranton. It enters Easton, running along the Lehigh River,
and its station is near the foot of Fourth street. The roundhouse and other
erections of the company, are farther up, on the north bank of the river.
The first charter of a portion of this road-Wilkesbarre to White Haven was
obtained as early as, 1837, but a charter for the entire length, was not
secured until 1863. The road was completed to a connection with the
Central of New Jersey, in 1865, and opened for business in November of that
year. It was leased to the New Jersey Central Railroad Company, March 31st, 1871.
The Easton and South Easton Passenger Railway Company, was incorporated
in 1866, with an authorized capital of $75,000.
The first President was William H. Thompson
Secretary and Treasurer, Edward H. Green. The length of the company's
tracks, is one and three-eighths miles-gauge five feet and two inches. The
company owns twelve horses and five cars, employing only $29,562.50 of its
authorized capital. The present officers are:
President, Henry A. Sage
Secretary and Treasurer, H. W. Cooley
Easton and Phillipsburg Passenger Car Company.-Authorized stock, $50,000.
Paid in $28,000.
President, Lewis C. Reese
Secretary and Treasurer, James W. Long
Directors
Lewis C. Reese
James W. Long
Samuel Boileau
James C. Kent
Daniel Runkle
John Tendall
William Dale
The route of this railway, is from Centre Square to Phillipsburg, across
the old Delaware Bridge.
West Ward Passenger Railway Company. -Chartered May 5th, 1871. Authorized
capital stock, $25,000, Paid in, $10,325.
President, Jacob B. Odenwelder
Secretary and Treasurer, Edward H. Green
Directors:
Matthew Hale Jones
Robert C. Pyle
James Hess
Theodore R. Sitgreaves
Owen Reich
The company's route extends from Centre Square to the Forest House, in
Palmer township.
TELEGRAPH OFFICES.
Western Union Telegraph. -Manager at Easton, John Saylor. This is the lineal
descendant of the first telegraph established here in 1848. Has seven
wires; employs one assistant operator and two messengers. Office, S. E.
corner Centre Square and Third street.
Philadelphia, Reading, and Pottsville Telegraph. D. P. Smith, Manager. Was
established in Easton, August 26th, 1875. It is carried on by the Reading
Railroad Company. Office, No. 13 Centre Square.
169
EASTON GRAYS.
The rapid growth of militia organizations in our country, and the
interest of military men in the success of that branch of the service, will
warrant some special attention to a company which is growing in public
favor, and which has received many complimentary opinions from army
officers.
"The Easton Grays, known on the muster rolls of Pennsylvania, as Company
F, Fourth Regiment, is composed of voting gentlemen of social standing, and
of influence in their respective business callings. Gentlemanly conduct,
good physique, and a proper esprit de corps, are the qualifications for
membership. In July, 1873, the company was reorganized, and became the
successor of the old Easton Grays, whose life began early, and whose ranks
were broken by drafts for death, and volunteers for the late war. Frank
Reeder, now commanding a brigade, P. N. G., was the first captain. He was
succeeded by F. A. Stitzer, first sergeant, who, as the present commandant,
has reflected great, credit upon himself. The company occupies a very fine
armory. Its walls are richly frescoed, and the room is well-lighted and
ventilated, and sufficiently large for company movements. During public
drill, of each week, the company has become a favorite resort for the
friends of the corps, and the ladies are foremost to their applause and
appreciation of the soldier, of peace. The enthusiasm of each member has
been amply rewarded by the progress; of the company, until it ranks as one
of the best drilled and equipped military companies, in the State, Its
participation in many of the large parades, and an annual encampment at
some of the favorite summer resorts, has enlarged the acquaintance of the
company, and placed it prominently before the public. At the parade in
Philadelphia, on the opening of the Centennial, the company was greatly
admired, and the uniformity of its marching and excellence of it,
discipline, were frequently applauded. The movements by company and platoon
front were judged by army officers to have been admirably executed, and
certainly placed them foremost in the line of the rivals for popular favors
that day At home the Grays are great favorites. They are invited on all
festive occasions, and it seems are surrounded with supplies; for every
probable want. The company can scarcely fail in becoming an ornament to its
arm of the service, and the pride of the citizens of Easton."
The armory of the Grays, is in the second story of Able's Opera, House,
They are armed with the Springfield breech-loading rifle. The present
commissioned officers, of the company are:
Captain, Frank A. Stitzer, commissioned July 29th, 1874
1st Lieutenant, Nelson P. Cornell, promoted from 2d Lieutenant, July 27th, 1874
2d Lieutenant, Joseph H. Brensinger, commissioned December 4th, 1874.
EASTON GRAY CADETS.
Organized July 15th, 1876; is composed of Scholars of the Easton High
School. Commissioned officers at date of organization :
Captain, Rufus W. Miller
1st Lieutenant, B. Rush Field
2d Lieutenant, Edgar M. Green
Present officers: Captain, Rufus W. Miller
1st Lieutenant, B. Rush Field
2d Lieutenant, John S. Green
The company numbers fifty members; they occupy the Armory of the Easton
Grays, Captain Frank A. Stitzer, of the Easton Grays, being their instructor.
EASTON UNION GUARDS.
In former years, and particularly after the conclusion of the last war
against England, the military spirit iu Easton was very active; much more
so than at the present tirne. Below is given the muster-roll of one (the
principal one) of the two companies, of volunteer infantry which were in
organization in Easton at that time (1824): besides which there were
Captain Sitgreaves Artillerists," and a troop of cavalry. The old roll
cannot fail to be of interest to those who recollect the company, and
particularly to the surviving members:
MUSTER ROLL-1824.
Captain, David D. Wagener
First Lieutenant, P. S. Michler
Second Lieutenant, Samuel Snyder
Ensign, Robert Wallace
Sergeants John Cooper, Jr., 1st S.
John Lowry, 2d S.
Thomas Arnold, 3d S.
Charles J, Ihrie, 4th S.
Corporals
John Oliver, 1st C.
Lewis Reichardt, 2d C.
George Shick, 3d C.
Michael Butz, 4th C.
Fife Major, George Straub.
Drum Major, Charles Horn.
Drummers
John Finley
L. Batt
Fifer, Charles Hartman,
Bass Drummer, John Reichardt
Band
Hiram Yard, clarionet
William Warman, clarionet
George Cole, clarionet
Samuel Troxell, clarionet
S. Gross, clarionet
T. Vandyke, clarionet
Henry Hutter, clarionet
William Hutter, clarionet
John Stewart, clarionet
Peter Tilton, bassoon
William Hensing, serpent
Philip Reichardt, horn
Philip Mattes, horn
John Kessler, cymbals
John Mixsell, triangle
Thomas Heckman, flute
Charles Menner, flute
Wm. White, flute
Privates
Robert Arnold
John Awalt
Benjamin F. Arndt
Jacob Able, Jr.
George Arnold
Peter Bishop
Thomas S. Bell
John Bell
Henry Barnes
John Bachman
Nicholas Best
William Berlin
James Black
Joseph Bigelow, Serg.
Samuel Bachman
John D. Bowlby
Jacob Boreman
Jacob Best
Isaac Carey
William Carey
Jacob Coryell
John Cook
Charles Carey
Wm. Clouse
- Coleman
Charles Crowell
William Garis
Sidney Down
Geo. W. Deshler
Abraham Dehart
George Dingier
William Doran
Joseph Dietrich
Valentine Diley
Henry Drinkhouse
John Dehart
Samuel Dingler
A Dreisbach
William Eichman
William Everhart
Jacob Everhart
Jacob Focht
Simon Frantz
C. Focht
Charles Geuther
William Gardner
Thomas Garoty
William Gwinner
William Garron
J, P, Hetrich
Conrad Heckman
Abraham Heckman
George K, Howell
Ezekiel Howell
Charles Hay
Melchoir Hay
George Heigle
Jacob Hartman
Joseph Horn
Charles Heckman
Peter Hawk
George A. Heist
George Hare
John Hay
J. Hagerty
John Herster
William Ihrie
Francis Jackson, Serg.
Phineas Kinsey
John Kutz
Abraham Ketter
Jacob Kisselbach
George L. Kerhart
Samuel Kutz
Jonathan Kinsey
George Kessler
George Kutz
Henry Kessler
Thomas Kreidler
William Kern
W. H. Keiper
Jacob Killpatrick
John Leidy
Henry Leidy
George Lattig
William Lynch
Frank Leidy
Jacob Lattig
Jacob Ludwig
Jacob Lesher
Jacob Mettler
David Mettler
Samuel Mellick
Philip Mixsell
Powell Moser
F. W. Mueller
John Moore
-Messinger
Eli Mettler
Isaac Meyen
David Mixsell
William Mixsell
Andrew M'Clay
Samuel Moore
Peter Moore
John Nouck
Charles Nicholas
Jacob Noll
William Nagle
Michael Otto
Peter Odenwelder
Charles Rohn
George Shewell
Jacob Shuck
Charles Snyder
Jacob Shipe
J. A. Patterson, Corp
George Bruch
John Bruch
James Pritchard
Daniel Phillippe
Nathan C. Price
John Price
George Ross
Abraham Rohn
Solomon A. Rogers
Frederick Rouse
Samuel Shick
Jacob Shick
Samuel Snyder
Daniel Stidinger
Charles Snyder
John Snyder
William P. Spering
- Skillman
Alexander Shick
Daniel Stem
Daniel Snyder
Thomas Shank
Wm. Shick
John Simon
William Snyder
George Tailor
William Troxell
John Troxseder
Joseph Troxell
Michael Trittenbach
Lawrence Titus
John Titus
Andrew Shewell
Fred. Sparygenburgh
William Ward
Jacob Weaver
Chas. Ward
George Weaver
William Woodring
Joseph Wykoff
William Yates
Robert G. Youells
Of these members, the following still survive, viz.:
John Awalt,
Jacob Till
Sydney Down
Josiah P. Hetrich
William Ihrie
Abraham Keiter
William Gwinner
Jacob Lesher
Eli Mettler
Samuel Moore
Michael Tittenbach
Lawrence Titus
Charles Relic
Michael Butz
John Stewart
Thomas Heckman
For years prior to the opening of the Rebellion, Easton boasted four
volunteer military companies, viz.:
the Easton Artillerists
Easton Jaegers
National Guards
National Grays
The Jaegers and the Artillerists were commanded respectively by Captains
CHARLEES GLANZ and JACOB DACHRODT; the, same officers, who, afterwards, as
Colonel and Lieutenant-Colonel of the ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THIRD Regiment,
led that, command in the blood), battle of Chancellorsville.
The National Guards were commanded by Captain FERDINAND W. BELL, who, as
captain of "B" company, of the FIFTY-THIRD, Regiment, was killed in the
assault on Marye's Heights, Fredericksburg, December 13th, 1862.
The captain of the National Grays was CHARLES HECKMAN, who afterwards won
the stars of it general officer in the war of the Rebellion.
By reference to the old muster-roll, it will be seen that Captain
WAGENER'S company was well supplied with music, in accordance with the
prevailing taste of the day. At that time, the Artillerists Band, of which
John D, Weis was leader, and Peter Pomp conductor, was an organization of
which Eastonians were proud. The number of members was twenty-six. Its name
was, in 1833, changed to that of Citizens Band, under the leadership of
Peter Pomp. Eleven years later, the wooden instruments were superceded by
brass, and the organization was then named the Easton Brass Band, with
William H. Pomp as leader, and Peter Pomp conductor. Again, in 1852, German
silver instruments were substituted, and the name again changed to that of
Pomps Cornet Band, under Pomp, leader, and Coates, conductor. At present
there is no hand in Easton, but Professor Coates is about forming gone,
which will doubtless attain excellence.
170
EASTON BASE BALL CLUB.
Among the organizations in Easton is one known throughout the entire
United States, the Easton Base, Ball Club. It was a continuation of the
Neptune, which was organized in 1866, when the great National game was in
its infancy, the club had a nine among the best in the State, during each
succeeding year. In 1872, the name "Easton" was adopted, and the club
entered for the State championship in that and the following year, but
failed to Parry off the honors. In 1874, the club entered for the amateur
championship of the State and the United States, in the, both of which they
succeeded, defeating every amateur club of note in Pennsylvania, as also
the professional Athletic and Philadelphia; the professional Atlantic, of
Brooklyn; and the several amateur clubs of New York, who took part in the
tournament for the amateur championship of the United States, at Watertown,
N. Y. The prosperity of the club was mainly due to the munificence of
George M. Reeder and W. H. Hulick.
The "champion" team was composed of the following named gentlemen
George W. Bradley, pitcher
Thomas J, Miller, catcher
John Abadie, 1st base
John Banker, 2d base
F. W. Wadsworth, short stop
William Hauge, 3d base
William R. Parks, left field
Charles Waitt, centre field
Arthur Allison, 1st base
J. J. Smith, captain, change pitcher, and right field.
The celebrity gained by the club in winning the championship in 1874, was
the cause of the above players, afterwards being engaged by the Managers of
the celebrated professional St. Louis, Washington, Boston, Chicago, and New
Haven Clubs, to strengthen their respective organizations.
The Easton Club is still in existence, and is recognized as one of the
leading exponents of the great National game in Pennsylvania.
ABLE'S OPERA HOUSE.
Location, south side Northampton street below Fourth. Front, 50 feet;
depth, 220 feet Exhibition room in rear of building, reached by wide
passage, extending from front entrance; size of exhibition room, 50 X 80
feet-including stageheight of ceiling, 47 feet; front hall in second story,
intended for balls and festivals, 50 x 80 feet, beight of ceiling, 23 feet;
front hall in third story, 50 x 80 feet, ceiling, 17 feet. Built in 1876
Cost, $100,000.
MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS.
(Hall N. E. corner of Third and Ferry streets)
Easton Lodge, No 152, F. & A. M. warranted May 13th, 1817, A.L. 5877 meeting
first Thursday after full moon.
Christian J. Hotter, 1st W. M.
George Wolf, 1st S. W.
John Erb, 1st J. W.
Officers for 1877, A. L. 5877
George Miller, W. M.
John B. Murray, S. W.
William H. Werkheiser, J. W.
Dallas Lodge, No. 396, F. & A. M., warranted June 6th, 1867, A. L. 5867,
James L. Mingle, 1st W. M.
James J, Cope, 1st S. W.
George Finley, 1st J. W.
Officers for 1877, A. L 5877
John A. Weaver, W. M.
Samuel S. Yohe, S. W.
Clinton Hillard, J. W.
Easton Chapter, No. 173, H. R. A. M., warranted April 14th, 1853; An. Ind.
James M. Porter, M. E. H. P
Jesse Lines, M. E. King
Daniel Thomas, M. E. Scribe
Officers for 1877, An. Ino. 2407.
Rev. George P. Wright, M. E. H. P;
John A. Weaver, M. E. King
John B. Murray, M. E. Scribe
Pomp Council, No 20, R. S. E. & S. Masters, warranted June 14th, 1864, AD Dep 2864.
Abraham Miller (C), T. I. G. M.
James M. Porter, Jr., D. L. G. M.
Francis V. Barnet, P. C. of W.
Officers for 1877, An. Dep, 2877,Theodore Oliver, T. I. G. X; Frederick
Hill, D. I. G N. L.; A. S. Deichman, P. C. of W.
ORIGIN of ODD FELLOWSHIP IN EASTON.
In the summer of 1840, Dr. C. C. Field (who, during his medical studies
in Philadelphia, had become a member of the order, by joining Friendship
Lodge, No 23, in that city, and who had passed the chairs there, and was a
Past Grand), believing that the establishment of an Odd Fellows Lodge in
Easton would bear good fruits, published a call in the Easton Argus,
calling on any Odd Fellows in the vicinity who might read the same to meet
him at his office, which was at that time in the frame building on North
Fourth street, next south from the White Horse Hotel. The call brought to
the Doctor's office, George Mowry, and they learning that several other Odd
Fellows were at that time working in the iron ore mines in the northwestern
part ofthe county, rode thither and found there three members of the order.
The number requisite to start a lodge (five) being secured, a charter
obtained, and PEACE AND PLENTY LODGE was established. The first meeting
took place in a small back room of the brick building on the southeast
corner of Northampton and Fifth streets. The first Noble Grand was
Dr. C. C. Field. The lodge was, after a short, time, removed to the Old
Court House in Centre Square. It was afterwards removed to the third story
rooms of the building owned (and until lately occupied) by. Jacob Hay,
Northampton street below Fourth, north side. The lodge was subsequently
removed to the new hall on the corner of Third and Ferry streets, the
corner Stone of which had been laid with ceremony June 12th, 1847. Odd
Fellows Hall (now Masonic) is at present owned by T. Sitgreaves & Co. From
the small and difficult beginning above noted, Odd Fellowship in this
region sprung; the Easton Lodge having organized lodges in Bethlehem,
Allentown, Mauch Chunk, and in all the surrounding counties.
I. O. OF O. F. Peace and Plenty Lodge, No. 69.-This, the oldest Odd Fellows
lodge in Northampton county, was instituted August 14th, 1841. The building
known as the Masonic Hall was erected by this society, but financial
embarrassment followed, and they were obliged to sell it. Soon after, in
1851, the lodge ceased to exist, but was reorganized, in 1869, and is now
in a prosperous condition. Number of members eighty-five, Amount of funds,
$575.94. Meets Monday evenings, in Drake & Hulicks building.
Fatherland Lodge, No. 111, was instituted May 3d, 1845, with twenty-five members.
First officers were :
Joseph Huff, N. G.
Wm. Stilgenbauer, V. G.
Gen. P. Bertrand, Sec.
Val. Faulstich, Ass't Sec.
John Bauman, Treas.
Works in the German language. Present members, two hundred and five. Value
of property, $3,900. Meets Saturday evenings, at Daley's building, Third
and Ferry streets.
Charity Lodge, No. 3, Degree of Rebekah.-Instituted November 26th, 1869.
First officers:
L. D. Seipel, N. G.
Mrs. M. J, Gulley, V. G.
Theo. Schug, Sec.
Mrs. Harriet Flad, F. Sec.
Mrs. M. Fourgisson, Tress.
Number of members, eighty-six. Value of property, $688.
Lehicton Lodge, No, 244,Instituted June 11th, 1847
First officers.
J. M. Stem, N. G.
Wm. Ricker, V. G.
George Field, Sec.
John Pugh, Ass't Sec.
C. W. Lawall, Treas.
Number of members, two hundred and eighty-seven. Amount, of funds,
$8,71739. Meets Tuesday evenings, in Drake & Hulicks building.
Elon Lodge, No. 604.-Instituted May 23d, 1867
First officers:
J. S. Cook, N. G.
J. P. Ricker, V. G.
C. L. Hemmingway, Sec.
J. Ward, Ass't Sec.
C. Kroehl, Treas.
Number of members, one hundred and one. Valuation of lodge, property,
$2,295.28. Meets Thursday evenings, in Drake & Hulicks building.
Valley Union Encampment, No. 138.-Instituted January 12th, 1866,
First officers:
John Stotzer, C. P.
Henry Hill, H. P.
Jacob Wilhelm, S. W.
Joseph Flad, J. W.
J. Fly, Scribe
Wm. Sigman, Treas.
Number of members, one hundred. Value of property, $2,627,40. Meets 1st and
3d Friday evenings, in Drake &, Hulicks building.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
"Bell" Post, No. 129, Department of Pennsylvania, Grand Army of the
Republic, is named after Captain FERDINAND W. BELL, 518th Regiment
Pennsylvania Volunteers, who was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg,
December 13th, 1862.
The Post was chartered May 15th, 1868, with the following charter members, viz.:
H. J. Reeder
F. Shelling
P. K. Campbell
Gen. W. Thatcher
Wm. Miller
S. D. Crawford
D. L. Nicholas
Fred C, Mattes
Wm. P. Horn
John E. Titus
Frank Keller
H. G. H. Tarr
W. H. Diehl
Edward Kelley
R. M. Burrell
C. H. Muller
James Comiskey
The Post Commanders are as follows, given in the order of their election,
viz.:
H. J. Reeder
H. G. H. Tarr
Frank Reeder
Geo. W. Thatcher
Frank Reeder
A. B. Howell
Samuel S. Lesher
Jos. H. Bensinger
Andrew J. Force
Wm. M. Shultz
It was, in 1870, very strong in numbers, heving on its rolls five
hundred and nine members, a greater number than has ever been claimed by
any other Post in Pennsylvania. It has also furnished two Department
Commanders, H. J. Reeder and General Frank Reeder.
ORDER OF UNITED AMERICAN MECHANICS.
Warren Command, No. 2, Knights of Washington, instituted December 6th, 1875.
First officers were:
W. M. Shultz, C.
Gen. Finley, V. C.
S. V. Bonstein, A.
E. R. Reich, Q. M.
C. F. Bealer, P.
J. F. Cole, S.
D. W. Wolf, Chaplain
Meets every 2d and 4th Tuesday evenings, in Jones building, southwest
corner Centre Square.
171
Columbia Council, No. 13- Organized May 21st, 1846,
First officers, as far as can be obtained:
David Cowden, C.
Thos. Keller, V. C.
Present number of member, four hundred and twenty-one. Meets Friday
evenings, in Semples Hall, corner of Bank and Northampton street.
(See illustration of Semple Building)
Lenni Lenape Council, No. 87-instituted September 27th, 1865.
First officers were :
W. N. Scott, C.
H. A. Pohl, V. G.
J. J. Carey, R.
J. Horn, A. K. S.
J. J. S. Bonstein, F. S.
G. F. Kimball, Treasurer
T. J. Bishop, Jr. Ex.
S. Frauenfelter, I.
H. Bachman, I. P.
J. H. Rowley, O. P.
Council numbers, one hundred and fifty-three members. Meets Monday
evenings, in Jones building, southwest corner of Centre Square.
Tatamy Council, No. 159 Instituted May 28th, 1868.
First officers were:
M. W. Rohn, C.
J. R, Carroll, V. C.
W. M. Shultz, H. S.
M J. Rateder, A. K S.
J. P, Correll, F. S.
James Rothrock, T.
J. H. Wendling, I.
J. H. Wilking, Ex.
O. H. Rohn I. P.
D. F. Lerch, O. P.
Meets Wednesday evenings, in Jones building, southwest corner of Centre Square.
JUNIOR ORDER U.A. M. No. 26-Instituted June 10th, 1868
List of first officers:
E. H. Harriman, C.
E. H. Shawde, V. C.
A. P. Hineline, R. S.
W. Lerch, A. R. S.
B. Keller, F. S
A. Gosner, L. S.
John O. Montanye, O. S.
J. Thume, Con.
U. Fackenthal, War.
T. F. Harriman, Treas.
Wm. M. Shultz
E. N. R. Ohl
J. J. S. Bonstein, Trustees
A. Stover, Jr. P. C. B.
Present list of officers:
W. H. Warner, C.
E. A. Weaver, V. C.
W. Fleming, R. S.
G. P. Rader, A. R S.
G. A. Rinek, Con.
C. Snyder, War.
Joseph Derr, I. S.
E. N. R. Ohl, O. S.
D. H. Hammer, F. S.
M. F. Hamman, Treas.
J. O. Montanye
H. H. Mier
W. Fleming, Trustees
J. Ackerman, Jr., P. C.
Meets every Thursday evening, in Jones' building, southwest corner of
Centre Square.
ORDER OF RED MEN.
Delaware Degree Council, No. 5.-Instituted in 1872.
The present Chiefs are:
C. Klechner, P.
J. S. Carty, S.
Charles Feltic, S. S.
E. L. Snyder, J. S.
J. D. Smith, C. R.
W. L. Zanes, K. of W.
Meets second and fourth Saturday, in Grand Army Hall.
Tah-yah-jute, Tribe, No. 217, was Instituted June 17th, 1874,
with the following Chiefs
S. D. Bortell, S.
John Coyle, S. S.
T. Woodring, J. S.
J. H. Kneer, C. R.
E. N. R. Ohl, K.W.
Meets Saturday evenings, at Sample's building.
Saranac Tribe, No. 84, wits organized, in Easton, on the eighteenth day of
March, 1868. There were forty-one charter members.
The first officers were its follows:
E. N. R. Ohl, S.
Charles Rinker, S. S.
William L. Zane, J. S.
Thos. D. Tanner, P.
John J. S. Bonstein, C. R.
James D. Smith, A. C. R.
Henry C. Ashmore, K. W.
The Tribe kindles its council-fires at Draker & Hulick's building, off South
Third street, Easton.
HEBREW SOCEITY.
Judge Lodge, No. 30, I. O. B. B. Institute October 27th, 1856.
Officers
Felix Weil, P.
Samuel Moses, V. P.
Moses Stern, Sec.
Nathan Hellman, Treas.
L. Kahr, A. M.
M. H. Strauss, I. G.
Levi Worthington, O. G.
Number of members, forty-five. Meets in hall of M.H. Strauss Hotel.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
Amana Lodge, No. 77, was instituted May 25th, 1868, when the following
officers were installed:
John Stelzer, V. P.
John P. Richer, W. C.
James Ward, V. C.
Samuel Phipps, W G
Philip Dolan, W. B.
John S. Bachman, W. R. S.
Ruben Slawbach, W. F. S.
B. F. Reich, I. G.
Peter Garrecht, O. G.
The present officers are:
Thos. F. Siegfried, P. C.
Wm. Smith, C. C.
Wm. F. Reily, V. C.
Lewis J. Beitel, P.
B. M. Sigmund, K. of R. and S.
Allen M. Hamman, M. of F.
Sol Straus, M. of E.
F. M. Lawson, M. of A.
Wm. J. Davis, I. G.
Alfred Randal, O. G.
The society now has sixty-five active members. Hall of Meeting, corner of
Third and Ferry streets.
KNIGHTS OF FRIENDSHIP.
Easton Chamber, No, 14, was instituted September l4th, 1874, with
seventy-one charter members.
The first officers were R. P. James, P. S. K. M.
L. F. Bonstein, S. K. M.
C. F. Nightingale, S. Ch.
J. E. Stark, J. Ch.
P. T. Grubs, M. R.
T. D. Tanner, Rec. Sec.
William M. Shultz, Treasurer
S. W. Sine, Chaplain
Meets in Grand Army Hall, on the second and fourth Friday of each month.
MYSTIC BAND OF BROTHERS.
No. 10, was instituted by George W. Crouch, Deputy Great Chief,
November 2d, 1871, with twenty-seven charter members.
The first officers were:
J. D. Seipel, W. C.
Robert T. Horn, D. C.
Uriah Palmer, Sec.
Robert E. C. Fourgisson, Treas.
Theodore Schug, C.
Lorenzo Kichline, W.
This Council meets in the Odd Fellows Hall, Easton, on Wednesday evenings.
BANKS.
The Easton National Bank, incorporated in 1814[1] as THE EASTON BANK,
Samuel Sitgreaves, President; Thomas MeKeen, Cashier. The Successive
presidents, from the time of Mr. Sitgreaves until the present, have been
Thomas McKeen, David D. Wagener, John Davis, and William Hackett, who still
holds the office. On the passage of the National Bank Law, the bank was
changed from the State to the National system, under its present name. In
1873 its capital was increased from $400,000 to $500,000, its present
amount. The banking rooms are located on the south side of Northampton
street, between the Square and Bank street.
The First National. This bank was chartered in the year 1851, under the
name of THE FARMERS AND MECHANICS' BANK OF EASTON. Capital, $400,000.
Peter S. Michler, President; McEvers Forman, Cashier. Mr, Michler resigned
the presidency in July, 1861, and was succeeded By Mr. John Stewart, who
resigned in January, 1875, and the vacancy was filled by Mr, Forman. The
cashiership, made vacant by his promotion, was filled by Mr, John Gwinner.
From the time of its incorporation in 1851, until 1864, the bank did
business under the State charter, but in the last-named year it became a
National Bank, under the general National Banking Law, and with its present
name. Its banking-house is on the Centre Square, one door west of Third street.
The Merchants' Bank of Easton. The Merchants Bank of Easton, Pa., was
established March l4th, 1871, and business commenced May l5th of the same
year. The charter allowed a capital of $400,000 divided into 16,000 shares,
of twenty-five dollars each, of which 12,507 shares have been sold. Upon
these has been called in fifteen dollars per share, making a paid-up
capital of $187,605, to which must be added a surplus of $30,000. It is a
notable fact, as showing the confidence felt from the first in this bank by
the community, that the entire $120,000 first offered, was oversold some,
$5,000 within less; than half an hour from the time the sale commenced,
find a meeting of the stockholders was necessary to legalize the over-sale.
The business, from the first, tins been conducted in the present building,
No. 4 Centre Square, The officers have remained the same, viz.:
President, John Knecht
Cashier, H. W. Shouse
Teller, F. S. Copp
The business of the book has been prosperous, the stockholders having
realized a regular dividend of ten per cent from the first, with one
exception of eight per cent. The charter, while liberal in it franchises,
and giving every facility for doing a large business, is stringent in the
safeguards provided for the interest of depositors and those doing business
with file bank. The stockholders are personally liable to double the amount
of their stock. The officers and directors are among the most substantial
citizens of the place; and that all interested may be kept fully informed
of the condition of the, bank, a statement is made every week. The credit
of the institution is thus of the highest character, and the Merchants Bank
of Easton has become one of the permanent financial concerns of the State.
___________________________________________________________________________
1. Mr. John T. Kachline has in his possession a sample of old paper
money, purporting to have been issued, in 1816, by the Easton Bank, though
not signed by its officers. Mr. Kachline received it from his father, who
had also received it from his father. The paper is something similar to the
bank note paper of the present day, and is well preserved, though much
yellowed by age. It is printed as Fellows:
(See illustration of fifty cent note)
172
Northampton County Savings Bank. This institution was established
March 22d, 1869, with a capital stock of $50,000, which was divided into
shares of five dollars each.
President, Joseph Laubach
Vice-President, Henry Green
Cashier, W. H. Huffer.
The bank has a surplus of $20,000, exclusive of lot and banking-house, which
the latter cost $12,000. It is situated on Northampton street, below Fifth.
Dime Savings Bank of Easton. -Incorporated May 7th, 1855. President, Edward
Hillard Actuary, B. R. Swift. Banking-rooms, No. 13 North Third street.
The Phillipsburg National Bank.-Although located on the east side of the
Delaware, is almost as much an institution of Easton as of Phillipsburg;
having a wide circle of customers and correspondents on the west side of
the river, while Northampton county is represented in the bank offices, and
on the Board of Directors.
(See illustration of Phillisburg Bank)
The bank received its charter as a State institution, under the name of
The Phillipsburg Bank, in the year 1856, with so authorized capital of
$200,000, which, however, was not all called in, until 1865, when it was
changed to a National Bank under its present name.
The first officers of the bank at is incorporation were:
President, Charles Sitgreaves
Cashier, L. C. Reese
Both of these gentlemen have held their honorable positions continuously
until the present time. The banks affairs have been liberally, and yet
safely, conducted, as is evidenced by the fact that it now has a surplus of
nearly forty-three per cent., an unusually large one to say the least.
The banking-house is the property of the institution, and is most favorably
located at the cost end of the Delaware Bridge, in the immediate vicinity
of the Belvidere Delaware Depot, and very accessible to both Easton and
Phillipsburg. It was built in 1858, of brick, with an iron front, three
full tories in height, 23 x 57 feet in size. Cost, $12,000.
FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY.
Incorporated March 12th, 1830.
The corporators were:
James M. Porter
John Green
Owen Rice
John Stewart
Daniel Stroud
Philip Mixsell
Anthony McCoy
Peter S. Michler
Christian J. Hotter
Matthias Riegel
Geo. Barnet
The present officers are:
President, John Maxwell
Secretary and Treasurer G. W. Stout
The company is on the mutual principle. Its officies are located at No. 57 Centre Square.
THE NORTHAMPTON MUTUAL LIVE STOCK INSURANCE COMPANY
Was chartered by the Court of Common Pleas, of Northampton county, on the
28th day of April, A. D, 1869. The officers of the company now are:
John A. Seitz, President (who has filled the Presidency ever since its organization)
L. M. Tell, Vice-President
Wm. C. Edelman, Secretary and Treasurer.
The home office is at the corner of Fourth and Northampton streets, Easton.
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
The following account of the origin and progress of the society is taken
from the Address of Dr. Seip, on the occasion of his retirement from its presidency:
In June, 1849, nearly twenty-eight years ago, a notice written by Dr.
Green was published in the borough papers, inviting the members of the
medical profession of this county to meet in the armory in Easton, on
Tuesday, July 10th, at 3 P. M. In accordance with the above invitation,
twenty-two of the most prominent members of the profession in the county,
met at the time indicated, for the purpose of forming a county medical
society; being one of the first auxiliaries to the State Medical Society.
Dr. R. E. James, of Upper Mount Bethel, was elected President
Dr. S. E. Cook, Vice-President
Dr. Traill Green, Secretary
After several preliminary meetings to complete its organization, the
society commenced its work by holding regular meetings, reporting medical
cases, epidemics, etc., electing new members, and looking after such
matters as might interest the profession and the community at large.
The society kept growing in interest and membership; interesting and
valuable papers were read at its meetings, and discussions held upon
medical topics until 1854. From this time, but little appears to indicate
much activity in the society, and by death and resignation together, with
removal from the county, the membership was reduced considerably. During
the war, it was still further reduced by member, entering, the army or navy
or otherwise serving their country.
At the May meeting, in l863, it was announced that Dr. James had passed
from his earthly labors, and resolutions were adopted expressive of the
esteem and high regard for the late President of the Society, who had for
many years presided over their meetings.
Since 1867, new members have been added at nearly every meeting, until
now the society stands second to none in the State.
The present officers are as follows:
President, Dr. Samuel Stoudt, Easton
Vice Presidents, Dr. J. Gruver, at Portland
Dr. Joseph P. Engelman, of Cherryville
Secretary, Dr. Charles McIntyre, Jr., Easton
Corresponding Secretary, Dr. S. Laubach, Easton
Treasurer, Dr. Amos Seip, Easton.
The physicians of Easton, are as follows:
Allopathic
Dr. C. C. Field
Dr. Traill Green
Dr. J. M. Junkin
Dr. Samuel Sandt
Dr. Amos Seip
Dr. E. C. Swift
Dr. Joseph Meixsell
Dr. James Moore
Dr. Stephen Laubach
Dr. Isaac Ott
Dr. Solomon Bachman
Dr. Charles McIntire
Dr. John Sandt
Dr. David Engleman
Dr. G. A. Lachenour
Dr. Joseph P. Nevin,
Dr. R. A. Martin
Dr. J. Hunt
Dr. Peter F. Arndt
Dr. James Cavanaugh
COUNSELLORS AT LAW.
Below is given a list of members of Northampton County Bar, at present
residing in Easton, and the dates of their admission to practice:
Matthew Hale Jones Admitted August 22, 1883
John Shouse Admitted November 20, 1838
Benjamin F. Fackenthal Admitted November 21, 1846
Henry M. Mutchler Admitted August 22, 1848
Henry Green Admitted September 17, 1849
Oliver H. Meyers Admitted November 19, 1849
Valentine Hilburn Admitted May 28, 1849
Edward J. Fox Admitted August 15, 1853
W. W. Schuyler Admitted August 23, 1854
Abraham S. Knecht Admitted January 26, 1855
James M. Porter Admitted January 31, 1855
Elisha Allis Admitted November 18, 1856
Uriah Sandt Admitted November 15, 1858
Calvin G. Beitel Admitted November 16, 1858
James W. Lynn Admitted January 25, 1862
William Beidlemen Admitted November 25, 1868
Robert J. Jones Admitted April 24, 1865
William C. Edelmen Admitted April 24, 1865
S. V .B. Kachline Admitted August 21, 1865
James K Dawes Admitted October 5, 1865
William S. Kilpatrick Admitted October 5, 1865
W. Gibson Field Admitted November 21, 1865
Beates R. Swift Admitted January 17, 1866
Howard J. Reedeer Admitted January 21, 1867
John C. Merill Admitted January 21, 1867
Henry W. Scott Admitted April 29, 1868
William Mutchler Admitted June 23, 1869
Frank Reeder Admitted 1869
A. B. Howell Admitted January 24, 1870
George V. Wallace Admitted May 5, 1871
Francis H. Lehr Admitted August 29, 1871
Robert E James Admitted November 20, 1862
C. M. Anstett Admitted August 19, 1873
A. T. Smith Admitted January 20, 1874
F. W. Edgar Admitted September 12, 1874
Jacob S. Stewart Admitted December 8, 1874
Richard Broadhead Admitted August 16, 1875
C. Albert Sandt Admitted August 31, 1875
P. C. Evans Admitted February 16, 1876
H. T. Buckley Admitted February 26, 1876
Quintius F. Ealer Admitted September 4, 1876
Lloyd P. Appleman Admitted December 13, 1876
E. S. Barrick Admitted March 5, 1877