 PAGenWeb McKean County, Pennsylvania
BRADFORD TOWNSHIP
BRADFORD TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF BRADFORD
it was owned by fifty stockholders. In October, 1879, Fuller, Bayne & Whitney, representing the Water- Works Company, proposed to sell to the city for $17,951.66, if the annual rental would not be increased to $4,600, but a proposition by the city was accepted. As told in the pages devoted to the organization of the city, Bradford owns the present water-works system.
Light and Heat Companies --The Keystone Gas Company of Bradford was chartered in February, 1882, with J. B. Bradley, E. O. Emerson, E. C. Bradley, J. N. Pew and John A. Johnson, directors. The object was to supply gas and heat to the people along the summit from State Line southwest to Big Shanty, and to drill and pump oil wells. The Bradford Light and Heating Company, incorporated in June, 1879, offers additional advantages.
The Bradford Electric Light and Power Company purchased Thornton�s big rink building in October, 1889, and converted it into an immense electric light establishment. Among the incorporators are J. H. Rose, D. W. Robertson, W. C. Walker & Co.. D. Phillips and Potter & Wood.
Banks, etc.--The McKean County Bank was chartered May 13, 1857, with Solomon Sartwell, George B. Backus, John C. Backus, Samuel C. Hyde, Sylvanus Holmes, Samuel L. Casey, Wells D. Wallbridge, A. M. Benton and Daniel Kingsbury, directors, who were appointed to establish a bank at Smithport on a capital stock of $150,000. Contrary to the charter some of these financiers determined to locate at Bradford, and called a meeting to elect directors for June 8, at the office of Daniel Kingsbury. The Smithport stockholders protested, and had O. J. Hamlin prepare such protest. This was partially successful, for the wily bankers did pretend to have headquarters at Smithport for a time. In January, 1858, a certificate of stock was issued to Hannah L. Hamlin for two twenty-dollar shares in this concern. Samuel C. Hyde and and John C. Backus signed the certificate as commissioners, while Solomon Sartwell, Jr., was the third commissioner.
Col. Henry, in his reminiscences of this bank, states that �a long-legged, gander-heeled, old bank swindler from Rhode Island,with Timothy O. Grannis and one Deidrich, of Utica, N.Y., came to Smethport, bringing with them three or four boxes said to contain about $34,000 in specie. They interested Daniel Kingsbury and others in their plans, had a charter from the State, elected Kingsbury president, Grannis, vice-president, and Deidrich, cashier, and placed their bills in circulation. Kingsbury was ultimately left liable for large sums, while the cashier walked off with $75,000 in bills, but was captured and made disgorge.�
The Bradford National Bank commenced business July 25, 1879, succeeding the Bradford Bank (limited), CAPITAL $100,000. The first board of directors were as follows: W. C. Allison, T. E. Allison, James O�Neill, G. A. Berry, R. F. Borckman. The following were the officers: R. F. Borckman, president; O. F. Schonblom, vice president; J. F. Merrill, cashier; J. F. Thompson, assistant cashier. On January 8, 1884, the management changed. The following being the new board: O. F. Schonblom, P. T. Kennedy, W. C. Kennedy, G. A. Berry, S. G. Slike, with O. F. Schonblom, president; P. T. Kennedy, vice-president; T. H. Tomlinson, cashier; J. M. Fink, assistant cashier. On January 13, 1885, the management changed as follows: P. T. Kennedy, O. F. Schonblom, W. C. Kennedy, H. F. Whiting, R. J. Straight, with the following officers: O. F. Schonblom, president; P. T. Kennedy, vice-president; T. H. Tomlinson, cashier; C. A. Mitchell, assistant cashier. The above named have all remained in office except the cashier, of which office S. P. Kennedy is now incumbent. On September 21, 1886, the capital was increased from $100,000 to $200,000 and the surplus is $40,000.
On March 6, 1888, about 11 A.M., while several customers were transacting business, a man.
wearing a mask and a long rubber coat, entered the front door of the bank. Approaching the cashier�s window, he presented a revolver, and ordered the official to open the door. Without pausing, he rapidly walked a short distance toward the rear of the bank, and suddenly sprang over the seven-foot railing,landing directly behind the paying teller. So quickly was this done that the attention of the teller, who was engaged in checking out a deposit, was not attracted. Mr. Tomlinson had apparently kept an eye on the man, and as he vaulted over the partition the official started from his post and met the robber, who instantly placed his revolver against the cashier�s abdomen and fired, the bullet passing entirely through his body. The desperado then turned on the paying teller, and, covering him with his revolver, drove him toward the rear of the room. Then seizing what money lay on the counter (about $600) he escaped through the cashier�s room and the front door of the bank. A crowd gathered and started in pursuit. After running a short distance the robber turned andfired upon Louis Bleich, who was in advance of the crowd, the bullet striking Bleich in the bowels and passing through his body. The robber continued his flight about 1,500 feet farther, when, apparently thinking escape impossible, he placed the revolver to his head and fired, dying almost instantly. The name of the desperado was George A. Kimball. He was formerly a resident of Bradford, but for some years had lived at Garden City, Kas. Several parties who have known Kimball are of the opinion that he was insane, but it was believed generally that the robbery was the well-planned act of a desperado.
The First National Bank is presided over by F. W. Davis (the successor in that office of J. M. Fuller), with C. C. Melvin, vice-president, W. W. Bell, cashier, and George H. Mills, assistant cashier. The directors are S. G. Bayne, D. O�Day, Joseph Seep, T. Wister Brown, Trust Company (Philadelphia), A. B.
Walker, F. W. Davis, C. C. Melvin, J. M. Fuller and W. W. Bell. Among its stockholders may be named Byron D. Hamlin, Henry Hamlin, A. G. Olmsted, L. Emery, Jr., J. T. Jones, C. E. Hequembourg, L. E. Hamsher, C. M. Farrer, L. F. Lawton, S. Auerhaim, John Weiss, P. W. Roth, John McKeown, Robert C. Simpson, W. R. Weaver, F. D. Wood, Asher Brown, John Loy, P. L. Webster, Joseph Stettheimer, Robert Long, I. W. Shirley, A. Hochstetter, James E. Blair, A. B. Smith, Kenton Saulnier, E. T. Howes, J. D. Case. The capital is placed at $150,000 and the surplus at $90,000.
The Tuna Valley Bank of Bradford, established in 1875-76, by Whitney & Wheeler, was forced to close its doors, owing to the fierce pressure brought to bear on financial houses during the year 1884. In February, 1886, the final dividend, with interest, was paid to creditors, and the honorable projectors were the only losers.
The Commercial National Bank was opened in March, 1890, in the O�Donnell Building, on Main and Pine streets. The entire capital stock of $100,000 was easily disposed of, and the new bank started out with a solid backing, both in a financial and a patronizingsense. At a meeting held in January, 1890, the following officers were chosen: P. F. Borckman, president; C. H. Lavens, vice-president; W. H. Powers, cashier; R. L. Mason, assistant cashier and teller; C. H. Lavens, Alexander Urquhart, John R. Zook, J. C. Lineman, E. H. Barnum, J. H. Healey, R. F. Borckman, directors.
The People�s Building, Loan & Savings Association was organized at Elliot & Edgett�s office, July 18, 1889, when the following-named officers were chosen: W. W. Brown, president; George A. Sturgeon, treasurer; Roy W. Edgett, secretary; Silas G. Elliott, manager; Stone, Brown & Stur-
geon, attorneys; board of appraisers: E. J. Boylston, A. T. Godfrey, James H. Roche, Frank W. Boss and C. M. Carr. At this time no less than 116 shares were subscribed for.
The Bradford Building & Loan Association is presided over by H. S. Southard, with H. H. North, secretary. The second series of stock was authorized to be opened February 2, 1890.
The McKean County Board of Underwriters was organized some time ago, and presided over by E. V. Cody, with John Troy, of Olean, vice-president, Fred W. Groves, secretary, and William Haskell, treasurer.
Oil Exchanges--The Tuna Valley Oil Exchange was presided over in January, 1877, by A. I. Wilcox, with Col. D. Gardner, vice-president, and C. Everson, secretary.
The Bradford Oil Exchange may be said to have been established March 19, 1878, when a meeting , over which C. L. Wheeler presided, considered the question of organization. A. J. Stephensen was secretary; J. M. Fuller, I. Emery, Jr., C. L. Wheeler, G. H. VanVleckand F. E. Boden, executive and building committee, and A. F. Kent, treasurer. Stock to the amount of $30,000 was at once subscribed, and in May plans by E. A. Curtis were adopted, and the old Johnson homestead on Main street, purchased for $10,000. The building contract was sold to Henry Shenk, who commenced work June 13, 1878, and completed the house in February, 1879, the total cost including lot being $44,000. Charles L. Wheeler, the first president, has been elected annually down to the present time. The officers of the Bradford Oil Exchange elected for 1890 are C. L. Wheeler, president; J. E. Haskell, vice-president; Winfield Scott, secretary and treasurer; J. B. Jayne, F. W. Davis, C. C. Melvin, F. L. Blackmarr, E. Boyer, W. R. Weaver, S. H. Durston, A. B. Walker, J. E. Cochran and John Denman, directors; F. H. Roberts, A. Thornton, F. P, Leonard, W. E. Gould and J. M. McElroy, arbitration committee; C. L. Wheeler, E. P. Whitcomb and J. T. Jones, conference committee; C. K. Thompson, judge of election; E. J. Boylston and I. G. Jackson, inspectors of election.
The Producers� Petroleum Exchange was chartered in December, 1882, and early in 1883the inaugural meeting was held in Armory Hall, with 500 members, each of whom carried a $100 share. In June, 1883, a site for the Exchange building was obtained, and January 2, 1884, the house was completed and opened, David Kirk, the president, delivering the address. Messrs. McKevett, Williamson and Lockwood formed the building committee. Mr. Kirk, referring to the progress of the county, said: �Congressionally we are in the same condition. For six years of the ten at least we must continue to be the tail end of a wild-cat district. Politically we amount to no more to day than when the population of McKean county consisted of a few men in the lumbering camps of the wilderness. Our representatives must be held accountable. One of them, with a vulgar display of wealth, has tendered money instead of services.�
The Association of Producers was organized June 11, 1884, with H. L. Taylor, president; David Kirk and W. J. Young, vice-presidents; F. W. Mitchell, treasurer; W. H. Johnson, secretary; John L. McKenney, John Satterfield, J. A. Cadwallader, W. W. Hague, F. T. Coast, J. T. Jones, B. Goe, W. R. Weaver, C. S. Whitney, J. S. Davis, F. W. Andrews, James Amm, W. J. Young and H. B. Porter, executive committee. A meeting was held August 21, 1884, when the secretary read the report on the �shut down� prepared by the executive committee, and with it the agreement, signed by 861 individual owners of wells or representatives of firms, while the total number of wells in the Bradford district, connected with the National Transit and the Tide Water Lines, was 13,328.
The Producers� Protective Association elected the following named officers September 3, 1889: T. W. Phillips, of New Castle, president; H. L. Taylor, of Buffalo, vice-president; James R. Goldborough, of Bradford, secretary; R. J. Straight, of Bradford, treasurer. The association was organized two years before this date, and is credited with introducing the new era of prosperity in the oil fields.
The W. P. Driven Protective Association was organized at Bradford in 1883, with A. J. Edgett, president; Dr. M. A. Todd, secretary; A. DeGolise, treasurer; P. T. Kennedy, C. C. Melvin and James E. Blair, executive committee.
Post-office--In 1879 W. F. DeGolier was postmaster at Bradford. His direct salary was $2,300, with $1,500 allowance for clerk�s hire. During the first quarter of the year 1879 money orders for $31,000 were issued, and $5,800 woth of stamps sold. In March, 1885, the citizens of Bradford petitioned for the extension of the free-letter delivery system. The petitioners were given an idea of the mills of the gods, for the department devoted fourteen months to the consideration of their prayer. The present postmaster, C. B. Whitehead, took possession of the office May 28, 1886, and within thirty days the welcome letter-carriers were distributing letters among the people. In 1887 the volume of business was far in excess of any prevailing year, and an increase in business marks every month since that time.
Hotels--The Riddell House was sold in November, 1881, by Dr. George Riddell, to Chamberlain & Gelm for $40,000. The Doctor built a large frame house in 1878, on part of the site of the present structure. Late that year it was swept away by fire. In 1879 the present house was built by him. Anderson & Co. purchased Chamberlain & Gelm�s interests; Mitchell & Anderson bought the house from them on July 23, 1885; F. P. Holley purchased Mitchell�s interest, and in 1887 he became sole owner. The Riddell is a first-class hotel, admirably managed.
The St. James�s Hotel, at the head of Main street, near the exchanges, banks, newspaper offices and leading business houses, is equally as well managed as the Riddell House. The building is quite modern, and the location unexcelled.
The Henderson House comes next in importance. It is a most popular hostelry, and well conducted. The hotel is a large building, one block from Main street, but near the business center, the churches and schools, and convenient to the railroad depots.
The American House is spoken of with favor by visitors from various sections of the Bradford field; while several other houses have their admirers, leading one to suppose that thecity knows no such thing as a poor hotel.
In January, 1847, Sabines Walker petitioned the court to grant him a license for keeping a house of entertainment in his dwelling on Tunuanguant creek, where the Smithport and Ellicottville road passes. In January, 1848, Sylvanus Holmes asked license for this house. For about thirty years Bradford and neighborhood were happy in the old-time nns referred to by Judge Ward, and when the modern inns came to replace them, fire swept away a few of the new institutions, as related.
Schools--In the reminiscences of Judge Ward, references are made to the early schools of Bradford. In 1877 the old school building became the property of the Catholic church, and on its site stands the present St. Bernard�s church and convent schools. At that time the common-school system of the city placed the foundation stone of its present greatness.
In his firstreport to the State superintendent in 1882, George F. Stone, the superintendent of the city schols, said: �In submitting my first report of the condition of the schools of the city of Bradford, you will permit a reference to the peculiar difficulties with which our city in its infancy has labored. Within seven years our school population has increased more than twelve fold, and the number of schools in like proportion. It has been found necessary to erectwithin the last two years three school buildings, furnishing accommodations for thirteen schools, and during the present vacation another building has been enlarged to accommodate two additional schools.� In 1882 there were in the city twenty-one schools, employing twenty-six teachers. The average attendance was 1,037 and the average percentage was ninety-two. The total amount of tax levied for school and building purposes, $39,649.21. In 1883 the number of schools had increased to twenty-four, the number of teachers to thirty-five, and the average attendance had swelled to 1,080. The sexes were about evenly divided. In this year the total tax was $29,488.46. During the school year endingJune 2, 1884, the capacity of the schools was again severely tested, and a new brick building was erected on Congress street. This structure contains a library, a laboratory and a printing office. In this year the number of schools swelled to thirty-two, employing thirty-eight teachers, with an average attendance of 1,166. The total amount of taxes levied was $27,578.48. In 1885 the schools were not increased. The number of teachers employed was thirty-nine, and the average attendance was 1,300. The total amount of the tax levy was $38,091.07. In the spring of 1886 the central school building was destroyed by fire. It was replaced by a larger and more commodious structure. In this year there were thirty-four schools, which gave employment to thirty-nine teachers. The average school attendance was further increased to 1,315. The tax levy was $31, 287.48. In 1887 there were thirty-one schools, employing thirty-five teachers. The enrollment consists of 912 males and 968 females, a total of 1,880. The average daily attendance is 1,387, and the average cost of each pupil $1.03 per month. The total amount levied for school and building purposes is $27,180.74. In 1888, phenomenal progress was reported. In June of this year, the discussion on the question of the superintendant�s salary created a stir in school circles and brought from the superintendant a letter of which the following is a copy.
Bangor, ME., June 22, 1888
TO THE BOARD OF SCHOOL CONTROL, BRADFORD, PA.
As I read in the Era of to-day that I have been charged with disloyalty to the schools of Bradford in advising teachers to ask higher salaries elsewhere, and thus oblige the Bradford board to increase them; also, that the public are dissatisfied with the increase made in my salary, I again ask the Bradford board to release me from my engagements for another year. A superintendant may be found whose desire for a position may be so great that he will be willing to keep silent when he is unjustly accused. Fortunatelymyopportunities in life are so many that I am not so placed. I again thank the Board for the uniform courtesy I have received at their hands.
Respectfully,
ELLA M. BOYCE
The lady did not lose her position; on the contrary her salary was advanced and in July, 1889, the following assignment of teachers was made, which was adopted by the board: Central Brick Building: Anna McBride, principal; Helen M. Biscoe, first assistant; Oriana Wycoff, principal; Christina Miller, assistant; Sarah Bruce, Sallie Hamor, Luella Harris, Bessie Johnson, A. Haggerty, A. Herrick.--Annex: L. Heard, M. Silberberg.--Synagogue: Bertha James.--Central Wooden Building: Helen Shepard, Miss Angell, Annie Miller, K. Murphy, J. Simons, H. Horton, B. Huff, M. Brown--Third Ward: Belle Minard, Nellie Lewis, Cleora Prosser, L. Morton, S. Lewis, Francis Wann--Fourth Ward: Jennie Benninger, Della Neely, H. Mason, A. Brennan--Fifth Ward: M. Wann, M. Mead, H. A. Brown, I. Blanchard.
The actual expenses were, for the year ending June, 1889: Salaries of superintendant and teachers, $16,559; of secretary and librarian, $411; of janitors, $1,242; fuel and contingencies, $1,078; supplies, $823; miscellaneous, $339; total, $20,452.
Late in the fall of 1878 the work of erecting the schools attached to St. Bernard�s Church was begun, and school opened in them in September of the following year, the services of the Sisters of St. Joseph having been secured as teachers in the same. Yje maintenance of these schools is quite a heavy burden upon the congregation. These schools are free to all. There are some three hundred pupils upon the school roll, who are instructed and well grounded in all the primary branches without any expense to the taxpayers of the city. Of her educational advantages Bradford has good reason to be proud. The public school sysytem is very nearly perfect, and the advanced methods, the thorough training, and the excellent discipline by which they have been distinguished, have drawn to their cordial support a class which in other cities depends almost wholly upon private schools. The newspapers of the city are, however, the great practical educators.
Churches--The First Baptist Church is contemporary with the first settlement at Bradford. In 1840 Rev. N. E. Chapin had an appointment as missionary pastor, preaching in what was known as Col. Little�s house, near the present oil exchange.
The Regular Baptist Church of Bradford was organized under State laws in September, 1852, with Enos Parsons, Truman Sherman, W. F. Peckham, E. C. Olds, James DeGolier, C. Storms and Edwin Colegrove, trustees. In 1874 the church was reorganized under the labors of State Missionary Stowell, and T. J. Knapp, of Parker, became pastor in June, 1878. His labors were continued until July. 1879, when he resigned. The church was left pastorless until February, 1880, when Rev. Alfred Rose, of Westfield, N.Y., accepted a call. The society was organized under legal form in December, 1880, and the constitution signed by the following members: W. W. Brown, T. J. Powers, F. Z. Trax, P. T. Kennedy, W. H. Dennis, M. S. Cody, C. P. Cody, E. B. Chapelle, Alfred Rose, W. H. Powers, E. Crossman, Clara Prosser, Jessie Browne, Jennie E. Rose and D. DeGolier. Among the trustees were Isaac Jones and A. K. Johnson. Services were held in the Opera House and other places until January 16, 1881, when the present house was dedicated. In April, 1882, Mr. Rose resigned, and in May following was succeeded by Rev. W. R. Baldwin, who served until February 15, 1884. At this time, the church numbered 125 members,and was carrying a debt of $8,000. On August 1, 1884, Rev. James P. Thoms, of Cazenovia, N. Y. began his pastorate.
The Methodist Church of Tunuanguant was incorporated in July, 1848, with John F. Melvin, John O. Beardsley, Absolam Hutchinson, Seth Scott, Thomas Dollof, William Beardsley, Daniel Warner, William R. Fisher, H. Webb, L. W. Fisher and A. S. Wheaton, stockholders and subscribers.
The First Methodist Church of Bradford was incorporated May 30, 1878, with Loren G. Peck, J. H. Harris, A. DeGolier, H. S. Baker, L. B. Blakeslee, A. W. Newell and John Brown. The object of legal association was to acquire property and build a house of worship. For many years before this an organization existed in Bradford, but regular services were not commenced under theauspices of such organization until October, 1876, when Rev. J. A. Copeland was appointed pastor. Until March, 1887, the Opera House was used for public worship. At that time their new church was completed, which has since been enlarged. Mr. Copeland was succeeded in 1879 by C. W. Cushing, D. D., and in 1882 by Rev. D. W. C. Huntington, D. D. The membership of the church at present is over 500, and the average attendance at the Sunday-school is almost 400, under the care of fifty-five officers and teachers. Rev. G. Chapman Jones concluded a four-year term as pastor in September, 1889. At that time he reported 553 members and thirty probationers. Mr. Huntington was reappointed in the fall of 1889.
The First Congregational Church of Bradford was organized in May, 1884, with T. Lambert, V. Waggoner, W. W. Norton, E. D. Norton, M. C. Fuller, C. D. Webster and E. S. Niles, trustees. Samuel Porter and P. L. Webster, with the trustees, signed the petition for incorporation.
The Bradford Meeting-House Association was incorporated June 21, 1871, with P. L. Webster, J. E. Blair, T. W. Cole, Benjamin Jewett, ThomasJ. Melvin and Abram K. Johnson, trustees. The society was formed to control the property of the Congregational Church, vice E. D. Norton, A. E. Johnson and F. Newell, the trustees of the old Congregational society of 1853-54, of Littleton Village, who were acting in 1866.
The Universalist Church was organized here early in the �fifties,� as told in the sketch of Editor Haffey, but meetings were irregular. In later days services of this denomination have been held here.
St. Bernard�s Church. Previous to the discovery of oil in the northern field there was no resident Catholic pastor in Bradford. The few members of that denomination located at this point and in the immediate vicinity were occasionally visited by a priest from Newell creek, and among the first to thus visit them was Very Rev. J. D.Coady, now pastor of St. Titus Church, Titusville. His field of missionary duty, though extensive in respect to territory, embracing, as it did, the counties of McKean, Potter, and parts of Elk, was, however, limited in respect to numbers. The summer of1877 witnessed the climax of the oil excitement in this section; people began to flock to it from every point of the compass, and Bradford grew rapidly from a mere hamlet to a full-fledged city. It was in the fall of this year that Rev. William Coonan, present pastor of St. Bernard�s Church, was appointed by Bishop Mullin, of Erie, to look after the spiritual wants of the Catholic population, and build up the church. After some debts, which had been contracted previous to his taking charge, were satisfactorily adjusted, imediatepreperations were made for the erection of a suitable church edifice. Heretofore the little congregation had worshiped in what used to be the old village school house, which, together with the grounds attached, they had purchased, and upon which the present church parsonage and schools are erected. In the spring of 1878 the present church, 44x100 feet, was commenced, and was occupied the following December, though not dedicated until the summer of 1879, at which time it was almost completely paid for. The school buildings were begun in the fall of 1878, and opened by the Sisters of St. Joseph in September, 1879. In 1881 the Catholic cemetery was established on the Brown farm, one mile southwest of the city. Work on the proposed large brick and stone church will, it is said, commence in the spring of 1890.
The First Presbyterian Church of Bradford was incorporated in June, 1879, the following named having hitherto signed the constitution: Theodore Ladd, C. D. Webster, A. M. Davis, C. H. Hoffman, A. L. Kinkead, J. M. Armstrong, R. G. Williams and William M. Boggs. Among the directors were Bernard Hook and W. J. McCullough. The society was originally organized June 19, 1872, with twenty-four members. For more than two years the congregation was without a regular place of worship, during which time services were held in Wagner�s Opera House, the Universalist Church, the Academy of Music and other places. In the fall of 1875 the lecture room of the church was completed, and a place was thus provided for the services. The church edifice itself was not finished until the following spring. On May 30, 1880, the church was dedicated, $5,000 being raised on this occassion to pay for the same. The falling autumn the excellent pipe-organ, which is still in use, was purchased at the cost of $1,600. Rev. R. G. Williams, now of Nelson, Pena., was the forst pastor of the church from May, 1879, until May, 1882. The church is now in connection with the presbytery of Buffalo by the general assembly. On September 4, 1889, Bryan resigned his office as pastor after seven years� service. During that period, $51,172 were collected for missionary and church purposes. Rev. M. J. Eccles came in February, 1890.
The Protestant Episcopal Church of the Ascension petitioned for incorporation May 27, 1880. The signerswere W. W. Mason, A. B. Putnam, L. C. Blakeslee, W. F. Crane, I. Beam, J. A. Ege, S. L. Wilson, J. R. Matlock, S. H. Durston, T. L. Shields, E. F. Willetts, A. C. Scott, J. F. Merrill, Peter T. Kennedy, C. L. Wheeler, Ed R. Shephard, Lynford Lardner, C. A. Seigfried, H. G. Cutting and F. Winslow, of Bradford, with C. A. Comen and W. N. Hanns. of Kendall. The Rouseville, Penna., church building was moved to Bradford, rebuilt, and was used up to January 19, 1890, when it burned. The society proposes to erect a new building this year.
The United Brethren Church is one of the modern religeous organizations of the city. The membership is small, but flourishing.
Beth Zion Congregation was incorporated in December, 1880, with Jacob Olshoffsky, Phillip Nusbaum. Alexander Simpson, Moses Ruslander and A. M. Mayer, trustees. The names of S. Auerhaim and Asher Brown also appear on the record. A temple was erected on South Mechanic street, and dedicated in the spring of 1881. The services are conducted according to the reform principles of modern Judaism. This is to say, prayers and sermons in the English language are connected with the Hebrew ritual. Rev. Samuel Weil has been the Rabbi ever since the founding of the congregation. The congregation numbers forty members, besides many seat-holders. The Rabbi conducts, besides the Sabbath-school, a day school in which Hebrew and German are taught.
The First Bradford Orthodox Hebrew Congregation was incorporated in March, 1881, with F. Freidman, David Levi and Isaac Nusbaum, trustees. The petition was signed by Joseph Rosenberg, H. Cohn, Dan. Silberene, Raphael Michael, B. Jacobs and L. Graff.
The African Methodist Church was organized in the spring of 1880 by Rev. Mr. Cyrus. The following fall Rev. R. H. Jackson was appointed to this charge, and for three years served the church in the capacity of pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. R. H. Henderson, who, after serving for two years, was succeeded by Rev. S. H. Lacey in a pastoral service of one year. Rev. C. H. Brown was then appointed. The highest number of members in connection with the church at any one time is seventy-two, the lowest reported membership, thirteen.
The Swedish Church was incorporated September 4, 1888. The congregation, like others of this faith in the southern townships of McKean county, pushes forward valiantly to gain a place among the old religious societies of the city.
Rev. Clim Gim, educated in the Lane Seminary for Presbyterian mission work, came to Bradford in 1881 to address Judge Ward�s Sunday-school class of Chinese pupils.
Ben Hogan, referred to in the history of Tarport, is now an Evangelist. The following concerning this extraordinary man is taken from a local paper:
Ben Hogan, old-time gambler, cracksman, confidence man, bounty jumper, divekeeper and pugilist, who left the oil country eleven years ago with the reputation of being the wickedest man in the world, is back again after his long absence, going from town to town, visiting his old haunts, greeting his old friends, and--preaching to them the gospel! Packed houses greet him, and although crude, ungrammatical, and with a vocabulary not at all extensive, he holds the interested attention of ignorant and cultivated alike with the forceful and rudely eloquent recital of his past adventures, and the story of his marvelous conversion. As he looks from the platform he can see the faces of many of his old patrons--the man who drank his liquor at Pithole, the habitue of his dancehouse at Babylon, the ex-oil prince who spent his $100 a night on board the infamous �floating palace� at Parker�s Landing, and the driller who patronized his place at Tarport. They all come to hear Ben preach the gospel. For how many men does the whirligig of time work such wonders as it has for Ben Hogan, Evangelist?
Cemeteries--About fifty-seven years ago three acres were donated to the settlers of Littleton for a free burial ground. The tract was located on Kennedy street. In the winter of 1880-81 the cemetery on the Tarport road was opened.
The Oak Hill Cemetery Association of Bradford was incorporated in December, 1883, with W. R. Weaver, Enos Parsons, C. C. Melvin, P. M. Fuller and P. L. Webster, stockholders. In 1881 the Catholic cemetery on Washington street was opened. This is located on the H. Brown farm, one mile southwest of the city.
Hospital.--The project of establishing a hospital was first started by Gen. Kane. He recognized the necessity for an institution of that kind to care for persons disabled in the oil field; and in April, 1881, the McKean County Relief Society was organized and incorporated. A hospital was to be erected on Mount Raub, but on account of the General�s death the project was abandoned. Rev. D. B. Wilson, well known for his charities, next revived unterest in the matter, but before his plans could be properly carried out he died, in 1885. The Bradford Hospital Association was incorporated August 4, 1885, on petition of the following named supporters: H. F. Barbour, M. B. Pierce, A. L. Weil, P. M. Shannon, L. Emery, Jr., H. W. Eaton, R. B. Stone, Edward Bryan, J. T. Jones and M. McMahon. By public and private donations and entertainments the hospital fund grew, and that worthy institution was placed upon a substantial footing. The hospital was opened in May, 1887, and placed under the direction of Mrs. M. Krider, matron.
Societies, Etc.--In the order of Masonic advancement and organization, the Blue Lodge comes first under consideration.
Union Lodge No. 334. Up to the year 1858 there was not a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons within the borders of McKean county, and there was none nearer than Warren, known as North Star Lodge No. 241. In that year a number of Masons living in the village decided to form a lodge. The consent of North Star Lodge No.241 having been given, the following brethren petitioned the grand lodge of Pennsylvania for a warrant of contitution: Samuel Boyer, Montour Lodge, 168, N.J.; Nelson Parker, North Star Lodge 241; G. F. Peckham, Ellicottville Lodge, 307, N.Y.; William Beardsley, Ellicottsville Lodge, 307, N.Y.; J. L. Savage (lodgenot given); Joseph Marsh, North Star Lodge, 241; Jonathan Marsh (lodge not given); J. C. Ackley, Brownville Lodge. At a quarterly communication of the grand lodge, held March 7, 1859,the warrant of constitution was granted for a lodge in the village of Bradford, Penn., to be known as Union Lodge No. 334, signed by the following grand officers: Henry M. Philips, R. W. G. M.; John Thompson, D. G. M.; David C. Sterrett, S. G. W.; Lucius H. Scott, J. G. W.; Peter Williamson, grand treasurer; William H. Adams, grand secretary. On August 3, 1859, the lodge was duly constituted, and on that day held its first meeting. The first officers were Samuel Boyer, W. M.; Nelson Parker, S. W.; George F. Peckham, J. W.; Wilson Beardsley, secretary; Jasper Marsh, treasurer; J. S. Savage, S. D.; J. C. Ackley, J. D. The following have served as masters of the lodge: George F. Peckham, S. Boyer, A. K. Johnson (three years), William Burton, H. W. Glass, T. H. Stock, Nelson Parker, George T. Keith, L. B. Prosser (two years), G. D. H. Crooker (two years), James Broder, J. W. Brennan, F. W. Davis, T. J. Melvin, James E. Blair, F. P. Wentworth, E. D. Matteson (two years), C. L. Wheeler, E. A. Boyne, D. S. Kemp, Walter Grubb, William K. Laney. The officers of the lodge in 1889 were A. D. Sloan, W. M.; James M. Stevenson, S. W.; Henry Trumbower, J. W.; Lewis C. Longaker, treasurer; C. P. McAllister, secretary; and in 1890, J. M. Stevenson, Henry Trumbower, S. R. Dresser, C. L. Wheeler and C. P. McAllister. C. L. Wheeler is district deputy grand master of the Twenty-second District of Pennsylvania, comprising the counties of McKean and Potter. Up to 1875 the lodge grew in numbers but moderately. At that time the remarkable growth of the city set in and the lodge felt the effects of it in an increased prosperity and interest. The lodge has now a membership of 240, and its members not only comprise many of the leading and best citizens of Bradford, but are scattered all over the land, in almost every State and Territory. The lodge is also in a flourishing condition, financially, being out of debt and having $2,000 in property and invested funds. Applications for membership are received at nearly every meeting, and the total inadequacy of the present lodge room to accommodate comfortably one-half the membership has made the building of the new Temple a necessity. There were 225 members in March, 1890.
Bradford Chapter, R. A. M., No. 260. In the summer of 1880 a number of Royal Arch Masons residing in this city discussed among themselves the formation of a new chapter, and the result was an application to the grand chapter for a charter signed by the following companions as charter members: C. L. Wheeler, Joseph H. Simonds, W. R. Weaver, W. A. Rix, James Broder, J. C. Sturgeon, W. M. Keeler, C. D. Buss, W. H. Clarke, W. C. Husband, John Stinson, Michael Murphy, W. F. Jordan, E. P. Pooler, C. C. Melvin, Henry Trumbower. The charter was granted by the grand chapter, and on September 6, 1880, Bradford Chapter, R. A. M., No. 260, was constituted and the new officers installed. The occassion was one of great interest in Masonic circles for many miles around. The grand officers of the State were nearly all present and conducted the impressive ceremonies in the presence of a large assembly of chapter masons, including many distinguished men of high position and character. The first officers, of the new chapter, installed were Joseph H. Simonds, M. E. H. P.; William R. Weaver, king; William A. Rix, scribe; Charles L. Wheeler, treasurer; Robert T. Thompson, secretary. The chapter at once entered upon an era of unexampled growth and prosperity. At the end of the first year the membership had been increased to eighty-seven, at the end of the second year to 122, and at the end of the third year to 155. Since then the growth has been steady, and at the present date the roster numbers 210 companions, and the invested funds and property of the chapter amount to about $2,500. Following are the past high priests who have served in that capacity since the constituting of the chapter. Joseph H. Simonds, W. R. Weaver, W. H. Clarke, David S. Kemp, Philip M. Shannon, H. Trumbower, Elias Urquhart, Francis W. Sprague and E. F. Sawyer. This chapter elected the following named officers in December, 1889: F. J. Collins, H. P.; George W. Ashdown, K; James M. Stevenson, scribe; Charles L. Wheeler, treasurer; Charles P. McAllister, secretary, and F. W. Sprague, representative. The membership is now (1890) 200.
Bradford Council No. 43, R. & S. M. In the early part of January, 1888, a number of royal and select masters residing in Bradford met to consider the advisability of establishing a council of royal and select masters. At an informal meeting held February 9, 1888, it was decided to apply for a charter at the grand council meeting at Erie, Penn. On Friday evening, May 4, 1888, the grand council held a special meeting in this city, constituted Bradford Council No. 43, R. & S. M., and installed the following officers: F. J. Collins, T.I. G. M.; L. E. Mallory, D. I. G. M.; J. H. Youngs, P. C. of W.; C. L. Wheeler, Treas.; E. F. Sawyer, Rec. With the exception of P. C. of W., and recorder, the above officers were re-elected for this year. Companion Youngs and Companion Sawyer declined a re-election, and Companions D. C. Greenwald and C. P. McAllister were elected as P. C. of W. and recorder. The officers of this council elected in December, 1889, were L. E. Mallory, T. I. G. M.; S. R. Sheakley, D. I. G. M.; C. S. Hubbard, P. C.of W.; C. L. Wheeler, Treas.; C. P. McAllister, Rec.;J. B. Goldsborough, F. W. Sprague and J. W. Hogan, trustees. The membership is 147, or the third in strength in the State.
Trinity Commandery. No. 58, K. T. In the early months of 1881 the matter of instituting a Commandery of Knights Templar began to be discussed. Among the new residents of the city were many members of the order who had located inthe great northern field to stay, and they wanted a templar home. On April 30, 1881, a preliminary meeting of members of the order was held, and a petition for a dispensation forwarded to the grand commandery, with the following charter members� names affixed: J. H. Simonds, C. L. Wheeler, Victor Gratter, Caspar Taylor, R. T. Thompson, James Broder, W. R. Weaver, A. C. Hawkins, J. M. McElroy, E. A. Drake, J. R. Goldsborough, C. H. McKevitt, J. B. Farrel, O. F. Schonblom, L. E. Hamsher, W. H. Bradley, Marion Henshaw, John Bird, Joseph Overy, W. L. Yelton, J. C. Sturgeon, H. Trumbower, T. B. Hoover,W. C. Hayes,D. S. Scoville, W. P. Shoemaker, John T. Farmer, W. H. Spain, F. M. Cole, W. H. H. Fithian, J. M. Stevenson, W. Warmcastle, M. A. Sprague, W. F. Kelley, D. F. Siegfried, John Eaton, J. B. Wheaton, W. C. Husband, H. C. Sanderson, Seymour Peck, W. H. Clarke, Alfred Smedley, Charles A. Bailey, J. E. Haskell, W. A. Rix, Frank A. Smith, W. F. Jordan, J. B. Fisher, John Stinson, A. B. Walker, Charles D. Buss, John C. Holmes, Enos O. Adams and Ed Goodwin. On May 13 the dispensation was granted, and on May 18, 1881, the first conclave of Trinity commandery was held, with the following officers: Joseph Simonds, eminent commander; C. L. Wheeler, generalissimo; Victor Gratter, captain-general; Casper Taylor, treasurer; Robert T. Thompson, recorder; John C. Sturgeon, prelate; James Broder, senior warden; William H. Clarke, junior warden; J. R. Goldsborough, standard bearer; William A. Rix, sword bearer; John Stinson, warder; W. H. H. Fithian, sentinel. At the meeting of the grand commandery in that same month the charter was duly granted and R. E. Sir George W. Kendrick, grand commander of the State of Pennsylvania, appointed Wednesday, September 28, 1881, for the constituting of Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T. The members of the new commandery resolved to make the occasion one long to be remembered, both as a social and Masonic event of the city, and they more than succeeded. The most elaborate preparations weremade, both for the reception of the grand officers and the entertainment of the guests of the occasion. The new commandery so auspiciously constituted increased rapidly in members, and soon ranked as one of the most vigorous and most ably officered and conducted templar organizations in the State. At the present time the membership numbers 198. The commandery has within the last few years lost many prominent members by death, among them the First Commander E. Sir Joseph H. Simonds, to whose earnest intelligent efforts are due more than to any other one man. the constituting of both the chapter and commandery, and their success and efficiency. Following are the post commanders in order of service: Joseph H. Simonds, Joseph M. McElroy, Charles L. Wheeler, Phillip M. Shannon, Winfield Scott Watson, James R. Goldsborough, Harry A. Marlin. The officers for 1889 were James R. Goldsborough, eminent commander; Henry F. Barbour, generalissimo; William R. Weaver, captain-general; Phillip M. Shannon, treasurer; W. H. H. Fithian, recorder. The officers for 1890 are H. F. Barbour, E. C.; W. B. Weaver, G.; F. J. Collins, C. G.; C. L. Wheeler, Treas.; and C. P. McAllister, Rec. The present membership is 200.
In the summer of 1889 the proposition to build a Masonic Temple was favorably received, and the lots on which the Roberts� block was standing, purchased. The old building was removed and the elegant edifice erected. Mr. Curtis, of Fredonia, is the architect, and the Masonic Temple Association, with S. B. Dresser, president, W. R. Weaver, vice-president, and C. P. McAllister, secretary, had charge of its construction.
Tuna Lodge No. 411, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 4, 1877. The Past Grands of this lodge are W. H. Adams, C. W. Bartholemew, E. I. Baldwin,J. J. Cole, J. C. Greenewald, D. C. Greenewald, C. A. Huggins, Bernard Hook, F. E. Hinkley, J. G. Hann, Lee Kennedy, Dave Kibler, John Kelly, Ed. Kahn, D. C. Macon, A. G. Moulton, John Meyers, J. W. Platt, J. H. Ralph, E. N. Southwick, John Theetge, W. R. Weaver, F. Steinberger, V. E. Bryant and John Cummings. A. N. Heard has served as D. D. G. M. and R. A. Dempsey as secretary. The membership is about 100.
McKean Encampment No. 266, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 18, 1884. The P. C. P.�s of this organization are W. R. Weaver, D. C. Greenewald, J. H. Ralph, J. C. Greenewald, James A. Lindsey, V. E. Bryant, John Cummings, W. H. Adams, E. G. Baldwin and John Myers. C. V. Cottrell has served as scribe, and J. H. Ralph as D. D. G. M. There are forty-five members with encampment property valued at $1,300.
Tuna Valley Lodge No. 453, K. of P., was instituted December 9, 1884, with the following named members: W. H. Malick, Sanford Gordon, F. S. Parker, G. R. Mabb, G. R. Watson, E. J. Chambers, H. Frank, E. T. Wright, J. S. Fritz, C. M. Carr, G. W. Willis, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Charles A. Bailey, J. A. Lindsey, N. A. Hollenbeck, P. Fragner, E. N. Robinson, L. M. Finney,M. A. Todd, J. A. Nelson, T. J. Beridge, T. J. Collins, C. H. Hogans, W. C. Leonard, G. B. McCalmont, John Slocum, J. E. Grainger, E. A. Durham. Following are the names of P. Cs: Thomas Fitzpatrick, H. Frank, Sanford Gordon, J. W. Willis, W. A. Hutcheson, S. M. Wilcox, H. M. Wilson, W. H. Malick, J. S. Fritz, A. D. Sloan, E. T. Wright, J. C. McCrea, M. H. Fitzgibbon, M. Reis, Charles Morris, G. R. Mabb, Joseph Kilgore, J. L. Andrews, J. T. Burkholder and J. A. McCready. F. S. Butler was elected chancellor
contributed by Joyce A. Anthony
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