The Church, and the early history of the community of Beaver Meadows,

A warm look back at the Memorials, Minutes and general history of this wonderful church and to all the people who made it.  It was the end of an Era, and the beginning of something new! 1850-2005,

with numerous added excerpts.

And an additional Membership, Records and Background History,

By Carol Hoose Brotzman, the former church historian 1994-2005

[email protected] or [email protected]

RD#1 Box 1206 Laceyville, PA 18623       570 869 1034

 

 

'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.' 

An 1812 Whiteside Map of our area shows us just what was in the area before Beaver Meadows was in existence! No Beaver Meadows/Bixby’s Pond but it is on the map. Bradford County had just been born and there is no Tuscarora Township, it wasn’t formed officially until 1856. Beaver Meadows/Bixby’s Pond area became known about 1838. Can you find the pond on this map?  It’s there?

 

Beaver Meadows 1850-2008

We are the church Part II, Minutes and Memorials

 

Compiled by Carol Hoose Brotzman

All photos are by Carol Brotzman unless otherwise specified.

 

Dedicated to Mae Fassett, Caroline Ellsworth, Herb and Dean Button, Alice Sivers, Mary Schweitzer, Jeanette Brotzman, Grace Bennett, Phyllis and James Lockwood, Glenn Bennett, Marcus and Susie Pickett, Jenella Ryan, Wavy Culver, Carl and Marcella Whitney, Douglas and Virginia Clapper, Helen Clapper, Josephine Carter, Robert and Anna Bolles, Leo and Ella Bolles, Clyde Trible, Marilyn Bishop

Grace Borek and my "Dale" Brotzman

 

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

 

 

Beaver Meadows June 2005

 

 

 

Main photo, a post card ca 1890

 

The next set of photos were edited from this original post card

 by myself to depict various effects.

 

This was Beaver Meadows, it was known as Beaver Meadow with out the “s” in that particular time span. Somewhere amidst the years an “s” was added. I can only guess at a date for this photo by the style of the post card and the buildings. My guess is about 1890. The church appears to be on its original foundation, it has two chimneys and has of course the horse sheds.  The horse shed above the church, used now for cemetery equipment storage was turned around to face the Church Hill road before 1950.  Dinners and ice cream socials were served from this shed. It had a door that flipped upward and out before it was covered up when this building received new siding with the church in 1990.  A quarry was formed just down from that large stone ledge in the front of the photo before 1900.

 

 You can actually see three townships clearly in this photo. The main portion of the photo is in Tuscarora Township Bradford County.  On the far right is Auburn Township Susquehanna County and on the far left is Rush Township Susquehanna County.

 

 

 

This is a 150 % zoom of just the church and cemetery.

 

Notice the beautiful split rail fence running along the Board Road on the Joel Carter property. Ernest Smith and his family probably lived in what we know as the old Garris/Button house, which is not visible in this photo, but can be seen as a companion photo later in this book from the same time span. When I see this photo I think of this fence being across the road from “Herb and Dean Buttons home”. Many of us have such pleasant memories at their home.

 

 

 

 

This photo depicts the split rail fence, the pile of hemlock logs and that rock ledge which still can be seen through the woods which is there now. The ledge now appears to be more prevalent, dug out around the sides and in under more. I would like to note the weeds in this photo, that only one wild Mullen, a few milkweed plants and some wild carrot. Today the area is wooded, has blackberry and plenty of goldenrod plants.

 

 

In this photo, the Raymond Cobb store is clearly visible, with its partition for the post office. A newspaper gossip column clipping records, “He got his new grocery store in Beaver Meadows in May 1893”. The store was still open in 1900 and gone by 1907 according to business listings for Tuscarora Township. I do not think he originally opened the store, I think his father, E.W. (Winchester) Cobb did that, but I cannot prove it. Winchester Cobb, known as E.W. Cobb owned the land in that area, including the Beaver Meadows Cemetery, which he sold to the Cemetery Association, not the church. The church sits on cemetery association lands according to its deed.

 

 

 

 

 

Notice the road goes on beyond the barn, with the bright white doors and the store. This road is on the minister’s map of about 1910 but not after that. The Church Hill road actually came down, sort of as it does now in front of the church. It went straight across, down in the dip, which wasn’t so big then, and right up right up over to the store and the little community of Beaver Meadow, however the road directly in front of the church did not have the Y. That extra road wasn’t added until the automobile came into the area on a bigger basis about the 1920-1930’s. The road went on through according to the map and this photo, however Dale Brotzman, Clyde Trible and Carl Whitney have never seen evidence of it. The map I refer to here is included later in this book as are other various photos of this area beyond the pond. Francis Brotzman worked the Glen Trible farm in the early 1950’s. Some hay was transported back across the dam of the pond via the Chapel farm to the Board Road. This farm is now known as the lands of Jacob Sova. My Dale remembers piling those square hay bales mighty high, and tying them down good. The road down to the pond was a tad bit rough. They made it across the dam on the narrow road.  I need to note that this road across the dam was not the original road.  I still recall that road in the early 1970’s crossing the dam. Most of it washed out with the 1972 flood.

 

 

 

 

In the far left of this photo, when blown up you can see the Whitney Road at Fowler Hill as it bears back to the left to meet the Pickett Road. If you look closely to the right and follow that road back towards the Whitney homes you can see the large white headstone for Mahala Bennett Whitney in the Fowler Hill/Whitney Cemetery. The barn roof for the barn now owed by Carl Whitney might be the next roof that is visible.  In the center of the original photo, near the top is the barn roof to the old Barber barn. The property was also known as the rental property of N. R. Jones.  It was a huge barn in it day.  Clyde Trible doesn’t recall seeing it as a child, it burned before his time, but the remaining foundation is larger than most.  It was located near where Dale Grover’s house is now, just across the road.

 

Clyde tells me that the hedgerows were always kept clean because firewood was cut from them. The fields/meadows were all worked or pastured. No space was wasted. This was pre Floribunda Rose and Russian Olive years. The Pennsylvania Game Commission introduced them in the early 1970’s and now everything has grown up to vegetation.  Douglas Clapper recalls planting corn in that long field directly behind the pond.

 

Clyde used to walk to Sunday school and fish on his way home. He tells me the view from the top of the hill behind the pond was full and beautiful. There were no trees. You could see for miles as is evident in the main photo. Jacob Sova planted all those fields belonging on the former Joe and Elsie Hart Chapel farm to various pine and spruce seedlings in the 1960’s as part of a government conservation plan. You should also take note that every one had an orchard; you had to grow your own fruit.

 

 In this photo by the pond, you will see a large pile of logs, about where the houses are now located. They were probably Hemlock. Clyde tells me that the Whitney swamp was filled with beautiful large Hemlocks at one time. They were probably what lured Chandler Bixby here in the first place. He was a lumberman. Carl Whitney tells me that those huge stones visible in the original photo near the dam of the pond probably ran the first-water driven Whitney sawmill.

 

 

 

 

 

 In 1972, when the area was hit hard with the June (Hurricane Agnes) flood, original hemlock logs could still be seen in the dam. Hemlock, many old timers say when kept in mud and water would last forever. It worked as a preservative. The dam has washed many times, but never completely out. Men like Clyde Trible, Olin Fassett, Bill Hawley and Francis Brotzman kept adding dirt to the dam when digging graves by hand in the cemetery. That extra rock and dirt removed from the graves, the beavers and nature helped have helped account for the raise in the water levels over the years.  Clyde also noted that the cemetery area, nearest the road was very wet. This area too was dried out and built up with the dirt form the graves at the top of the hill. Note how far the old picket fence was from the road in these photos. It is a lot closer now and not wet.

 

In the original photo those are grasses and shrubs in the shallow waters of the Beaver Meadow Pond. We have Lilly pads now, but no shrubs and water grasses in the main body of water as you can see below in this photo. Note the depth of the water level in 2007, even after a partial wash out of the dam in 2005 and 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

A cold chilly day at Beaver Meadows, March 12, 2007

Photos by Carol Brotzman.

 

 

 

 

 

Newspaper articles from December 5, 1895 Braintrim Messenger

(I own and original copy of this newspaper thanks to a donation by Bonnie Miller)

 

OPPOSITION, PA

Thanksgiving services consisting of rehearsals, singing, and remarks by the pastor, Rev A Schofield, was held at the church.

Mrs.. George Hoover who has been in poor health for a long time has gone to a Philadelphia Hospital to be treated.

Ed and Nellie White, of Stevensville have been visiting Mrs. B W Lacey last week.

Mrs.. George Jay and son Leigh, of Herrick visited Mrs. Jay’s par­ents, Mr. and Mrs.. C C Wage on Thanksgiving.

Jacob Bond, of Tunkhannock has been visiting his daughter Mrs. Marcus Pickett for the last three weeks.

Burt Gibbs is boarding at Mrs. W B Lacey’s and going to school this winter.

J S Stone has been working in Wyalusing, but is spending Thanksgiving week at home after which he will return to work.

The Ladies Aide Society was held at D L Clapper's.  The next one will be held at Wesley Picketts, December 6, and a coffee supper in the evening for the young folks.  All are invited.

The Beaver Meadows Cemetery Association held a general meeting Nov 24.   The following officers were elected:  Directors, R. W. Cobb, H. O. Wage, J. F. Clapper, C. B.  Culver, George Wood, N. C. Strick­land, N. C.  Cobb. President was R. W. Cobb, clerk was H. O. Wage, Treasurer was J. F. Clapper, and Superintendent R. W. Cobb.

 

 

 

 

I made this magnificent photo from a negative. Leo Bolles was the photographer. He dated the envelope in which it was stored 1923. Notice the brand new windows! The five bay horse sheds and the variation of the stone steps on the right hand side of the church. There were hitching posts alongside the old cemetery fence. They disappeared in the 1960’s. Doug Clapper doesn’t remember what happened to them.  Archie Maxfield tore down the sheds in 1942. Doug Clapper recalls his father Daniel telling him they stored Fireworks in those sheds, and on special occasions, Beaver Meadow celebrated with fireworks. However I have yet to find anyone who actually recalls seeing the fireworks.

The big thing to notice in this photo is the road. The Y is not there.  The Y in front of the church wasn’t added until automobiles became the mode of transportation. My guess would be 1920’- 1930’s. Notice the half chimney, it didn’t become a full chimney until the church was raised up on its new foundation in 1949. Douglas Clapper tells me when he was small, prior to raising the church; there was some sort of furnace under the church in a crawl space. They must have added that when they gave up on the wood stoves in the sanctuary.   I notice that the flashing on the steeple looks new. Maybe the church got a new roof about that time? That big stone in front of the church door, which was being used as the main step, is the same stone that Douglas Clapper had etched in 1986 with the year 1868 and placed in front of the church when the new steps were installed.

 

Beaver Meadows

Where we came from and what we hope to obtain! From a humble

Beginning prior to 1850

 

 

 

Beaver Meadows Church ca 1902, from a post card to Maggie (Culver) Scott

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s begin with the later, with minutes

Contributed by Jane McGee, Secretary of the Board

 

Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church,

Administrative Board Meeting April 14, 2005

 

Present at the meeting were: Skeet & Neta Repsher, Dale & Donna Bennett, Rich & Candy Card, Rusty & Crystal Hons, Kathy Sperry, Alan Sperry, and Jane McGee.

 

Minutes were read and accepted with the following corrections: 3^rd paragraph – Also, need to send 2004 Children’s Home and Red Cross Relief Mudslides. 5^th paragraph – It was generally agreed that Randy Campbell, Rich Card and Dale Bennett will set up a meeting with the Tuscarora Township Supervisors. Treasurer’s Report – Kathy Sperry went through her report. Report was accepted as read.

 

Old Business: Discussion followed concerning the “Remembrance Book”. Dale Bennett gave us a report on the roads. An outfit from Nichols, New York will be doing the road from the hard road by Bond’s to Sova’s corner. It should be done by Memorial Day.  The township is waiting for the check from FEMA. A sluice pipe in the road by the cemetery was suggested.

 

The Board was notified that four kids from Sunday school want to go to Skylake this summer. They are Erica (Hons), Christina (Hons), Rochelle (Repsher) and Sarah Ann (Repsher).

 

Gwen Pickett, the membership secretary, received a post card back from Marie Trible asking that she be removed from the membership. Gwen motioned that we honor her wishes. Rich Card seconded. Vote unanimous.

 

Rich gave a report from the Task Force; they have been discussing ways to bring in non-church people in the area. Rich motioned that the Administrative Board accept the recommendation of the Task Force that we proceed with the plan for a neighborhood visitation. The visitation encompasses a 2-mile radius of the church. Crystal seconded. Vote unanimous.

 

Rich and Rusty presented the plans for updating the building. They are for General Maintenance, Structural, and Aesthetic improvements. Rusty presented a sketch of the altar area changes. Audrey and Bill Eberhardt want to donate a stained glass window. The plans call for a hanging stained glass piece with side and back lighting. Rich has sketched out the arrangement of the pews. Rusty also presented a sketch of the Pavilion converted to Sunday school rooms. It was generally agreed that we start with the beam that has to be replaced and go in the sequence that Rich suggests. Gwen seconded. Vote unanimous.

 

Rich can proceed with the structural changes and general repairs but he wants a committee appointed for carpet colors and paint.

 

New Business: Candy Card suggested that we implement an idea she picked up while lay speaking at another church. On a Sunday school student’s 16^th birthday, the church presents them with a notebook with names and telephone number’s of the people in the congregation that the student can call if he or she has a problem or needs help in a situation. Candy would like to present such a book to our graduates this year. Also, she discussed a Baptismal Candle that the church gives to each person baptized.

 

Rich suggested that we designate someone to take the Remembrance Book to visitors and have them sign, then have the minister greet them personally and thank them for coming. Rich also presented different forms of Communion. Discussion followed about having communion more often or changing the way we do it occasionally.

 

Alan Sperry is looking for an Eagle Scout Project. It was suggested that he pick something from a list of general maintenance items, e.g., “speaker shelves, signs to the church, or the church sign now needs painting”.

 

Neta suggested that we make use of the Conferences Resource Center. We can get videos on help to build our church, projectors, etc.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45. 

 

Jane McGee, Secretary

 

Historians note: I would like to make a note here that the Board Road was repaired May 16, 2005 by the Burgess company from New York by a process known as milling. I would also like to note that the next winter (2006) the Board Road broke up worse than ever again. The surface was so soft. The township repaired it with modified stone and 2 B grade stone at this point, which is still holding well.

 

The pews were removed July 27, 2005 to begin wall-to-wall carpeting, repairs and refinishing. The church was painted light blue August 27, 2005.  The pews were returned and a big open house/church was held at the church October 9, 2005. 

 

Amanda Brotzman 2000

 

 

The following photos are of the sanctuary by Carol Brotzman July 24, 2005

Before the renovations began.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beaver Meadows Church about 1980

By Amanda Brotzman

 

             The church itself is a memorial in which everyone may serve God.   All churches are established as houses of God. Beaver Meadows was established as a Union church, a place for all denominations to worship. The History of the Wyoming Conference, published in 1904, states, “the building was established several years ago (1866 was the time it was referring too) as a Wesleyan, Protestant Methodist, and Methodist Episco­palian Church.   The latter now have practically taken over the church.”  

 

Our church proudly sits on the Board Road, just as it did on the Barber 1850 census map. We know construction began the year before in 1849 from Susan Marbaker’s obituary. Joseph and Susan Cottrell Marbaker resided where their Great grandson Clyde Trible resides in 2007.

 

Susan G Marbaker was born in Rhode Island November 30, 1816, and died at her home on Fowler Hill January 3, 1901. Her maiden name was Cottrell. She was a cousin of the late Reverend William H Olin of the Wyoming Conference, a very prominent and much loved minister. While quite young she came to Pennsylvania with her parents. She was united in marriage with Joseph Marbaker August 20, 1843. For about 55 years they lived together, he dying about four years ago the 25^th of March. She was the mother of seven children, three boys and four girls, two dying in infancy. About 50 years ago they purchased the place where both of them died. It was then a dense wilderness. Mr. Marbaker cleared up his farm, and for a half century lived to enjoy it. Not long after their purchase at Fowler Hill, a union church was built at Beaver Meadow, nearby. Mr. And Mrs. Marbaker were deeply interested in the building of this church, and did much toward it.  Not far from that time, she and her husband were united with the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Both of them remained faithful members of the same church until called to the church above. The writer, for his first pastorate, was appointed to the field, which included this point. Hence had had the privilege of her acquaintance a number of years ago. She was a woman of true religious life, quiet and unassuming, but kind and true, as a friend and a follower of Jesus. She lived long and witnessed many changes during her stay here. She leaves to friends a glorious legacy; not of money, but of Christian character and life. May those who are left to mourn be comforted by the same grace, which supported and kept her all the way of her earthly journey G.O.B   (George O. Beers who served at the church from 1873-1875) I would like to note that the children living to adulthood were Sarah A who married Elmer Clapper, John who married Emma Singer, James who married Mary Jane Herman, Ella who married Ed Blakeslee, and Thankful who married Robert Woodruff.                                                                                      (Spelling is as recorded)

 

 

 Chandler Bixby’s deed shows he bought the Pennsylvania Land Warrants on January 3, 1839. Records and maps of this area are scarce prior to 1850.  The minutes that have been found give us no hint of anything that might have happened earlier here at Beaver Meadows or Bixby, as it was known during that time era. Chandler Bixby did not move here immediately.  The Bixby’s owned the land here in 1840 but are in Bainbridge, New York yet at census time. In 1850, Chandler and Urania Stackwell Bixby along with their two children Charles and Sarah are here in Beaver Meadows, not far from the Beaver Meadow Union Church. Stephen Beeman who is about age eleven is living with them. He must have been help for the mill. By 1860 they have sold their land to William and Mahala Bennett Whitney and have moved on.

 

In early years, double sheds to accommodate the horse and buggies, which were the mode of transportation, were built alongside the church.  A photo taken about 1911 depicts the horse sheds next to the edifice. It also shows the addition of the pulpit area and the vestibule area by lighter shades in the roof. Those additions were made in 1869.  Data pertaining to this can be found in the Freewill Baptist Church records of Silvara, as they did not have church October 9, 1869 so their members could come to the dedication ceremonies up at Beaver Meadows. Several of our members belong to that church too! We were a Union church after all. The village of Beaver Meadow that was on the far side of the pond is nonexistent today, except for some remaining stone foundations; even stone stackers scavenged them in the early 2000’s.  Beaver Meadows was actually a town when our church was young, with a road going right straight across the Church hill road to the post office, which was located over there. Traces of the road can still be found.  Imagine that Beaver Meadows had a post office, a store and a church with a cemetery, all the basics to a real live village. Now all we have is our beautiful church, which is still growing. Chandler Bixby and William Whitney would be amazed of what is here now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The top photo was a gift to the church from the Steiger family; Reverend Ruth Carter Breitweiser, a former pastor, donated the bottom photo.  Note the differences. There is only one horse shed in the later one, no steeple and trees above and beside the church and the shed and the buildings do not appear to be the same on the other side of the road. Archie Maxfield removed the horse sheds in 1942 according to Leo Bolles diary. Note that the Cobb family had quite an extensive orchard over there in the first photo

      

 

The original church had two wood-burning stoves on each side. However the smoke was so bad they had little use. Mrs. Mae Fassett recorded that "in the year 1893 the wall was taken out and re-laid in cement, and the flagstones re-laid in the front of the church at a cost of $125.00." The old secretaries minutes of Beaver Meadows told of this project.  It is quite evident that the church has been added onto in size.  The Freewill Baptist Church records record "Oct 1, 1869, church did not meet in regu­lar covenant on account of the dedication up at Beaver Meadow on the following Sabbath."  This was probably when the vestibule and pulpit ends of the church were dedicated.

 

A newspaper clipping of May 25, 1913 states that the church received repairs to the building, but no repairs were listed.  This was probably the roof; they had been saving for that purpose. In the fall of 1924, new hardwood floors and new doors were added to the building.   The church originally had two side doors, but photos of about 1902 depict that they had been replaced with double doors prior to the turn of the century. Charles King and sons gave the church a coat of new paint at this time. In the fall of 1949 wallboard was installed in the sanctuary, and the church was insulated at a cost of $140.00. A new furnace was installed on March 1, 1950.  It was ready for Easter services. 

 

The lady in the next set of photos is Florence James Howland Place Bennett. She was one of the most important women in the church history at Beaver Meadows. Florence Elma James {February 09, 1880 -February 12, 1959} was the daughter of Simon Snyder and Almeda LuJane Cogswell James. She was married in Stevensville May 18, 1898 to Charles Sherman Howland {October 26, 1867 - July 07, 1902}. She married second on November 14, 1903 to Charles (Othello) Arthello Place {November 14, 1882 – November 1932} in Silvara, PA. She married last on December 15, 1938 to Very D. Bennett {June 17, 1876 - September 06, 1952}. She outlived them all.  Everyone is buried at Beaver Meadows except her first husband who is buried at Spring Hill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Her photo’s displayed here are through the courtesy of Barbara Richlin Place via her son Charles Place.

 

 

 

Mrs. Florence Bennett (Mrs. Very Bennett, who actually was Florence James Howland Place Bennett)) instigated the motion to have the church raised onto a new foundation. Those women wanted a place to hold their dinners, and not in the little shed above the church or the old school house on Clapper Hill. They wanted a social hall and would stop at nothing to get it. The women and their children got out their teaspoons and dishpans and started carrying dirt out from under the church. One way or another the dirt was going to be removed and the church raised up for a new dining room. They knew they could con those men into actually doing it if they got their attention the hard way first! This happened in the summer of 1948.   The cellar was made larger, and cement floors were poured to accommodate a growing church.  This too was a community project, with free labor and many, many people helping with donations of money, materials, and time.  The youth group of the church volun­teered much time carrying dirt by hand in buckets. The basement then became known as the community Hall. 

 

 

 

 

 

* Historians note: Clyde Trible recalls that Al Gage had a huge “Chalmers” dozer over at the Beaver Meadows church. It was used to level the ground where the old horse sheds were and the ground for the new foundation. The ground was rolling, just like the cemetery behind it. Clyde recalls walking in under the church while it was being braced up and told to get out of there. Douglas Clapper recalls that the Clappers, Bennett’s and the Sharer’s took their large tractors with buckets over to clean out the major portion of the dirt underneath the church. They would have been easier to use in those tight places than the dozer. It was a total community project with everyone recalling something different.

 

The building which the cemetery association uses for storage now must have been turned around somewhere in this time span. No one seems to recall the date. Papa Clapper as I recall him by, known as Daniel Clapper told his son Douglas that there were horse barns up there too, so it must have been a horse shed first, or maybe they built a new building at that time. I do not know for sure. This building, as old as it is was moved up the hill a little bit and placed on a new stone foundation May 3, 2008.

 

* Historians note:  Eva Nelson recalled a story told to her by Grace Bennett. Grace told of how the women of the church actually started digging the new basement out in 1948 by themselves, some with teaspoons and dishpans.  They knew they would make such a mess that the men would finally help, and they did!

 

*Historians note form Suzanne Bennett Sagrati, daughter of Glenn Bennett July 28, 2007: I cannot recall anything about the raising of the church.  That summer, my mother, Jim and I went to California on the train to visit mother's family in Long Beach.  Her brother had sent the tickets, and we picked up "The Super Chief" in Chicago.  Dad and Bob and Jack must have been involved while we were gone.  That was a great community project and I'm sorry that I missed it.  But the train trip was a big adventure. We (all three of us) shared a lower berth.

 

Yes, she was my "Grandma Florence"!  She was a dynamo.   She had so much musical talent, could play by ear and read music. She loved her four boys so much and was so proud of her grandchildren.  I had never seen those early pictures of her.   She taught me to embroider and took very good care of Granddad.   I loved to go up the Granddad’s house after supper and sit with them listening to the radio or in the summer sit out on the porch swing.  If Aunt Wavie and Aunt Annis were visiting, we'd all sing hymns loudly.  Granddad would laugh and say the cows would give sour milk in the morning.

 

 

Newspaper article/clipping: May 27, 1950 Wyalusing Rocket (copied directly as was found)

 

Many improvements made at the Beaver Meadows church.

A movement has been going on for some years to modernize the building of the Beaver Meadows Methodist church, by excavating for a full ground floor, providing facilities for serving larger gatherings.

    Mrs. Very Bennett started the idea of working out a more convenient place to meet, with contributions from the community and many gifts from "away", the project was begun. After raising the building one and a half feet, the community turned out to help with the excavating, laying of drains and pouring of concrete for the floor.

    The W.S.C.S. sponsored the grading, the men coming to work with a bulldozer, to level the ground for  "walk in" entrances, and make better parking by the building and across the road: The community took up a special collection for the repairing of the dam of the Beaver Meadows Pond which was done at this time.

    A gas stove was installed over a year ago, and this last spring an oil burner was put in use, the Youth Fellowship contributing $25.00 toward the heating fund. The walls of the basement have been waterproofed and tinted with a cheerful yellow. Two sinks have been donated, set into a counter, and connected with the drain. Much credit is due the minister, Rev. Gladstone Brown of the Camptown Charge for his aid and encouragement.

    Memorial Day services will be held at 2 p.m. May 30. Dinner will be served in the newly appointed ground floor at 12 noon to which everyone is cordially invited. A collection will be taken for the benefit of the W.S.C.S. and the Cemetery Association.

    The Culver Reunion gave a special donation to defray the expenses of the counter and other equipment. A cupboard was given and a duplicate built so convenient shelves and counter space is available for serving a

 

 

More photos of Florence in her early years: This photo of Florence was taken between 1898 and 1902 when she was Mrs. Florence James Howland.

 

 

 

the next photo is of

Charles and Florence James Howland Place

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next photo is a 1960 era Aerial photo of the Beaver Meadows church. It is the closest photo we can find in existence as to when the church was raised on its new foundation in 1948. I don’t recall any paint on those cinderblocks until the mid 1970’s. Take note of the beautiful steps, the lack of a church steeple and the unique appearance of the graves, almost as if you can see the lot layouts!

 

 

 

Notice the pine tree in the later photo above is still there, however it was gone before 1973.

 

Lighting in the sanctuary up to this time had been accomplished with 2 kerosene lamps in the windows behind the pulpit, and with cluster lights in the center of the room.  A rope from that big hook in the metal style ceiling lowered the cluster of oil lamps down to be lit.  Elec­tricity finally came in 1949, when Gerald Frantz of Stevensville installed a few electric lights.  (This was replaced in 2005) In 1976, the basement sported a new fiberglass ceiling paid for by the kindness of Mrs. Ralph (Ruth) Culver.  It was replaced in the dining area in 1995 through another generous donation.  Ruth Culver donated fluorescent lighting this time when the ceilings were installed. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Sharer paid for the floor to be painted, and like he did many times, Mr. Kenneth Tewksbury did the painting. Many donations of this type were given, too numerous to mention here, but they are not forgotten. Every little thing that was done by a community member helped preserve the church edifice.  Numerous monetary donations for paint and kitchen supplies can be found in a book kept in the church compiled by Mrs. Grace Bennett. This book includes all monetary donations and most all of the kitchen equipment.  I am grateful for the minutes Grace Bennett recorded, and for Jenella Ryan’s contributions regarding the information provided here.

 

Sometime near 1920, Mr. Pembleton built the original altar and railing across the front of the sanctuary. He installed the double-hung doors in the entry hall. Prior to the set of doors he replaced, there were two side doors used as entryways. In a conversation with Grace Bennett in 1995, she told me Mr. Pembleton resided in the present Glenn Bennett home. I can never find a Mr. Pembleton in Tuscarora Township census, however there is a George Pembleton who is age 27 years old in the nearby 1920 Braintrim Township census with his wife Margaret, children Elizabeth and Edward and his widowed mother Kate. He is still residing there in 1930. I do not know if this is the man who did so much carpentry at Beaver Meadows but he was nearby. This rail was replaced in January 2006 with an opening in the middle, and both ends. The old rail can be seen in several photos in this book. Donna Bennett finished putting the third coat of paint on the railing January 30, 2006.

 

Sometime in the 1920's, the church ladies collected woolen rags.  They were mailed to the Olsen Rug Company in New York State, and made into runners for the floor.  They were wine colored, and were used for many years. They fit perfectly down the middle aisle and across the front. They were replaced in the April 1987 with new gold carpeting. On October 14, 1996, new maroon carpet­ing was installed in the sanctuary aisles.  The new carpet­ing covered up the former heating systems vents.  Imagine today’s carpeting lasting 60 years!

 

The large pull down biblical map in the sanctuary was purchased when Rev. Ted Lorah (1979 – 1980) was the pastor here for the adult Sunday school. At the 2000 Founders Day program it was brought up how Reverend Lorah used to come from Camptown with his top down in his white convertible Volkswagen Beetle convertible car with his parchment stole or sash colors flying behind. Some how it was anchored on his shoulders gently flowing backwards in the breeze. He always came down over the church hill and left the other way. He had a very rough start here the first Sunday in July, only three people in church that day. It was Ruth Culver’s first day back playing the organ after her broken hand. Carol Brotzman and Sheila Repsher filled in playing the piano in her absence.  His congregation was Laurie Repsher and a friend. There was some sort of party in LeRaysville for Leonard and Mearl Brotzman Brink, and it seemed to me the entire congregation planned on attending as all were either cousins and or friends. Laurie and her friend came too, just later.

 

New eaves troughs were installed through a donation of Mr. and Mrs. Dale Bennett and boys Steve and Scott in December 1979.

 

A nice new roof was finally added to protect our church with funds left by the Mrs. Ruth Culver estate in 1989. The roof had been patched and painted many times with gifts from loyal mem­bers, but time was taking its toll. It was in desperate need of being replaced. The old records were often telling of the people here in the community making donations for the roof repairs.

* Historians Note: Ruth Culver’s will at the Bradford County Court House states she bequeathed $2,000 to the Beaver Meadows Cemetery Asso­ciation, and $3,000 to the Beaver Meadows Church. 

 

An indenture dated January 26, 1984 at the Bradford County Court house shows that the church was granted water rights from the Herbert and Dean Button residence.  Prior to this time all water had been carried in, usually in milk cans.  In 1991 a well was drilled.   The church finally had its own water source.  The new well was 165 feet deep.  Caroline Ellsworth recorded Olin Fassett donated some money towards this event.

 

Donna Bennett and Douglas Clapper laid the new stonewall around the front of the church in 1986 when the new concrete steps were installed.   This new deck replaced the double access steps, which were in­stalled in the 1920's. Clifford Clapper’s memento keepsake (a value­less beer can), which was placed in the first steps was moved to its new home when they were replaced! I just didn’t think the church needed a beer can sitting around, but this was an important beer can full of precious memories I was told by Jenella Ryan. I know, I tried to throw it out and was told the interesting story of how Clifford placed it there as his memento when the first steps were installed. This entryway to the church was modified again April 14, 1997 when a ramp style entrance replaced the crumbling step style entryway.  Two Juniper bushes were placed there in memory of Lena Smith Clapper. Douglas Clapper, shortly thereafter placed a beautiful stone cross cut from his own flagstone quarry to decorate the lower side. The big stone, which previously had been the main step to the original church, was etched with the year 1868 and placed in the center.  Up to 1999, everyone thought that was the date our church was built, instead, it was a date for the incorporation of our church in the Bradford County Courthouse. I suspect done for legal purposes.

 

*Historians note: Everyone knew Lena Clapper as the “Avon Lady”.  She sold Avon for years.

 

Other structural church improvements include the indoor stairway created in 1987.  The carpenters were Webb Sivers, Dale Bennett, and Douglas Clapper and Herb Button. Donna Bennett created little wooden crosses for her Sunday school class members from the remnants.

 

Photo by Carol Brotzman

 

The church became handicapped accessible in 1989 with the addi­tion of a new concrete ramp and side door to the church. Once again a side door, remember the original church had two side doors!  Flag­stone was added on the deck at this time.

 

New siding was installed through donated funds.  There were many families pledging  $100.00, to cover one month’s payment to the anonymous donor that backed this project.  Randy Campbell’s construction crew provided the carpentry services in 1990.  This fund was known as the "Keep Doug and Dale Off the Ladder Fund!" Douglas Clapper and Dale Bennett were always contributing their fair share of time to restoring our church.

 *  Historians note:  Mary Schweitzer recorded the April 19, 1989 administrative board meeting minutes, that the estimated cost of the siding was to be $5,538.00.  There was a discussion about being able to leave the "gingerbread look," but it was deemed impossi­ble to have modern siding and the details of the old too!    Herb Button wanted to do what we could to preserve our Gingerbread style charm.

 

In 1990 Sandy Campbell, Jane McGee, and Mary Schweitzer donated new red altar curtains/drapes, these replacing the gold ones installed during the term of Rev. Ruth Breitweiser in 1981. These drapes were removed in 2005 when the church sanctuary was painted. The addition of a stained glass hanging, a Portrait of Christ with similar sheaths of wheat similar the main windows was donated by the Eberhardt’s, Bill and Audrey in 2006.  Rusty Hons made the framing for it.

 

 

 

 

The following photos are courtesy of Sabrina Sands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new indoor bathroom was installed, with many "thank you’s" from the congregation going to the Dale Bennett family for this con­tribution. This bathroom was replace din March 2009.  They also donated the new altar cloths.    Mary Schweitzer recorded that the year was 1983, and that Douglas Clapper installed a new electric system and electrical plugs upstairs.

Historian’s notes of Mary Schweitzer reveal that the men started to repair the Beaver Meadows church in the middle of August 1986.   Rev. William Reid, Pastor of the Tunkhannock Methodist church brought helpers, young people, and they painted the inside of the church. Douglas Clapper and his brother Daniel secretly made a new steeple and a cross. They put it on the church with the help of George Bolles and a cherry picker. Rev. Richard West dedicated the steeple on Easter Sunday. The men repaired the foundation of the church, built new cement steps, and railings, painted the roof, painted the outside of the church, and the women helped fix the front door.  (This is just how Mary recorded it.) Douglas Clapper, Webb Sivers, Dale Ben­nett, and Herb Button put in new stairwell going from the hall upstairs down to the basement.  They also built a storage closet downstairs. Ceiling fans were installed in the sanctuary of the church to help circulate the air. New electrical plugs were installed and a new hot water heater too.  Now just take time to reflect, the boom to make our church more modern began when the Rev. Ruth Carter Breitweiser, 1981-1982 said we HAD to put a drapery behind the altar.  She was not taking no for an answer.  We finally did, it was a gold drapery. We needed to improve our building. We sure have haven’t we, and I have been told we have only just begun!

 

A new bell was added to the Clapper Steeple with funds collected by the youth group, and through donations. The first and only   "Rock-A-Thon” benefited this project.  The youth rocked all night in rocking chairs at the Stevensville Community Hall, with sponsors paying them for how long they held up rocking! Katie Sands and Cindy Sayman made those arrangements. The kids had loads of fun; Reverend Bill even made an appearance on his way home from his night job as a guard at Taylor Packing.  Then the same group enjoyed a trip to Hershey Park the next summer. Many adult volun­teers stayed up all night too, including Rev. William Nelson. Rev. William Nelson conducted dedication ceremonies on May 29, 1993 for the new bell.  We now proudly hear it ring on Sunday mornings before and after service. Traditionally the bell was rung to beckon children to Sunday school, but whenever it’s rung, the children enjoy doing it.

 

The following photos are from the "Rock-A-Thon” held in Stevensville.

 

 

 

 

The following is historians note regards the church Steeple:

By 1911, the original church steeple was in need of repair.  A handyman was hired to remove and repair it.  While it lay upon on the ground awaiting repairs it is alleged that the repairman used it for firewood.  It was never replaced until Douglas Clapper built a new one in honor of his grandmother, Lena Smith Clapper, and his mother, Sylvia Josephine Repsher Clapper.  The dedication came on Lena Clapper’s 100^th birthday – Easter Sunday, March 31, 1986.  The church’s minister performed the dedication service at the time, Rev. Richard West. (*Historian’s Note:  Lena H. Clapper was born on March 31, 1886.  She was the daughter of Ernest and Jennie MaGee Smith.  She died November 15, 1986.  Sylvia Josephine Repsher Clapper was born on March 24, 1914.  She was the daughter of Frank and Clara Carr Repsher.  She died March 6, 1982.) The church had originally been built with a steeple over the belfry.  Doug decided, without telling the congregation, that what this lovely little church building needed was a new steeple.  He stated that he studied many steeples to come up with this original design.  He had the help of the following people:  his brother, Daniel Clapper; his brother-in-law, Allen Kershner; his nephew, Jerry Clapper; and his neighbors, Bob and George Bolles.  The new steeple was up and ready in time for the Easter Service in 1986.  They installed the steeple on top of the old belfry, which held the original bell at that time. Because it had a very hollow ring, the old bell was sold at our church’s Antique Auction in 1993.   When it was taken down from the belfry, it was discovered that the old bell was cracked.  The old bell was purchased by Mr. Roy Herman at the “BELL-A-BRATION’ on May 29, 1993.  The original bell is now located at Lawton, Pa., on the owner’s lawn.

 

The Ernest Smith family: Lena Smith Clapper is the taller young lady in back. She would be Douglas Clappers grandmother. Front row: Ernest Smith holding Robert, Ralph, and Jennie MaGee Smith holding Blanche.

Standing: Fred and Lena.

 

               Douglas Clapper and Carl Whitney, both descend from Hulda Jane Lewis.

Hulda Jane Lewis was the mother of Jennie MaGee Smith. She was married twice, first to Theodore MaGee and second to William H. Whitney. Jennie MaGee Smith being the mother of Lena Smith Clapper for whom the steeple was dedicated.

Douglas descends from the MaGee union and Carl from the Whitney marriage.

 

The photo below is of Hulda Whitney (center), Lena Smith Clapper, Clifford Clapper holding Betty Clapper, and Jenny MaGee Smith. All Clapper photos are credited to the Clapper family of Clapper Hill, Tuscarora Twp. Bradford County.

 

 

Clapper farm about 1953

Clapper Farm in the 1960’s

 

Clapper farm in the 1970s.

The farm became organic in 2006, owners then were Douglas and Jerry Clapper.

 

 Lena Clapper age 100 years

 

Wyalusing Rocket clipping: Mrs. Lena H. (Hulda) Clapper, 100 years old of Clapper Hill, Laceyville, RD#2 passed away Saturday morning, November 15, 1986 at Wesley Village, Pittston, PA. She was born at West Auburn, PA March 31, 1886 the daughter of the later Ernest and Jennie MaGee Smith. 

Mrs. Clapper was a housewife for her husband and family. She was also a salesperson for Avon Products for twenty years and previous to that had sold Larkin products for many years. She was a subscription salesperson for the Daily Review and during a subscription contest had won a new Hudson car.

She and her late husband, Orell D. Clapper operated a dairy farm on Clapper Hill for many years. Mr. Clapper passed away in 1971.

She was a member of the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church and a past member of its Ladies Aid Society.

She is survived by three sons: Ernest of Laceyville, Daniel of Clapper Hill, and Lynn of Summerville, Florida; Two daughters, Mrs. Verna McMicken of South Auburn and Mrs. Carlton (Blanche) Woodruff of Chenango Forks, New York; a sister Blanche Caverly of Wilkes Barre; 20 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, and over 30 great grandchildren. Besides her husband she was preceded in death by a son Clifford in 1974; four grandchildren, Lyle Clapper, Margie Brewer, Barbara Salsman and Alan Woodruff and one great grandchild Danny Brewer.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 19th at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main Street Laceyville with the Rev. Ruth Breitweiser officiating. Internment was in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery. I would like to note she was tenderly cared for by her granddaughter in law Mrs. Virginia Clapper (Mrs. Douglas Clapper) till nearly the end when she was admitted to a nursing facility.

 

              

Wyalusing Rocket Clipping for the celebration of Lena Clapper’s 100 years.

 

Lena Clapper, of Clapper Hill, will celebrate 100 years on March 31st. Mrs. Clapper has 6 children, 24 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren and 31 great-great grandchildren. She has been a life long resident of the Clapper Hill area, and has been involved in dairy farming throughout her life. An open house will be held at Lena's home on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new hot water heat furnace was added to the church in October 1994 thus replacing the previous hot air type furnace that was so loud! 

 

The church got a telephone in January 1995.  Vicki Ellis paid for the installation and the Sunday school paid the first year’s telephone bill.

 

Rev George L Sweet (1944 - 1947) donated a lighted stained glass cross March 22, 1945 to all the churches of the Camptown charge in memory of his son.  It hung on the wall where the present day clock donated by Mary Shatinsky is located.  At one time it hung over the altar in front.  In the 1960’s, the cross was removed from the sanctuary, only to be placed in the hall closet.  When the new bathroom was installed in the closet, it was then placed in the attic.  It was in need of repair.  In January 1996 the attic was insulated.  When the attic was insulated in January of 1996, the old cross was found.  Charlotte Fassett took the "old stained glass cross" home for repairs, which was done by Randy Campbell. It is with great sadness to say that this cross was destroyed in the house fire of Dale and Carol Brotzman’s January 13, 2004. It had been stored there after the last exhibition.   Also found was an extruding Styrofoam star with a few dried-up carnations in it.  No explanation for that item has been found.

 

 

 

Left to Right, Daniel Clapper, Clifford Clapper, Orell Clapper and Lena Smith Clapper in the middle in the front row. Behind Orell is Lynn Clapper and behind Lena is Ernest Clapper, Verna Clapper McMicken is the lady in the plaid while Blanche Woodruff is in the two-piece outfit.

 

The photo below is of Daniel and Rita Stine Clapper’s wedding November 14, 1953. Daniel and Sylvia Repsher Clapper are flanking the bride and groom. Remember the steeple was dedicated to her also. Leo Bolles records in his diary that they were married in Saint Joachim’s Catholic Church, Meshoppen, PA at 10 o’clock. Rose Marie and Robert Babcock of Silvara were married the same day at 4 o’clock.

 

Greg Campbell created a new church welcoming sign for his Eagle Scout project.   A pancake supper was held March 8, 1996 as a benefit for this $600.00 plus project. The sign was completed July 11, 1996.  It is located in the front lawn next to the well.  Now everyone will know who we are thanks to Greg.  The lovely flowers were planted by Mary Shatinsky, even before the final cap­ping stones were added.

 

 

 

Greg Campbell poses

with his lovely sign.

 

Photo by Jane McGee

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Randy Campbell’s Construction crew” hung new vinyl double doors May 1, 1996.  The new doors replaced the old wooden double hung red doors that leaked too much cold air! Over the years these door have been painted various shades of pinks and reds. At the present they are maroon.

 

In February 1997, Donna Bennett added a new, wall mounted, indi­vidual mailbox board.  It has the names of all active church participants, great for inter-church mail, and notes.  In March, she added a new corner cabinet in the main dining room. It match­es the kitchen cabinets. It replaced the table in the left corner of the main dining hall.

 

The building again took on a new look beginning March 28, 1998 when a new porch was added to the entire lower side of the church.  The funding for this project came from Francis Brotzman.  It was to be in memory of his son Dennis Brotzman Sr., his wife Jeanette Salsman Brotzman, his parents Clark and Florence Sink Brotzman, her parents Solomon and Sarah Etta Westbrook Sink, and Clark’s parents Elisha and Rose Culver Brotzman. It was also in honor of Jeanette and Francis Brotzman’s son Randy. Randy Brotzman went home to be with the Lord May 24, 2005.  Two benches were placed under the porch just before Memorial Day, one in honor of Florence Brotzman and the other a gift of Mary Shatinsky. The 1998 Trustees report is as follows and pretty well covers this project: The trustees report by Dale Bennett quotes that Randy Campbell and his crew donated their time to build the front porch, with special thanks to Carl Yurgatis for the lumber and Gary Sharer for the use of his air hammer.  On a second project, Gary Sharer donated his backhoe, and volun­teers repaired the lower side of the church by building a stabilizer wall.  The cost of this project was $140.04, much less than anticipated

 

Photo by Carol Brotzman

 

A Red Maple Tree in memory of Florence Sink Brotzman (January 02, 1898 December 29, 1997) was placed just above the storage shed May 7, 1998.

*   Historians note: This tree died from too dry of weather in 1999.   

           

A new pavilion was added in the spring of 2000.  It was dedicated in memory of Walter Sharer and his sister Grace Sharer Bennett. The four picnic tables were dedicated as follows:  Dorothy Bennett, from the grandchildren of Grace Bennett, the Ladies Aide, and the last one from the memorial funds of Francis Brotzman.  It was ready to use for the May 27, 2000 Memorial Day - 150th Anniversary cele­bration.   The headstone for Riley Potter was part of the cele­bration on May 28th.

 

 

 

 

Walter (the little shorter male) Donald, Grace and Ruth who is seated.

(Bennett Genealogy photo)

THE WINDOWS OF THE CHURCH

 

Photos by Jane McGee

Please note the beautiful detailed, old metal ceiling, which was replaced during the renovation work in 2005. The church interior received a coat of light blue paint.

 

 

What beautiful windows to the world they are.  Dedicated as contributions and memorials from and for members of our church families here at Beaver Meadows.  There are twelve original large stained glass windows in the sanctuary which, when purchased, cost $50 each. There are also two smaller stained glass windows in the entry hall that were purchased for $25 each and were left unsigned.  The windows were installed around July 1920.  There is a newspaper clipping and the Sabbath School records of July 25, 1920, that state  “the church was in no condition to have services on account of the windows”.   There is no written record of installation available or how long it took for the order to be filled.  This was certainly a costly venture for each family committed to buy a window.  Chester Culver was in charge of records at that time.  He kept all the records on little snips of paper, even envelope backs in his writing desk.  Glenn Bennett retold me this story. 

 

The original windows were just plain glass, probably the bubble glass type. The beautiful stained glass windows replaced them.  I have viewed all the stained glass windows of the local churches and Beaver Meadows by far is the prettiest! I wouldn’t be prejudiced would I! They are of a floral scroll design depicting shades of green, gold, rose, and blue.  The congregation as a whole paid for the smaller windows in the entry hall.  The larger windows in the sanctuary all are inscribed with the buyer’s name or in memory of the named loved one.  In 1976, the windows were repaired at a cost of $265.  This was paid through donations.  In order to protect their beauty, storm windows were installed in April 1990.  Starting at the stairway in the back of the sanctuary, the names on the windows are as follows:

 

                                              Mr. and Mrs. Peter Clapper

Mr. and Mrs. N. C. Cobb

Presented by the Live Wires S. S. Class

In Memory of L. A. Pickett and Jacob Bond

Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Culver (beside altar on left)

F. E. Belden (beside altar on right)

Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Wooton Sr. (sic)

Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Pickett and Family

Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Carter

Clifford and Helen Clapper 

 

Mr. Glenn Bennett recalls that this last window for the Clapper’s was left blank originally.  Chester and Wavie Bennett Culver purchased it.  In later years, it was sold to the grandchildren of Clifford and Helen Clapper to be used as a memorial to them.  Donna Bennett placed the names in calligraphy on the window. Dale Bennett and Douglas Clapper used the proceeds donated by the Clapper family to pay for the storm windows, which they made.  The glass was installed and donated by Francis Ace.  Mrs. Francis (Rhea Brotzman) Ace is a descendant of the Culver, Smith, and Brotzman families.

* Historians note: the following photos of the windows are by Carol Brotzman July 24, 2005

 

 

            The window bearing the names of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Clapper probably refers to Peter Clapper, May 31, 1814 -1899, and his wives.  Peter was born in New York.  He was the son of William Peter and Catharine McKarg Clapper, (note the spelling of her name is from the headstone Catharine) natives of Baltimore, New York.  Peter was first married to Betsey Coates 1821-1848, however when she passed he married second to Sarah Hawley Kelley 1835-1904.  Peter and Sarah appeared in Tuscarora Township around 1880 with their daughter, Hattie B. Clapper who was age 10.  They resided across the road from the church near the Beaver Meadow Pond.  Peter and Sarah have an infant son buried in the Beaver Meadow Cemetery, headstone dated September 1, 1867.  Peter was an original signer of the Tuscarora and Rush Compact.  His property was deeded to N. C. Strickland in 1895.  Peter and his wives are interred at the Stevensville Cemetery.  His father, William Peter, was also referred to as “Peter” sometimes, and was of German descent.  William Peter served in the War of 1812.   Catharine was of Irish descent.  They are both buried in the Fowler Hill Cemetery, Rush Township, Susquehanna County.  Their individual headstones depict weeping willow trees and record the following data: Wm P. Clapper died January 20, 1858 age 73 years 4 months and 10 days (born September 10, 1785 New York).  Catharine’s stone records: Wife of Wm P. Clapper died October 3, 1858 age 68 years 1 month and 18 days (born 1785 in New York).  The Lutheran Church records at Sand Lake, Greene County, New York record William was baptized there in 1785. The Clapper family can be traced back to Hans Wilhelm Klapper of Hessen Germany. He died in Eschbach, Germany September 15, 1689. His wife was Margaretha.

 

*Historians Note:  The secretary’s book of 10/18/1934 containing the Stevensville Cemetery records state, “that Hattie Hitchcock paid for perpetual care of the Peter Clapper lot in the Stevensville Cemetery”.  Harriet B. Clapper (January 29, 1870 - January 20, 1944) and her husband, Asa W. Hitchcock (1871 - September 14, 1904) are buried in the East Herrick Cemetery.

 

Infant son of Peter and Sarah Clapper in the Beaver Meadows cemetery.

 

The following photo is by Carol Brotzman, taken at the Fowler Hill Cemetery in Rush Township, Susquehanna County, PA. Note the spelling of Catharine Clappers’ first name. The cemetery is located on the former William Whitney property last owned by the Whitney family, now by Richard and Karen Schultz. Catharines photo is right under those in the cemetery in this photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nathan C. Cobb (June 18, 1835 - September 15, 1915) and his wife, Josephine Culver Cobb (May 6, 1842 – January 6, 1923) donated the next window.  They resided on the former Olin Fassett farm on the Board Road.  Nathan was the son of Calvin and Phoebe Stone Cobb.  He signed the original charter of the Tuscarora and Rush Compact.  Nathan was an early officer in the Church and Cemetery Association.  Josephine Culver was a granddaughter to the local Revolutionary War hero, Timothy Culver.  Josephine was the daughter of James and Margaret French Culver.  Nathan and Josephine were the parents of three children:  Dutton, Charlotte, and Louanna.  Dutton married Ella McLaud.  He signed the Compact of the church.  Dutton was also influential in getting the first Post Office established here at Champion Hill.  He became the first Postmaster.  Some stories say Ella, his wife, was the Postmistress.  Dutton was also very active in the early church, holding many offices.  He sold his property in 1907 to his father-in-law, George McLaud, and moved to Spring Hill.  Charlotte (Lottie) Cobb, a member of the church, married Levi Carlin.  Louanna married Perry Brown.  Louanna was a very active member of the church.  She served as Ladies Aid President and was referred to many times in the Quarterly Conference Books.  Nathan Cobb and his wife are interred in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery.

 

Nathan C. Cobb, a highly esteemed citizen, died at his home near Silvara, September 23, 1915, after an illness of a few weeks of cancer.  His age was 79 years. His wife, two sons and two daughters survive him. He was a kind husband and father, respected and loved by all who knew him. Funeral services were held at the Beaver Meadow church, Saturday afternoon. He was carried by his grandsons and laid to rest beneath a profusion of flowers. Contributed.

 

 

Their daughter Louanna Cobb Brown’s obituary

 Mrs. Perry Brown, 68, a life long resident of Stevensville, died at her home Friday evening about 8:30 Her death was a great shock to her family and friends. She had been in rather poor health for some time before going to the Robert Packer Hospital last Friday. She returned home Thursday night, tired and apparently went to sleep around 11 o’clock. She did not awaken to consciousness again. She is survived by her husband, one daughter, Mrs. (Marjorie) Clifford Hill of Stevensville; one son Floyd of Stevensville; 16 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the home Monday at 2 o’clock. Rev. Stanley I Ray officiating, ands assisted by Rev. Deloss Smith. Burial will be at Beaver.

 

Louanna and Perry Brown (Family photo)

 

 * Historian’s note: I would like to note that a son, Claude Brown predeceased his mother Louanna on March 26, 1937. He was buried in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery, with his twin sons, which were born and died April 14, 1937 buried on top of him. Louanna’s brother Dutton Cobb (May 18, 1860 – June 22, 1909) married Ella Lois McLaud (December 11, 1857 – April 23, 1937) on August 3, 1881.  They were the parents of five children as follows:  Virginia married Ross Carter; Ethel married Claude Carter; Ernest married Edith Shumway; Eva (Myra Elizabeth) married Leon Rowe; and Ralph married Marjorie Barnes.  They leave many descendants who still live in the area. Louanna’s sister Charlotte (Lottie) (November 27, 1866 - August 02, 1941) married Levi Carlin (April 17, 1866 – December 23, 1935). They were the parents of Josephine, Isabelle and Ferris Carlin.

 

 

 

There is a window presented by the Live Wires Sunday school Class.  This was a Sabbath school group of young ladies. Their leader was Mrs. Susie (Susan Edith) Bond Pickett (June 16, 1857 – February 6, 1930).  She was the daughter of Jacob and Catherine P. Brink Bond. Katherine M. Clapper Garris (April 28, 1891 – December 29, 1934) wrote the following poem as a tribute to her dear friend and teacher.  Katherine was the daughter of Daniel and Estella Place Clapper.  There is some discrepancy as to how Katherine’s name was spelled but this is the way she signed this tribute – Katherine Garris.   (This poem courtesy of Jenella Ryan)

 

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAR FRIEND

AND SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER

MRS. M. J. PICKETT

 

God planted a flower years ago

In a garden of our hearts,

And so many years he has let it grow,

That it seems of us a part.

 

At first ‘twas the beautiful bud of love

In the heart of a darling bride;

And the young husband felt, as he looked above,

That the portals of Heaven swung wide;

 

For the bud it grew to a blossom rare,

The flower of a Mother’s love.

For the dear tiny daughter God had sent there

As gentle and sweet as a dove.

 

A few happy years slipped rapidly by,

When again their hearts were made glad;

By a second gift from the Father on high,

This time ‘twas a little lad.

 

The tendrils of love in these tiny flowers,

Entwined their hearts around;

While there fragrance sweetened their happy hours,

And joy in this home did abound.

 

Till a cloud appeared in the skies one day,

When death’s angel came into their home,

And bore little Jennie up and away

To grace God’s heavenly throne.

 

It seemed their poor hearts would break with grief,

But they were endowed with God’s grace;

So He spoke to them gently and sent relief,

Calm and peace their sorrow replaced.

 

They have tasted the sweetness of life’s many years

And been blessed with the crown of old age;

With grandchildren around them nigh grown,

They were writing their life’s last page.

 

When suddenly, softly, the angel of death

Pressed grimly at the door.

Gently kissing away the lingering last breath,

Of the Mother we all so adore.

 

Then the angels descended from Heaven’s open portal,

And wafted her spirit thither,

To dwell there in peace, her soul immortal,

That no chill blast can wither.

 

She has greeted her little one, blessed day!

That unites these two flowers of love,

Where their beauty and grace shall live on

Spreading their perfume above.

 

Mourn if you will, for God has said

“Blessed be they that mourn.”

There is healing balm in the tears that you shed

For the wound from death’s torn.

 

But oh!  What a comfort, dear mourners, to know

She has walked with her God, far from sin;

Be assured, “It is well, it is well with her soul”

She is peacefully resting with Him.

 

Tenderly, gently, we’ll lay her away,

‘Tis the last loving deed we can do.

For one, who in life, was so eager to say

A kinder word, or a good deed to do.

 

Bide your time in peace, while she calmly waits;

To greet you over there;

When you enter in at the pearly gates,

The joys of Heaven to share.

 

April 25, 1915: Sunday school as usual, total of 29 present, total collection of $.35, Sunday school closed as usual.  The young ladies of Beaver Meadows met at the home of M.J.  Pickett. They organized their group.  The name of the class is the  "Live Wires."  The motto is "Live Wires for Christ," the colors; Gold and Green; the officers elected were as follows; President Zeal­tha (Zeltha is correct spelling) Blakeslee, Vice President Hazel Bennett, Secretary-Treasurer Katie Brotzman, Social committee Gladys Devine, Tressa Pickett, and Geneva Smith, sick committee Mildred Wootton, Nellie Marbak­er, and Isabel Carlin. The "Live Wires" will hold a social May 29 for the benefit of the class.

 

 

A photograph of a painting by Donna Bennett of the Beaver Meadow’s early church

(A Bennett Genealogy photo)

 

 

The loving wife, Rosa Rinker Pickett Bond, must have donated the window of L. A. Pickett and Jacob Bond.  Lyman A. Pickett died June 8, 1885, at age 36 years, 6 months, 21 days.  Lyman is buried in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery.  He was married to Rosa Rinker in 1877.  She married Jacob Bond (July 1836 – February 22, 1918) in 1895.  She was laid to rest in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery with both husbands in Lot 135.  Rosa and Lyman were the parents of one son named Leon Avery Pickett.  Rosa was a member of the Beaver Meadow Church in 1875.  She transferred her membership to Newark Valley on October 29, 1925.  Lyman Pickett signed the Tuscarora and Rush Compact and served as a Trustee.  Jacob Bond was also a Trustee and signer of the Compact.  He was the father of at least two children, Susan Bond (Mrs. Marcus Pickett) and Harry Bond. Jacob was married at least three times. First to Catherine Brink the mother of Susie Pickett and George Bond, second to Susan Hattie Miller and third to Rosa Rinker Pickett. He was the son of Jacob and Susan Bond. Lyman Pickett, Rosa’s first husband was the son of Ezekiel Avery and Eliza Eastabrooks Pickett, and brother to Marcus Pickett husband of Susan Bond.

 

 

Photo by Carol Brotzman July 4, 2005

 

 

 

Clapper Hill, July 12 ___(she died July 8, 1933)

Rosie Marie Rinker was born June 16, 1855 (hard to read might be June 15) in Carbon County. At the age of 22 she united in marriage to Lyman Pickett of Clapper Hill and they made their home in that community until his death on July 8, 1885. To this union was born one son, Leon Avery, who with his wife still survives. In 1895 Mrs. Pickett married Jacob Bond, continuing her residence here until his death about 15 years ago when she went to York State to be near her son. During her residence in this community, Mrs. Bond made a host of friends. Enduring herself to all who met her. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Church and never failed to avail herself of an opportunity to serve God. It really did seem as though a kind Providence guided her home to die among her friends and amid scenes of happy days she had spent there. She was visiting at the home of Marcus Pickett and family, calling on old neighbors for the past two weeks when she was stricken with a shock, which resulted in death Saturday, July 8, at 11:15 a.m. the day being the 48^th anniversary of the death of her first husband.  She retained her habitual cheerfulness until the very last returning Friday evening in the spirit. When she failed to appear for breakfast as usual Mrs. Pickett went to her room and found her unconscious. She at once summoned friends and the doctor, but nothing could be done, and she never regained consciousness, but gently passed on. Mrs. Bond is survived by her son Leon of Newark Valley N.Y., two sisters near Millville, N.Y., and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held July 10 at the Beaver Meadows Church. Reverend C L Andrews officiating assisted by Mrs. Bonds nephew Reverend Richard Rinker of Pittston, with internment in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery. A trio, Mrs. Bruce Carter, and her two daughters sang “When Jesus Cares”.

 

 

 

 

The window to the left of the altar is entitled, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Culver.  James Jarvis Culver and his wife, Catherine Potter Culver, left many descendants that reside in this community.  James Jarvis Culver (May 17, 1840 – January 11, 1922) was the son of James C. and Margaret French Culver.  His wife, Catherine E. Potter (April 13, 1838 – February 17, 1906) was the daughter of Rufus and Catherine Johnston Potter.  They were buried in Beaver Meadow Cemetery.  Catherine was first married to Timothy Culver, who died in the Civil War.  Timothy was brought back here for burial.  James was heartbroken at his brother’s death because he had talked Timothy into serving his country in the Civil War.  The story goes that he married Timothy’s widow for that reason.  James Jarvis Culver served as a Corporal in the 171^st PA Volunteer Company D and as a Sergeant in 203^rd PA Volunteer Company C.  James and Catherine were married on March 3, 1866, at Opposition by Rev. Ezekiel Mintz.  They were the parents of six children.  Lennie (born 2/18/1867) married Arthur Bennett.  Jennie (born 2/18/1867-1957) married first to Fernando (Nan) C. Comstock.  After Nan Comstock died, her next marriage was to William Brotzman, son of Anthony and Permelia Bump Brotzman about 1904.  Rose, or Rose Ella (1871-1956) married Elisha Brotzman.  He was also the son of Anthony and Permelia Bump Brotzman.  Minnie (1869-1958) married George H. Wood.  James C. (1873-1923) married Myrtle Hoover first.  They divorced.  His second wife was Anna Jones.  Helen (1871 or 1877-1968) was married to Merton Tyrrell.  Her headstone at the Beaver Meadows Cemetery lists as her dates 1876 – no death date listed. Catherine and Timothy Culver had one daughter who predeceased them, Phinia Culver who died May 07, 1864 and was buried in the Culver lot in Beaver Meadows.

 

James J. Culver passed away at the home of his son James, on Wednesday January 11, after a brief illness. In the passing of Mr. Culver it takes away another one of our aged Veterans from our midst. Mr. Culver has been in poor health for many years. Funeral services were held at the Beaver Meadows Church Saturday and interment in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery. The deceased is survived by his one son James, Mrs. Minnie Wood and Mrs. Martin Turrell of Wilkes Barre, Mrs. William Brotzman of Mehoopany, Mrs. Arthur Bennett of Silvara, and Mrs. Elisha Brotzman of Beaver Meadows. (Note he died January 11, 1922)

 

Mrs. Kate (Katherine Potter) Culver died at the home of her daughter in Wilkes Barre February 17, 1906. Her remains were brought to Clapper Hill for burial. Her seven children mourn her.

 

*Historian’s Note:  All the Brotzman families involved in the charge were descended from Anthony Brotzman and his two wives, Permelia Bump and Frankie Overpaugh.  The father of Anthony Brotzman was Samuel Brotzman, of Jersey Hill, Pennsylvania who signed the Tuscarora Rush Religious Compact Charter of our Church. Elisha and Rose Culver Brotzman were the parents of eleven children.  Many of their descendants are still active in our church.  They made their home while raising their family where Dale and Carol Hoose Brotzman raised their family. The original Culvers, James and Margaret that came here about 1845 make their home where Francis and Jeanette Salsman Brotzman raised their family.) Dale and Carol Brotzman purchased the farm in 2000, and obtained the prestigious Pennsylvania Century Farm status in August 2002 for the farm being in the Culver/Brotzman family more than 100 years, actually it was 156 years to that date. The family has owned the other section of the farm where Elisha and Rose Culver Brotzman resided for a century in 2004.

 

Rose and Elisha Culver Brotzman

 

 

 

The Culver Brotzman century farm taken about 1960

The same farm 1988, the photographer was by Bill Sova

 

 

 

This is supposed to be a portrait of James Jarvis and Catherine Potter Culver.

Photo donated by Grace Fetherbay Borek

 

 

 

This is the Edward and Almeda Wage Marbaker home in 1893 located on Clapper Hill according to the photo label, however it is actually known as Beaver Meadows now. It was the house that Elisha and Rose Culver Brotzman purchased about 1902 from Almeda Marbaker Gibbs. The house was next to where she grew up on the original Culver homestead. The Brotzmans and the Marbakers each raised families of 12 children in this portion of the house. It was later added onto many times.  In the 1930’s, Elisha Brotzman moved the smoke house, another old house from across the road, a garage and a woodshed to form the L shaped portion of the house, which you see in the next photograph. A front porch and a cinderblock woodshed were added later.  The house next changed hands to James “Clark” and Florence Sink Brotzman about 1926.  Dale and Carol Hoose Brotzman were the last occupants; unfortunately it burned to the ground on January 13, 2004 on a very cold windy day. We moved in the day we got married at the Beaver Meadows Church March 24, 1973. I loved my old house. Florence Brotzman had stayed there until that time.

The people in the photo are probably Almeda Marbaker and some of her children. She left Eddie Marbaker about that time and moved back home. They had gone to make their home in Virginia about 1886.  I asked Martha Walker for confirmation; she has the family bibles, diaries and albums. I got the following note as proof:

 

 

 

You asked about confirmation that Almeda went with Edward to Virginia.  While I think the birth of their son William in Virginia is pretty good proof I have more!  I am reading Hettie's 1925 diary just to see what's in there. (Their daughter Hettie Marbaker) And, lo and behold, on March 12 she has written "My father and mother and us children started for Virginia 39 years ago today."  So there you have it - more proof.  As an aside note, on April 12 she wrote "Mother and father and children landed in Virginia 39 years ago today in Fauquier County.             Martha Walker

 

 

 

 

This is the house when Clark and Florence Sink Brotzman lived in the house in 1955. The Marbaker’s had been visiting as they snapped this photo which belongs to Martha Walker.

 

 

 

A Brotzman famliy photo about 1967,

note the cemetery fence is deteriorating.

Back row: Francis Brotzman, Bryce Brotzman, Ruth Cobb Brotzman

Front row: Ruth Brotzman Repsher, the mother Florence Sink Brotzman

and Merle Brink Brotzman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frank Belden ordered the F. E. Belden window.  He never paid for the window.  The congregation took up a collection to pay for it, and then the Joel Carter family paid the balance.  This is the window to the right of the altar.  Mr. Belden was a stranger to the area and very little is known about him.  He came here during the War (WWI).  There were even rumors that he was a spy.  It reality, he was just a handyman and resided wherever he could, mostly at the Joel Carter home.    Mr. Belden attended Sabbath School and was elected Superintendent of the Sunday school in 1918.  He also sang and played the organ.  He disappeared from the area as quietly as he came.  He came; he did good things and left mysteriously. The rumor was he came from the LeRaysville. Frank stayed with the Carters, and their daughter Amelia M Carter (December 12, 1875 - April 17, 1964, Mrs. Will Tiffany). She at one time resided in Manhattan, New York when she took in William Schweitzer  (December 3, 1906 - May 3, 1984) as an immigrant child about age 9 with no family. The story goes Amelia took in four boys coming in together with no families, however only Bill stayed with her for life. In 1930 census Frank E Beldon is in Auburn Township residing next to Charles and Minnie Ace McMicken. He would have been born about 1872-1873 in New Jersey with parents both being born in New Jersey.

 

Mr. and Mrs. George Wootton, Sr., have a window dedicated to them.  (Historian’s Note:  The Wootton’s name was not spelled correctly on the window.)  George Wootton, Sr. (June 8, 1851 - May 6, 1927) and his wife, Eliza Wetton Wootton (1852 - November 3, 1929) were both born in England.  They married there on January 27, 1872.  They were the parents of at least seven children. Thomas, George Jr., John, and May were all born in England.  The family set sail for the United States April 18, 1882, and arrived May 1, 1882.  They made their home in Rush Township, near West Auburn.  Rose, Euna and H. Olin were born in the United States.  Their daughter, Rose, died a young woman.  Euna (August 8, 1888 - August 13, 1961) was the wife of Harry J. Pickett.  Harry Olin Wootton (December 31, 1892 – May 18, 1961) married Ina Beeman.  May married Lafayette Monroe Magee January 9, 1900. The Wootton’s became active in our community and resided where the Randy and Sandy Benscoter Campbell family resides now.  The Wootton family appears on the membership list about 1886 (Beaver Meadow was not far from West Auburn and was a Union Church).  George Sr. and Eliza Wootton are buried at the Beaver Meadows Cemetery along with many of their family members.  They leave many descendants with the names of Pickett, Cobb, MaGee, Sharer, and Bennett. The following Clapper Hill News item appeared in a local paper depicting how much the families depended upon each other. "Clapper Hill items, 4 Dec 1912: Mrs. Harry Pickett is very ill.  Her mother, Mrs. George Wootton, is helping care for her.  Her friends hope for a speedy recovery." Mr. Wootton’s obituary simply said it all; this family was a big part of this community.

 

Laceyville May 10, George Wootton of Laceyville died Friday afternoon after an illness of some time. Funeral services were conducted at the family home Monday afternoon at 2:30 with internment in the family plot at the Clapper Hill Cemetery.

He was born in England June 8, 1851. Married Eliza (Wetton) Wootton On January

27, 1872. On April 18, 1882 they sailed for America, landing in New York City on May 1^st. Besides his wife, he is survived by the following children: John A. Of Kingsley, George, Jr. of Montrose, Thomas H. of Connecticut, Mrs. (Mae) L M. Magee (Lafayette) and Mrs. Harry (Euna) Pickett of Laceyville, Olin H at home and Harry Place, the husband of daughter Rose now deceased of Scranton. Also twenty-one grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Mr. Wootton was a resident of this section for many years and his genial smile will be missed by many.  I would like to note he died May 6, 1927 and was buried May 9, 1927 in the Beaver Meadows/Clapper Hill Cemetery. 

 

Mrs. George S. Wootton, Sr. (Eliza Wetton) died at the home of her son Olin Wootton, near Laceyville, on Sunday evening Nov. 3, 1929. She had been in failing health for some time and the end came peacefully. The deceased was a native of England where she was born in 1852. Following hr marriage, she and her husband came to America and they lived in Rush Township, where they lived for many years. About 30 years ago they moved near Laceyville. In both communities she was well known and her many fine qualities endeared her to many friends. She was a sterling type of Christian and an active worker for many years in the Beaver Meadow Church. Her husband’s death occurred about two years ago. Two daughters and for sons survive her Mrs. (Mae) L M. Magee of Edinger Hill, Mrs. (Euna) Harry Pickett of Fowler Hill, John A. Wootton of Florida, Thomas Wootton of Torrington, Connecticut, George S. Wootton of Montrose and Olin Wootton of Laceyville. The funeral was held at her late home on Tuesday morning at eleven o’clock.  The cask bearers were Clifton Magee of Camptown, Warren VanDyke of Rush, Kenneth Wootton of Torrington, Connecticut and Ray Wootton of Montrose.  (The spelling and wording on all obituaries is as found.)

 

 

The window inscribed Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Pickett and family stands for those faithful servants of the Beaver Meadow Church, Marcus James Pickett (July 6, 1852 - February 18, 1942) and his wife, Susan Edith Bond Pickett (June 16, 1857 – February 6, 1930).  Marcus was the son of Avery and Eliza Eastabrooks Pickett.  Susie Bond Pickett was born in Brinktown on January 16, 1857.  She was the daughter of Jacob Bond and his first wife, Catherine P. Brink.  Marcus and Susie were married on December 11, 1877.  They made their home close to where the Arden Campbell home is located today in Stevens Township, in that time era it was Pike Township.  Susie’s obituary states that she was the First Ladies Aid President in 1887 when the organization was formed.  It also states that she was a 50 Year Member of the Beaver Meadow Church.  The poem featured with the Live Wires S. S. Class window describes Marcus and Susie’s life eloquently.  Marcus was a signer of the Tuscarora and Rush Compact.  He also held many offices in the Church, Cemetery Association, and Sabbath School.  Susie served faithfully in many roles especially teaching Sabbath School.  The Pickett’s were true servants of the Lord and shared their beliefs with their children.  Jennie M. Pickett was their only daughter.  She died February 29, 1888 at just 8 years, 11 months, and 15 days.  She was laid to rest in the Beaver Meadow Cemetery. Their son, Harry J. Pickett (May 16, 1884 – July 8, 1959), married Euna Wootton (August 8, 1888 - August 13, 1961).  Harry and Euna were the parents of three children:  Clyde, Eldred, and Evelin.               Their descendants stayed active in the church until moving from the area.  Gwen Pickett found her ancestral family church intriguing and became active in the Beaver Meadows Church in 1995.  She was welcomed as a new member on Palm Sunday, March 23, 1997.  Her niece Autumn Pickett diligently comes to Sunday school with her.  The old membership book reveals a lot about this family and the importance of religion to them.  On June 1886, Rev Gaylord Jacobs recorded that Susan Pickett transferred her membership from an Evangelical church.  She also transferred to an Evangelical Church the same year.  These transfers must have occurred within our own union church structure here at Beaver Meadows.  Susie never left the area after marrying Marcus. The record book records “see old record book”, Rev Harry M Savercool recorded the death, however Rev Wilson Treible preformed the funeral service as a friend of the family. In regards to Marcus Pickett in the membership book, we see one obvious error, he could never have joined the church in 1776, the records probably should have recorded 1876, however the Camptown Church record book records “see old record book”.  Rev F A Downey was the recording minister. Rev Deloss Smith recorded his death. It was a blistery cold snowy day and James Arthur Garris kept the road to the house shoveled by HAND according to Jenella Garris Ryan his daughter!

 

Wording on all obituaries was recorded as found.

Beloved Clapper Hill Lady Passes Away (Susan Edith Bond Pickett)

On Thursday, February 8, 1930, Clapper Hill lost one of its most esteemed residents in the person of Mrs. Marcus Pickett. She was taken ill on the Saturday preceding and her condition was not considered serious until Wednesday, the day before her death, and even a few moments before she departed this life, those around her had hopes for her recovery.  The funeral was held at her late home on Clapper Hill Sunday afternoon at 1:30. The services were in charge of Rev Treible of Mehoopany, a former Pastor of the church, which Mrs. Pickett attended, and a friend of the family for many years. There was a profusion of beautiful floral offerings and a host of relatives, friends and neighbors assembled at the home to pay their last respects to one who was loved by all. Mrs. Pickett was born on January 16, 1857 at Brinktown. On December 11, 1877, she was married to Marcus Pickett. They had two children, a daughter Jennie who died at the age of 9 years, and a son Harry, and is wife Eunie who live at home. Also three grandchildren, Evelyn, Clyde and Eldred Pickett. She is survived by her husband and one brother, Harvey Bond, of Ellingtown. Mrs. Pickett was an active member of the Beaver Meadows Methodist Church for over fifty years. In 1887, when the first Ladies Aide Society was organized she was elected the first President. Her wonderful Christian life, sunny disposition and kindness to all have won for her a place in the hearts of all who knew her which will make her passing seem a personal loss to each one. Interment was made in the family plot in Beaver Meadows Cemetery. The Grange of which she and her husband were members, had charge of part of the service at the grave.

 

The funeral of Marcus Pickett was held at his home in Stevens Township February 21, 1942. Rev. Deloss Smith of Camptown was the officiating clergyman. Rev. Smith commented briefly upon the great service the deceased had rendered to his church and community during his long and useful life. Mr. Pickett was born in Auburn Township, Susquehanna County, July 6,1952, and removed to Bradford County with his parents, the late Avery and Eliza (Easterbrooks) Pickett, at an early age. On December 31, 1877, he joined Susie Bond of La Grange, PA., in marriage. This was a happy union that lasted over fifty-three years and was terminated by he death of Mrs. Pickett February 6, 1930. This union was blessed with two children, a daughter Jennie who died in childhood, and a son Harry J. who lives on the homestead. Besides his son, three grandchildren survive the deceased: Mrs. Evelyn Stalford of Endicott, N.Y., Private Harry Clyde Pickett, Troop C, 14^th Calvary, and Eldred at home. One great grandchild, Ronald Stalford of Endicott. Early in life Mr. Pickett united with the Methodist Church at Beaver Meadows and has been a faithful member since that time. He has held every lay office of that church and for a number of years was Superintendent of the Sunday school. At the time of his death he was an

Honorary trustee. He was also a member of the Shiloh Grange at West Auburn, PA., and held in high esteem by that order.  Interment was made at Beaver Meadows Cemetery, with in the shadow of the church he served so long and well. The Grange had charge of the committal services. Music was furnished by Mr. And Mrs. Claude Carter who were fellow Grangers.

 

 

 

There is a window dedicated with the names of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Carter.  We mentioned earlier that they helped finance the F. E. Belden window.  Joel Gilbert Carter was born on February 12, 1854, the son of John and Sarah C. Carter.  He married Harriet Josephine Clapper.   Joel and Harriet were active in the early church.  They both officially joined in 1914.  Church records indicate that they were active for many years prior to the official membership record.  He died on November 18, 1929, at the age of 75.  She died April 13, 1946, at age 87.  Joey (Josephine Harriet) was the daughter of John and Harriet Culver Clapper.  Joey held various offices:  President of the Epworth League, Ladies Aid President, and Superintendent of the Sabbath School.  Joel also held offices in the Sabbath School.  Joel was a handyman for the church. Repairing the steeple was one of his jobs. They were the parents of three known children: Amelia Mildred, Daniel, and Herbert.  Amelia Mildred Carter was born December 12, 1875.  She married Will Tiffany.  Their only child died and was buried in the Beaver Meadow Cemetery.  Amelia raised William Schweitzer as her son when she resided in New York City.  He, in turn, cared for her the rest of her life and supported the family.  Amelia died April 18, 1964.    Daniel died December 25, 1896, at age 9 years, 3 months, and 11 days.  Herbert died December 11, 1920 at age 33 years.  He had been hit by a baseball and taken to the Robert Packer Hospital.  He died there from the injury.  The Carters

are buried in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery.  They have a large family stone, however there are no dates etched on it.   Inadvertently, our previous historian Mary Schweitzer is connected to this family, as she later became the common law wife of William Schweitzer. Mary gleamed everything she could find in that house to preserve our church history. We are very grateful for that.

 

 

 

 

The Clifford and Helen Clapper window has already been mentioned briefly.  Mr. Glenn Bennett, at the age of 90, remembered, “Chester and Wavie Bennett Culver purchased this window.  They wanted it left blank for the people who could not afford to purchase a window”.  There are no records available to substantiate Mr. Bennett’s memories but he is a fine historian and has credibility.  Donna Bennett inscribed the Clifford and Helen Clapper window with dedication services held in late winter 1989.  Clifford S. Clapper (August 29, 1904 – April 20, 1973) and his wife, Helen Brown Clapper (June 26, 1906 – June 13, 1988), resided on Clapper Hill.  Clifford was the son of Orell and Lena Smith Clapper.  Helen was the daughter of Frank and Lucy Coolbaugh Brown of LeRaysville.  They were the parents of five children:  Marjorie, Barbara, Lyle, Betty, and Ralph.  There were ten grandchildren.  The grandchildren purchased this window from the Ladies Aid as a Memorial in 1989 for all that their grandparents; Clifford and Helen had done for the Beaver Meadows Church.  They were both active members.  Clifford helped at all the church work bees.  Helen held many offices in the church and the last one was as Historian.  They are both resting in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery.

 

Clifford Clapper, 69, of Clapper Hill (Laceyville RD#2) died shortly after his admission to the Tyler Memorial hospital in Tunkhannock, PA. Mr. Clapper was a life long resident of Clapper Hill, a son of Mrs. Lena Smith Clapper and the late Orell Clapper. He was a retired farmer and a stone quarryman. He was a member of the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife the former Helen Brown; a son Ralph of Alexandria, VA. Two daughters Mrs. Elston (Bette) Wootton of Wysox, Mrs. Charles (Marjorie) Brewer of Memphis, Tennessee; three brothers, Ernest and Daniel of Laceyville, and Lynn of Wellsburg, New York. Two sisters, Mrs. Charles (Verna) McMicken of Meshoppen and Mrs. Carlton (Blanche) Woodruff of Chenango Forks New York. 10 great-grandchildren, and 7 great- grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 3 o’clock from the B.O. Sheldon Funeral home in Laceyville. The Reverend Al B. Jayne, Pastor of the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church, will officiate and burial will be in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery.

 

Helen B. Clapper of Clapper Hill, Laceyville, RD#2, passed away at her home Monday, June 13, 1988. Mrs. Clapper was born at LeRaysville June 26, 1906, a daughter of the late Frank and Lucy Coolbaugh Brown. She retired from the Bendix Corporation of South Montrose after working many years. Before t hat she was employed at Elmira Heights, New York during World War II. She was the widow of Clifford Clapper, who passed away in April 1974.  A member of the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church and Ladies Aide society, in her spare time she enjoyed gardening and especially her flowers. Survivors include her daughter Mrs. Bette Wootton of Towanda RD#5 and a son Ralph of Falls Church, Virginia. Four sisters, Mrs. Alice Canfield of Towanda, Mrs. Frances Wright and Miss Joanne Brown both of LeRaysville, and Mrs. Philip (Jeanette) Hickey of Rome, PA. One brother Edwin Brown of Monroeton: three grandsons and seven granddaughters, seventeen great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews survive also. She was preceded in death by a son Lyle Clapper in 1953; two daughters Marjorie Brewer in 1980 and Barbara Salsman in 1961; a brother George Brown in 1988 and a grandson, Danny Brewer. The funeral service will be held Thursday June 16, at 11 a.m. at the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church with the Reverend Margaret Reid officiating. Burial will be in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery

 

 

Clifford and Helen with their daughter Barbara Salsman and granddaughters

Leona, Cathy and Diane Salsman

 

Almeda Wage Marbaker Gibbs and an unknown gentleman about 1922

soon after the new windows were installed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE HYMNALS AT BEAVER MEADOWS

 

There were many hymnal dedications for the old red hymnals; all given in honor of loved ones. This list of hymnals was located.

 

Dedication to               from whom          date

Richard Wayne and Mary Bennett Taylor by Richard Taylor Junior in 1974.

Isabelle Bradshaw by Geraldine and Gerald  Bradshaw in 1974

Marion and Annis McLaud by Ruth Culver 

3  hymnals  Mr. and Mrs. Levi LaFrance one by Alice Fuhrey and daughter,  the other by Bob and Alice Fuhrey, and the third with granddaughter Rhonda listed.  1979

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Blakeslee by Zeltha Aggas and Earl Blakeslee

Earl Blakeslee no name given for donation    (spelling corrected)

Wavie Culver by Ruth S. Culver, her daughter-in-law.

2 hymnals James Arthur Garris by Odessa Garris, his wife and family

Harry and Mary Fassett   by Morris and Charlotte Fassett

William and Della Hawley by Morris and Charlotte Fassett

Clark and Florence Brotzman by Morris and Charlotte Fassett

Frank and Clara Repsher by Morris and Charlotte Fassett

Zeltha Blakeslee Aggas by her daughter Sarah Emburg June 1984

Linda Button By L.A.S. June 1984

Zeltha Blakeslee Aggas 1984 by Betty Boyd Patton, Florence Howard Clapper, Neva Homet Schoonover, Emily Abrams Johnson, Genevieve Summers Fuller

There were probably more, but no other dedication records have been found.

 

New hymnals were ordered, and dedicated as memorials in 1989.  It was noted that Rev. William Reid, a former pastor had some of his works published in this edition.

The following is the list of hymnals dedicated.

Dedicated to                 dedicated from

 

Travis Wade Repsher                 Pearl and Cecil Repsher

Kim Repsher                                Pearl and Cecil Repsher

Clark and Florence Brotzman   Cecil and Pearl Repsher

Frank and Clara Repsher          Cecil and Pearl Repsher

Joyce Hunsinger                          Ruth Wood

Marion V. Bennett                      Grace Bennett

Mae Fassett                                 Diane and Brian Fassett and Family

James A. Garris                          George and Jenella Ryan

Arthur Garris                             Mrs. Odessa Garris

Elgie Groover                             Clyde and Marie Trible

Linda Button Millard                Herbert Button

Ivan Benscoter                            Randy and Sandy Campbell

Eva Cornell Jayne                      Randy and Sandy Campbell

Mabel Wootton Sharer                  Randy and Sandy Campbell

DeAnna Marie Camp                     Morris and Charlotte Fassett

Ralph and Ruth Culver                  Morris and Charlotte Fassett

Mae Fassett                                      Morris and Charlotte Fassett

Pauline Tewksbury                          Kenneth Tewksbury

Pauline Tewksbury 2 hymnals       Dale and Donna Bennett

M.V. Bennett 2 hymnals                 Dale and Donna Bennett

Mabel Cole Breitsprecher               Katy and Tom Reid

Clark Brotzman                               Francis and Jeanette Brotzman

Florence Brotzman                          Francis and Jeanette Brotzman

Rose and Elisha Brotzman              Dale and Carol Brotzman and Family

Sylvia Repsher Clapper                  William and Madge Clapper Kershner

William and Madge Clapper Kershner purchased 1 hymnal

Daniel Clapper Senior                   William and Madge Clapper Kershner

Daniel and Sylvia Clapper             Daniel and Rita Clapper

Daniel and Rita Clapper purchased 1 hymnal

Douglas and Virginia Clapper purchased 1 hymnal

Daniel and Sylvia Clapper             Douglas and Virginia Clapper

Samuel and Olga Kanach purchased 1 hymnal

Webb and Alice Sivers purchased 1 hymnal

Leland Repsher                              Cecil and Pearl Repsher

Ralph Stanton                                 Henry and Beverly Repsher Stanton

Deanna Camp                                 Henry and Beverly Stanton, Lisa,

Arthur, Teresa, Sherri Ann, Jim,

Staci and Derek Stanton

Otto Place                                     Charles “ Chuck” Place

Orell and Lena Clapper               Daniel and Rita Clapper

Orell and Lena Clapper               Douglas and Virginia Clapper

James Kanach                               Samuel and Olga Kanach

Samuel Kanach Jr.                       Samuel and Olga Kanach

Thelma Parys                                Stanley Parys

Clifford and Helen Clapper         Betty Clapper Wootton

Lyle D. Clapper                             Betty Clapper Wootton

Peter J. McGee Sr.                       Jennifer McGee

Peter J. McGee Sr.                       Peter J. McGee III

Peter J. McGee Sr.                       Peter, Jane, and Christopher McGee

Peter J. McGee Sr.                       Friends of The Peter McGee Jr. family

Marjorie Clapper Brewer           Leona, Diane, Cathy Salsman

Helen Clapper                              Diane, Leona, and Cathy Salsman

Barbara Salsman                         Diane, Leona, and Cathy Salsman

O.D. and Lena Clapper               Daniel Clapper Senior

James and Phyllis Lockwood      Anthony and Shoan Davis

Daniel and Sylvia Clapper          Donna Clapper Harvey

Beaver Meadows Sunday School purchased 3 books

Bill and Audrey Eberhardt purchased 3 hymnals

Parry and Bruce Adam               Ladies Aide, Beaver Meadows

Phyllis and James Lockwood purchased 2 hymnals

Florence Brotzman                    Morris and Charlotte Fassett

Margaret and Bill Reid purchased 1 hymnal

Douglas and Virginia Clapper From their children

Dale and Donna Bennett purchased 1 hymnal

Leonard Brink    2 hymnals     Mearl Brink

 

Historians note: Mary Schweitzer recorded from a January 19, 1989 administrative Board meeting that the old blue hymnals from 1939 were to be given to the Transue Community Church, and the red hymnals dedicated above were to be given to whomever wanted them from the congregation.

 

REMEMBRANCE GIFTS TO THE CHURCH

 

The pulpit Bible, copywrited 1886 is inscribed Miss Anna Whitney.  This donation came from Mrs. Blanche Whitney.   There are two other old family bibles in the church, one copywrited 1881 and the other 1896.  There is not any writing in these bibles to indicate where they originally came from.  The only Miss Anna Whitney I have been able to locate was the daughter of Walter and Louisiana Edwards Whitney. She was born on June 20, 1825, a sister to William. H. Whitney who purchased the land the church was built on from Chandler Bixby.  Her will lists her name as Miss Anna Eliza Whitney of Dundee, New York, dated May 13, 1891.   Letters to her estate are dated November 16, 1892.   She was buried in the North Flat Cemetery with her Wyoming County ances­tors and parents.  Her headstone records, Ann Elizabeth Whitney born 6-20-1825 died June 22, 1891. Carl and Marcella Whitney are the only Whitney’s still residing in the area today.

 

The church pews were purchased August 19, 1927 at a cost of $560.00. They since have become a memorial to our founding church fathers.

 

September 18, 1927 the church received a memorial gift of a communion set, given in memory of J.J. Culver, by his daughters and 6 grandchildren.

 

Organ and Pulpit lamps were donated in memory of Lyle D. Clapper October 1, 1937-November 19, 1953 by his parents, Clifford and Helen Clapper.

 Lyle Clapper 1944 age 6 years

A Methodist Church in Duryea, arranged by Rev. Kase, gave the first electric organ. I do not have a date.

 

The Brass Cross and Flower Holders were donated in memory of Llewellyn Sharer 1873-1959, Harry J. Pickett 1884-1959, Wayne C. Bennett 1896-1958, in 1960 by the community.

 

The L.A.S.  Donated a coffee maker in 1947 for Angeline Sharer January 2, 1879- January 21, 1947. Angie was a ladies aide treasurer for all her adult years. Her replacement was her daughter Grace Sharer Bennett who held the job until she was unable to fulfill the service due to ill health.

 

The family donated brass Flower Holders in memory of James A. Garris 1886-1967.

 

Grace Bennett records Brass Candle Holders were donated in 1961 in memory of Daniel and Stella Place Clapper by the granddaugh­ters.  The WSCS minutes record thank you notes from Nina Clapper McLaud and Isilda Carter McLaud as if the WSCS purchased them.  The WSCS purchased them from David C Cook. 

 CLAPPER – at the age of 44 years, Daniel Clapper died at his home in Opposition on Monday.  A wife and six children survive him.  The funeral services were held yesterday afternoon.  [March 17, 1899 newspaper]

 

The family of Clark J. Brotzman, January 5, 1892-February 27, 1967 donated a Baptismal Font in his memory.

 

Photo by Carol Brotzman

In 1972, the brass offering plates were given in memory of Olin (1892-1961) and Ina Wootton (890-1972) by their daughters Mabel Sharer and Ethel Cobb.

 

The American flag was a gift from William Schweitzer; he also had it cleaned several times.

 

The U.S.  Flag and Brass Vases were given in 1973 in honor of Orell D. Clapper 1882-April 15, 1971 by his family.   This re­placed the William Schweitzer flag, which was worn out.

 

The guest Books are in Memory of Wavie Bennett Culver June 27, 1872-November 13, 1954, given by Ralph and Ruth Culver in 1974.

 

Children’s Bible Stories were donated in memory of Danny Brewer, son of Charles and Marjorie Clapper Brewer in 1974 by the commu­nity.

 

Danny Brewer age 6 years

Clapper family photo

 

 

Books;  "All the Apostles of the Bible," given by Jenella Ruth Ryan Sands, and "All the Women of the Bible" donated by Thomas A. Ryan in honor of George Albert Ryan Jr August 25, 1980-March 24, 1981.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are 3 Memorial Plaques on the sanctuary walls:

 

1    One in honor of Ruth Culver for her many hours of dedicated service.

 

2    James LeRoy, son of LeRoy and Lillian Langton Featherbay May 22-June 1, 1913

 

3        Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McCormick, Sons/ Lloyd, John, Fred, and Grandson John

 

Photo by Carol Brotzman

 

 

The Methodist Church sign along the roadside (Board Road) was purchased   in 1961 (to be installed by May 30th) by the WSCS in memory of Annis Bennett McLaud.  A painted saw blade by Donna Bennett, and a church sign made of flagstone by Robert Kelley replaced the old metal United Methodist Church marker about 1991.  They both point the way to The Beaver Meadows Church.

 

Photo by Carol Brotzman June 2006, flowers provided by Sheila Repsher’s family

 

*  Historians note:  When Dale Brotzman and Carol Hoose requested Ruth Culver to play the music for their wedding March 24, 1973, the only thing Ruth Culver wanted was for us to go set that “wayside” marker back up.  It had been lying on the ground for quite sometime.   In the name of progress, new official United Methodist Church signs were placed in late September 2007. They are located at the foot of Clapper Hill, two are at the junctions in Stevensville, coming down the Board Road by the Bond property, and the lovely flagstone marker at the top of Church Hill Road was replaced.

The new signs on Church Hill and by the Bond home on the Board Road were damaged with road construction in March 2010. Chesapeake Energy was paying to have all the roads repaired due to the damage caused by the heavy truck traffic due to the new natural gas industry in the area. It was beginning to flourish. There are two gas wells on the Elston Mowry farm and one on Sharer farm. There is also a fresh water frac pond on the Brotzman farm on the County Line Road. There are Chesapeake pipelines and a Talisman line being surveyed in March 2010. The gas industry is here to stay. The church signs were soon replaced.

 

The new church direction sign in Silvara. One was also placed at Stevensville and at Clapper Hill. Photo by Carol Brotzman

 

Altar lamps were in memory of Mary Jane McCormick by her family in August 1984, and a monetary donation in memory of Gladys McCormick.

 

*  Historians note: Mary Jane was the wife of Donald McCormick, son of John and Gladys Smales McCormick.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Dale Bennett and boys gave the Aerial Photo of the church in memory of Marion Vernon Bennett November 8, 1900 – January 27, 1977. This photo is included in the collage information. Below are the “Bennett brothers” dedicated in many memorials.

 

 

 

 

The Bennett Brothers right after World War 1, Bennett Genealogy photo

Marion, Clayton and Richard are in the back row

In the front row we have Calvin and Wayne Bennett

 

Charles and Caroline Ellsworth donated a Coffee Urn in memory of Mrs. Iva Johnson in 1976. Iva Lattimer Ellsworth Johnson was his mother.

 

The book National Parks of the World donated by L.A.S. in memory of Ralph Culver June 11, 1896-October 13, 1973.

 

Christian Flags from Wayne Bennett and Carol Brotzman.  They have both been replaced in the 2000-year range, but not forgotten!

 

Dr. Calvin Bennett in 1988 purchased a new piano with a very generous donation.

 

The new altar table was donated by relatives in memory of Dr. Calvin F. Bennett in 1989. The lovely piece was built by Mrs. Dale (Donna) Bennett.  It was dedicated November 7, 1989. 

 

 

Jennie McGee Suez Merring providing special music with Joan Clapper DeGaramo. This photo depicts the beautiful altar constructed by Donna Tewksbury Bennett.

 

There are two beautiful felt banners in the sanctuary; one titled,  "Catch the Spirit" made by Donna Bennett in 1987.   It depicts the Beaver Meadows Church in all its splendid glory.  The second banner known as the communion banner, created by Mary Schweitzer in 1988 depicts a chalice, dove, and says Alleluia.  These were created for the annual conference meetings. They can be found in various photos already included in this book.

 

Amber Campbell and Jessi Ellis made the beautiful silk banners that adorn the upstairs hall and the piano while they were members of Carol Brotzmans’s Sunday school class. They were studying the various types of crosses and symbols of peace at the time. It was in the early 2000’s.

 

The Bulletin Board was given in memory of Deanna Marie Camp November 26, 1988-January 19, 1989 by her grandparents, Morris and Charlotte Fassett 1988. Mrs. Donna Bennett constructed it in her usual crafty manner.

           

The Brian Bennett family, in memory of Deanna Camp February 2, 1995, gave a Childrens bible.

 

In mid May 1997, a new electric cook range was purchased with the memorial donations for Dean Button (June 13, 1921 – January 1, 1997).  She always worked in the kitchen for the church dinners, thus making it very appropriate. Two electric roasters were purchased with the memorial donations for Kenneth Tewksbury (July 10, 1905 – November 29, 1996) and Ernest Clapper (October 14, 1905 – November 11, 1995) about this time too.

 

The Stirel and Lisa Harvey family donated a television on November 20, 1994. The store Bluhm’s Two of Lacey­ville, at the same time, donated the VCR.

 

Family members donated new bibles in memory of Tara Louise Brown (November 22, 1975-May 22, 1990 November 20, 1994).

The donations are recorded as follows:

From Henry and Beverly Stanton

From Milton and Neta Repsher

From Pearl and Cecil Repsher

From Cathy Repsher Crawford

 

Tara Brown, photo donated by Amanda Brotzman Kingsbury

Family members donated pew Bibles in memory of Leland Repsher 1941-1990 November 20, 1994. The list is as follows:

From Henry and Beverly Stanton

From Milton and Neta Repsher

From Cecil and Pearl Repsher

From Cathy Repsher Crawford

From Diane and Brian Bennett and Family on February 12, 1995

 

 

 

 

New bibles, and a beautiful new cabinet to hold the Television and VCR were dedicated in memory of Nicole Louise Repsher  (May 30, 1974-August 7, 1994) in March 1995.  Lynn Campbell created the Cabinet. The dedication was February 12, 1995.  The donations came from friends and family.  Contributing to the cabinet fund were Lynn Campbell, Fay and Pat Brink, Donald and Ruby Sedlak, Eleanor Laird, Ralph and Joan Anderson, Bradford-Sullivan Farmer Association, Janner Inc., Donald and Louise DeWolf, Morris and Charlotte Fassett, and Dale and Donna Bennett.

Bibles were from the family of Rusty and Crystal Hons

Milton Repsher Junior and Family

Milton and Neta Repsher

Richard and Candy Card and Family

Joe and Mary Matier and Lee Repsher

Morris and Charlotte Fassett

Kathy and Jamie Crawford

Ruth and Robert Cobb

Cecil and Pearl Repsher

Henry and Beverly Repsher

Brian and Diane Bennett and Family

 

 

 

Nicole Repsher, Photo from Amanda Brotzman Kingsbury

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The entire downstairs of the church received a face-lift thanks to the trustees, and Donna Bennett’s artistic talents with the woodwork and kitchen cabinets.  New paneling, and the new kitch­en cabinets were completed by April 1995. These improvements were made possible by a generous donation from Robert Bennett, and from memorials for Daniel Clapper.  Funds were also used from the building fund.  Dean Bennett, on April 29, 1995, installed the new floor.  Donna Bennett and Marcella Whitney did an awesome job of waxing the new floor so it would be ready for use. The floor was dedicated to Daniel Clapper Junior October 8, 1995.   Former ministers were invited back to participate. Rev. William Reid was the speaker of the night, with refreshments served in the new hall following.  Ministers sending regrets that they could not attend were Reverend Mayo and Reverend Gladstone Brown.  Reverend Ruth Breitweiser and the Reverends Reid’s attended.

 

 

By Carol Brotzman

 

 

 

 

Donna Bennett and grandson Bryan working new kitchen in the basement.

 

In May 1995, Mrs. Dean Button and Mrs. Charlotte Fassett painted the support posts.  They looked real pretty with the posts painted off-white with twining roses.  They furnished their own supplies.

 

 

In the summer of 1995, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Shedlock donated a wooden, decoupage plaque of the cross-draped with a maroon cloth to the church.   This hangs in the newly refurbished downstairs.   The area sometimes serves as the Sunday school worship area.  The verse it bears is as follows:

I asked Jesus,

How much do

You love me?

"This much"

He Answered

Then he stretched

Out his arms and die

 

A generous donation from the company of Richard Card in the fall of 2004 provided the Sunday school with blue room dividers. They weren’t used many years.

 

A family visiting the cemetery donated a second old photograph, large post card type, of the church and the cemetery taken about 1911. Rev. Nelson and "Wifey," as he retold me, had it matted and hung in the church entryway in the fall of 1996. There was already a larger photo of the same picture in the sanctuary entry hall that was hung in the church basement.

* Historians note:  I find in Grace Bennett’s minutes of the WSCS meeting January 7, 1960 that Mrs. Steiger contacted Ruth Culver to see if the WSCS would like an old photograph of the church.  The Steiger’s even had it framed. Of course the answer was yes!   This might be the photo of the old church and cemetery.

 

The church enjoyed a real spruce Christmas tree donated  (about 1986-1995) by Audrey and William Eberhardt.  However, in 1996, Jane McGee’s brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Christine Murphy of Collingdale, PA. gave the Beaver Meadows Church a 10 foot artificial Christmas Tree.  We appreciated the trees from the Eberhardts, but we started thinking ecologically, save our trees and Donna Bennett’s nerves picking all of those needles out of the carpet and registers. The Ladies Aide replaced that tree in December 2004 with a smaller version, which yielded more room in the sanctuary for the children’s Christmas program.

 

The annual fall meeting of the cemetery Association was held October 22, 1998 in the church basement following a trustees meeting of the church; President for the trustees meeting were Danny DeGarmo, Dale Bennett, Dale Brotzman, Morris and Charlotte Fassett, and Douglas and Ginny Clapper.   There was a discussion about the new church pew cushions that were donated by the East Rush Methodist Church via Raymond Hollister.  East Rush purchased the cushions from the Montrose Courthouse and they had extra that they wished to donate to the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church.  Sharing is so nice! There was nothing but compliments from the congregation the previous Sun­day.   The general thought was, our bare pew seats are so hard and cold that cushions might be nice.  The following information had been decided on the previous Sunday but re-discussed at this meeting: Mary Shatinsky and Elsie Brotzman are in charge of alterations too make them fit.  They are made of green cordu­roy slipcovers over foam.  However they are approximately one foot to long.  The following folks remained for the cemetery meeting: The Fassett’s, the Clappers, Dale Bennett, and Dale Brotzman.  The topics included were raising the price of the lots to  $125.00 per grave.  It was reported that Henry and Beverly Stanton purchased 18 graves, Tina and Jerry Clapper purchased 3 graves, Barbara and Alfred Place purchased 6 graves, Skeet and Neta Repsher pur­chased more graves for their children, and Audrey and Bill Eberhardts purchased a lot.  However the cornerstones arrived with the name spelled wrong for Eberhardt.  It was planned Dale Bennett, Dale Brotzman and Douglas Clapper would meet Sunday to mark out the new road for the cemetery.   The road is to be put in Wednesday October 28, 1998 using shale from Dale Brotzmans.  Carl Yurgatis, Randy Campbell and the Sharers have volunteered their dump trucks.  Carl will load the shale.  Assisting also will be Skeet Repsher, Dale Bennett, Ralph Sharer, Jerry Clapper, Douglas Clapper, and Morris Fassett.  It was voted that you must be buried with a vault in this cemetery.  It is not a state requirement.  A man requesting to be buried in his own handmade casket without a vault prompted this.  There was a discus­sion about the cemetery boundaries, and Charlotte questioned that there might be another deed to the new section of the cemetery dated about 1974, however no one has it.  I was told there was only one deed to the cemetery.  Charlotte Fassett, the clerk has purchased a new plot book and vows to register every grave in the cemetery.

 

*  Historians note regarding the following Sundays get together:

Carl Yurgatis, Randy Campbell, Morris Fassett, Dale Bennett, Douglas Clapper, and Dale Brotzman, met at 2 pm to ascertain where they would get the shale, Dale Brotzman’s bluestone quarry or Sharers red quarry.  There was still no decision.  The Brotz­man quarry is hard to get to, and the Sharers red quarry is too far away, and red shale turns muddy when wet.  So many choices! Then on Monday after another get together with Doug, Carl, and the two Dales, it was decided to use Dale Bennett’s shale pit, as it is close for Carl to take his loader.  Work is to begin on Wednesday but the weatherman says RAIN!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to Memorials:

 

While Grace and Donna Bennett were cleaning the third floor Graces home, two beautiful pictures depicting Christ were found.  Grace has graciously loaned them to the church. They were hung April 20, 1997 in the church sanctuary. They are still on loan from the family since Grace went home to be with her Lord on March 07, 1999. They can be seen in photo’s previously in this book.

 

 Sabrina Sands snapped this photo after the church was renovated  in the fall of 2005. The table appears to be the communion table made by Donna Bennett.

 

 

On May 29, 1999 the historians committee of Rev. Bill Nelson, Carol Brotzman, Jane McGee, and Douglas Clapper presented a collage of photos.  It hangs on the downstairs wall by the door.  They also put together the first book of History on the Beaver Meadows Church. The church Commemorative Booklet written by Carol Brotzman, and edited by Jane McGee and Eva Nelson was ready for sale at  $15.00 apiece on May 14, 2000.  The Sunday school received any and all of the profits.  This book can be found on the following URL on the Internet. https://sites.rootsweb.com/~srgp/church/bm001.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

The photo collage contains the following photographs.

The Post card of the Beaver Meadows church ca 1902 was mailed to Maggie Culver Hughes Warner. The original post card belonged to Mary Schweitzer. The photo depicts the church shortly after it was raised on its new foundation in 1893 by Henry Hitchcock. Note the spun glass windows. No earlier photograph has ever been located. 

 

The photo of the Cemetery and the church building about 1911: Note the horse sheds alongside the church where the new pavilion now stands. Maybe they will be Sunday school rooms someday if the need arises. The visible buildings on the opposite side of the road from the church belonged to Raymond Cobb. The store and the Post office were located over there at one time. It was shortly after the time that a handyman was hired to repair the steeple, and he used the steeple for firewood! The Steiger family donated this family originally as recorded by Grace Bennett in the ladies aide minutes of January 7, 1960. The Steiger family approached Ruth Culver asking if the church would like to have an older photo of the church, of course the answer was YES! The Steiger’s even had the photo matted. The Steiger’s were distantly related to the Raymond Cobb family. Augustus O. Steiger 1854 – May 28, 1923 married Estelle J Cobb 1861 – September 15, 1927.

 

 

 

 

 

The aerial photo of the church dates to approximately 1979. The church is depicted here without the steeple. One should note that that the cemetery fence is still intact! It was a beautiful fence held into the rocks with molten lead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jane and Peter McGee are responsible for the fall collage photo of the cemetery. It can be dated to October 1992 by the fresh grave belonging to Fred Wheaton.

Jane and Peter McGee are responsible for the next summer view of the Church.

 

 

Amanda Brotzman Kingsbury photographed the final photo in this collage June 24, 1998. It depicted the complete new look of the church at that time. The new church welcoming sign by Eagle Scout Greg Campbell and the new porch remembering the Sink, Culver, and Brotzman families can be easily seen. The pavilion was added at a later date later than this photo collage. This wonderful collage shows us how far the church had come to that date, and how far it has continued to develop thanks to generous donations to the building fund and loyal members.

 

Jane MaGee asked Jennifer and Charles Brotzman to make a second collage in September 2005 of the photographs that were individually framed in the church. Jen’s specialty is matting and Charlie makes handmade oak frames.

by Amanda Brotzman Kingsbury

 

On March 12, 2000 Donna Bennett presented to the church a pillar stand to hold the Baptismal font, which was in memory of Clark Brotzman.  Ironically his wife’s niece, Virgie Green, in honor of her parents Levi and Bessie Sink LaFrance donated the monies used to construct the stand.  They would be Donna Bennett’s grandpar­ents. A photo at the beginning of the windows segment depicts this stand and baptismal font.

 

In April 2000, new altar parchments were purchased from the memorial funds of Margaret Pickett and Debra Overfield. The new Christian Flag was also purchased from the memori­als of Peggy Pickett.

 

The new parking lot was installed at the annual cemetery work bee May 3, 2003.  The very first photo in this book depicts this new parking lot. This photo was

 

 

No history of the church could be complete without telling the sad part of our history too.  Some poor sick-minded person stole from our church!  There had been a series of church burglaries in the area. The common booty had been antiques. Our large, old beautiful dark mahogany pump organ, and antique communion table were stolen.  The date it was taken was between March 6 and March 13, 1988.    The organ was valued at $1,000, and the table at $400.00.  The thief was never captured, nor anything ever was unveiled about this incident.  This may have been the same organ our church forefathers were saving money for in the March 1, 1884 minutes. Quarterly Conference, January 16, 1915, shows that a new organ was purchased for $95.00 at Beaver Meadows.   We don’t know if this was the only organ purchased. It must have been one of them.   Sunday School was saving money for this project in their minutes also.  It was definitely a community project.

 

Again in 2009, this beautiful little church was vandalized. This report was found in the police reports of the Wyalusing Rocket May 14, 2009.

 

Beaver Meadows Church Vandalized
State police report they are investigating a burglary at the Beaver Meadows Methodist Church that occurred between 9 p.m. on May 4 and 2 p.m. on May 6 at the location in Tuscarora Township. It was reported that a side door in the building was kicked in. There was no report of anything taken and the perpetrators fled the scene. Call state police at 570-265-2186 with information.

Some unknown thief stole 300 feet of chain from the Cemetery fence in May 2009. Dale Bennett filed a police report. The chain fence and posts were removed the last week in June 2009. The posts were rotting and in need of repair.  Photo by Carol Brotzman

 

 

 

This is the wedding of Donna Marie Clapper and Kenneth E.  Adams (February 26, 1936 - December 25, 1959) at the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church July 17, 1955. Reverend William Reid conducted the service.

 

 Please take note of the beauty of the church, the original paneling, the alter cross hanging on the wall with the lithograph photo of Christ. The original organ is on the left side of the photo. It is the one that was stolen. 

 

This photo is courtesy of Douglas and Virginia Kelley Clapper. From left to right we have Midge Clapper (now Mrs. William Kershner), Karen Adams (now Mrs. Frank Gates), Virginia Adams (now Mrs. Marvin Adams). The bride and groom Donna Clapper and Ken Adams are in the center. Doug Clapper is the fellow next to the groom, next is Allen Adams and Daniel Clapper is the fellow on the right. 

 

At a later date, not too long afterwards, our antique wooden collection plates disappeared. Unfortunately I do not have photos of them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amanda Brotzman snapped this photo in the snow about 1990!

 

 

See how our church had grown in 13 years!

 

 

By Carol Brotzmans’s award winning winter photo 2003

 

Residents of Opposition 1900, known as Beaver Meadows

The town of Opposition was first known as Bixby’s Pond. Named for Chandler and Charles Bixby. Charles never came here that we know of. They purchased the Peter Guinip and Paul or Peter Lowery land warrants of consisting of 900 acres of land from Jesse Gilbert of Connecticut on January 3, 1839.  Chandler Bixby was here as early as 1838 by tax records. The name bounced back and forth between the names of Beaver Meadow/Bixby’s Pond.  This data can be found in the Rush Charge minutes and the Beaver Meadow Church records. The name Cottage Hill was the name on an 1868 map of Tuscarora Township, however I never find that name listed anywhere else. A post office map named it Champion Mountain in July 1886.  The name for the post office became disputed, and Aaron Culver said you might just as well call it Opposition, and it stuck from about 1886 to about 1905. There actually was a post office named Opposition for a while, and then it reverted back to being Beaver Meadow. There was never an actual “S” added to the name, but somehow history and time have made it Beaver Meadows with an “S”. The marriage license of Hazel Bennett and Ray Ervine, who were married December 23, 1916 records Opposition, PA. Even though the post office was closed by then.

The residents in 1900 from a post office map that belonged to Herbert Keith Button (June 29, 1919 - October 30, 1998) and his wife Alma Dean Baker (June 13, 1921 - January 01, 1997)

 

Allis, Arminta, Mrs. (who later became Mrs. Worden Hibbard)

Babcock, Adolphus C.   Laborer

Babcock, Mary    Widow of Perry Babcock

Bennett, Arthur E.  Tax Collector

Brown, James    Laborer

Carter, Joel G.  Tinsmith, Traveling Eavespouter, Farmer

Clapper, Estella, Widow of Daniel Clapper

Clapper, Harry C.    Road Commissioner and Farmer 

Clapper, James W.  Quarry Laborer and Farmer 

Clapper, Orell D, listed as a farmer for his mother Estella Clapper.

Clapper, Sarah widow of Peter Clapper

Cobb, Elmer A.   Retired

Cobb, E. Winchester, Framer

Cobb, Nathan   Farmer

Cobb, Raymond W.   School director, Dealing in groceries, Farmer and Attorney for E. W. Cobb

Comstock, Jennie    widow of Fernando Comstock

Culver, Aaron B.  Farmer

Culver, Chester B.  Postmaster and Farmer with A.B. Culver

Culver, James C.  Farmer

Culver, James J.  Farmer

Denson, Perry   Farmer 

Devine, John O. Farmer

Gibbs, Russell   Farmer

Harford, Adelbert B.   Laborer

Hoover, George   Proprietor of the Blue Stone Quarry, Farmer

Lacey, Edith A.  School Teacher

Lacey, George M.  Township auditor, Teacher, Farmer

Lacey, Janet M.   Widow of Burton W. Lacey

Maxfield, Archie H.  Laborer

McLaud, Jonas P.  Farmer

Pickett, Samuel J.  Farmer

Potter, Andrew J. Farmer

Strickland, Nathan C.  Farmer

Tanner, Ira O.  Laborer

Wage, Chester, Farmer

Wage, H. Orman, District Assessor and Farmer

West, Mary E., widow

 

The Post Office

      Dutton Cobb petitioned for the first Post Office on July 2, 1886.  He listed the area we know as Beaver Meadows as “Champion Mountain”. This is the only place I ever find Beaver Meadows known as Champion Mountain. Lena Clapper did not even mention that name in her interviews with Mary Schweitzer.  The 1868 map regards it as Cottage Hill, another name I only find there on that map. The first mail carrier was Thomas Shaw.  His duties were to deliver the mail to the post office. Then the residents came and picked up their own mail.  No personal deliveries as we have today.  The Post Office at Opposition was located in several places during its short existence.  The Raymond Cobb Store across the Beaver Meadows Pond Dam was probably the best-known place. Dutton Cobb’s home was the first site. Dutton was the Post Master but the rumor was that his wife Ella was the first Post Mistress. That site is now the summer home of Phyllis and Earl Friedemann. They inherited it from their parents Earl and Emma Friedemann.  We can thank Earl and Emma for working with Ralph Culver in securing a deed to the church and cemetery lands in 1965.  The last place was supposed to be the Chester Culver home, the home Debbie Fassett Camp shares with her children Cody, Christopher and Cheyanna. . Aaron Culver was the Post Master in 1900.There was alleged to be another site across the road from the Jacob Sova property, however I have found no further information on that site. It was supposed to be near the Leslie and Marge Williams driveway.  In an Interview with Stanley Pary, I was told that the post office was once across the road from the Walter Sharer home too, but again I have no further data.  The Post office was only in existence from about 1886 to 1905. I have not found an exact closing date as of yet. Rev Ruth Breitweiser has letters postmarked from Opposition. Mary Learn (1922-1998) also had a large wall map that belonged to the Post office at Opposition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The story of how the name Opposition

      Opposition came about was recorded by Mary Schweitzer from a personal interview she had with Lena Smith Clapper.  Dorothy Bennett also records the same information in The New Bradford County History. There were many meetings and discussions on what to name the area, Clapper Hill, Culver Hill, Beaver Meadows, Bixby, and probably more names. Aaron Culver jokingly said “name it Opposition because of all the disagreements”. The name stuck, and they did. The Post Office was first approved as Champion Mountain July 21, 1886, and later changed to Opposition.  I don’t have a definite date of that transaction.  The church minutes record the name to be Opposition from 1891 to 1900.  The name Beaver Meadow was recorded on the secretary minutes prior to 1891 and after 1900, however letters record Opposition as late as 1905.

 

 

 

The Dutton Cobb Family

Lois “Ella “ McLaud Cobb, December 11, 1857 - April 23, 1935

Dutton Calvin McLaud, May 18, 1860 – June 22, 1922 With sons

Ernest Cobb, September 03, 1891  - July 14, 1967

Ralph Cobb, February 15, 1900 – September 27, 1960

 

 

 

 

 

George Mclaud, Myrtis Sharer Mclaud and granddaughter Florence Dunbar (born 1932), later to be Mrs. Duane Gable (owner of this photo dated about 1933) in front of there home on Clapper Hill, the former post office.

  

 

  This old house has served as the post office and a private home too many.  I am sure if it could talk, the stories it could reveal would be enlightening to our history. The original deed to the cemetery association of which the church is situated upon, are derived from this property along with that of the former William Whitney property.  Jacob Sova of New Jersey now owns that property, the former Joseph Chapel farm. The 900 acres owned by Chandler Bixby has changed hands many times over the years, and has been subdivided just about as many times.

  Jon Sova contributed the next two photos.  His mother Melita Sova took them from the far side of the pond about 1960. Those are her precious sons Jon and Bill playing on the ice. Note that the old milk house was far away form the main barn. The horse barn is nearest to the road. The next property, which is partially viewable, is Olin and Mae Fassett’s property. The hills in the background then belonged to Francis and Jeanette Brotzman.

 

 

 

This is the Friedemann/McClaud house about 1989,  right after Emma painted it.

 

 

 

 

Richard Glasser, a former resident, originally obtained these documents. He gave a copy to Pearl and Cecil Repsher who graciously shared them with me in 1994. The quality is not the best, but it is all I had to work with. So get out your magnifying glasses, its well worth it.

 

 

 

 

 

Towanda, PA, April 7, 1904 REPORTER JOURNAL

Three of the routes will start from the Laceyville post office as follows

 

Laceyville No. 35.

Beginning at the Laceyville post office the carrier will (unreadable) Skinner’s Eddy, thence north to Silvara post office, north to Clapper corner, northeast Woodruff corner, northwest to Granger’s corner, southeast, south and southwest to Beaver Meadow church, southeast, south and southwest on county line road to Coburn’s corner, southeast and southwest to Phinney corner, east to Pochick school house, southwest via Tewksbury and Keeney corner to M. E. church and back to post office. Length of route 22 1/8 miles; area 11 square miles; 116 houses; population 522; carrier, A. P. Beeman.

 

Laceyville No. 36.

Beginning at Laceyville post office hence northeast and northwest to Lemon corner, thence northeast and north to Black schoolhouse, thence east to Silvara post office, northwest to Winan’s corner, north to Stevens’s corner, southeast to J. Pickett’s corner, south to Silvara, northwest to Sturdevant corner, southwest to Wakeman corner, southeast, southwest and northwest to Edinger school house, southwest, southeast and southwest to post office.  Route 22 miles; area 11 square miles; 109 houses, population 419. Carrier, F. C. Pickett.

 

Laceyville No. 37.

Beginning at Laceyville post office hence southwest to Keeney’s ferry, retracing northeast to Lacey street school house, northwest to Arnold’s corner, southeast to Brown’s corner, northeast and northwest via Dexter corner to Shumway corner, northeast to Spring Hill post office, northwest to Lyon’s corner, north to Well’s creamery and return, east to Canfield’s corner, southeast to Browning’s corner, northwest to Spring Hill post office, southeast to Coburn’s corner, southwest to Dexter’s corner, southeast to post office. Route 17 1/8 miles; area 9? Miles; 88 houses; population 386; carrier, G. D. Wright; salary $500.

Star route No. 10.567 between Silvara and Opposition will probably be discontinued.

The carriers will leave the post office here at 11:15 a.m. and return before 6 p.m.

Historians note regarding the Aaron Culver family:  Aaron Culver, April 15, 1831 - February 12, 1925 married October 15, 1862 in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania to Estelle Buck May 3, 1839 - March 16, 1937. Estelle was the daughter of Israel and Eliza Wells Buck.  She would have been a cousin to Nancy Black Bennett, wife of Ferris Bennett.  Their only child to live to adulthood Chester was born August 6, 1869.  He married November 18, 1890 to Wavie Bennett. She was born June 27, 1872, the daughter of Davis Dimock and Cornelia Very Bennett.  Wavie had such a pretty and unusual name.  Her name was chosen because she was born on a sunny, breezy day. There was a warm breeze on the wheat field. It made it look “ Wavie”, therefore the name Wavie was derived from the action of Mother Nature on the spring wheat crop.  Chester died December 4, 1937 and Wavie on November 13, 1954.  They were laid to rest with the Culver family directly behind the church in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Braintrim Messenger December 5, 1895 records: OPPOSITION, PA

 Thanksgiving services consisting of rehearsals, singing, and remarks by the pastor, Rev A Schofield, were held at the church.

Mrs.. George Hoover who has been in poor health for a long time has gone to a Philadelphia Hospital to be treated.

 Ed and Nellie White, of Stevensville have been visiting Mrs. B W Lacey last week.

 Mrs.. George Jay and son Leigh, of Herrick visited Mrs. Jay’s par­ents, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Wage on Thanksgiving.

Jacob Bond, of Tunkhannock has been visiting his daughter Mrs. Marcus Pickett for the last three weeks.

 Burt Gibbs is boarding at Mrs. W B Lacey’s and going to school this winter.

 J S Stone has been working in Wyalusing, but is spending Thanks­giving week at home after which he will return to work.

 The Ladies Aide Society was held at D L Clapper's.  The next one will be held at Wesley Pickett’s, December 6, and a coffee supper in the evening for the young folks.  All are invited.

 The Beaver Meadows Cemetery Association held a general meeting Nov 24.   The following officers were elected:  Directors, R. W. Cobb, H. O. Wage, J. F. Clapper, C. B. Culver, George Wood, N C Strick­land, N. C. Cobb. President was R .W. Cobb, clerk was H. O. Wage, Treasurer was J.  F.  Clapper, and Superintendent R.W. Cobb.

 

The following were records kept by Wavie Bennett Culver, wife of Chester B Culver.  Many have been omitted because they are just Sabbath School collections:

 

Sabbath School records March 8, 1920 Rec’d of Mrs. George Lacey $2.51 sent to David C Cook for quarterlies .60

Collections for the next few weeks averaged 18 cents to 24 cents

If there wasn't enough money from the collection for books for materials, Mrs. C. B. Culver paid in advance so they had them to use.

The total collection from 3-8-1920 to 1-9-1921 was $5.09.

On April 3, 1921 the Sabbath School donated to a missionary fund $1.00.

The teachers took care of the collection in each of there own classes, and each class had it own officers. All reported to Mrs.Wavie Culver the treasurer.  The teachers’ name recorded here were as follows: Mrs. J. G.  Carter, Mrs. Frank Hall, Vera McLaud, and Grace Sharer

On September 30, 1923, the Officers for the Ernest Seekers class were:

President Frank Hall, Secretary-treasurer Wavie Culver, and teacher Mrs. Alice Hall.

The classes all had names such as GIRLS WORLD, BOYS WORLD, Ernest Seekers, and Junior Scholars.

By  7-21-1924 the supplies ordered from David C. Cook had gone up to $1.79.

By 7-12-1925 the same supplies had increased to $2.97, and Wavie Culver paid for them in advance, there weren’t enough funds.   The teachers were now Mrs.. Isilda Warner, Mrs. Susie Pickett, Mrs. Alice Hall, Mrs. J. G. Carter, and Mrs. Lottie Carlin.   That is the end of the Sabbath School here.

 

THIS IS THE ACCOUNT OF MONEY FOR THE PEWS, A REAL CONGREGATIONAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE A COMMON GOAL, NICE NEW PEWS WITH CUSHIONS OF STRAW TO SIT UPON.

Wavy Bennett Culver kept the book.

 

Chester and Wavy Bennett Culver

 

MARCH advanced by CB Culver  $10.00

3 18-1927 rec'd from quilt blocks  $15.18

3-18-1927 sent to J P Redington    $130.00

11-31-1927 Ladies Aide dinner      $3.00

4-14-1927 Ladies Aide Dinner       $5.61

4-14-1927 rec'd from quilt money  $38.40

11-18-1927 rec'd from funeral dinner $13.45

11-19-1927 George Wheaton pd/    $3.00        

1-26-1927 CBC paid express on bookracks $ .56

5-4-1927 Ladies Aide dinner            $2.35

5-4-1927 Money from Quilt             $20.30

11-30-1927 Proceeds from Ice Cream $12.70

6-9-1927 Lou Brown paid on Block  $2.00

 11-22-1927-pd/ freight on cushions  $.95

7-16-1927 Ice Cream social at Ernest Smiths $29.00

Proceeds total $144.99 expenses $141.51

 

 

*  Historians note:  Those cushions were made with a straw fill­ing, and tossed out when the new bathroom was installed.  Historians note regarding the quilt: The quilt was raffled off and won by Wavie Bennett Culver.  The quilt was treasured and used by Wavie. It was passed on to Ralph and Ruth Culver, her son and his wife.   Ruth in turn passed it on to Miss Dorothy Bennett, daughter of Wayne Bennett, as a church heirloom.   After Ruth Culver passed, Charlotte Fassett approached Dorothy as the quilt formerly belonged to Ruth Culver.  Reluc­tantly it changed hands. As Dorothy had no heirs, she returned it to Charlotte. It now belongs to Charlotte and Morris Fassett who inherited Ruth Culver’s estate.  Dorothy Bennett told this story to me in 1994.

 

There was another quilt made during this early time era.  A second quilt, which I have seen and photographed, it belonged to Joey Clapper Carter, then Amelia Carter Tiffany. The photos are not great; it was in a darker room. The names of local residents are embroidered in crimson red on white muslin. I don’t think they missed even one person. The quilt pieces were done by family groups, not necessarily people living here at the time. The Smith family recorded here was living at Forty Fort, PA during this time span. I have no idea who did the embroidering unless it was Joey Clapper Carter herself. I never find mention of this quilt in the minutes anywhere but the names match the 1926 to 1929 time frame with births and marriages.  Francis Ace is there and born 1926, Quinton King born 1927, and Frances Brown in 1927. Blanche Smith married October 30, 1929 so she would not be Blanche Smith! Vera McLaud married in 1929 to Kenneth Dunbar; she is a McLaud on the block. It just tells me this was done block by block in that time era.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More regarding the collection of pew money:

The Ladies aide had a block too!

 

Rec’d from 4th of July         $98.81  (a celebration maybe?)

8-10-1927 Social at E L Blakeslee’s $ 7.65

8-10-1927 Money from Birthday cake $9.80

8-18-1927 pd/ Redington & Co for Pews            $280.00          

Pd/ Redington for freight on Pews          $56.18

8-25-1927 The Culver reunion committee paid for a reunion at church  $ 67.41

8-25-1927 birthday fund           $67.41

8-26-1927 from Marcus Pickett      $25.00

9-8-1927-birthday money paid      $2.00

9-8-1927 Mrs. Lillian Sterling pd/ on quilt $1.00

9-27-1927 Mrs. Annis McLaud pd/ for birthday cake $1.50

9-27-1927 Mr. and Mrs. Perry brown   $15.00

9-27-1927 Wavie Bennett           $25.00

1-6-1928 Cleaned the School House  $6.00

1-6-1928 C B Culver                $25.00

1-11-1928 Interest to borrowed money                 $2.00

Total income    $289.65   expenses $338.18

1-20-1928     $49.13

1-20-1928 paid from sale of Rush Parsonage  $300.00

1-20-1928 sent to P. Redington                      $140.00

1-21-1928 paid Rev Savercool                        $50.00       

2-15-1928 pd/ Leo Bolles for church insurance        $4.00

2-25-1928 Pearl Wood pd/ Birthday cake  $1.00

4-6-1928   Pd Rev Savercool Reg Conference Clinics    $5.15

5-13-1928 pd/ by bag Ella Marbaker     $1.00

6-20-1928 pd/ by bag Blanche Whitney   $1.00

6-23-1928 pd/ by bag Helen Whitney    $1.00      

6-30-1928 Mrs.. Raymond Ace pd/        $1.00

6-30-1928 Mr. Raymond Ace pd/          $1.00

7-3-1928   Mrs.. H C Clapper pd/          $1.00

7-3-1928   Mrs.. Emma Shaw   pd/          $ .50

7-3-1928   Mr. and Mrs.. George McLaud pd/ $1.00

7-3-1928   Mrs.. Huldah Whitney           $1.00

7-6-1928   Mrs.. Jennie Smith             $1.00

8-5-1928   Mr. and Mrs.. Howard Allen      $2.00

8-21-1928 Mrs.. Clifford Clapper         $1.00

8-25-1928 J F Clapper                  $1.00

8-25-1928     income $314.50   expenses $2? 1.28 balance $632.22

May 31, 1933    including interest % 4 years 9 months  

Pd// by Culvers $18.02May 31, 1933 paid Pemberton    $1.00

June 1, 1933 paid Whipple Brothers  $2.91

June 24, 1933 paid Pemberton   $2.00

June 30, 1933 paid Pemberton?  $11.85

July 1, 1933 paid H C Clapper (Store) paint  $6.00

July 1, 1933 on hand   $81.24                              

 

* Historians note regarding people mentioned in this section:  Mr. Pemberton did the woodwork for the altar area, and installed the double door in the entryway.  He resided where Glenn Bennett has made his home for so many years. Mrs. Emma Shaw listed earlier resided there at that time too.  C. B. Culver employed the Raymond Ace family. 

 

Diaries reveal so much of how everyday life was to our early members. Caroline Fassett Ellsworth loaned the following diaries to me on May 22, 1997 to be preserved for posterity in church records.

 

*** MEANS PERTAINING TO CHURCH EVENTS

Historians note:  The Silvara School burned January 11, 1936.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indiana Evening Gazette (Indiana, Pennsylvania) January 13, 1936

 

Towanda, A fire destroyed a two-story frame building at near by Silvara. It gave 100 pupils a vacation of at least a week until the school board decides where to hold classes. School officials estimated the loss at $5,000.

WILLIAM HAWLEYS DIARY 1936

 

I think you should know a little about William Hawley and his family before you read the diaries.

William Fish Hawley was born December 10, 1875 in Wyalusing Township, to Charles A and Euphamia Fish Hawley. He died June 02, 1940 in Beaver Meadows at age 64 years. He married Alice Adella Montgomery February 05, 1902 at Spring Hill, PA. Rev. A. A. Babcock preformed the service. Della, as she was known as was the daughter of Daniel and Maria Mericle Montgomery. She was born January 29, 1885 in Tuscarora Township and died February 15, 1951 in Beaver Meadows. Their children are Helen "Mae” Hawley who married Olin Fassett, Eleanor Pearl Hawley who died young was buried in Camptown, and Floyd Earl Hawley who married Mildred Moyer. The Bernard (Bernie) mentioned in the diaries is their child. There might possibly have been another child named Elizabeth according to Caroline Fassett Ellsworth. I have no proof.

 

             Beginning March 1936, the highlights only 

*** Means related to the church activities

Most of the time he took school kids to or from school, or else Olin Fassett did.

March 16 got the first thunderstorm

April 1, 1936 the men were putting stone in the road. (Olin was working for the road crew.)

April 8, Took Helen (Fassett), Morris (Fassett), Lizzie  (Tokasz who later married Ambrose Voda), and Boyd (Bennett) to school, all the rest were sick to Brotzman’s.

Ruth Brotzman (daughter of Clark and Florence) got Scarlet fever April 4, 1936

April 11, Olin went to Laceyville to get a load of Silo feed for Marian Bennett. Bill Hawley stayed home.

 ***12th, Easter Sunday, Floyd, Mildred, and Bernard were here today.  George Simms and two of his brother in laws came also. Raining hard at night.

April 23, the Watkins salesman was here.   The Tokasz family, Lizzie, Lottie, and Walter were here, as was Floyd and Mildred.

April 26, went to see Perry Lee at J D Brotzmans’s, but he was at the Sayre Hospital with a broken arm.

29th John Crosby was peddling seeds

May 1, 1936, plowed the Bigelow’s garden.   Morris and William built the fence and took banking away from house.

3rd, everyone stayed home, Jim Erskine came to visit.

19th, Francis  (Brotzman), Lizzie, and Helen went to school, Morris and Boyd stayed home, Bill took the kids.

22^ndsewed 11 bushels of oats at the lower place.

24th Harry Harman family visited, and a bad lightning storm, Lightning burned Ziba Carters barn.  H S Fassett and his family were here. Bob Davis and Family took Olin to the Laceyville Doctor.

28th planted potatoes, went to Silvara for plow points.

31st, Olin, Mae, Wanda, and Baby (Caroline) went to Grandma Fassetts, she was not home.  Floyd, Mildred and Bernard came in the morning; later William (I think) went to Sam Bond’s.

June 2, 1936, Bob Davis got a new baby!  Dragging the ground for barley.

June 14, 1936 Pearl and Merle Brotzman visited, also Francis, Also visiting were George Simms, wife and baby, plus Floyd and Mildred.

June 21st Fred White came to visit, Floyd brought him.

***Olin started the cemetery mowing June 25.

***Olin finished mowing the cemetery June 26 1936.

29th Leland Thompson took Fred White back to Burlington.

30th Olin worked on the road to Rummerfield.  William plowed for Gideon Brotzman (he lived where Francis Brotzman does 1998.)   He was to plant buckwheat.

They got $105 for a cow from Perry Brown July 2, 1937

***July 3, 1936 John Woodruff funeral at the church.  Perry Lee visited.   Olin worked for H C Clapper. Mae, William, and Perry Lee went to church for the funeral.  Rained hard.

July 4, Perry, Morris, and William visited the cemetery.  They made homemade ice cream at night.

July 5, lots of visitors, Perry Lee, Floyd, Mildred, Harry Fassett, George Fassett, his wife and son.

July 6, sold 52 roosters to Jay Carter.

July 9, TOO HOT 108 degrees above zero!!!

***July 11, 1936 Sam McLaud buried today.

14th did the hay at Leo Hitchcock’s.

29th finished haying!!!

August 6th, we got a drop reaper to try out from Marcus Pickett.

15th went black berrying.

***Funeral of Mrs. Clarence Fowler Church today 5 August 1936

Guy Wells Buried today Spring Hill age 64 August 1936 probably the 18th

18th The junk man was here from Wyalusing, we sold two loads of iron for $3.35.

August 19th, they operated on Aunt Millie at Sayre today, Archie Baldwin, Sam Dyer, and Charles Hawley gave her blood

20th, bad storm, tore off barn roofs, blew down trees.  Did oats anyway.

20th Aunt Millie feeling good says Floyd.

21st, Mother, Wanda, and William went to Silvara to see the new School House.

23rd, lots of company.  Perry Lee is back, Basil Casselbury, wife and three children, Floyd and Bernard, Angie Hawley, Ellen Roof and three children.  Aunt Mildred getting better.  Took Helen and Mae to the Doctor in Laceyville. Helen needed her foot lanced.

27th white wash man here, white washed the barn.

31st, thrashed the oats, Bill Fassett and Gideon Brotzman helped.  Joe Yurgatis and son did the thrashing.  Bill Fassett, wife and baby stayed until the morrow.

September 4, Aunt Mildred gaining as fast as she can, Olin mowed the lower place, and went to Silvara for the kids.  Olin, Mae, 2 kids, Gideon (Brotzman) and wife (Ruth), went to Rummerfield to John Roofs, Ellen is sick.  Floyd and Bernard were here at night, brought 2 bushel of peaches to can.

6^th, a birthday party for H S Fassett, those present:  George Fassett, wife and boy, Bob Davis, wife and 3 kids, Olin Beaumont, wife and 3 kids, A P Huff and wife, James Coss and wife. Olin and Wanda went to Silvara to see when school will start. (It was the first time for the new schoolhouse.)  

11^th, Mother Della, Mae, Gideon, and Ruth went to see   Asa and Addie Huff at Towanda

13^th, no school yet, building not ready

Lightning struck and burned Marion Bennett’s barn September 16, 1936 at 10.00 pm.

20^th, Olin, Mae, 2 kids went to William Bradshaw’s Rushville.

11 kids going to school Oct 3 1936. Wanda Sick with Pneumonia, Dr. Beaumont called. Olin and Mae Fassett, and her father William Fassett took driv­ers test Towanda Oct 8 1936.

10th rained all day, nobody worked, Perry Lee came today.  Olin and Perry went for the Doctor for Caroline.  ALL KIDS SICK

11th, Perry, Olin, and Morris went to Laceyville to see the doctor.   Floyd, Mildred, and Bernard here at night, kids are much better. Perry is still here yet. Raining and awfully windy.

15th Perry went home, bought a stove from him $1.00.

***16 Oct 1936 helped Wayne Bennett draw dirt to the cemetery.

22nd took mother (Della) to Dr Lee at Wyalusing, she has high blood pressure.

23rd went to Ellen Roofs at Rummerfield.

November 3 Roosevelt elected President.  We all went to Floyd in the rain.

4th, rained like the devil, Al Landon most defeated candidate since 1864, Roosevelt won by a landslide.

8^th, Floyd, William and Bernard here, we all went to William Rought’s tonight.

15^th, snowed quite hard

17^th, 18 degrees, Olin worked on the road, and cut wood.

18 Nov 1936 Wayne Bennett was hurt in an auto accident.

25^th, Olin and Morris went for Jim Erskine to bring him over for Thanksgiving Day.  No school.

26^th, Thanksgiving Day, all went to Floyds for dinner.  Cold

27^th, took Jim Erskine home, and went to Dr. Lee in Wyalusing for mother (Della).

December 1, 16 degrees below zero in Silvara.

2nd, got George Sims wood.  Got some coal to burn in Perry Lees stove.

5th, Morris had 8th birthday

Bill Hawley was age 61 on Dec 10, 1936.  They took mother to Dr. Lee.

18^th, Helped Gideon thrash buckwheat, 20 degrees.

19^th, Butchered Mae’s pig.  Perry Lee came over and stayed the night.

20^th, Perry Lee went home, nobody else here, rained and snowed all day.

23^rd, school out till Jan 4, 1937    4 degrees above zero.

24^th, went to get Jim Erskine for Christmas, warm 40 degrees.

25^th, CHRISTMAS, Floyd and Mildred, and Jim Erskine were here

All got nice presents.

31^st, Jim still here, putting up seed. Olin and the kids went to Silvara.  Thats all for 1936.

NOTES

Nov 16, 1937 he sold animals to Jay Carter $5.28 for a calf, a cow sold for $45.00  (for the old Woodruff cow.)

***Sept 2, 1938 Isilda Strickland was buried today, William Hawley dug the grave.

***Nov 8, 1938 William Rought, buried Beaver meadows today.

***Dec 26, 1939 Frank Woodruff buried Beaver Meadows today, we dug the grave.

Feb 13, 1940, Tuesday it started to snow, snowed all night, all day Wednesday, 18 inches deep, Roads are all full, had to shovel all the way to Silvara, no milk went for days, no mail for 5 days on this road. (Board Road)

NOTES 1940

Sold Jay Carter 1 yearling 2 calves for  $42.00            

On the back page the following info was written, Aunt Elsie’s father was Jeff Pickett and lived where Dick Bennett lives about 1936?

 

William Hawley’s obituary

Copied as found

 

Funeral services for William Hawley of Beaver Meadows were held from his home.  Rev Delos Smith was in charge.   He died very suddenly at home, June 2, 1940, age 64 years.  He was born Decem­ber 10, 1875 in Wyalusing Township. His wife Adella survives along with one daughter Mrs. Olin Fassett at home, and one son Floyd Hawley of North Spring Hill.  There were 6 grandchil­dren. The floral contributions were profuse.  He was laid to rest in Beaver Meadows. Pall bearers: Lester Cooper, Marion Bennett, William Whitney, Frank Thompson, Earl Whipple, and Claire Shoat

 

WILLIAM HAWLEYS 1937-1939 DIARY

OLIN, MAE, AND WILLIAM DRAWED CORN FROM THE LOWER PLACE JAN 1 1937

JAN 2, 1939 WE ALL WENT OVER TO LEONORA’S (BELL) FOR DINNER, MR. MOORE WAS THERE ALSO

JAN 3 1938 WE STARTED TO BUILD NEW HEN HOUSE

JAN 5 1939 EGGS 25 CENTS A DOZ

JAN 6 1939 HELPED CLARK BROTZMAN BUZZ WOOD

JAN 8 1938 JOE ROSENGRANT SENT A COW HERE

JAN 13, 1939 OLIN WORKED THE ICE POND AT SHARERS

*** JAN 23, 1938 OLIN HELPED DIG WESLEY PICKETTS GRAVE

***JAN 24, 1938 OLIN WORKED ON THE GRAVE

JAN 25 1938 OLIN FILLED IN MR PICKETT’S GRAVE

*** JAN 27 1938 DIGGING GRAVE FOR MR. BLAKESLEY (Blakeslee)10 DEGREES ABOVE ZERO

JAN 28, 1937 UNCLE KOON IS DEAD

***JAN 29, 1938 BURIED MR BLAKESLEY (Blakeslee) 24 ABOVE ZERO

JAN 29, 1937 MOTHERS BIRTHDAY

FEB 5, 1938 AMY TITUS FUNERAL AT CAMPTOWN

***FEB 12, 1939 A BABY AND A MAN BURIED AT BEAVER MEADOWS TODAY

FEB 13 1939 42 DEGREES MRS SARAH HOYT DIED TODAY

FEB 18, 1938 PERRY LEE CAME HERE

MAE STILL GOING TO DR LEE FEB 20 1937 AT WYALUSING

MARCH 7, 1938 GIDEON BROTZMAN MOVING OUT, EARL WHIPPLE MOVING IN NEXT DOOR. (AT WHAT IS NOW THE FORMER FRANCIS BROTZMANS, HE BOUGHT IT 1939. DALE AND CAROL BROTZMAN PURCHASED IT IN 2000)

THE MOVING ACTUALLY TOOK PLACE MARCH 10, 1938

MARCH 23, 1938 OLIN AND MARIAN BENNETT WENT TO SALE AT MRS CRONKS STEVENSVILLE

MARCH 30, 1937 ISRAEL DICKINSON BURIED AT SILVARA TODAY

*** MARCH 30, 1938 WORKED FOR WAYNE BENNETT AT THE CEMETERY TODAY

MAY 16, 1937 MINNIE SIMS PD/ FOR WINTERING GEORGE SIMS COW $8.50.

PD/ BY CLARENCE DIRK BY CHECK (HE LIVED WITH HER)

KIDS WENT TO SCHOOL BY CAR 1937, NOT THE WAGON ANY MORE

***MAY 26, 1938 DUG GRAVE FOR MR BRINKS BABY IT RAINED

***MAY 27, 1938 BURIED THE BABY

ANGIE RUGER DIED JUNE 11, 1938 AT SAYRE HOSPITAL

JUNE 14, 1938 WENT TO MRS RUGERS FUNERAL

***1937, AUGUST 16, OLIN AND MAES BABY BORN DEAD, (HOLE IN ITS HEAD), HAD DR LEE, MRS FASSETT. MRS CLARK BROTZMAN, LEONORA BELL,

AUGUST 17, 1937 OLIN, MORRIS, AND FRANCIS B(BRAINARD OR  BROTZ­MAN, PROBABLY BRAINARD) BURIED THE, BABY  AT CAMPTOWN, THE NEIGHBORS HAD A BEE FOR US AND STACKED OUR HAY ON THE LOWER PLACE. 8 LOADS TO MARY BIGELOW, THE WATKINS MAN WAS HERE, GOT 2 LOADS IN THE BARN

***SEPTEMBER 2, 1938, ISILDA STRICKLAND DIED TO DAY, WILLIAM HAWLEY DUG THE GRAVE AND TENDED TO THE CHURCH SEPTEMBER 4, 1938

SEPTEMBER 7, 1937 HELEN AND MORRIS WENT TO FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

***NOV 8, 1938 WM ROUGHT FUNERAL TODAY AT BEAVER MEADOWS,

WE OPENED THE CHURCH FOR THE FUNERAL

***DEC 7, 1937 BURIED C B CULVER            BAD DAY

SOLD OLD PANSY COW TO JAY CARTER DEC 19, 1937 GOT $30.00

***DEC 10, 1937 WILLIAM HAWLEYS BIRTHDAY 62 YEARS OLD

***DEC 24, 1938 THE KIDS AND I WENT TO CHURCH TO A PLAY AND DECORATE THE CHRISTMAS TREE

***DEC 24, 1939 FRANK WOODRUFF DIED TODAY

***DEC 24, 1939 MORRIS, WANDA, AND HELEN SPOKE PIECES AT CHURCH

***DEC 25, 1939 BAD STORMY DAY     DUG GRAVE FOR F WOODRUFF

***DEC 26, 1939 BURIED FRANK WOODRUFF AWFULLY COLD HERE

 

IN THE BACK OF BOOK MEMORANDA

***DIED FEB 2, 1937 MRS N C BENNETT BURIED FEB 5, 1937 AT BEAVER MEADOWS CHURCH, AGE 76 YEARS

MARCH 13, 1937 AGE 50 HORTON GIBERSON SHOT HIMSELF IN FRONT OF THE SPRING HILL CHURCH

***MARCH 26, 1937 WM GARRIS AGE 82 DIED BURIED 3/29/1937

***MARCH 26, 1937 CLAUDE BROWN DIED TODAY AT SAYRE HOSPITAL AGE 41 BURIED AT BEAVER MEADOWS 3/29/1937

ISRAEL DICKINSON MARCH 27, 1937 OF SILVARA DIED AT SAYRE HOSPI­TAL, BURIED 3/30 AT SILVARA        COGSWELL CEMETERY

B L BROWNING DIED TODAY APRIL 23, 1937 ON SPRING HILL, BURIED ON SPRING HILL APRIL 26 1937 AGE 74 YEARS

***DEC 4, 1937 AGE 70 CB CULVER DIED TODAY

***JAN 25 1938 WESLEY PICKETT BURIED TODAY

***JAN 26 1938 EDWARD BLAKESLEY (Blakeslee) DIED BURIED JAN 29 1938

1938 FEB 1 AMY TITUS DIED AT SAYRE HOSPITAL, FEB 5 BURIED AT MERRYALL

***RAYMOND HENDERSHOT KILLED MARCH 7-1939

 

 

MAE FASSETT’S DIARIES 1954-1955-1956-1957-1958

Photo by Caroline Fassett Ellsworth

 

***JAN 5, 1955 WENT OVER TO RUTH CULVER WSCS MEETING

***JAN 8 1955 WENT TO SOCIAL AT SHARERS TONIGHT

JAN 19, 1954 JEANETTE AND DALE OVER (BROTZMAN)

JAN 25, 1955 HAD A CHURCH MEETING TONIGHT

***FLOYDS  (HAWLEY) BIRTHDAY FEB 2, 1956 WSCS AT CHARLOTTES, MAX SMITHS HOUSE WEST AUBURN BURNED, LOST EVERYTHING

***FEB 5 1956 WNBF TELETHON LAST NITE AND THIS FORENOON

FEB 6 1955 WENT TO LIBBY HARNEDS FUNERAL

***FEB 9, 1955 OLIN WORKED ON IDA WESTS GRAVE, 35 DEGREES

***FEB 16, 1955 OLIN BURIED MRS IDA WEST, SNOWED BUT NOT SO COLD

FEB 18, 1958 OLIN AND FRANCIS BROTZMAN TOOK OUR MILK OVER AFTER NOON, MORE WIND AND SNOW

FEB 19, 1955 CLYDE LAFRANCE VISITED

FEB 19, 1958 FINALLY GOT WHITNEYS PLOWED OUT, FIRST MILK PICK UP SINCE SUNDAY, STILL SNOWING

***FEB 20 1954 WENT TO SHARERS TO SOCIAL

***FEB 20 1955 WENT TO CHURCH, STARTED DIGGING LEVI LAFRANCES GRAVE

FEB 21, 1955 WANDA HELPED JEANETTE BROTZMAN (SHE GAVE BIRTH TO DENNIS FEB 17, 1955)

FEB 22, 1955 LEVIS FUNERAL, WENT OVER TO SEE JEANETTES NEW BABY

CAROLINE HELPED JEANETTE WITH HER WORK

***FEB 26, 1954 MYF HERE, NOBODY CAME BUT REV REID AND EMERSON SANDS

***FEB 26 1955 WENT TO A SOCIAL AT CULVERS

***FEB 27 1955 OLIN, MAE, JEAN, DALE, AND RAY,  (BROTZMAN KIDS) WENT TO CHURCH,

***MARCH 8 1955 WENT TO CHURCH MEETING AT SHARERS AT NIGHT

SAME DAY 1956 THE RIVER HAS FLOODED THE EDDY  (SKINNERS EDDY)

***MARCH 10, 1956 HELPED BILL LYON DIG MAE (WOOTTON) MAGEE GRAVE

MARCH 12 1954 LLOYD MCCORMICK HOUSE BURNED LOST EVERYTHING

***MARCH 12, 1956 MAGEE FUNERAL TODAY (HEADSTONE SPRINGHILL)

***OLIN STARTED MRS KNAPPS GRAVE, MARCH 13, 1955, (SHE WAS HARRI­ET BROWN HARFORD SUMMERS KNAPP), JEAN BROTZMAN AND I WENT TO CHURCH

***MARCH 15 1955 MRS KNAPPS FUNERAL

MARCH 22, 1958 SOME PLACES HAVE 40 INCHES OF SNOW

MARCH 23, 1954 PUTTING UP TELEPHONE LINES

MARCH 24, 1955 WENT TO PEARLS (REPSHERS) FOR A PLASTIC PARTY

***MARCH 26 1955 SOCIAL AT THE CHURCH

MARCH 31 1956 OLD JIM DIED TODAY       (MAYBE JIMMY MOYERS?)

***APRIL 1, 1956 HAD CHURCH OUTSIDE EASTER SUNDAY,

***APRIL 2, 1955 SOCIAL AT THE CHURCH

***APRIL 2, 1958 WSCS AT RUTH CULVERS IN THE AFTERNOON

***APRIL 3 1954 SOCIAL AT THE CHURCH

***APRIL 5 1954 CHURCH MEETING IN CAMPTOWN, MAE WENT

GOT A TELEPHONE TODAY APRIL 6 1954

***APRIL 6 1955 WSCS HERE 15 WOMEN TIE THE QUILT FOR THE CHURCH

***APRIL 7 1955 MYF HAD A SPAGHETTI SUPPER AT THE CHURCH

***APRIL 8, 1954 WSCS AT THE CHURCH, MESHOPPEN WOMEN WERE THERE

APRIL 13, 1956 GOT OUR TELEVISION AND BOOSTER, VIDA CARTER DIED AGE 64 YEARS

***APRIL 16, 1955 SOCIAL AT MORRIS SMITHS

APRIL 16 1956 WENT TO VIDA CARTERS FUNERAL

APRIL 16 1956 SERVED DINNER AT CHAPPLES SALE

***APRIL 17, 1954 DUG LEE SINKS GRAVE, OLIN AND CAROLINE, BURIED ON THE 18TH, EASTER SUNDAY

APRIL 20, 1958 RUTH, ROBERT, ELWOOD (COBB) HERE TO NIGHT AFTER FLOWERS, NICE DAY HAD OUR FIRST THUNDERSHOWER 58 DEGREES

***APRIL 26 1958 WANDA, OLIN, MAE, RUTH SHERWOOD, HARLAN, JIM AND

CAROLINE, GEORGE ADAMS ALL WENT TO SOCIAL AT THE CHURCH

MAY 1, DELLS (DELLA MONTGOMERY HAWLEY) BIRTHDAY

***MAY 2 1955 OLIN and CAROLINE DUG MR SINGERS GRAVE

***SAME DAY 1956 HAD THE WSCS HERE

***MAY 3 1955 MR SINGERS FUNERAL

MAY 3 1958, HAD A MIRACLE MAID COOKING PARTY TO NIGHT, GRANDPA RAWLINGS HERE TO NIGHT

MAY 4 1958 THE KIDS (CAROLINE AND JIM) ARE MOVING IN TO LEO HITCHCOCKS HOUSE (THAT WAS WHERE LARRY WHITNEY’S QUARRY IS NOW (2005) ON THE WHITNEY ROAD)

***MAY 5 1956 SOCIAL AT MORRIS SMITH HOUSE

***MAY 7 1955 WENT TO SOCIAL AT OLIN WOOTTONS

***MAY 8 1956 WENT TO CHURCH MEETING AT SHARERS

***JEANETTE AND I WENT TO WSCS MEETING AT MRS WOOTTONS MAY 8 1958

MAY 9 1955 WAVIE CULVERS HOUSE BURNT

MORRIS AND CHARLOTTE MOVED INTO THE SITAS HOUSE MAY 13, 1955

***MAY 14 1958 WENT TO NORMA JEAN CAMPBELLS TO HELP MAKE OUT DECORATION DAY SLIPS (REQUESTS TO FURNISH FOR THE DINNER)

***MAY 17 1958 WENT TO BLAINE HARNED FUNERAL, SOCIAL AT CARL

AND MARCELLA HOUSE TO NIGHT

MAY 20, 1954 OLIN DIDN'T WORK, OLA TOOK ANN PARKER TO HOSPITAL

MAY 20 1956 WENT TO WORLDS END WITH JIM AND CAROLINE, CLYDE AND RACHEL

***MAY 21, 1954 MR BOWEN HERE TO GET OLIN TO DIG MRS TRIBLE’S GRAVE

***STARTED THE GRAVE MAY 22, 1954, GRAVE DUG BY MAE, OLIN AND CAROLINE      FUNERAL ON THE 24TH MAY 1954

***MAY 29, 1954 CHURCH DECORATION DAY DINNER, WE ALL WENT

***MAY 30 1956 DINNER AT THE CHURCH

***MAY 30 1958 DINNER AT THE CHURCH, RUTH, CECIL, AND PHEBE, BROUGHT WANDA BACK, THEN ALL WENT

***JUNE 2, 1956, SOCIAL AT THE CHURCH BY MA FASSETT, MORRIS CAME HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL

JUNE 3, 1955 CHARLOTTE REPSHER FASSETT GRADUATED, VERY COLD

***JUNE 6 1956 WSCS AT RUTH CULVERS

***JUNE 7 1955 WSCS AT BETTY WOOTTONS, LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

JUNE 7 1958 HARD FROST

***JUNE 17, 1954 CHURCH MEETING AT WYALUSING, OLIN, MAE AND WANDA

***JUNE 18, 1958 WSCS AT MABLE SHARERS, WE WERE SHUT OUT OF SELLING MILK

***LAST DAY BIBLE SCHOOL JUNE 22 1956

JUNE 23 1954 STARTED GRAVE OF ANNA PARKER WHO DIED LAST NIGHT

JUNE 24 JIM SHERWOODS BIRTHDAY

JUNE 26 1954 ANNA PARKERS FUNERAL

JUNE 29 1956 CHAPPLES MOVED OUT

***JULY 6 1955 WSCS AT INA WOOTTONS, BIBLE SCHOOL STARTED

***JULY 10, 1957 PHEBE AND WANDA WENT TO WSCS AT MRS JOHNSON

***JULY 12, 1954 GIRLS STARTED BIBLE SCHOOL

***JULY 12, 1958 SOCIAL AT THE CHURCH

***JULY 13, 1957 ICE CREAM SOCIAL FOR THE CEMETERY AT THE CHURCH

***JULY 17, 1954 SOCIAL AT THE CHURCH

JULY 30, 1956 RUTH COBB AND FLORENCE BROTZMAN HERE TODAY

***JULY 30, 1957 OLIN AND WANDA DUG MRS GORDON BENNETTS GRAVE

***AUGUST 1, 1957 MRS BENNETT’S FUNERAL, WSCS AT PEARLS (REPSHER)

AUGUST 2, 1958 WENT TO L (LOUISE) WHITNEYS FOR PLASTIC PARTY

***AUGUST 3 1955 PEGGY PICKETT HAD WSCS

AUGUST 3, 1957 FRED BENSCOTER HAD A SALE

***AUGUST 4 1954 MORRIS AND CHARLOTTE GOT MARRIED TONIGHT

***AUGUST 6 1958 WSCS HERE IN THE AFTERNOON, ATTENDED SHOWER FOR BEVERLY (REPSHER)

AUGUST 12, 1954 THEY ARE STILL PUTTING GRAVEL ON THIS ROAD

AUGUST 15, 1957 STARTED MRS CARTERS GRAVE

NEXT DAY DUG VENA CARTERS GRAVE AUGUST 17 BURIED VENA CARTER

SAME DAY 1957 MOTHER FASSETT HAD A STROKE

***AUGUST 18, 1958 BIBLE SCHOOL STARTED

AUGUST 19 OLINS BIRTHDAY

***AUGUST 19, 1957 HELEN WHITNEY DIED TONIGHT AGE 57

***AUGUST 23, 1956, HAD STORK SHOWER FOR CHARLOTTE AT THE CHURCH

***SAME DAY 1957 HELEN WHITNEYS FUNERAL

***AUGUST 28, 1945 SOCIAL AT SHARERS AT NIGHT

AUGUST 31 WATER FESTIVAL AT WYSOX

SEPT 6 GRANDPA FASSETTS BIRTHDAY

SEPT 7, 1955 FLOYD DIED TODAY

***SEPT 8 1955 WSCS AT SPRING HILL, FUNERAL HOME TONIGHT

SEPT 10 1955 FLOYDS FUNERAL TODAY

SEPT 12, 1954 NEW SCHOOLHOUSE BUILDING

***SEPT 21, 1957 SOCIAL AT MAX WHITNEYS TONIGHT

***SEPT 22, 1956 SOCIAL AT CARL WHITNEYS

SEPT 27 1958 STARTED TO TEAR DOWN OLD BARN HAD A PLASTIC PARTY

SANDRA WHITNEYS (HELEN FASSETT WHITNEYS DAUGHTER) BIRTHDAY OCT 3

***OCT 3, 1957 CAROLINE AND JIM SHERWOODS BABY STILLBORN

OCT 4 1958 OLIN HURT, ADMITTED MONTROSE HOSPITAL

***OCT 5 1955 WSCS AT CHURCH, REA (CLAVERAK) CHECKED THE LIGHTS

OCT 6 1957 GRANDMA FASSETT DIED

***OCT 7 1955 GETTING READY FOR CAROLINES WEDDING, WENT TO MYF

***OCT 8 1955 CAROLINE WEDDING DAY AT NIGHT

OCT 9 1957 CLAIR AND RUTH BEAUMONT HERE FOR GRANDMA FASSETTS FUNERAL

OCT 15 1954 AWFUL NIGHT, HURRICANE HAZEL

***OCT 20 1956 BAZAAR AT THE CHURCH

***OCT 22 1955 BAZAAR AT THE CHURCH

***OCT 23 1954 AFTER HURRICANE HAZEL, WENT TO THE BAZAAR AT THE CHURCH

***NOV 1 1958 GIRLS HELPED LOUISE WHITNEY AND ELVA HALL WASH DISHES AT THE CHURCH

***NOV 2 HAD THE BAZAAR NOV 2, 1958

***WSCS NOV 2 1955 AT MAES

JEANETTES BIRTHDAY NOV 4

***NOV 5 1955 SOCIAL AT MARIAN BENNETTS

MILDREDS BIRTHDAY NOV 7

***MRS WOOTTON HAD A SOCIAL AT THE CHURCH NOV 9, 1957

NOV 9 1958 PETE TORE DOWN THE SIDE OF THE BARN      

***NOV 13, 1954 WAVIE DIED TONIGHT, SOCIAL AT BETTY WOOTTONS

***NOV 14 1954 STARTED WAVIES GRAVE

NOV 14 1955 STARTED MRS KIMBALL’S GRAVE SILVARA, SHE WAS FROM NEW ALBANY

***NOV 16 WAVIES FUNERAL, NICE DAY

SAME DAY 1955 FUNERAL FOR MRS KIMBALL

NOV 24 1958 BEVERLYS (REPSHER) STORK SHOWER AT PEARLS TONIGHT

NOV 26 1957 DIANE MARIE FASSETT BORN

***DEC 1 1954 WSCS: WENT WITH GRACE (BENNETT) AND DORIS (SMITH) TO

GLADYS MCCORMICKS HOUSE

MORRIS BIRTHDAY DEC 5

***DEC 7 1956 WSCS AT FLORENCE BROTZMANS

DEC 9 1955 ELSIE AND GEORGE CHAPPLE LEFT TODAY

***DEC 22 1957 CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE CHURCH TONIGHT

***DEC 21, 1958 GOT OUR TREE AND THE ONE FOR THE CHURCH

UNCLE CLARENCES FUNERAL DEC 21 1955

DEC 24, 1957 MORRIS AND CHARLOTTES FOR DINNER,   (CHRISTMAS PRESENTS) GIRLS GOT JEWELS, MOM A BLUE BLANKET, OLIN GOT A SHIRT

CAROLINES BIRTHDAY DEC 30                MAES PHONE # 9-3394

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BELL/MARBAKER/SMITH/HANKINSON/BIBLE

 

 

 

 

 

Transcribed Carol Hoose Brotzman

THE SPELLING IS AS COPIED, THERE ARE ERRORS BUT I ONLY RECORD HISTORY, NO REWRITE IT! (ANYTHING ADDED IN PARENTHESIS MEANS I HAVE MADE SOME CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS)

 

THIS BOOK BELONGS TO MARTHA E BELL, WHEN I AM GONE FROM HERE, TO MOTHER LEONORA HIBBARD, TO MARTHA E.  (ROSENGRANT)

IN 1984 CECIL BELL (JULY 11, 1907 - MARCH 6, 1977), MARTHA’S SON HAD THIS BIBLE), THE BIBLE IS STILL IN TUSCARORA TOWNSHIP, BRADFORD COUNTY, PA. CECIL BELL DESIGNATED THAT THE BIBLE BE GIVEN TO SANDY YURGATIS, DAUGHTER OF CARL AND JEANNE HIBBARD YURGATIS.

 

 

RECORDED:

TO CERTIFY THAT

SILAS A SMITH, OF WARREN, AND MARTHA J HANKINSON OF WYSOX, WERE

UNITED IN MARRIAGE AT WYSOX, BRADFORD COUNTY   23 DAY OF MAY 1857

IN THE PRESENCE OF MR AND MRS WILLIAM HANKERSON

SIGNED BY ESQ MORGAN

 

 

 

 

 

BIRTHS:  SPELLING AS COPIED

SILAS A SMITH         OCT 19, 1836

MARTHA A HANKINSON    FEB 2, 1839

LEONORA SMITH         JAN 11, 1858

MARY A SMITH          MAY 9, 1859

MELVIN A SMITH        MARCH 9, 1861

MARTIN E SMITH        APRIL 11, 1862

PHEBE A SMITH         MAY 6, 1864

RICHARD T SMITH       MAY 26, 1866

ELNOTHAN S SMITH      MAY 23, 1869

JESSE R SMITH         MAY 20, 1872

CHARTA M SMITH        FEB 13, 1877

JOHN W SMITH          NOV 1, 1883

 

MARRIAGES:  SPELLING AS COPIED

ELLIS GALUTIA        JULY 22, 1897

EFFA JANE GALUTIA    NOV 21, 1899

SILAS A SMITH     MARRIED   MARTHA J HANKINSON MAY 23, 1857

LUTHER B MARBAKER MARRIED   LEONORA SMITH       DEC 17, 1872

PHEBE A SMITH      MARRIED   EDGAR N GALUTIA     NOV 10, 1891

JESSE R SMITH      MARRIED   VESTA PITCHER       OCT 30, 1892

ELNOTHAN S SMITH   MARRIED   ROSE B HANKERSON    OCT 23, 1895

MARTIN E SMITH     MARRIED   LEUCA A FARGO       JAN 18, 1899

MARTIN E SMITH     MARRIED   SARAH BROWN         MARCH 27, 1907

JOHN W SMITH       MARRIED   DAISY SIVERS         1910

MRS PHETA A GALUTIA   MARRIED GEORGE HALPIN     JULY 3, 1915

 

DEATHS:  SPELLING AS COPIED

SILAS A SMITH       JULY 15, 1886

MARTHA J SMITH      AUGUST 15, 1910

LEONORA A HIBBARD   JAN 20, 1924

MARY A SMITH        JUNE 18, 1860

MELVIN E SMITH      MARCH 20, 1861

LUCY A SMITH        JUNE 14, 1901

MORTON SMITH        JUNE 1933

PHEBE A HALPIN      JAN 10, 1925

RICHARD A SMITH     FEB 17, 1920

PERMELIA SMITH      MARCH 12, 1933

JESSE R SMITH       APRIL 8, 1914

MORTON E SMITH      NOV 25, 1926

ELLIS GAUTIA        SEPTEMBER 25, 1948

MORRIS E SMITH      DEC 15, 1983 (THATS WHAT IT SAYS, obviously wrong) 

CARL C SMITH        FEB 27, 1984 (THATS WHAT IT SAYS, obviously wrong)

JOHN W SMITH        OCT 19, 1956

 

 

MARRIAGES:

C W HIBBARD, OF RUSH, MARRIED ETTIE A SMITH OF AUBURN, PA JULY 5, 1873

C W HIBBARD, OF RUSH, MARRIED MARY E MARBAKER OF CLAPPER HILL FEB 2, 1901

C W HIBBARD, OF RUSH, MARRIED LEONORA SMITH OF RUSH, DEC 24, 1910

W. A.  HIBBARD, AUBURN, MARRIED MAJORIA MAYLEY AUBURN PA, SEPTEM-BER 17, 1910    (He married Marjorie McBride)

J WAYNE HIBBARD, OF JESSUP, MARRIED FLORENCE CLINK OF RUSHVILLE, PA JUNE 3, 1918

 

MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE:

LUTHER B MARBAKER OF TUSCARORA, AND LEONORA SMITH OF WYALUSING AT STEVENSVILLE, PA.  17 DECEMBER 1882, IN THE PRESENCE OF MRS S C ADAMS           BY REV T THOMAS (They lived on the Dale and Carol Brotzman property at Beaver Meadows Tuscarora Township)

 

MARRIAGES:

LUTHER B MARBAKER MARRIED LEONORA SMITH    DEC 17, 1882

MARTIN E MARBAKER MARRIED HATTIE BENNETT   AUGUST 23, 1910

MARTHA E MARBAKER MARRIED JUDSON C BELL    NOV 5, 1902

CHARLES W HIBBARD MARRIED LEONORA SMITH    DEC 24, 1910

LUTHER B MARBAKER MARRIED HARRIET RICKARD NOV 18, 1909

DANIEL ROSENGRANT MARRIED MARTHA E BELL    OCT 14, 1914

CECIL M BELL MARRIED BLANCH A MULLINEX     OCT 20, 1933

MR JOHN W SMITH OF AUBURN 4 CORNERS   MARRIED    MRS ROTA M LAKE JAN 19, 1899

CECIL M BELL MARRIED ROSE?  SEPTEMBER 27, 1953, ROSE DIED 9/4/1968            

CECIL BELL   MARRIED   IRENE BENNETT BRIGG   JUNE 6, 1970

CECIL BELL MARRIED    BERTHA V FARGO       MARCH 20, 1948   SHE DIED OCT 24, 1950

 

BIRTHS:

LUTHER B MARBAKER    OCT 3, 1855

LEONORA SMITH        JAN 11, 1858

MELVIN E MARBAKER    OCT 6, 1883

MARTHA E MARBAKER    JUNE 21, 1885

LEONORA ALPHARETTA BELL SEPTEMBER 28, 1903

CECIL MELVIN BELL    JULY 11 1907

CHARLES W HIBBARD    MAY 4, 1851

WORDEN A HIBBARD     MARCH 3, 1882

ROSS H HIBBARD       AUGUST 10, 1887

JOHN WAYNE HIBBARD   DEC 13, 1897

LOUIS M HIBBARD      FEB 11, 1909

 The next two photos belong to Martha Walker.

This data regarding the photo comes from Norma Hibbard McNeal, wife of George McNeal, daughter of Louis (Dutch) Hibbard  (February 11, 1909 - April 20, 1992) and his wife Jean Grow (October 29, 1915 - August 06, 1998). Louis being the son of Worden A. Hibbard (March 03, 1882 - May 26, 1919) and his first wife Arminta Marbaker (April 07, 1876 - May 16, 1910). They married September 11, 1900 in Lestershire (Johnson City) New York. Arminta had been married before on March 24, 1897 to Charles Grant Ellis, he was born October 09, 1869. The divorced appears in the Bradford County Courthouse with a date of Oct. 3, 1901. He died in Riverside, California July 20, 1904.  Charles contracted from T.B. from his first wife Ada Mary Martyn who died February 20, 1896. He was going West to see if it would improve his health.  Glen Griff Ellis (January 23, 1898 - April 06, 1979) was their son. Charles and his first wife Ada were the parents of Emerson W. (Joseph Waldo Emerson) Ellis born about 1894. He went to California with his father. After his father died he stayed with his fathers sister Frank and Ann Dilts. Arminta stayed behind in Pennsylvania with her children. It appeared she was going to go to California, but a riff grew and they ended up divorcing. No one ever knew if Charles knew he was divorced or not, she filed here in Bradford County.

There were three children by Arminta's second marriage to Worden A. Hibbard: Charles Wallace Hibbard born July 6, 1903 , Etta Hibbard (Mrs. Harry Osborne) born December 20, 1904, and Louis W. Hibbard born February 11, 1909.

After Arminta died Worden married Marjorie McBride on September 17, 1910, they had five more children: Carl, Norma, Charles known as Chuck, Clifford known as Kip, and Marjorie.

Charles Worden Hibbard and Etta Smith were the parents of Worden A. Hibbard, Ross Hibbard and John "Wayne" Hibbard in the photo. She was his first wife he married July 05, 1873, he married his second wife, Mary Ellen Marbaker February 02, 1901. Mary Ellen Marbaker, daughter of Edward and Thankful Cottrell Marbaker. He took his third wife December 24, 1910, she was Leonora Smith Marbaker, the ex wife of Mary Ellen Marbaker's brother Luther (Luke) Marbaker.  It is Lenora's lineage that had ownership of this bible.

That is Grandpa Charley Hibbard holding me, Norma Hibbard. Leon Osborne is beside us. In back of me is Uncle Wayne Hibbard, Irene Hibbard wife of LeRoy Beeman (she is the daughter of Ross Hibbard). Next is French Hibbard wife of William Whitmiller (she is the daughter of Ross Hibbard), next is Uncle Chuck Hibbard, Uncle Kip (real name Clifford Hibbard), Aunt Etta (Mrs. Harry Osborne) and Dad, Louis  Hibbard. Uncle Ross is in the back near Irene. It was taken at Uncle Ross Hibbard's at Rushville. The location would be the dirt road just before the community hall. Uncle Wayne lived a couple house above his brother Ross. 

 

 

 

The Marbaker family of Beaver Meadows,

The information on the back of the picture records: I am assuming the identification is left to right.

On the left front Grandpa Marbaker: This should be Edward Marbaker Sr.

Aunt Nora Marbaker should be next to him, which would be Leonora Smith Marbaker Hibbard.  She married Luther Marbaker son of Edward and Thankful Marbaker first, then second to Charles Worden Hibbard

Aunt Mary Marbaker is the lady behind Grandpa Marbaker: She is Mary Elizabeth Marbaker the daughter of Edward and Thankful Cottrell Marbaker who married Fernando C. Comstock, Milton Suel T.  (Mit) Warner, Charles Worden Hibbard and was on 1930 census with Owen Nickols as a companion, both widowed. The two youth in back are children of Luther and Leonora Smith Marbaker.

Melvin Marbaker: Melvin married Hattie  Bennett, and Martha Marbaker: She married Mrs. Judson C. Bell and later to Daniel Rosengrant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A tintype photo belonging to Martha Walker

Aunt Emma, Uncle Mort, Aunt Mintie, and Aunt Hettie

They are the children of Edward and Almeda Wage Marbaker

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aunt Emma Marbaker, (April 19, 1880 -?) married Judson L. Clark

Uncle Mort is Morton Marbaker (February 07, 1874 - October 27, 1958),

married Agnes McHugh

Aunt Mintie is Arminta Marbaker (1877 - May 16, 1910) was the first wife of Charles Grant Ellis and the first wife of Worden A. Hibbard.

Aunt Hettie Marbaker, (December 1881 – February 5, 1964) married Louis Moore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEATHS:

MARTHA E ROSENGRANT DIED 1926     FEBRUARY 16 OR 19, (correct info is February 16, 1926 by headstone in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery)

LUTHER B MARBAKER    DIED JAN 18, 1941

JUDSON C BELL        DIED JAN 21, 1941

MARTON OR MORTON E SMITH DIED   FEB 1927

EDWIN MARBAKER       DIED JUNE 9, 1933

MILES MARBAKER       DIED JUNE 13, 1940

MARY MARBAKER        DIED FEB 1931

MELVIN E MARBAKER    DIED FEB OR MARCH 1925

GEORGE ALLIE JONES   DIED FEB 27, 1945

 

MEMORANDA:

AUNT PHEBE VAILS     DIED MAY 25, 1889 AGE 65 Y 10M

GRANMA HANKINSON     DIED JULY 10, 1889 AGE 73 Y 4M

MOTHER MARBAKER      DIED OCT 24, 1889 AGE 67Y 10M 1 DAY

GRANPA HANKINSON     DIED MAY 25, 1891 AGE 81 Y 5M 8 DAYS

 

Baptisms

LUTHER B MARBAKER WAS BAPTIZED AND UNITED TO THE FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH WARREN CENTER, PA MAY 4, 1890

LEONORA MARBAKER BAPTIZED AND UNITED WITH THE FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH AT WARREN, PA NOV 10, 1889

 

A LOOSE PAGE WITH A MOAB STONE PHOTO

 

UNCLE EDWIN MARBAKER DIED JUNE 9, 1933 BURIED JUNE 11, 1933 BEAVER MEADOWS CEMETERY

LUTHER B MARBAKER (GRANDFATHER) DIED JAN 18, 1941

MILES MARBAKER                  DIED JUNE 13, 1940

RAYMOND MARBAKER DIED FEB 25,1944, BURIED FEB 27TH ON SUNDAY AT 2 PM AGE 42 YEARS

 

 

KIDNAPED:

LEONORA A BELL WAS KIDNAPED FROM MARTHA E BELL JUNE 17, 1912 BY

JOAN SMITH (J.C. BELLS MOTHER.)  LEONORA WAS (RETURNED) SENT TO

HER FATHER J C BELL AUGUST 7, 1912

 

ODD FACTS INCLUDED:

ARTHUR KEIFER SHOT HIMSELF DEC 23, 1932 AGE 17 YEARS

HAROLD WEBSTER BORN NOV 23?

 

ANOTHER PAGE IN THE BIBLE

APRIL 7, 1909 C W HIBBARD HOUSE BURNT UP,

NOV 18, 1915   FRANK KEIFER HOUSE BURNT UP

SAME PAGE ON THE BACK

BORN TO MR AND MRS M E SMITH, LUCINA SMITH JUNE 3, 1911

                                CLARENCE B SMITH FEB 24, 1913

                                GLADYS ALTHEA SMITH FEB 22, 1916

BORN TO MR AND MRS J W SMITH

                                ETHEL GREANE? SMITH MAY 28, 1911

                                EARL C SMITH JULY 23, 1915

                                RICHARD SMITH SEPTEMBER 1, 1921

MARRIAGES LUCINA SMITH M/ CHARLES WELTON    APRIL 29, 1929

GLADYS SMITH            M/ RUSSELL FRISBY    DEC 11, 1933

CLARENCE SMITH      M/ AUDREY ROGERS     JUNE 9, 1939

MORRIS SMITH            M/ NANCY COLEGROVE   MAY 13, 1940

 

MARRIAGES: 

RICHARD T SMITH     M/ DAWN LORD       APRIL 19, 1941

CARL C SMITH            M/ NINA SISSON       SEPTEMBER 1, 1934

LEO JENSON                M/ MARTHA SMITH JUNE 15, 1928

MARJORIE WELTON M/ ARTHUR NYE   JULY 2, 1948 DIVORCED 1948

MARRIED WENDELL NOBLE 1950 

4 CHILDREN: MARLENE   1950, JUNE 17

                CINDY     1952, SEPT 30

                WINDELL   1954, MARCH 18

                CHRISTINE 1957, MARCH 24

DIVORCED 1959, THEN MARRIED LELAND RICE 1960

                MICHAEL RICE    JULY 31, 1961

                LEE RICE        MARCH 19, 1963

 

BIRTHS:

MARJORIE WELTON       JAN 9, 1932

SARAH JANE WRISLEY? JAN 13, 1937

MARY ELLEN WRISLEY?  APRIL 13, 1942

LEVI CATON WRISLEY? DEC 15, 1944

PATRICIA SMITH                 JUNE 7, 1940

JANET SMITH                        JAN 18, 1942

ROBERT MARTIN SMITH   NOV 28, 1945

RICHARD RALPH SMITH   DEC 4, 1950

ANOTHER  LISTS OF BIRTHS:

RICHARD LEE SMITH        NOV 19, 1941

RAYMOND WALLACE JENSEN JULY 11, 1929

ANITA LUCILLE JENSEN   DEC 20, 1932

EUGENE BOYD JENSEN     FEB 28, 1939

RICHARD LEO JENSEN     JUNE 23, 1939

CLARENCE MARBAKERS HAND WAS DRAWN ON A PAPER   OCT 21, 1917

ANOTHER PAGE IN THE BIBLE: MARRIAGES:

EFFIE GALUTIA   M/ LEWIS COOK      AUGUST 22, 1919

ELLIS L GALUTIA M/ ACLA WARD     OCT 24, 1919 ACLA WAS 17 YEARS OLD THE 25TH OCTOBER 1919

 

REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING IS AS COPIED AS WAS FOUND:

MAY 21, 1925, CECIL BELL GOT SHOT, WAS TAKEN TO SAYRE HOSPITAL

THE BILL TO GET CECIL TO THE HOSPITAL TO FIX CECIL WAS $4.00

CECIL CAME HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL JUNE 20, 1925

THE BILL WAS $185.50.  HE THEN WENT TO DR F M FREY AT RUSH, HE

WENT 10 TIMES AT $1.00 APIECE WAS THE BILL, ALUM AND ADHESIVE PLASTER WAS $.78.

 

ANOTHER HOLY MATRIMONY PAGE JUDSON C BELL OF STEVENSVILLE, BRAD-FORD COUNTY, PA TO MISS MARTHA E MARBAKER OF STEVENSVILLE, BRAD-FORD COUNTY, PA. M 5TH DAY DECEMBER 1902 MARRIED BY REV CARL COUNCILMAN

 

 NEXT PAGE:  THE KIDNAPERS, JEROME AND JOAN SMITH KIDNAPED LEONO-RA A (ALPHARETTA) BELL FROM HER MOTHER MARTHA E BELL JUNE 17, 1912, HAD HER TO AUGUST 17, 1912, SHE WAS AGE 9 YEARS OLD   

(RESOLUTION OF THE KIDNAPING)

PAUL AND MAY KEIFER TOOK LEONORA BELL TO THE DEPOT AND SENT HER TO JUD BELL (HER FATHER) ON THE TRAIN TO GENEVA.

 

 

THE FOLLOWING NAMES ARE LISTED UNDER, WHAT LOOKS LIKE AN ORDERING PAGE FOR THE BIBLE, SOMEONE MUST HAVE BEEN SELLING THESE FAMILY BIBLES TO EARN EXTRA CASH!

 

MISS HATTIE M BABCOCK STEVENSVILLE ORDERED 1, $6.00

A H STAUFFLER ? OF HERRICKVILLE 2

MERWIN B BROWN OF BROWNTOWN 2

ANOTHER PAGE OF ODD FACTS OF LOCAL FOLKS:

ART BENNETT OF CLAPPER HILL M/ LENNA CULVER OF CLAPPER HILL AUGUST 28, 1885

GEORGE WOOD OF CLAPPER HILL M/ MINNIE CULVER   MARCH 29, 1886

NAN COMSTOCK OF CLAPPER HILL M/ JENNIE CULVER AUGUST 14, 1886

JONAH MCLAUD                    M/ MAMIE COMSTOCK      SEPT 22, 1886

WORDEN A HIBBARD           M/ MINTA ELLIS         SEPT 11, 1900

WORDEN HIBBARD              M/ SAPHRONIA? MAILEY SEPT 17, 1910

(HIS FATHER WAS WORDEN AND MOTHER MINTA MARBAKER BY OBIT)   (MINTA DAUGHTER OF EDWIN AND ALMEDA WAGE MARBAKER)

 SAME PAGE ON THE BACK

EDWARD MARBAKER        B/ NOV 6, 1823

THANKFUL MARBAKER    B/ DEC 16, 1821

GRAMPA HANKINSON        B/ DEC 17, 1810

GRANMA HANKINSON       B/ MARCH 19, 1816

C C (CHESTER CHAPEL) WAGE            B/ FEB 7, 1813

MARY E WAGE                      B/ APRIL 3, 1817

BORN TO MR AND MRS HAWLEY DEC 29, 1880 A BOY NAMED JESSIE A HAWLEY WEIGHED 9 1/2 POUNDS, OF SPRING HILL, PA

MRS SUSAN A HYDE            B/ AUGUST 9, 1852

HENRY ROSH                         B/ JULY 25, 1831

ALMIDA WAGE GIBBS        B/ AUGUST 1846   (ALMEDA)

MARTIN SMITH                    B/ OCT 30, 1840

ALBERT HIBBARD               B/ APRIL 25, 1845

OBADIE HANKINSON          B/ JULY 20, 1844

JACKOF HANKINSON         B/ DEC 9, 1845

MARGARET HANKINSON  B/ FEB 20, 1848

ELIZABETH HANKINSON  B/ MARCH 16, 1855

ESTELLA HANKINSON       B/ MARCH 16, 1855

ALFORD HANKINSON        B/ APRIL 10, 1857

MORT L MARBAKER          B/ FEB 7, 1874

ETTA A HIBBARD                B/ DEC 20, 1904

LOUIS W HIBBARD              B/ FEB 11, 1909

 

 

MARBAKER - BENNETT WEDDING, MELVIN MARBACKER AND MRS HATTIE BENNETT BOTH OF THIS CITY WERE MARRIED BY REV J C LAPPEUS YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AT THEIR FUTURE HOME, NO 293 CHENANGO STREET   AUGUST 23, 1916

 

 

HIBBARD - SMITH WEDDING

AT THE HOME OF THE BRIDEGROOM DEC 24, C W HIBBARD MARRIED LEONORA SMITH, BOTH OF JESSUP TWP, REV J A HUDGINS OF AUBURN, THIS WAS A COMPLETE SURPRISE TO THE WHOLE FAMILY THAT WAS GATHERED FOR A CHRISTMAS DINNER THAT WAS ALREADY PREPARED BY THE BRIDE

 

OAKES  - BENNETT, AT THE PARSONAGE AUBURN 4 CORNERS, SIMEON A OAKES MARRIED FLORENCE M BENNETT, REV HUDGINS, WITNESS MR BENNETT AND MISS GYLE

 

CLIPPINGS FOR THE HAWLEY BABY

 

THIS BOOK BELONGS TO MARTHA E ROSENGRANT AT MY DEATH IT GOES TO MRS LEONORA HIBBARD

A SEPARATE NOTE BOOK PAPER WITH NAMES:

JOHNNY BRADLEY?  MISS NELLIES MOTHER

MRS JENKINS DIED APRIL 3, 1910

MISS SARAH ERSKINE     DIED JULY 9, 1910

MORT BILES DIED MAY 6, 1910

MRS BUMP, JOES MOTHER DIED MAY 7, 1910

 

ALL CROSSED OUT FOR SOME REASON

JAMES M               DIED MARCH 27 1923

SUSAN M               DIED JAN 3, 1903 AGE 72 YEARS

JOSEPH M             DIED OCT 22, 1891 AGE 86

MORT L MARBAKER       BORN FEB 7, 1874

NOT CROSSED OUT

IDA BLAKESLEE   (NEE MARBAKER)

OSCAR OCT 8, 1963     (headstone has 1962 not 1963)

MELVIN MARBAKER AND HATTIE BENNETT MARRIED AUGUST 23, 1910

MINTA (MARBAKER) HIBBARD       DIED MAY 16, 1910

CLOIE E (MARBAKER) HAMLEY               DIED OCT 6, 1921

ON THE BACK

ALFORD L HANKINSON    BORN APRIL 1855

JOHN HANKINSON             BORN OCT 1853

CECIL RICHARD COOP     BORN APRIL 21, 1920

PHEBE JANE COOP             BORN FEB 19, 1922

EVELAND MAY COOP        BORN MAY 19, 1927

MARRIAGES

CECIL COOP AND MARY LETTERMAN DEC 3, 1944, SHE WAS BORN NOVEMBER 7,1917

BORN TO THEM WERE: 

SEPTEMBER 13, 1945 VELMA JOYCE COOP WEIGHT 9 LB 11OZ

JULY 25, 1946 BARBARA ELAINE COOP WEIGHT 9 LB

MIKE COREY    MARRIED EVELAND MAY COOP MAY 23, 1945

BORN TO THEM WERE

MAUREEN PHEBE COREY    DEC 6, 1945

RICHARD MICHAEL               FEB 17, 1948

MAXINE DARLENE                  FEB 9, 1950

 

ANOTHER PAGE

DEATHS IN THE HANKINSON FAMILY

IN MICHIGAN WILLIE HANKINSON    OCT 9, 1887 AGE 22 YEARS

GRANMA HANKINSON                JULY 10, 1889 73 YEAR 4 MONTHS

GRANPA HANKINSON                 MAY 25, 1891 AGE 81 Y 5M 8 D

UNCLE JOHN HANKINSON        DIED FEB 6, 1892 AGE 38 Y 4M

AUNT ADELINE HANKINSON    DIED MAY 6, 1892

ARMINDA HANKINSON               DIED JUNE 22, 1901

CHARLES L SCHULTS                  DIED OCT 31, 1907 70 Y 3 M

SARAH SCHULTS                           DIED JULY 10, 1908 49Y 7M 2D

MARTHA JANE SMITH GREAT GRANDMA AUGUST 15, 1910

                                                             AGE 71 Y 6M 13 D

RICHARD D HANKINSON            DIED FEB 8, 1913 72 YEARS

ELIZABETH WESTOVER             DIED FEB 26, 1915 AGE 65Y

JACOB HANKINSON                     DIED 1919 AGE 74Y

ESTELLA WROUGHT (Rought)   DIED APRIL 9, 1920 53 Y 8M 22 D

RICHARD T SMITH                       DIED FEB 16, 1922 AGE 73 Y 11M 16 D

OBADIER HANKINSON                DIED MAY 27, 1922 77 Y 10M 7 D

 

DEATHS OF FRIENDS

PHEBES BOY ARTHUR

PHEBE HIBBARD         JAN 30, 1918 AGE 65Y 10M

ARTHUR HIBBARD      MAR 22, 1919 AGE

WORDEN A HIBBARD             D/ MAY 26, 1919 AGE 37Y 1M 23D

AMELIA HIBBARD ROGERS D/ APRIL 20, 1920 63 Y

HER HUSBAND GEORGE G ROGERS D/ FEB 21, 1921

CARL E HIBBARD                    D/ APRIL 20, 1921 AGE 9 Y 11M 16D

MARJORIE HIBBARD             D/ JUNE 26, 1921 AGE 37

CLOIRE HAMLEY            D/ OCT 6, 1921

OLIVE COBB                     D/ OCT 12, 1921

MAGGIE HIBBARD          D/ MAY 22, 1922 AGE 73 YEAR 8M 20D

LEVERNE HIBBARD        D/ JAN 12, 1923,

ANDREA HIBBARD          D/ JAN 15, 1923 AGE 74Y 10, 24D

EMMER JONES D/ JAN 29, 1923 AGE 63Y 16M 5D   (CORRECT SPELLING)

ALBERT HIBBARD           D/ MAY 2, 1923 AGE 78Y 7D

                   ON THE BACK

DONALD PICKERING    MARRIED    PHEBE COOP SEPT 27, 1946

BORN TO THEM DONALD PICKERING OCT 1, 1947

 

ANOTHER PAGE PROBABLY WRITTEN BY LEONORA BELL COOPER

RECEIVED THIS BOOK FROM MY BROTHER CECIL BELL JUNE 1954

LEONORA ALPHARETTA BELL M/ GEORGE ANTHONY MARCY

MAY 28, 1921    SEPARATED

CHILDREN:   (THE CHILDREN WERE ADOPTED OUT)

RICHARD GLENN MARCY       AUGUST 1, 1922

HELEN LOUISE MARCY           MAY 14, 1924

BEATRICE KATHRYN MARCY SEPT 19, 1925 (ADOPTED BY OLIN AND HELEN MAE HAWLEY FASSETT)

HARRY SYLVESTER MARCY   SEPT 16, 1926

RUTH VIRGIL BELL                    DEC 9, 1928

LEONORA BELL MARRIED SECOND LESTER COOPER SEPTEMBER 1962

CHILDREN OF LEONORA AND GEORGE MARCY:

MARRIED/ BEATRICE KATHRYN MARCY, SAME AS HELEN FASSETT M/ JAMES R WHITNEY OCT 21, 1945   BORN TO THEM WERE SANDRA LEE WHITNEY 0CT 3, 1946 AND DELL MARIE WHITNEY B/ MAY 1, 1951

HELEN AND JIM DIVORCED AUGUST 1953 SHE MARRIED/ MAY 14, 1955 JAMES WIMBERLY

 

ANOTHER PAGE

MR HENRY WATSON        D/ AUGUST 1, 1879 AGE 27Y 5M

THE LITTLE DAUGHTER OF MR AND MRS HARTLEY STEVENS OF STEVENSVILLE DIED MAY 8, 1881

LITTLE ALICE IS GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN (THIS PROBABLY IS IN REFERENCE TO ALICE BENNETT WHO HAS THIS ON HER MARKER IN THE BEAVER MEADOWS CEMETERY)

MARY E WAGE             D/ SEPT 21, 1900 83Y 5M 18D

CC WAGE                       D/ OCT 5, 1907 AGE 94Y

JOHN O DEVINE           D/ MARCH 7, 1913 61Y

? ESSIE LARUE              D/ NOV 1915

CHARLES LARUE         D/ NOV 17, 1915

ADAM CLINK                 D/ APRIL 14, 1918

RUSSELL GIBBS            D/ FEB 7, 1918 AGE 74

MRS HERB FARGO       D/ JAN 29, 1923

MRS EUDORA MAIN    D/ FEB 15, 1923 58Y 5M 23D

ANOTHER PAGE

AUGUST 22, 1925 OUR HOUSE BURNED AND A GOOD SHARE OF OUR STUFF,

BEDDING, AND BEDS, CHAIRS, DISHES, STOVES, FRUIT,

OFFERINGS FROM FRIENDS AND RELATIVES:

AUGUST 27, MR MARVIN BENNETT $5.00

AUGUST 28, NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS $27.50

C J O'CONNELL, $1.00

M/M PHILIP LINNABERRY, $1.00

MOTHER AND DAN RENTED CECIL GARRIS FARM, AND WAS MOVING THERE TO TAKE PARTITION IN APRIL.  BUT IN FEBRUARY MOTHER HAD A STROKE AND DIED THE 16TH. DAN GOT A SMALLPLACE AND MOVED TO IT DAN DIED _______

 

DEATHS:

ANOTHER PAGE OLD NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS CLAPPER HILL

MILES BENNETT           D/ JAN 25, 1901 72 Y

MRS MARY WEST         D/ JAN 25, 1901 70 Y 6M

DIMOCK D BENNETT   D/ APRIL 29, 1901 66Y 9M 13D

MILES BENNETT           D/ NOV 8, 1901 2 Y 5M 15D

WINCHESTER COBB    D/ MARCH 16, 1901 AGE 79Y

MICAL DEVINE              D/ APRIL 10, 1901 AGE

THOMAS POTTER         D/ JAN 28, 1901 AGE 62Y

MRS MICAL DEVINE    D/ OCT 5, 1903

CAROLINE HALL          D/ OCT 11, 1903 

DAVID FOWLER OF RUSH     D/ NOV 25, 1903 88Y

JOHN HIBBARD OF SILVARA D/ NOV 24, 1903 82Y

LEVI CHAMBERLAIN DROWNED HIMSELF IN DEC 1904

IRA TANNER                  D/ MARCH 15, 1904

FLOID BENNETT           D/ MAY 7, 1904 16Y 3D    (FLOYD)

CHESTER BENNETT    D/ MARCH 1908

 

NOTE BOOK PAPER

MOTHERS HOUSE BURNED AUG 22, 1925

DANIEL ROSENGRANT MARRIED MARTHA BELL OCT 14, 1914 (SHE IS BURIED IN BEAVER MEADOWS CEMETERY)

CECIL BELL MARRIED BLANCHE MULLINEX OCT 30, 1933 (CECIL IS BURIED IN BEAVER MEADOWS CEMETERY)

 

LEONORA ALPHARETTA BELL MARRIED GEORGE ANTHONY MARCY MAY 28, 1921

THEIR FATHER WAS BURIED AT REED CORNERS BY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

(LEONORA BELL MARCYS COOPER’S WAS BORN SEPTEMBER 28, 1903 AND DIED MARCH 24, 2001. SHE WAS CREMATED AND BURIED IN THE HALIFX MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY, FLORIDA)

MARRIAGES

HELEN BEATRICE FASSETT OR BEATRICE KATHRYN MARCY AND JAMES WHITNEY, SUNDAY OCT 21, 1945 AT 9.00

 

BELL FAMILY BIRTHS

LEONORA BELL                 SEPT 29, 1903

ERNEST THOMAS BELL   SEPT 26

ERVIN ALBERT                   JAN 4

EDSON CHARLES BELL

WILLIAM BURTON BELL

JESSIMA BELL

GERALD BELL

VILIMER BELL

 

DEATHS CONTINUED

AUNT MARY MARBAKER   FEB 1931

GRANDPA EDWARD             MARCH 8, 1912 AGE 87Y 4M

JAMES MARBAKER              MAR 27, 1923 AGE 72Y

MORT L MARBAKER            B/ FEB 7, 1874

BIRTHS

BORN TO M/M MARTIN E SMITH     LUCINA        JUNE 3, 1911

CLARENCE B         FEB 24, 1913

GLADYS ALTHES APRIL 22, 1916

DEATHS

SILAS A SMITH                   D/ JULY 15, 1886   GREAT GRANDPA

MELVIN E MARBAKER    D/ FEB OR MAR 1925

RICHARD HANKERSON   D/ FEB 8, 1913F

 

 ADDED INFORMATION I HAVE ADDED FROM LORENA BELL COOPER MAY 7, 1997:

LORENA MARBAKER MARRIED JUD BELL, THEY DIVORCED 

In a second letter from LEONORA COOPER MAY 31, 1997

JUDSON BELL IS BURIED AT FAIRDALE, SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, PA. ARMINTA MARBAKER IS THE DAUGHTER OF

EDWARD AND ALMEDA WAGE MARBAKER.  (There home was the former Dale and Carol Brotzman home at Beaver Meadows)

 

Edward and Almeda Wage Marbaker Jr.

 

 

I have enjoyed conversing with many relatives of the Marbaker family. The following letters are from Martha Walker, a great granddaughter of Mary Ellen Marbaker, the longest surviving daughter of Edward and Almeda Marbaker.  (April 19, 2008)

 

I am the great granddaughter of Almeda Wage Marbaker Gibbs mentioned in this Bible.  She was married to Edmund Marbaker Jr., and then to Russell Gibbs.  She spent all of her life in Bradford County until she moved to her daughter's home in Johnson City where she passed.  I have a handwritten statement, on lined notebook paper that is their marriage certificate stating they were married August 14, 1898 in Stevensville, Tuscarora by Rev. Bela Cogswell. I came across your Bible while "surfing" and was so excited to see my family there.  I have her scrapbook full of clippings, the Marbaker family Bible and lots of old pictures.  I would be happy to share information if anyone is interested.  Martha

 

Thank you so much for all of the information you sent on my relatives.  It is so exciting to see it.  My grandmother (Mary Ellen) was the last surviving child of Edward and Almeda Marbaker.  Was it their house you lived in, or Almeda and Russell’s?  I was sorry to hear it had burned, but surprised it had been around that long.  I have a picture of a house, and on the backside it records the "homestead in Clapper Hill."  If that is your house, and if you would like a copy of the picture I would be happy to send it.  If I were more computer literate I could send it electronically!  You seem to be in touch with lots of my relatives and I ended up with tons of family "stuff" as Almeda lived with her daughter Hettie Moore in Johnson City. Hettie left her house and all of its contents to my grandmother.  I have the Marbaker family Bible, two post card albums full of cards from the early 1900s, mostly after she married Russell; many are from her children and Lucy.  I also have three tintypes.  One is marked Almeda Wage and Edward Marbaker, one Aunt Lucy Tubb and the last one that says Uncle Mort, Aunt Minta (Etta's mother), Aunt Emma, and Aunt Hettie.  They are all children in the picture. Also a picture that is marked on the back, Grandpa Marbaker, Aunt Nora (or maybe Nova) Marbaker, Aunt Mary Marbaker, Melvin Marbaker, Martha Marbaker.  I have her scrapbook full of newspaper clippings; some appear to be family information and some just poems, etc.  I would love to share what I have with anyone who may be interested.  From what I read in the attachments you sent, most of the information is on the Northern Marbaker family, which we always called "the New York relatives"!  My grandmother lived in Norfolk, Virginia.  I guess I've rambled long enough, but I'm glad to meet you!!  Martha

 

 

 

Edward and Thankful Cottrell Marbaker

 Patriarchs of this family

 

 

Rush, PA ca 1907

 

 

 

 

 

The following is the year of 1977 Ladies Aide Presidential notes of Dean Button:

 

JANUARY:   no entries

FEBRUARY: 6, LAS at Deans, 6 members present, Desert was pine­apple up side down cake and brownies!

MARCH:  MARCH 1st LAS at Pearl Repsher’s, 14 members present, Gingerbread and whipped cream, Sunshine Club collection: $2.30 Time and place when Charlotte (Fassett), Donna (Bennett) and Carol (Brotzman) decide at a later date       

*  Historians note:  This refers to the craft show being held by the Sunday school in the summer.

        20th and 21st: Fashion show, Queensway Party at Jenella’s.

*  Historians note: the Ladies Aid is hosting a clothing party.

        22nd:  They hosted a Rubbermaid Party with Marie Trible

        the chairlady.  It was to be held at the church, bring

        Cookies were Deans note.

        24th: The ladies a taking part in a rummage sale at         

        Camptown, (probably at the Odessa Garris home.)

        There is a note for the month, Alice Sivers will find out

        About having a Stanley Party.

APRIL: 7^th a covered dish supper at the church (first Saturday).

        10^th Helen (Clapper) has her LAS meeting at the church.

        Sunshine collection $2.75

        20^th  Bake Sale at Dean's (Dean Bennetts Furniture and

        Appliance Store in Laceyville)

MAY:   5th covered dish supper at the church (first Saturday).

        8^th LAS at Jenellas

        Queensway Clothing Party at Bev’s (Repsher)

        24^th clean the church and make pies for the dinner

        27^th a Sunday, the Memorial Day Dinner, no Sunday school

        A note for the month, Grace will check out the ham price,        

        Decided to have a Stanley Party, no date yet.

JUNE:  covered dish dinner 2^nd, (first Saturday.)

        12^th Charlotte may have LAS.

        The note for the month was Dean didn't go to the meeting.

        She went to Binghamton with Marie Trible.

JULY:  10^th LAS at Grace Bennett’s.

        18^th ice cream social at 7.30 at the church.

        20^th Laceyville Carnival

        Note for the month:  make ice cream, Dean, Charlotte,        

        Sheila, Marie, Sib, Donna, Dessa, and Diane, everyone else make CAKE.

 

AUGUST: 7^thRummage sale at Bennett’s Store

         15^th Ice Cream Social, to make ice cream: Donna, Dean,

         Virginia, Charlotte, Sheila (Repsher), and Syb (Clapper)

         to make cake was Mae Fassett, Jeanette Shoemaker, and

         Marie Trible.

         Balance in LAS Treasury  $120.00

         Pearl was to see about a Rubbermaid Party.

         28^th Ice Cream Social, everything the same.

September:  notes: ask Marie and Jane to decorate the church?

          Ask Ruth to be hostess, (she said no, and didn't

          come.)  Ask Syb (Clapper) to cut the pies, plan menu for

          Harvest Supper, ask Marie to sell tickets, ask Helen

          to have Bazaar table (note Mary Schweitzer did it), 

          ask Jenella to help me (Dean), ask Mae Fassett to

          make coffee, ask Donna Bennett to be dinning room

          chairman.

          6^th Rubbermaid Party,

         11^th Marcella and Marie have LAS at Marie’s.

 OCTOBER:   Notes: Mary (Schweitzer) did the Bazaar table, bazaar table

         $41.00 plus, dinner cleared $160.00,

          Had a lot of food left over,

          Not enough squash.  Clothing Party to be in October

          Ask Douglas to bring 2 milk cans hot water and 1 cold (He did),

          18^th LAS Dean and Sue

          27^th have some kind of party

NOVEMBER:  Notes: at LAS meeting, Mae, Marie, Charlotte, Dean,

          Jane, and Marcella.  $1.45 the sunshine collection

          15^th LAS at Jane’s

          16^th bake sale at Dean Bennett’s Store

          17^th supper at the church, bring desert

          27^thLAS at Jane’s

DECEMBER: 11^th

LAS at Sheila’s (Sheila Repsher’s)

           21^st Bake Sale

           Note for the month:  Charlotte to see Douglas about a dance for the church.          

 

Dean Button served as our Ladies Aide President for 14 years, retiring in September 1994 when she felt her health kept her from giving her best efforts to the church. My own church historians notes record the following data:

Church events started out January 5, 1996 on a sad note.  We had a memorial service for a church officer and member, a Ladies Aide past President, Sunday School treasurer, and our dear friend Alma “Dean” Button who passed away at home after a valiant battle for life January 1, 1997.  It was so sad to loose a dear friend, but I must quote her husband Herbert Button, "do not cry for those who have died, a greater place awaits, cry for that little baby who is born, and the turmoil’s that await its future."  Rev. Bill Nelson provided the service, with a family luncheon in the downstairs hall fol­lowing the service.  Memorial donations were made to the church and to the Laceyville Ambulance Association

 

 

 

Photo by Midge Clapper Kershner about 1970-1972

 

Take some time to reflect on this photo. The church has come along way from being the single frame building in 1850. It is sitting on its cinderblock foundation, it has red doors, they were pink in the 1960’s. The church has double entry sided steps with a rail. The paint is peeling and the church is showing the need for repairs but it is still a functional building.  During this time span, there was a very small congregation supporting this church, but still not willing to give up. In 1978 a Sunday school was started and the congregation picked up. Where there are children, there are parents and a congregation that this little church was begging for.  Soon a coat of paint spruced the place up and Doug Clapper replaced that steeple which had been stolen for firewood allegedly by the carpenter.

 Reverend Ruth Breitweiser became the minister and brought the Benscoter/Campbell sisters with her as special music. She said the services needed special music and events. For Easter Services I recall them singing “Were you there when they crucified my Lord”.  Then we got our own special music with the Button sisters and our local country bands led by Doug Clapper and Bucky Repsher. The church had sprouted new wings and was growing!

 

The following are condensed minutes found in the Secretaries book of the Beaver Meadows Union Church starting in 1883, none are known to exist prior to that time, except the Quarterly Conference minutes of the Rush Charge.

 

March 10, 1883: Secretary L.A. Pickett, Trustees:  R.J.  Hall, James Sharer, N.C. Cobb Treasurer, James Marbaker President, This Secretaries book cost 30 cents, the Sexton was Peter Clapper paid $15.00. March 1, 1884: No meeting, of trustees, the boys of the church could use the church for exhibition carefully for one dollar a week, to be used for the purchase of an organ.   L.A.  Pickett Secretary.

Special Meeting November 29, 1884: A.B. Culver at the chair, the problem is whether to prosecute the boys for entering the Church. The decision was not to, and to have the church open one hour prior to service. R.W. Cobb secretary

 

February 28, 1885: Trustees present: Joseph Marbaker, L.A.  Pick­ett Secretary, R.J. Hall, Absent Trustees N.C. Cobb and James Sharer,  ** Settled with Peter Clapper as Sexton for the Years   1858-1884, Money due $8.24. New trustees: Edward Marbaker Senior, Joseph Marbaker, R.J. Hall, L.A. Pickett Secretary, and E.  Marbaker Treasurer.  James Marbaker was to act as Sexton at  $1.00 per month.  Note to the singing schools operating in the church; the church is not to be injured and damages repaired. Miles Bennett called for this meeting.  L.A. Pickett Secretary

 

Historians note; Lyman A. Pickett died June 8, 1885 age 36 years 6 months 21 days. He was laid to rest in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery.

 

** Historians note; the definition of a Sexton from the Encyclopedia Britannica; the one who prepares the church buildings for a meeting, cares for the church grounds. Peter Clapper was due back pay to 1858 as Sexton.

Singing Schools were held as a sort of commu­nity entertainment, all interested came to practice singing. There was usually one leader.

 

March 1, 1886: Tuscarora and Rush Compact meeting, H.O.  Wage Secretary Pro Tem, A.B. Culver President, W.C. Cobb Treasurer, N.R.  Jones, Joseph Marbaker, J.F. Clapper, R.W. Cobb Secretary, James Marbaker Sexton for $15.00 per year.  Peter Clapper still due back money as Sexton.

March 1, 1887: Meeting called to order by A.B. Culver chairman of the trustees, Trustees elected: A.B. Culver, J. Clapper, H.O. Wage, M.J.  Pickett, N.C. Cobb Treasurer, R.W. Cobb Secretary, James Marbaker was to act as Sexton at $15.00 per year. March 1, 1888: H.O. Wage removed and replaced by James Marbaker, Miles Bennett in place of Marcus Pickett, R.W. Cobb Secretary, N.C. Cobb Treasurer, James Marbaker Sexton

 

March 1, 1889: Beaver Meadows Church, A.B.  Culver opened the meeting with a Prayer, new Trustees Chosen: J.S. King President, R.W. Cobb Secretary, N.C. Cobb Treasurer, James Stone, A.B. Cul­ver and W.C. Cobb. By request of H.O. Wage his name be removed from the compact. March 1, 1890: Rush Compact Trustees, John King, J.J.  Culver, E.M. Marbaker, D.C. Cobb, R.W. Cobb Secretary, N.C. Cobb Treasur­er, and Joseph Marbaker requested to be removed from the compact.

 

Historians Note: James Marbaker just kept moving around. He’ll be back at Beaver Meadows again too, just as H.O. Wage returns.

 

Opposition March 2, 1891: Election of officers at the Beaver Meadows Church; Meeting called to order by R.W. Cobb. A.B. Culver temporary chairman:  Election results: O.D. Culver chairman, A.B. Culver, A.L. Pickett, M.J. Pickett, J.J. Culver, R.W. Cobb Secre­tary, J.F. Clapper Treasurer. Beaver Meadows March 16, 1892: O.D. Culver appointed President and A.C. McLaud appointed Secretary for the day. Motion to pay Sexton for back pay, and replace R.W. Cobb as soon as possible. Paid A.C. McLaud for care of church.

 

Historians Note:  Raymond Cobb removed to Wilkes Barre at this time. Don’t worry he’ll be back too.  He operated a store across from the Beaver Meadows Pond.  The Post office was located there for a while also.  Raymond W. Cobb October 23, 1849-August 26, 1920, and his wife Mary M. Owens August 13, 1856-December 27, 1942 were laid to rest in the Stevensville Cemetery with foot­stones depicting mother and father. Mr. Cobb also has a FTL emblem.

 

Opposition March 1, 1893:  Meeting of the Tuscarora Rush Reli­gious Compact, Brother Joseph Marbaker opened the meeting read­ing the 6^th chapter of Matthew, A.B.  Culver chairman, O.D.Culver Secretary for the day, Trustees elected:  A.B.  Culver, Joseph Marbaker, A.L. Pickett, James Stone, J.F. Clapper Treasur­er, M.J. Pickett secretary, Almon Pickett was to act as Sexton for 8 months, March 1, 1893 to October 1, 1893 for  $10.00, and the balance of the year for $20.00. Meeting adjourned till March 1, 1894 unless a special meeting called for.     M.J. Pickett   Secretary

 

Opposition March 1, 1894: Tuscarora Rush Religious Compact Elec­tion results:  Trustees:  N.R. Jones, R.W. Cobb Treasurer, Joseph Marbaker, S.J. Pickett, M.J. Pickett Secretary, settled with the Sexton paid balance due A.L. Pickett, also paid balance due S.J. Pickett, S.J.  Pickett gave $1.50, R.W. Cobb gave  $.50, N.R. Jones gave   $.50, Joseph Marbaker $.50, and A.E.  Bennett gave $.50.  Sam Pickett was hired for $18.00 per year as Sexton.

 

Opposition March 1, 1895: Trustees present:  N.R.  Jones, M.J. Pickett, S.J. Pickett, and Joseph Marbaker.  Settled with James Stone for work on the church, amount $18.90 paid.  N.R.  Jones agreeing to collect monies pledged and pay Henry Hitchcock whose bill was $6.75.  Settled with S.J. Pickett as Sexton, $9.00 due him, which was left for the new trustees to collect.  New Trus­tees:  M.J. Pickett President, C.E. Howe Secretary, J.J.Culver, D.D. Bennett Treasurer, A.J. Potter, Joseph Marbaker requested to be removed from compact. New Members added to the compact:  C.E. Howe, J. Potter, S.J. Pickett, and C.E. Howe   Secretary

Historians Note: These minutes recorded the fees for the raising of the church, and the carpenters names, James Stone and Henry Hitchcock.

 

No meetings listed for 1896-1897

 

Opposition March 1, 1898:  Marcus Pickett chairman.  New Members: D.L.  Clapper, E.L. Clapper, C.R. Bennett, Luther Marbaker, New Trustees: N.C. Cobb, M.J. Pickett President, R.W. Cobb Secretary, D. L.  Clapper, A.B. Culver Treasurer, Hired C.R. Bennett as Sex­ton, his pay to be $22.00 from April 1, 1898 to March 1, 1899

Opposition March 1, 1900:  Very stormy day!  Extra meeting called later, Bertie Cobb was hired as Sexton for $18.00.

Beaver Meadows March 1, 1901: Marcus Pickett called the meeting to order.  A.B. Culver was chairman for the day.  Frank Howe Secre­tary for the day, election results:  M.J. Pickett, E.L.  Blake­slee, A.B. Culver, E.L. Clapper, Edward Marbaker Beaver Meadows March 1, 1902:  A.B. Culver called the meeting to order; N.C. Cobb acted as chairman for the day.  H.O.  Wage to act as Secretary; E.L. Clapper withdraws as Trustee, N.C. Cobb to replace him, other Trustees remain the same, M.J.  Pickett to remain Treasurer, E.L. Blakeslee   Secretary

 

Beaver Meadows March 1903:  Meeting called to order by M.J. Pickett, George Hoover to act as Chairman: Election results, Trustees, D.C. Cobb, M.J. Pickett, L.B. Marbaker, E.L. Blakeslee, J.T. Rickerd

Beaver Meadows March 1, 1904:  Meeting called to order by M.J. Pickett, D.C. Cobb acting as chairman, election results:  Trus­tees, James Marbaker, M.J. Pickett, D.C. Cobb Secretary, H.O. Wage, Chester Culver, L.B. Marbaker asked to be removed from compact.

 

Beaver Meadows March 1, 1905:  Trustees meeting held at the church, M.J.  Pickett took the floor, A.B.  Culver nominated Chairman.   Nominated and elected Trustees:  A.B. Culver, G.M. McLaud, J.J. Culver, and Dutton C. Cobb for Secretary, for Treasurer N.C.  Cobb.   James Marbaker requested that his name should be erased from the compact. The matter of a Sexton was left for future settlement, balance due James Marbaker, as Sexton for 1904 is $2.10. The following agreed to pay James Marbaker the follow­ing sums for his pay for 1904.  G.M. McLaud $.40, J.J.  Culver $.50  (these two paid that night), M.J. Pickett $.50, Mrs. Mary Cobb  $.25, H.O. Wage $.25, N.C. Cobb $.50.   H.O. Wage    Secre­tary Protem

Beaver Meadows Union Church March 1, 1907:  Election results:  Trustees, A.B.  Culver Secretary, Jacob Bond, N.C.  Cobb, E.L.Clapper, and M.J. Pickett Treasurer.   April 18, 1907:  M.W. Roberts was hired as Sexton; wages were $1.00 for the first 6 months, $2.00 for the next 6 months (must be monthly).

*** Historians Note on more possible membership  ***:  Chester Culver, Jacob Bond, E.L. Blakeslee, David D. Bennett, Arthur E. Bennett, Miles Bennett, George Hoover, and G.M. Mclaud must have signed the compact sometime, according to the rules to hold office!   The only list of names we have came from the document copied in the Secretaries book by Raymond Winchester Cobb  (Octo­ber 23, 1849-1920).  We do not know where the original is, nor the dates which individuals signed the document.  There probably were many more members we do not know of that signed this missing charter.  Remember too, these are all probably members of the church!

 

 

 

After the 1907 minutes are lists of names and sums of money collected from various people for maintenance and sexton fees. These are just a few of the names, mentioned with the church. It is also the first place women of the church appear in this secretary’s book!   The Rush Quarterly Conference reports men­tioned women at earlier dates quite often.

The list is as follows: A.B. Culver, Sam Pickett, Isilda Warner, Perry Denison, C.F. Bennett, James J. Culver, George Lacey, Wavie Culver, Levi Carlin, Mrs. M.W. Roberts, Mrs. George McLaud, Mrs. Olin Cobb, Mrs. Ward Smith, Mrs. Cynthia Madison, Orell Clapper, Mrs. Norval Bennett, P.W. Clapper, Mrs. Mary Babcock, Mrs. W.L. Smith, Solly  (Soloman) Sink, W.B. Beaumont, Mrs. Raymond Cobb, Marcus Pickett, Mrs. Mary E. Bennett, M.S. Warner.  E.L.  Blake­slee, Edward Marbaker, H.J. Sharer, N.R. Jones, Mrs. Elizabeth Cobb, Mrs. Suel Warner, Charles Place, Maggie and Walter Scott, and H.O. Wage. 

This concludes this Secretaries book for the Beaver Meadows Union Church.  

 

 

TUSCARORA AND RUSH COMPACT  (AS COPIED BY RAYMOND COBB)

FEBRUARY 13, 185-

This Society shall be called the Tuscarora and Rush Religious Compact and shall consist of five trustees to be distributed as near as may be among the denominations to wit: Methodist Episcopal, Methodist Wesleyan (sic), Baptist, and Presbyterian or Congregational churches. These Trustees shall, or a majority of them, shall have power to transact the necessary business of the Society. The Trustees shall be chosen annually hereafter on the first day of March. The old ones holding their office until new ones are chosen. Any person may become a member by signing this Compact.
 

 

TUSCARORA AND RUSH COMPACT

(Historian's Note: - Dec. means Deceased. + means Removed from Compact)

 

The following pages are the actual pages form the book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE SPELLING OF NAMES IS JUST HOW IT APPEARED.

I would also like to note that Snyder is the name of the first Rush Church and that the Stevensville Methodists met in the old schoolhouse next to the Presbyterian Church. Pine Glenn was over towards the Saint Matthews Episcopal Church on the old Arden Learn property. The N.R. Jones who appeared very active in our minutes was actually Newton R. Jones.  He was a member of Shiloh Grange, West Auburn.  It was recorded there that he died in March 8, 1930. He lived where Dale and Debbie Grover have their home in 2005. That’s referred to as the old Jones place.

 

The following minutes were recorded from the Rush Charge Quarter­ly Conference Reports for the years 1870 to 1916. It was once in the possession of Mrs. Ruth Culver.  We do know that there was another secretary book of similar minutes, which may have been records of earlier years, or just a different variation of what we have from another church of the charge.  However this book has been lost over the years too.  Herb Button remem­bered that the Clappers are listed as Trustees in the beginning of that book.   Herb’s brother, Darwin Button, found it and the secretary’s book listed previously in lower New York State. This book was published as a soft cover notebook with guide­lines to follow for recording minutes.  The booklet states it is approved for the Methodist Episcopal Church use, and hoped all would use this standard for records. As the Historian I too wish they had all used some sort of record book!  The records of not just Beaver Meadows are recorded here, but   the records of Rush, Rush Center, Rush 4 Corners, Prospect Hill, Pine Glenn, Stevensville, Elk Lake, State Road, and East Rush.

 

The following is basic data concerning the origins of the churches associated with the Tuscarora Rush Religious Compact.

 

Beaver Meadows:  The building was constructed prior to 1850, making it the oldest church in the area other than the Saint Matthews Episcopal Church in Pike Township. This book is dedicated to the life story of our little church here at Beaver Meadow. A church is a building, but people make up the church and our ancestors recorded the minutes.  It was established as a Union Church, consisting of Wesleyans, Protestant Methodists, and Methodist Episcopalians according to the Wyoming Conference History.   We know by our own charter that there were other con­gregations included.  Baptist, Congregational, and Presbyterian Churches were also included.  The History of The Wyoming Confer­ence states that "the Methodist Episcopalians have nearly taken now  (1904)."  Records show that in 1915 it was still a Union Church at Beaver Meadows. We are now a United Methodist Church only, but technically still the Beaver Meadows Union Episcopal Church according to Jacob Sova’s deed.  The Beaver Meadows Union Church was represented by such names as Nathaniel Dowrick, Marcus Pickett, N.R. Jones, Lyman Pickett, Dutton Cobb, Sam Pickett, A.H. Miller, and many, many more in the Quarterly Conference Reports. They laid the groundwork for our church, which has stood the test of time, and is winning yet.

 

East Rush: Worship in the East Rush area dates back to about 1835, but they had no church edifice.  There were weekly prayer meetings being held in the homes of members.  When they joined the Springville Circuit meetings were then held in the East Rush schoolhouse. The ground for the first church was purchased from James H. and Delilah Sherwood in 1860 at a sum of $40.00. The church was built about a year later, and was known as the Eddy Church.  The charge was changed from the Springville Circuit, to the Auburn Circuit. It burned to the ground August 29, 1887.  In March 1888 lumber was secured, and the new church cornerstone was laid June 5, 1888.  Rev. T. Harroun and Rev. H.W. Stang dedicated the building December 27, 1888.  The building cost $1,476 and was fully paid for by the congregation by the spring of 1889. The East Rush Church joined the Rush circuit in 1892. Stockers History tells us that the "cemetery at East Rush has a beautiful hilltop location, just North of the corners.  It consists of 1/2 acre of ground, en­closed by a substantial iron fence.  It contains some neat memorials to the dead."   

 

Retta:  This church was once part of the Auburn Circuit.  The original name was Cartertown. The name was changed to Retta because that was the name of the post office (the post office was established about 1880 at the home of Alexander Stevens).   This church congregation had its beginning way back about 1840 when they met in the local schoolhouse, which was located where the present church is today.  In 1886 a church was erected at a cost of about  $1,800, most of which John Tewksbury contributed.  In 1898 Rev. Gustave Gorisse, a Frenchman fresh out of Drew University launched a "build a church campaign" at Rush and Retta.  The church was built by Lacey and Fuller and dedicated on November 15, 1902.  The church bears the name of "Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church."   It features a large stained glass window as a memorial to the Grand Army of the Republic (the Union Army in the Civil War.) The other windows are in memory of pioneer days. This church has been struck by lightning at least twice and still marvels today.

* Historians note regarding Retta Church: About Sept 5, 1999 the Retta Methodist Church was trashed, and about 30 area mail boxes mailboxes were smashed too.  The church was unlocked; there was no need to break the windows.  They even turned the church bell over.  The Lord did look out for them, the stained glass windows were not touched.

 

100 years ago column, Susquehanna Independent November 07 (1902/2002) Retta, Auburn Twp. - The dedicatory services of the church will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, beginning at 10 o'clock. The services will be in charge of Dr. Sweet, assisted by Dr. VanCleft and others. An oyster dinner will be served by the Aid Society at Robert Stevens', near the church, the proceeds of which will be used to finish the indebtedness. The pulpit furniture, a gift of Mrs. Jennie Brundage, nee Wilcox, of Scranton, was received on Saturday

 

This is a photo, made from a negative dated 1923 by Leo Bolles.

 

Trinity:   Quarterly Conference minutes tell of a church named Trinity.  The word trinity means three, I suspect this represents the combination of the three churches at Rush.  Rush Center or State Road, Snyder, and Rush Four Corners.  It is definitely not the Retta Trinity church as it is included on a list with Retta apportionments.  The State Road church was still listed on the apportionments list with Trinity, but listed as the  "old church." The Trinity church was referred to as the "Trinity Church at Rush," when meetings were held there. I suspect Trinity to be the new church at Rush. Rush and Trinity never appear on the same apportionment list.  In fact, Rush is never listed again after Trinity appeared.

 

Rush:   Emily Blackman records in her History Of Susquehanna County that there were Methodists worshiping at Rush on June 18, 1831.   There were 17 members in this class. From the History of the Wyoming Conference we find the following;  "Prior to the building of a church at Rush Center the place of worship was the local schoolhouse.  The church was built 1870-1871 at a cost of $2,300.  It was located about 1 mile outside of town.  On the day of dedication, Thursday, February 23, 1871, $1,300 was raised.  Rev. E.M.  High gave the sermon at 11 A.M., and the Rev. S.F. Brown delivered a second sermon at 7 p.m. for the dedication ceremonies.  (Rev.)  Mr. D.C. Olmstead was the presiding Elder acting as treasurer." The ambitious Rev. Gorisse pushed the church members to build a new church.  This caused some friction amongst members.  However the church united and purchased ground from Delmar Stark at a cost of $200.00, and the new church was constructed in 1900-1901.  Four trustees donated  $50.00 apiece for the ground.   The final cost of the church building was $2,000.  The history of the Wyoming Conference tells us   "there was a parsonage purchased in 1877 for $600, but was sold in 1902. The new parsonage is at a better location."  We find it too was sold in 1928 to Mrs. Allie James.   In 1924 Fairdale became part of the Rush Charge, it is now the headquarters for this charge. The Rush parsonage was sold, and the parsonage at Fairdale was used for the Pastor.  Beaver Meadows received a share of the money from the sale of the parsonage when it was sold in January 1928. 

From the Montrose Independent Newspaper, 100 years ago column December 28, 2005: Rush - The Christmas exercises at the Trinity M. E. Church were enjoyed by a congregation, which filled the church on Saturday evening. Santa Claus rather excelled his record and the children did their part with usual Christmas.

One Hundred Years Ago in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania October 21 (1904/2004)
Rush - The oyster supper held in the basement of the M.E. Church for the improvement of [the] sidewalk was well attended. $16 was realized.

Regarding the Rush Baptist Church: One Hundred Years Ago in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania August 26 (1904/2004) Rush - The dedicatory services at the Baptist church were a grand success both spiritually and financially. The total cost of remodeling the church was $1,269.43; of this amount $1,106.93 is provided for, leaving an indebtedness of $162.50.

Rush Centre:  This church was located a little more than a mile from the village of Rush.  Remember from the ministers stories, Rev. Gorisse complained of the church being a mile from town when he arrived to be the pastor. It was built in 1871 when Rev. Miner Swallow was the Pastor.  It only had a few hundred settings according to Stockers History.  The first trustees were Justus Hickock, Dr. Elijah Snell, J.D. Baker, S. Smith, and J.T.  Bir­chard. The work of this church began with Rev. G.S. Transue came to this area as a missionary. It is mentioned throughout the Quarterly Conference Records.  Charles Flummerfelt, Mr. Leiber, and Henry Baxter are listed as some of their representatives. The church at Rush Center had 28 members and a Sabbath School in 1886 according to Stockers History.

 

State Road Church; we know the "State Road" runs between Rush and East Rush.  That is where the Rush Centre church was located. There is a very good possibility that the State Road church and the Rush Centre Church are one in the same.  State Road was men­tioned in 1898 in the Quarterly Conference Reports, with no apportionments. It appears on the apportionment list   in 1901, apportionment due  $91.28. There were 28 members in 1904.   The church was still alive and active in 1912.  Repairs were made just to keep the "old church" suitable for funerals. We know the State Road Cemetery was located near by as Mrs. George Barnes was buried there June 9, 1912. Anna Labzentis Bolles, who was born in 1925, tells me she walked by the church everyday when she and her brother Bill Labzentis and  sisters Helen (later Mrs. William Yurgatis) and Charlotte (later Mrs. Joseph Bendock) attended school at Rush. She also tells me that the Decker family tore the church down for the lumber. Sorry, no year available.

 

Snyder Church:  Was mentioned in the Quarterly Conference records for the years 1870-1871.  It was located somewhere near Rush probably.  I suspect it to be the same church as   State Road, maybe the schoolhouse connection prior to building the church. On June 10, 1871 minutes we find Rush Center, Rush 4 Corners, Stevensville, Beaver Meadows, Snyder, and Elk Lake on the appor­tionment list. (Take note no there is no State Road, Rush, Rush Four Corners, or East Rush Church on apportionments.)

 

Rush Four Corners:  This church no longer exists.  It was once known as Dunmore.  It was located about 4 miles West of Auburn Corners, now known as Rush Four Corners. The History of the Wyoming Conference states that in order for the Auburn Circuit to accommodate the Jersey Hill congregation, the people here must have a weekday evening service.  They agreed for a while.  They then requested the pastor of the Rush Mission to give them a Sunday service. With the two pastors agreeing, it was done.  It was approved that Rush 4 Corners be admitted to the Rush Mission June 10, 1871 by the Quarterly Conference minutes, but never appears on the apportionment list again until June 7, 1873. On February 13, 1876 the minutes record Albert Pickett as their representative to the board.

 

Stevensville Methodist Church: This church was mentioned in the Quarterly Conference records from the years 1870 - May 28, 1887 when it was advised by the pastor to discontinue appointments at Pine Glenn, Stevensville, and Prospect Hill. From minutes record­ed June 1, 1878 we find that Brother White reports, "Members few, but all stay to class." Brother C. Keeney, Brother Grant, Wallace Fisk and Brother Sanford White are some that represent the church in the Quarterly Conference minutes.  The only church that has survived the test of time at Stevensville is the Presbyterian Church.  They gained membership from the revival camp meetings of the Methodist church about 1877.  However the Methodist congregation at Stevensville was only a schoolhouse connection, with no church of its own to use.  The Presbyterians had a real church edifice, which must have been more appealing, and drew the people to worship there.  The oldest church in the area, the Stevensville Episcopal Church is still there however; it only holds services a couple times a year. These are url’s for history pertaining to this wonderful old church https://sites.rootsweb.com/~pasulliv/churches/StMatt.htm and another version with different photos at https://sites.rootsweb.com/~srgp/church/stevemsv.htm

 

Stevensville Presbyterian Church: The people in Stevensville had built their house of worship before their church was organized.  It cost $1,500, and was dedicated October 3, 1858.  On February 2, 1860, 30 members of the old Presbyterian Church of Wyalusing were organized into the Presbyterian Church of Stevensville.  The Elders were Hiram Stevens, Myron Stevens and Henry A. Ross.   The Rev. D. Cook was installed as the pastor.   When the Reverend Cook resigned, Reverend T. Thomas took his place on April 1, 1866.  There were 13 members taken in on profession of faith in 1866, and 7 members by profession of faith in 1876.  The Sabbath school had been in existence for a long time, probably even before the church was organized.  There is no date for the re­cords.   The congregation secured a parsonage for the cost of $1,500.   When Reverend Craft was gathering information for his history book, there were 55 members in Sabbath School and 32 mem­bers in church.

  Stevensville Presbyterian Church about 1910

* Historians Note: Most of the information on the Stevensville Presbyterian Church came from The History of Bradford County 1770-1878 by Reverend David Craft.

Bill Benson has a wonderful membership book posted here regarding this church. https://sites.rootsweb.com/~srgp/church/stevpres.htm

 

Stevensville, PA, a photo of a painting in the Stevensville School house (1898)

 

Prospect Hill:  Prospect Hill was mentioned in the Quarterly Conference record book. It was discontinued with Stevensville May 28, 1887.  In 1877 S. (Samuel) Smith was Superintendent of Sabbath Schools.  Brother Allen is listed in the June 1, 1878 minutes of the Quarterly Conference in that position. It appears to be Mr. J. Smith as their representative to the Quarterly Conference.  It had to be a small congregation as the apportionments were only $9.00.  From a newspaper 1920 clipping I find Charles Hibbard residing on Prospect Hill.  Louis Hibbard attend­ed Prospect Hill School according to his daughter, Mrs. Jeannie Yurgatis.   This schoolhouse probably served as the church.   It was located on the road from Fairdale to East Rush, on a hill, and at a curve of the road near the Burgess Decker farm.   It could have been on what is known as the Labzentis Farm.

 

Fairdale later became the head of the charge:

From the Montrose Independent Newspaper, 100 years ago column December 28, 2005:  Fairdale - J. J. Ryan, of Montrose, has begun to put on the steel ceiling for the M.E. church.

 

Maybe we got our former beautiful metal ceiling about the same time here at Beaver Meadows?

 

 

Fairdale Methodist Church

This photo is from a negative of Leo Bolles about 1922.

 

The following photos are local churches photographed by Leo Bolles from 1922-1938 while he was a lay speaker for the Wyoming Conference. All obtained from negatives, no original photographs. Here are two photos of the Spring Hill Methodist Church taken about 1922. Note the horse sheds in the rear and that the automobile is facing two different directions, maybe taken two different days? The Aide hall, which is on the right now was to be built in 1926, after these photographs. The original Aide Hall on the left has burned before these photos.

 

West Auburn Methodist Church with people 1920’s!

 

 

This is West Auburn being moved backwards 1948! The church burned in the early 1980’s, but not before it had been sold to the Baptist Church. They have rebuilt.

 

 

 

 

West Auburn about 1912

Please note those Horse Sheds and how close the church is to the “dirt” road.

 

 

 

 

 

This is the Dimock Church and school building.

 

A beautiful photo of South Auburn Methodist Church about 1922

 

 

 

 

Forrest Lake 1930’s probably

 

 

The next photo is one of my favorites, the Elk Lake Methodist Church with a HUGE view of the Big Elk Lake, no trees obstructing the view! The addition to this church was not added until much later. This church too was associated with the Rush Mission churches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saint Matthews of Pike is Episcopal  and the Pine Glen School of the Rush Mission

Photos by Carol Brotzman and Amanda Brotzman Kingsbury

 

 

 

 

Saint Matthews Episcopal Church is just outside Stevensville, PA on Route 706

 

Preface: These pages are dedicated to the faithful folks who served the Saint Matthews Episcopal Church through the years, especially to Joseph and Martha Muka Yanavitch who have done so much towards its preservation in recent years when times were the toughest and funds were the hardest to come by with no regular congregation. Joe left for his heavenly home on July 22, 1998, however Martha has continued to do whatever she can, especially manicuring the lawn to perfection.

 

The church was originally established in Pike Township, however the township was split about 1926 and now it is located in Stevens Township, Bradford County, Pennsylvania.

 

There is no distinct cemetery associated with Saint Matthews, but the church records reveal where many members were buried. There are many references to many being buried in Camptown cemetery, facing the rising sun; many more folks are in the Stevens Family and the Stevensville Cemeteries located nearby.

 

The first Bible preaching began in 1799 and continues yet through 2003 with special services. The priest baptized folks all the way from Bethlehem to Stevensville, Pennsylvania. They are recorded in the minutes. I have copies of the two original books and will do look-ups.

 

Saint Matthews Episcopal Church was officially organized in Pike Township in 1814, thus making it one of the earliest churches in this region. Those applying for a charter were: Dimon Bostwick, Benajah  Bostwick, Jabez Bosworth, Salmon Bosworth,  Daniel  Ross, and David Olmstead. The first priest, or rector was to be Reverend Manning B Roche. Without a building; he held services in the back of Salmon Bosworth’s store. In 1824 Bishop William White consecrated the present church edifice, which was erected about 1814. It is the oldest church building in use in the dioceses.

 

Reverend Jackson Kemper who later became a missionary to the North West, the Diocese of Wisconsin, accompanied him from Philadelphia. In 1825 Reverend Samuel Marks became the permanent rector serving Bradford and Susquehanna Counties. The first Sunday school was then organized. He served the church the church until 1834, with an absence from 1831-1832. His early successors at the church have been Samuel Tiffany Lord, Reverend Freeman Lane, Reverend Barclay A Smith, Reverend DeWitt C. Byllesby, Reverend Hale Townsend, Reverend William Smith Heaton, and the Reverend George Paine Hopkins who filled the pulpit at least three different terms.

 

Canon Edward Frear began his ministry at Stevensville in 1908, providing only summer services. He was married there to Miss Helen Kalbfus June 7, 1910. We can see from his records that the church has only been used for summer services since. Saint Matthews is the oldest Episcopal Church in the Bethlehem Diocese that has been in continuous use since it was founded. This church is now served by the Montrose Priest, and meets mostly in the summer time months. In 1997 there was a very special Christmas service. How lovely the church looked with original decorations and trimming done by Martha Yanavitch.

 

The church itself is quite unique, having no electricity, and the original furnishings.  Brass oil lamps furnish the lighting, descending from the balcony and on each side of the altar. The altar itself is lined with an original red velvet bumper, which was installed in 1894. It was taken up in 1924, cleaned and turned. Mrs. Olive Keeler, a faithful member of the church Olive attended to this before the church’s 100th anniversary celebration. The church had received its first carpeting in 1838.

 

The church processes some wonderful antiques, which are not stored at Saint Matthews I would like to say. One is the beautiful pewter communion set, which was presented in 1849 by Mr. and Mars George Mansley of Towanda.

 

The original pump organ rests in the back of the church, and an electric organ powered by an extension cord from the Joe and Martha Yanavitch home. The "new" organ must be at least 50 years its self. Martha tells me an electrical service box was installed outside the church about 2001 to be used for the organ, but for many years the extension cord provided by the Yanavitch family was the only electricity available.

 

Old plank benches, hand hewn and planed, are used to sit upon. There are six pews on the outside edge, with a right angle formed of pews in the front corners. The center has four double pews, with a full guardrail in the front. There is room to the right of the pulpit for the choir to be seated. The stained glass windows beside the choir area are dedicated in loving memory to Lewis L. Bosworth and Sarah A. his wife; it was a gift from their children and is dated 1894. It depicts a magnificent burgundy-red cross. The window adjacent to it is also dated 1894 but has an angel’s face in the center. It was dedicated in loving memory to Helen J. Wells. One of the rectors feared the Yanavitch children, Theresa and Joseph, would break the beautiful stained glass windows playing, but God himself damaged the angel with a hailstone. When you approach the church from the Yanavitch home, it appears the angel on that window is following your every move. She seems to focus on you as you approach the back door where most people enter through the office area. Martha and I just feel she is guarding the church!

 

On the other side of the church, beside the electric organ the stained-glass window depicts a unique harp, dedicated to Mrs. Harriet C. Burrows by her five sons. The remainder of the large windows have many little squares, maybe eight inches square, and are of frosted glass. The same hailstorm a few years back broke out panes that were replaced with regular glass. The newer replacement windows do blend with the originals.

 

There is a full balcony on both sides and in the upper back quadrant, which provided more sitting room for those large congregations of the past. The elegant purple-based stained-glass window behind the alter records: "In Loving Memory of the Founders of Saint Matthews Church of Pike". It is viewed best from the balcony. The 1814 on one side of the windows represent the origination of the church and the 1895 date depicts the date the window was installed. There is silver cross honoring Reverend Hopkin’s mother, Catherine Davenport Hopkins resting under this window.

 

 

The Beautiful windows of Saint Matthews by Carol Brotzman

 

The church was damaged by fire about 1863. The repairs were completed by 1864 when the large window over the chancel was installed. In 1884 the church was still undergoing repair, according to the records. The red carpet was installed on the floor and the present alcove and Holy Table for the vesting room were added.

 

The list of the founding members can be found beside the gigantic wood stove that is located behind the pews. Its is enclosed in a neat little half circle arc, which is lined with benches to warm those cold little wet feet that walked to Sunday School oh so many years ago. The stove might be workable, but the stovepipe surely isn't.

 

The church was wallpapered about 1970 with a generous donation from a community member that had passed on. That must have been a tremendous job, as those ceiling have to be twenty feet high where there isn't any balcony. They did a great job.

 

By the summer of 1998, the church was in great need of repair from deterioration. Joe Yanavitch and Edward Stark of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church of Montrose who headed the preservation committee met with a carpenter to evaluate the building’s problems. In just the short time form January to June, the church foundation had sunk, and the door to the balcony would not close. The foundation needed work and the roof needed to be repaired. They decided to replace the roof. The repair work began December 4, 1998. The roof had been installed in 1949.

 

The old type photos of Mrs. Catherine Davenport Hopkins and her son the Reverend Hopkins adorn the entryway. Their frames are the molded style of gold and oak. The following information was typed and framed beside the photo of Reverend John Payne Hopkins.

 

Reverend John Payne Hopkins was born June 11, 1818 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and died at his home in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania 1903.  He was ordained in Burlington, Vermont by Bishop Hopkins 1838. He was ordained a Priest at Montrose, Pa 1839 by Bishop Onderdork. He was first assigned to Saint Matthews of Pike in 1863, then he went to Saint Paul’s Church in Troy the following year 1864, and then in 1873 he was back at Saint Matthews until 1899.

 

Throughout the church are many old books, mostly prayer books, dating to back as far as 1812. In the office or Vestry room, which was added to the church about 1894, are many prayer booklets and hymnals with words only. That is the way the earliest hymnals were written. Songs were taught rhythm by the old fashion rote method. Some of these are in the original metal trunk- like cases. The office is located beside the Alter so to speak. Beside the altar are two large Family Bibles. The covers are inscribed; one with SAINT MATTHEWS and the other has E W HAWLEY.

 

The front of the church is graced by blue flagstone steps from a local quarry, just the right height to step on to, or off from, a buggy. The stone started out as one piece, but had to be cut in half to accommodate the current transportation mode of horses. The cost was a meager $36.00, thus reminding us of the unique architecture and eras of time this church has spanned. This wonderful building is a step back in time that is well preserved. It is a history lesson just waiting to be taught.

 

Historians note regarding the deed:

 

The property was set up as so that the church must remain active or the property reverts back to what is now the Benton Sumner property.  That is why there has always been a church service held at least once a year. Elwin Edwards had possession of the deed for many years. He put it on display for a Stevensville Old Home Day celebration and it disappeared! It is something the folks around here would like to have back in the community where it belongs.

 

* Historians note regarding Reverend Hopkins compiled by Katherine Fassett Schuster (1905-1998):

 

The Reverend George Hopkins home, or parsonage became what was known as the Locust Inn. He and his wife were the proud parents of two daughters, Essie and Julia. Miss Essie was very reserved, and Miss Julia was just the opposite. Both were well educated in New York City. Neither married, however while in New York, Miss Julia fell in love with an opera singer.  Her parents disapproved, and that was the end of that! Their house was at the hub of social activity in Stevensville, and was even a stop on the Underground Railroad for slaves seeking freedom. Harvey Edwards was the handyman employed by the Hopkins family. When the Elder Hopkins passed on, the girls sold the farm to Harvey and moved to Wyalusing, Pennsylvania. The house was converted to the Locust Inn in 1962 by Elwin Edwards. The Locust Inn burned May 16, 1997, but by then the ownership had been sold out of the Edwards family for nearly thirty years. Wayne and Lois Edwards purchased the property in 1993. Gilles Restaurant is now on the site where all the activities of long ago took place.

 

The old Pine Glen School was located nearby on what is now the former Arden and Mary Learn property. This was a Methodist Circuit stop of the Rush Mission. This building was purchased by Reverend Hopkins in 1893 and moved across the road from his home. It was rented to Elwin Edwards’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Edwards, to be used as their home. The Rush Mission dropped the Pine Glenn circuit stop from church services May 28, 1877 due to lack of members. (Recorded in the Quarterly Conference minutes of the Rush Charge).

 

For more information and photos check out these websites:

https://sites.rootsweb.com/~pasulliv/churches/StMatt.htm

https://sites.rootsweb.com/~srgp/church/stevemsv.htm

 

Quarterly Conference Record Book

 

This book was in the long time possession of Ruth Culver.  The spelling is as it was copied, no corrections. (Parenthesis indicate my additions as historian) These are excerpts from the ledger containing minutes from all the Quarterly Conference meetings from July 16, 1870 to June 14, 1916.  Delegates attended the meetings from each church, the Presiding Elder, and the minister.  These minutes are for the entire Rush Charge, not just Beaver Meadows Church July 16, 1870; the first meeting in the ledger was held at Rush Center.  D.C. Olmstead was at the chair and P.J. Gates was Secre­tary.   Members present were P.J. Gates, Dr. E. Snell, J.T.  Bir­chard, Elias Griswald, and Clinton Kiney.  There were four Sab­bath Schools in performance, with about 175 scholars.  The minis­ter received $290.00.  The apportionments were as follows:  Elk Lake  $65.00, Rush Center $75.00, Snyder  $35.00, Stevensville $50.00, and Beaver Meadows $65.00.   Stewards appointed were Brother Elias Griswald for Elk Lake and Nathaniel Dorwick for Beaver Meadows.   Delegates to the State Convention were P.G. Gates and Clinton Kiney, meeting adjourned to meet in Beaver Meadows next.   

 

Historians note: Regarding Nathaniel Dorwick; his name is almost always spelled this way, even on census, however his tombstone states Nathaniel Dowrick 1832-1920, his wife being Mary E. Van Gilden 1840-1884.  They were laid to rest at Beaver Mead­ows.   It is recorded on the Tuscarora Rush Religious Compact charter as Nathaniel Dowrick.

Regarding Dr. Elijah Snell; From Stockers History of Susquehanna County: It states Dr. Elijah Snell was an early physician in Auburn Center, and it also says in 1859 he moved to Rush from LeRaysville, Pennsylvania.  Dr. Snell was a man of the  “Word”, and preached the early circuit along the Wyalusing Creek (Rush Circuit, later the Springville Circuit). The later part of his life was spent residing in Jessup Township, Susquehanna County. We know he was a trustee for the church at Rush Centre.  It appears he remained active with the Methodist Church all his life.

 

September 17, 1870; Second Quarterly Conference.  The meeting was at Beaver Meadows with Rev. Steven Edsell in charge, P.J.  Gates Secretary.  Present was Dr. E. Snell, Clinton Kiney, P.J.  Gates, and Brother Parker.  Confirmed the Pastors salary at $300.00.

 

Third Quarterly Conference convened at Rush Center, D.C. Olmstead at the chair, Secretary was S.A. Shoemaker.  Present were Clinton Kiney, S. Smith, C. Flummerfelt, and S.A. Shoemaker.  The Sabbath Schools were closed, the next meeting to be in Stevensville.

The appointments on June 10, 1871 changed to the following:  Rush Center $80.00, Beaver Meadows $80.00, Rush 4 Corners $52.50, Elk Lake $52.50, Stevensville $50.00, Snyder $35.00.  $350.00 to the minister’s funds, and $37.50 to the missionary funds.   Dr. E. Snell resolved that Rush 4 Corners be admitted to the Rush Mis­sion.

February 10, 1872 at Rush Center, Reverend Luther Peck at the chair. Rev. Minor Swallow is the minister in charge.   Apportion­ments: Rush Centre, Rush 4 Corners, Stevensville, B. Meadows, Elk Lake, and Snyders.  $37.50 has been paid to the mission.   The estimating committee for 1872 Brothers S. Smith, Martine?  And N.  Dorwick.  Stewards James Martine, D. Angle Smith, S.  Shelp, and N.  Briggs.   Shelp was the recording steward. The local preacher was P.J. Gates, and he was also recommended for trial.  

 

On June 7, 1873, the apportionments include Rush Center  $100, Stevensville $100, Beaver Meadows $100, and Elk Lake $50, (notice no Rush 4 Corners).

On August 9, 1873 at Beaver Meadows; we find Rev. G.O.  Beers, Samuel Smith, Sanford White, Chas. Flummerfelt, Nathaniel Dor­wick, and J.S. Grant.  Rev. Luther Peck was at the chair.   Grant was elected Secretary;  $11.91 was collected to date for the salary of the Pastor.  Brother Ben Smith was elected to attend the district Conference. Rec. by collection for the Presiding Elder $7.13.  Sunday August 10, 1873.  On the vote to establish a District Conference, all present voted no!

*Historians Note; Mr. Sanford White represented Stevensville. He died December 13, 1879 aged 73 years.  He was laid to rest in the Stevensville Cemetery.

 

February 15, 1874; the minutes show that there was a revival, Seven Camp Meetings, one being held at Beaver Meadows.   The result was 28 connections here (members joined).  Stewards; I? White, J.L. Grant, N. Dorwick, J. Sturdevant, A. Geary, E.  Gris­wald, C.  Flummerfelt, and I? Smith.  Next meeting at Rush Center. Apportionments were Rush Center, Elk Lake, Stevensville, and Beaver Meadows.

On December 4, 1875 held at Elk Lake, apportionments are as follows; Rush Center $70.11, Elk Lake $38.65, Rush 4 Corners $25.49, Stevensville  $46.15, and Beaver Meadows  $24.15, total paid to date $204.55.  Discussed the parsonage, Lyman Pickett was the Secretary of the committee.  They decided to purchase the Charles Davis property in Grangerville at a price of $500.  Pay­ments of $100 will be made annually. The pastor requests that a more general meeting be held next time at Stevensville.   Rev. Brother Millard filled in for Pastor Doney in October during his absence.

 

February 13, 1876 at Stevensville, present was Rev. Doney, Lyman Pickett, Henry Baxter, Sanford White, Charles Flummerfelt, and Daniel Smith.  The financial condition of the charge is better than last time. The spirit is better, 65 sermons preached, spe­cial, attention has been given.  Two members received on proba­tion, Forty (?) with thirty more ready to be received.  Stewards election: for Stevensville J.L. Grant and C. Keeney,for  Rush Centre Henry Baxter, for Elk Lake A. Geary and C.W. Steadman, for Beaver Meadows  N.  Dowrick and? Hoadley, and from Rush Four Corners Albert Pickett.  The rcording secretary was J.L.  Grant, the District Steward was C.W. Steadman.  He was to attend the District Convention at Tunkhannock on June 20, 1876. The Lay Delegate was George F. Allen.  Benediction by Elder Walker. 

 

Rush 4 Corners is again missing from the mission apportionments May 6, 1876.  L.A. Pickett is our Trustee.  Trustees approved the purchase of the parsonage. July 29, 1876, L.A. Pickett is named steward in the place of Brother Hoadley whose membership was found elsewhere.  (Nathaniel Dorwick is our other Steward from past minutes.)

 

May 23, 1877 at Elk Lake:  Members present; A.W. Hood pastor, Dr. E. (Elijah) Snell, L.A. Pickett, G. Lowe, Wm. Leiber, Samuel Smith, C.W. Steadman.   Brother A. Gary and Stark were visitors.   Trustees present Rev. E. Snell, E.B. Cobb, C. Flummerfelt, and L.A.  Pickett, S. Smith,Wm. Leiber, J.L. Grant, N. Dowrick,  and  Mr.  Jones. Brother Jones was elected in place of Brother Keeney. A church at Prospect Hill shows up with S. Smith as Superintendent of Sabbath �

School. J.D. Taylor is listed as Superintendent of Sabbath School at Beaver Meadows and C.W. Steadman for Elk Lake.  Prospect Hill is not on the apportionment list.  The list includes Elk Lake $80.00, Rush Center $150.00, Beaver Meadows $110.00 and Stevensville $110.00.

 

June 1, 1878; the first Quarterly Conference held at Rush Center; The Wyalusing district was dropped and Rush charge annexed to the Binghamton District.  Rev. Bixby the P. Elder   Chairman (Presiding Pastor or elder).  Present were:  Rev. A.W. Hood, S. Smith, S.  White, J.L. Grant, Dr. Snell, D.D.  Bennett, Henry Baxter, Wm. Leiber, A.H. Miller, and Brother Heacock.  J.L. Grant appointed Secretary.  Sabbath Schools approved Superintendents: Beaver Meadows Brother Taylor, Fowler Hill Brother Wakeman, and Prospect Hill   Brother Allen.  Pastor’s report lists favorable attendance, one death, and one member dismissed by letter. Pastor’s salary set at $400.00 and a donation from each appoint­ment.  Next meeting to be at Beaver Meadows. 

* Historians Note; Rev. William Bixby who entered the ministry in 1837, he is buried in Oneonta, New York in the Riverside Cemetery.

 

February 10, 1879 at Stevensville, Brother Bixby is at the chair. Members present: Wm. Leiber, Dr. Snell, W.Fisk, C. Stedman, A.H. Miller, J.D. Grant, D.D. Bennett.  Mr. Grant is the secretary. Committee for benevolent collections: C. Keeney, D.D. Bennett, Wm. Leiber, and Jerome Norton. The pastor reports, “spiritual inter­est favorable.” Stewards Wm. Sieber, Nelson Barnes, G. Lowe,C. Stedman, D.D. Bennett, A.H. Miller, and Wallace Fisk.

Historians note; Mr.or Mrs.? Babcock was transferred as a member somewhere? The January 1883 Quarterly Conference minutes. This could be from Beaver Meadows?

 

May 14, 1884 at Rush Center: the preachers salary was to be $500, to be divided amongst Rush Center, Elk Lake, Beaver Meadows, Prospect Hill, Stevensville, and Pine Glen

June 3, 1885 meeting held at Rush Center: L.A. Pickett was elect­ed Superintendent of Sabbath Schools at Beaver Meadows.   Sunday School was thriving!  Stewards from Beaver Meadows were   L.A. Pickett, N. R. Jones, and Judson Sturdevant  

August 22, 1885 at Elk Lake:  Brother Pickett has died since the last meeting (June 8, 1885), the charge contains Rush, Beaver Meadows, Elk Lake, Prospect Hill, Stevensville, and Pine Glenn. Marcus Pickett gave the Bible reports, “good work on the fronts”! 

 

January 29, 1887 at Rush Center; Rev. Jacobs reports a large list of memberships and baptisms, but it does not say to which church.   (I knew Rose Culver, James Stone, Mrs. Lennie Bennett, and Mrs. Jonas McLaud belonged here at Beaver Meadows and was added to the proper lists.)  Rev. Jacobs talks of a booklet “Lamp of Life” available for 25 cents.  It was from the Methodist Publishing Company in Detroit Michigan.  Four families on the circuit subscribe to the Northern Christian Advocate.   Rev. Jacobs says “good-bye” to three years of pleasant recollections at the Rush charge.  (History shows us he was a very good minister for the churches.)

 

May 28, 1887 at Rush M.E. Church:  Present were Rev. T.  Burgess, E. Snell L.E., H. Baxter, R. Cobb (Raymond Cobb), J. Norton, H. Baxter was elected Secretary.  Robert Bunnell was approved as Superintendent of Sabbath School at Rush, George Lowe of Elk Lake, and Marcus Pickett of Beaver Meadows. There were no complaints or appeals.  The Pastor made a verbal report.  The estimating committee on Pastors Salary, report as follows. That  $500 be allowed divided as follows:  Rush Center  $225.00, Elk Lake $135.00, Beaver Meadows $145.00. That was all the churches listed for the charge at that time. Pine Glenn, Stevensville, and Pros­pect Hill were to be discontinued as advised by the pastor!

 

August 13, 1887 states that the Sabbath School is in first-rate condition.

October 29, 1887, held at Beaver Meadows, it appears that only our own church people are there, R. Cobb Secretary, N.R.  Jones, Sturdevant, Marcus Pickett and Pastor Burgess.  Financial sup­port paid to date Rush $72.43, Elk Lake $59.47, Beaver Meadows $59.90. Total paid to date $191.70.  (The minister-received $500.00 per year.)  Trustees of the M.E. Church Rush Center:  Wm Leiber, H. Baxter, S. Smith, and N.R. Jones.

 

May 3, 1890 Rush Center; Brother King was approved as Superin­tendent of Sabbath School at Beaver Meadows.  It is the only Sunday school in the charge now.  Elk Lake is to reorganize. Expenses for moving Pastor VanWert to the parsonage: $15.00, Rush $10.00, Elk Lake $2.50, And Beaver Meadows $2.50.   Pastor re­ceived $16.24!  The minister to receive $500.00 per year salary.

           

July 11, 1891 at Elk Lake; the pastor was unable to make one Sabbath at Beaver Meadows due to heavy rain.  The Sabbath Schools at Elk Lake and Beaver Meadows are Union Schools.  The Superin­tendents are doing all they can to make them a success states, the Pastor.  There is an Epworth League at the Meadows, about 25 members that are trying to get into effective work.  The chil­dren of Beaver Meadows were addressed on Children’s Day.   Three members are on probationary membership at Beaver Meadows, many probationary members have passed their probationary time and are expected to fully join soon. 

 

October 17, 1891 at Beaver Meadows; Rev. E. Santee at the chair. Present R.W. Cobb, Marcus Pickett, and G.E.  Vander Pastor. PastorVanWert is acting as Secretary. There is a good Sabbath School here at Beaver Meadows.  By means of the Camp Meetings many have had awakening thoughts, and backsliders converted anew to Christ.  Three baptisms, 4 received into full membership, and two on probationary membership. Letters of transfers received by two. It doesn’t say which churches they joined, probably refers to the whole charge. We are trying to sustain weekly prayer meetings throughout the charge, states the minister.   The minister is trying to get the local folks to subscribe to the “Harold,” a publication of the Methodist Church, with local events too.  It is still a three-point Charge with Rush, Beaver Meadows and Elk Lake. 

 

December 14, 1891 at Rush Center; Rev. G.E. VanWert Pastor, Dr. E.  Snell, J.R. Low, James Birchard, and H.E. Baxter Trustees present.  Dr. E. Snell made a verbal report.  Trustees state they have been trying to purchase more land so that the horses can be tied there during church meetings. “Parsonage Sunday Schools is not organizing into missions Society,” a quote from the Quarterly Conference minutes.  No layman’s preached.  N.R.  Jones is the delegate to General Conference.  District Steward George Bedell. A motion has been made and carried to purchase a new organ (Rush Church).  Church Committees; Missions, Marcus Pickett, Dr. Snell, Church Extensions; Bert Sieber, Mrs. R.W. Cobb, Sunday Schools; J.R. Low, Marcus Pickett, Tracts; Mrs. George Bedell, N.R. Jones, Freedmans Aid; Mrs. A. Keiny (Keeney?), Mrs. Rosie Pickett, Church Records; Brother Norton, W. Whitney  (William), Parsonage and Furniture; Mrs. Sam Smith, Mr. N.R. Jones, Music George Bedell, J.F. Clapper, Estimating Salary; Dr. E.  Snell, R.W. Cobb

 

June 16, 1892 held at Retta; Rev. Stang in the chair.   Present Brothers Pickett, Howe, Carter, Tewksbury, Carter.  No trustee’s to be elected.  Brother Pickett Superintendent of Sunday school at Beaver Meadows.  Received for support for Pastor, Rush Center $93.92, East Rush $9.25, $17.00 Retta, Beaver Meadows  $17.00, Total  $137.17. Brother Cobb dropped out as Steward, replaced by Marcus Pickett.  (Raymond Cobb moved to Wilkes Barre for a short while)  The next meeting is to be held at Beaver Meadows.  Mr. Cornell Secretary

 

January 14, 1893 at East Rush; The list of new officers is as follows; Trustees Rush Center; James Birchard, J.R. Low, Commu­nity on Mission Wm. Seibre; Stewards Rush Center; Mr. John Hil­lard, Mrs. A. Kinney, D.E. Snell, East Rush; A.B. Linaberry, J. Norton, L.W. James, T.A. Roberts, Retta; Floyd Tewksbury,  H.C. Baxter,  Miss Stella Carter,  Beaver Meadows;  Wm. Whitney,  Mrs. Marcus  Pickett,  Tracts;  Rush; Fred Terry,  East  Rush;  Huldah Estus,  Retta  Mrs. Frank Carter, Beaver Meadows  Edith  Bennett, Church  Extension;  East Rush; A.B. Linaberry, L.W.  Jones, Mrs. Roberts, Rush Center; George Bedell, Retta; Griswald Carter, Beaver Meadows; Marcus Pickett, Almon Pickett, Charles Howe.  Temperance; Rush; Mrs. Linaberry, East Rush; Fred Hardy, Retta; Mrs. F. Tewksbury, Beaver Meadows; Anna Stone, Sunday School

Education Rush; Mrs. Wm. Green, East Rush; T.A. Roberts, Beaver Meadows; Charles Howe, Freedmans Aid; Sam Pickett, Mrs. M.  Linaberry, W. Roberts, Recording; J.R. Low, Stewards East Rush; H. Baxter, Mrs. O.H. Estus, Retta; Frank Carter, Beaver Meadows; M.J. Pickett, Church Records (probably Retta); H.C. Carter, J.R.Low, Griswald Carter, Committee on Parsonage and Furniture; Mrs. George Devine, Mrs. Frank Gray, Mrs. J.F. Clapper, Church Music; Thomas James, George Bedell, Frank Jones, N.R. Jones, Estimating Committee; Dr. E. Snell, L.W. James, Marcus Pickett, Griswald Carter.

 

January 20, 1895 at East Rush; Raymond Cobb was approved Super­intendent of Sunday School (Charge wide, or at Beaver Meadows?)  Pastor had been paid $327.15 and the P.Elder Paid $27.00.  Report of the parsonage furniture: 1 cook stove, 1 parlor heater, 1 small stove for the study, 1 bedroom suit consisting of Bedstead, six chairs and 1 rocker, 1 study chair, 1 study table, 1 kitchen table, 1 bedstead and washstand the whole in fair condition.  Carpet in the parlor bedroom, and paper curtains for the windows.  The six chairs and rocker, and the parlor stove and carpet were purchased last year but not paid for.  The points of the charge Beaver Meadows and East Rush did not raise their share of the apportionment.  We secured a Japanese student to lecture this fall.  Proceeds to the amount of $2.58 and $4.78 were applied to the furniture.   $1.16 left unpaid, but somebody promised  $.50 before they left the meeting.  Officers for Beaver Meadows from the meeting were Chars. Howe in Missions and Freedmans Aid; Education N.R.  Jones; Tracts W. McLaud; Church Extensions Sam Pickett; Sunday School Mrs. R.W. Cobb, Temperance and Parsonage Furniture M.J. Pickett; Church Records, Complaints, and Estimating Committee (3 Committees) N.R. Jones; Church Music R.W. Cobb, Stewards from Beaver Meadows N.R. Jones, Mrs. M.J. Pickett, J.F.Clapper, Mrs. R.W. Cobb. 

 

 

January 14, 1898 at State Road (a new name to the charge, but it was an old church which had been included as Snyder earlier); L.E. Floyd presiding Elder at the chair.  Stewards for the ensuing year; Rush; Mrs. Lott Devine and Miss Callie Bunnell, for Retta; Tewksbury and Carter, East Rush; Lewis James, A.B. Lina­bury, and Wm. Hardy, for circuit, but it hasn’t any Stewards listed or apportionments.

Historians note, State Road no longer appears on the roster of churches.

October 15, 1898 at the Rush Parsonage; We find new Stewards; From Rush; Brother Lott Devine and Mrs. George Bedell, at Retta we have Miss Nellie Carter added, and at Beaver Meadows Mrs. Rosa Bond  (formerly Mrs. Lyman Pickett).  The buildings in all the charge are insured including the parsonage.   Repairs to the parsonage include a new roof on the kitchen, plastering and paperhanging, and fixing up the windows.  They also secured a new heater for the parsonage.  There has been a committee appointed to handle this now.  Brothers Snell and Devine have been appointed to look after the building of the new church at Rush, which will be soon.  (The lot was bought and paid for, and deeded to the trustees in the October 27, 1899 minutes.) 

 

April 11, 1900 at Rush; the minutes state our Stewards from Beaver Meadows were Mrs. Pickett and Mrs. Cobb. The next Quar­terly Conference is to be circuit, but it hasn’t any Stewards listed or apportionments. It was held at State Road. 

 

May 4, 1901 at Rush; Marcus Pickett represents us as a trustee.  Mrs. Joel Carter is approved as the Epworth League President (the first time one is listed), Beaver Meadows Sabbath Schools are in fine running order with Marcus Pickett Superintendent.   Marcus Pickett served on the Estimating Committee for the Pastors sal­ary, Beaver Meadows $100.00, East Rush 120.00, Retta $80.00 Rush Center  $200.00.  Total  $500.00.  They also wanted to give him a raise!  They discussed the plans to build the new church at Rush.  (Still no apportionments for State Road Church)

 

* Historians note:  Dr. Elijah Snell, a very active minister, in the Rush church has now passed on.  He was laid to rest in the

Rush Center memorial park. He was born January 25, 1825   Sanford

Broome County, New York and died October 23, 1901 Susquehanna County, Pa.  He married Betsey Denning Ely July 2, 1852 in Au­burn, PA.  They resided Rush Township for the 1870 census.

 

 A photo of Dr. Elijah Snell

 

October 26, 1901 at the parsonage; Apportionments received towards the pastors salary to date are; State Road $91.28, East Rush $77.50, Retta $38.00, Beaver Meadows $44.37, making a total of   $251.15.  No changes in membership in the charge, one death at State Road.  Pastor made 84 visits and preached 42 sermons.

 

January 20, 1902 at the parsonage we have the following church committees elected; State Road; Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Alden De­vine, Trinity Church; Mrs. Kinney and Mrs. McCain, Retta; Miss Stella Carter and Mrs. John Sterling, Beaver Meadows; Mrs. Raymond Cobb and Mrs. J. Carter.  All the people requested the return of Pastor Burns!  J.S. James and Dr. H. Fry were appointed auditing committee for the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church at Rush. 

 

January 30, 1903 at Rush; Presiding Elder J.B. Sweet in the chair.   Prayer by Brother Sweet; roll call shows; F.E.  Carter, L.U.  Devine, W.A.  LaRue, Dr. H.M. Fry, S.B.  McCain, and the Pastor R.F. Lesh. (None from Beaver Meadows).  S.B.  McCain was approved to be secretary.  Marcus Pickett S.S. Supt. at Beaver Meadows and Brother Pickett was approved as a member to the D.C. (District Conference).  Pastor reported of the Epworth League at Beaver Meadows.  Pastors salary to date $353.53, Elders Salary  $25.25.  Pastor Lesh was recommended for renewal of license, and recommended for trial in the Wyoming Conference. Stewards appointed; at Rush:  Dr. H.M. Fry, Mrs. Kinney, and?  Hardie (Hardy), at East Rush; L.M. James, L.S. James, and Emery Estus, at Retta; F.E. Carter, W.A. LaRue, and Floyd Tewksbury, at Beaver Meadows; Marcus Pickett, Mrs. R.W. Cobb, and Mrs. Joel Carter. S.B.  McCain elected District Steward, and Dr Fry recording steward; the parsonage committee is under the care of the officers of the Ladies Aide.

May 16, 1903 at Trinity Church; show that it is a four-point charge with East Rush, Retta, Rush, and Beaver Meadows paying apportionments.   To date, the pastor has received  $47.50.   The property is insured.  State Road matters discussed and left to the discretion of the pastor! “Pastor called attention to need of a  “church record” of standard arrangement as published by Book Concern.   Brother S.B. McCain volunteered to pay for same, and pastor was instructed to order same,” a quote from the Quarterly Conference Minutes book.

 

August 22, 1903 at the parsonage, 3 p.m.; J.B. Sweet Presiding Elder at the chair. Brother Sweet offered prayer.  Pastors writ­ten report says he preached 30 times, held 14 mid-week meetings, made 153 pastoral calls, conducted 2 funerals, and performed a marriage.  Had completed the record for Beaver Meadows, E.  Rush, Retta and Trinity.  Dropped 67 names at Beaver Meadows (WOW!) 12 at East Rush, and 9 at Retta.  He left the non-resident member­ship as follows:  Beaver Meadows 26, Retta 18, East Rush 16, and Trinity 16, a total of 76 at these points.  State Road records were not completed.  He was requested by the presiding elder to attend some meeting there and secure a church letter.  The Trini­ty Church debt is $140.00 yet.  (The new church at Rush must be called Trinity.)  Marcus Pickett, H.M. Fry, Frank Carter and L.S. James were lay leader delegates to conference.  Pastor granted a vacation.   P.S.   East Rush church painted, figures not on land?

Historians note: From a book regarding stories of the ministers we find that Rev. Burns did not deduct for the deaths or removal of membership records making the totals much higher than they actually were. Many should have been removed earlier.

 

January 13, 1904 at the parsonage; Pastor conducted 2 funerals and assisted at 3 more.  He held a 4-week meeting at Beaver Meadows with 17 beginning to walk in Gods way. Now he is expected to conduct special union meetings with Brother O.E.Bishop of the Rush Baptist Church.  There were 74 pastoral calls.  Stewards of Beaver Meadows were Marcus Pickett, Mrs. Joel Carter, and Mrs. R.W. Cobb.   In charge of missions was Mrs. R.W. Cobb, Church extension was Dutton Cobb (He is back), and Mrs. Marcus Pickett is Superintendent of Sunday School.  Ethel Cobb is in charge of Education.  The officers of the Ladies Aide are in charge of Parsonage furniture as is Marcus Pickett.  Mrs. Dutton Cobb is in charge of music. Membership is as follows:  East Rush 16, Trinity 17, Retta 20, Beaver meadows 18, and State Road 28.  A total of 99 charge wide. (Remember the minister just cleaned house with the record books!)

 

April 23, 1904 at Trinity; Marcus Pickett is Superintendent of Sunday school.  Dutton C. Cobb is appointed Steward in the place of Mrs. R.W. Cobb.  The parsonage, Trinity and Retta churches are insured.  Beaver Meadows and East Rush are not. 

 

August 29, 1904 at D--?  Camp, terrible attendance, report of Retta being struck by lightning.  The insurance company paid $166.01.  

January 12, 1905 at Trinity church; Roll call Rev. A.E.  Potter, Dr. H.M. Fry, L.M. James, T.S.(?) James, Edna McCain, Rev. J.J. Henry, Mrs. T.S. James, Wm. Green.  Secretary Dr. H.M. Fry   the Pastor preached 49 times and Rev. Bishop of the Baptist church has preached 3 times since last D.C. (District Conference).   103 pastoral calls, 5 funerals, 2 members died Aunt Sally Sterling of Retta, and Benton Sharer of Beaver Meadows. 6 baptized and received in full membership.  Net membership 120.  A series of meetings at East Rush resulted in 67 coming to the altar.  At Trinity 7 were received on probation.  48 joined at East Rush on probation December 11, 1904. The total probationary members to date are 61.  The stewards from Beaver Meadows were Marcus Pickett, Mrs. Joel Carter, and Dutton C. Cobb. From missions we have Mrs. R.W. Cobb. Church extension is Dutton C. Cobb.  Temperance is Mrs. Marcus Pickett, with Marcus Pickett on the estimating committee.   Mrs. Dutton Cobb is on the music committee, and Ethel Cobb is in charge of education.

Historians Note; Benton Sharer 1878-1904 was the twin brother of Burton. Benton was a son of James 1838-1890 and Elizabeth Coleman Sharer 1853-?   He was buried at Stevensville Cemetery along with his parents.  Another brother of Benton was Llewellyn Sharer 1873-1959.   He was the father of Walter Sharer, Anna Cobb, Ruth Bennett and Grace Bennett. All were former members of our church.

 

April 22, 1905 at Trinity; Roll call; Rev. A.E.  Potter, Dr.H.M.  Fry, Mrs. Uzal Kinney, L.A. Devine, Mr. and Mrs. F.E.  Car­ter, Emery M. Estus, Marcus J. Pickett, and Mrs. Marcus Pickett came later.  Pastor preached 220 times, Rev. Bishop of the Baptist church preached 5 sermons, 11 funerals from infants to old people aged 91, 330 pastoral visits, 119 full members of the charge, 68 on probation, work meetings were held, 5 at Beaver Meadows closing on March 31, 1905.  Sister Pickett reported on the Ladies Aide Society.  The apportionment committee with Marcus Pickett give the following report; Trinity to pay $220.00, East Rush  $145.00, Beaver Meadows $120.00, and Retta $115.00, they tallied $600.00.   The parsonage and all churches except Beaver Meadows are insured. 

 

September 13, 1905 at Retta; Received in full membership 35, baptized 31, received by letter 3 full members and 1 probationer. Dismissed 1 full member and 2 probationers.  Present charge wide membership 157 and 24 probationers.  Churches listed as service points; Trinity, East Rush, Retta, and Beaver Meadows.  

November 11, 1905 at the parsonage; 59 pastoral visits, preached 21 times, besides changing with Rev. W.F. Bryce of Fairdale one Sabbath  (to hold quarterly meeting at Fairhill September 24). Rev. P.J.  Gates (Parker J. Gates was the first secretary men­tioned in these Quarterly minutes 1870), a former pastor has personally conducted 18 midweek program meetings, and 4 others. He has performed one marriage, and conducted 3 funerals.   Five have been baptized at Retta, 6 received at

Retta, 4 joined from probation and 1 by letter (5?), The present resident membership: 161 and 19 on probation.  Beaver Meadows paid nothing on the parsonage debt.  Churches in the charge are Trinity, East Rush, Retta, and Beaver Meadows.

 

January 27, 1906 at Trinity; we find the minister reporting he held 2 weeks of meetings at Beaver Meadows, the results not good, membership is just not attending, as they should! (Same old problem churches have now) Our trustees to the charge are M.J. Pickett, Mrs. Joel Carter and Dutton Cobb.  The other officers are still the same too.  It was voted that a request for Rev. A.E. Potter to continue as Pastor. This was asked of the Presiding Elder Rev. Sweet to do as soon as possible.

January 19, 1907 at Trinity; Rev. Councilman of Camptown exchanged services with Rev. Potter.  The attendance was poor due to  “La Grippe” (The flu).  The minister at Beaver Meadows was holding cottage meetings.  There is a reference to the State Road Church.  “During the fall repairs amounting to  $35.00 as expended on the old church to preserve its suitability for funerals.”  All schools except Beaver Meadows use Methodist mate­rials  (We used David C. Cook by the Sabbath School minutes just as we do yet). Sabbath school is now under the direction of Mrs.C.B. Culver (Wavie), she is also in charge of music.

 

May 4, 1907 at Trinity; Mr. and Marcus Pickett are representing Beaver Meadows.  The Pastor reported for the Sunday schools at Beaver Meadows, Trinity, and East Rush. There were three changes in membership, all from the old church on State Road to Trinity, and three transferred out. 

 

September 10, 1908 at Retta; we find one Sunday School  (not named) has organized into a mission society.  They are furnished with authorized material. (Beaver Meadows was a Union Sunday School by their own minutes) 

January 21, 1909 at East Rush we find the District Superintendent in charge Rev. Dr. Henry Tuckley. The estimating committee has Marcus Pickett as the longtime member.  The only noteworthy item that is different is that there is no person listed as the keeper of a deed at Beaver Meadows. The lists include J. Hudgins, L.M. James, Frank Carter, and S.B. McCain. The parishioners asked that Rev. Hudgins and his wife be returned for the next year. 

 

October 23, 1909 at Rush; We find the Points to be Rush paying in  $98.00, East Rush $63.24, Retta $53.00, and Beaver Meadows 46.95.  Total $261.19 paid in so far this year ($600.00 per year salary).  Part of the Sunday Schools in the charge are organized as Mission Societies, but I know from Beaver Meadows Sabbath School minutes we are not.  None are Temperance Societies.  It states church records are properly kept! 

Historians note: I want to find the ones that were!

 

February 15, 1910 at Trinity; Roll call has a lot of our folks there; Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Pickett, Mrs. Joel Carter, Mrs. C.B.Culver,  and  Geo.  McClod (McLaud).   Superintendent of Sunday school approved to be George McClod (McLaud).  There is no men­tion of the Epworth League President at Beaver Meadows (there are two listed for other churches).  Stewards at Beaver Meadows were; George McClod (McLaud) and Henry Sharer (Marcus Pickett was also a steward not listed here).  There was a request that Rev. Herman Hudgins be returned.

 

 

 

July 17, 1910 at Rush; we find the District Superintendent H.C. McDermott in the chair.  It tells us that the Beaver Meadows Sunday School is not using publications authorized by the Methodist Church. (We were a Union Church yet, not just Methodist)

 

April 22, 1911 at Rush; we find George McLaud as Superintendent of Sunday School, and Susie Pickett President of Ladies Aide. Charge wide 10 members were dismissed by certificate and 2 died, 4 were removed by revision; the net membership now is 260.  Pastor is to be paid $600.00. District Superintendent  $42.00, Episcopal Fund $4.00 and Paid to Conference Claimants $25.00.  The minister was Rev. Coles.  It states there is a change in the board of Stewards; Henry Sharer of Beaver Meadows is elected (I did not see where he was removed).  Church records are properly kept! The next meeting is to be at Beaver Meadows. 

 

September 10,1911 at Beaver Meadows; D.S. H.C. McDermott is in the chair.   Roll Call; Geo. McLaud, Henry Sharer, Jacob Bond, Mrs. C.B. Culver, Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Pickett. (That is all that was there, all from Beaver Meadows).  M.J. Pickett, Mrs. M.J. Pickett and Henry Sharer are approved as Quarterly Conference delegates. Apportionments are as follows; Rush   $83.00, East Rush  $66.00, Retta $400, Beaver Meadows $57.00 and State Road $29.00, the total $256.00 paid in so far.  Received for the D.S. $8.40.   Copied from the Official Slip of Catherine Clapper, Secretary by W.F. Green

 

December 30, 1911 at Retta; we finally find a keeper of the deed at Beaver Meadows, Mrs. Carter (Probably Mrs. Joel Carter) Stewards are G.M. McLaud, Mrs. Rundell (Estella Place Clapper), Henry Sharer, and M.J. Pickett.  Mrs. M.J. Pickett is on the parsonage committee.

 

January 4, 1913 at East Rush; we find the church at Rush is valued at $3,000.00 and the parsonage at $1,200 (Beaver Meadows shares ownership in this parsonage.)  Beaver Meadows owes  $50.00 for parsonage repairs to Mr. Kinney.  On the next page of the book, same meeting Mr. McCain states Beaver Meadows has paid in full and State Road paid nothing.  Brother McKelvy is the new pastor, and Mr. McCain has paid his moving expenses.

 

May 17, 1913 at Rush; Roll Call only had Marcus Pickett from Beaver Meadows.   Apportionments for the Quarterly Conference; Rush  $195.00, Rush Center $85.00, Beaver Meadows $120.00, Retta $150.00, East Rush $150.00, total $700.00 per year.  Rush, East Rush, Retta, and the parsonage were all insured for $1,000.

April 14, 1914 officers and committees from the Quarterly Conference Reports; Trustees from Beaver Meadows; M.J. Pickett, Geo.McLaud, Mrs. N.C. Cobb (Josephine), and Mrs. Jas. Culver (Anna). Stewards were M.J. Pickett, Geo. McLaud, Henry Sharer and Sam Pickett, Foreign Missions found Mrs. Joel Carter in charge, Henry Sharer was in charge of Sunday school and Mrs. Henry Sharer in charge of Temperance.  Miss Katherine Clapper was approved for Freedmans Aid.  Marcus Pickett was in charge of records.   Harry Pickett was now on the estimating and hospital committees, Tressa Pickett was in charge of Tracts, and Mrs. George McLaud was in charge of education.  C.B. Culver was the auditor.  Katherine Clapper and Mrs. C.B. Culver provided Church music.

Historians Note; The Sabbath School minutes list Mrs. Joel Carter as Superintendent of Sunday School not Mr. Sharer, who I never find listed in the Sunday School minutes.

 

January 28, 1914 at Rush; there are four Methodist Sunday Schools and one Union Sunday School in the charge.  The state is termed prosperous.  Of course the country Sunday school is largely dependent on the weather. The total number on the charge is 175; the average attendance is 100, or 57%. The folks joining the church are James A. Garris.  Katherine Clapper and Estella (Place Clapper) Run­dell transferred in by certificate.  It looks like Guy and Nina McLaud transferred to State Road from Silvara.  (These folks have Beaver Meadows roots.)  Marcus Pickett gave the following report about The Union Church at Beaver Meadows; Probable value $1,000,no parsonage, no debts, expenditures about $40.00 per year, no income source.  Respectfully submitted M.J. Pickett    President of the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James, Katherine and James Arthur Garris.

 

 

 Nina and Catherine Clapper

 

September 12, 1914 at Rush; Prayer meetings are held regularly at each of the churches, the pastor attends.  I quote,  “Beaver Meadows is making slight improvements.  The special meeting at Beaver Meadow is starting well.  There has been an attendance of 30 to 50.  A “Wine and Dine” society has been organized and the membership is now 14.  The Epworth League will be organized Wednesday of next week.”  Rev. Corkwell reports.

Historians Note; we have a  “Wine and Dine Society” in these minutes and read on, in the next minutes we are closing the bars with our Temperance groups!

 

******* Special minutes****** January 16, 1915 at Rush Center; There are four active Sunday Schools in the charge.  We also find that Permelia Brotzman wishes to unite with the church.  Probably Beaver Meadows, but it is not clear.  We don’t know if she joined either.  44 persons joined on confession of faith, 23 from proba­tion, 7 by certificate of transfer, and 2 persons from an Evan­gelical Church. 2 members died leaving a total charge wide mem­bership of 74.   1 wedding, 5 funerals, and 47 baptisms.  The pastor reports Beaver Meadows has a new organ, at a cost of $95.00.  There was $20.00 worth of improvements at Beaver Mead­ows.   It also covers this problem,  “Both at Lawton and Rush a saloon fight is on, and we confidently expect that both will be closed!”    “Steps are in progress relative to taking over the Beaver Meadow Church, and making it a Methodist Church.”  W.F. Green copied minutes         January 18, 1915  (Rev.) D.M.  Corkwell

Historians note; we do not know if this was the organ that was stolen in 1988.  The subject of the stolen organ is covered in the Memorials section of this book.

Historians Note; Take note, the Beaver Meadows Church is still a Union Church.   It is not recorded in this ledger when the church actually became a Methodist Church.  To date  (1995), I still find no document that shows Beaver Meadows is not a Union Church.  Only one denomination uses the church.  I can find no papers signed with the Methodist church conference.

 

January 10, 1915 Quarterly Conference Reports; A Trustees Meet­ing for Beaver Meadows.  “The trustees of the Beaver Meadows Church were called together by their Pastor Rev. Corkwell and as our church was not insured, we decided to insure it just as soon as convenient.   J.G. Carter and Elisha Brotzman were appointed to attend to the business and have it insured.  J.G. Carter Secre­tary”

* Historians note; I found where Leo Bolles was paid $4.00 for the insurance of the he Beaver Meadows Church in February 1928.  He must have been our agent, along with being the Justice of The Peace.  He did not record any other dates for insurance paid him by Beaver Meadows.

 

January 3, 1916 Reports; Rush, East Rush, Retta, State Road, and

Beaver Meadows are the points of service in the apportionments.

Pastor has made 330 calls.  Special meetings at Beaver Meadows

Brought 6 persons forward to accept Christ! 

 

The last Quarterly Reports are listed as June 14, 1916 at Rush: the District Superintendent, Dr. Olmstead in the chair.  Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Pickett represent Beaver Meadows.  Nothing great is happening in these minutes, just routine reports.

There is a typed report from Rev. Greenfield about 1916-1917 There are five points in the charge.  Total charge membership is 200, and an average attendance of 120.  The pastor has preached 2 sermons to the children. There are 15 students that wish to unite with the church (charge wide).  Hazel Bennett was married to Ray Ervine, probably in Opposition by the pastor. There is an extra report dated January 6, 1928.   The parsonage was sold at Rush and the monies are to be divided up amongst the owners from the old Rush Charge.  Marcus Pickett is there to represent Beaver Meadows. The parsonage was sold to Mrs. Allie James.  Mr. Pickett made the motion that the trustees of the parsonage divide the money between the four existing points. Mr. Squires of East Rush seconded the motion.  The churches named are Rush, East Rush, Retta, and Beaver Meadows.  We also find in this letter that Kenneth Tewksbury, a great patron at Beaver Meadows was baptized and joined the church at Retta.  The letter also states Brother Warner has passed away, he formerly resided at Rush Center, now resided at Beaver Meadows.

Historians note; I find later that the share of money from the church parsonage we received at Beaver Meadows was  $300.00 January 20, 1928. At this point we are already attached to the Camptown Charge when these last minutes were added.  Beaver Meadows joined Camptown Charge about 1918.

 

 

 

 

The next photo is of Hazel Lynette Bennett Ervine.

Kay Ervine, her daughter thinks this is an engagement photo since the date is December 1916 and they were married December 23, 1916.

FIRST QUARTERLY CONFERENCE 1926-1927

 

Conference was held at the Camptown Church June 19, 1926 at 2:30 pm.     There was a good attendance from all points except Standing Stone and East Herrick.  The appointment of East Herrick was discontinued as a preaching place.  All the members were encouraged to attend Herrickville.

LAST QUARTERLY CONFERENCE 1926-1927

Held at Camptown November 16, 1926 with the Rev George M Bell DS at 11:30 am.  There was a public dinner at 12:30.   Rev John White addressed the crowd at 2 o’clock, and a business meeting at 3 o’clock.  There was a severe storm that canceled the evening service.  Notes: Parsonage at Camptown painted June 1927, Standing Stone Church painted July 1927, Beaver Meadows got new pews at a cost of $560 August 1927

September 18, 1927, Beaver Meadows received a memorial gift of a communion set.  His daughters and grandchildren gave it in memory of J J Culver.

During September 1927 this charge along with the cooperation of Northern churches of the District plan a home visitation Evangelism campaign directed by Earl Kernahan of Boston.  Seventy-five signed cards, twenty-two transferred; three were reinstatements, and fifty first time decisions were made.  The cost was  $3.00, and the work completed by 2 score of men and women of the church.

December 1927 an automatic pressure Water System was in­stalled in the parsonage at Camptown.

December 13, 1927 was the last Quarterly Conference at Camptown for the year.  Rev George M Bell presided over a good attendance.

January 6, 1928 adjourned the session of Quarterly Confer­ence meeting at Herrickville with the order to sell the Herrick­ville parsonage!

March 2, 1928, at Rummerfield, Quarterly Conference.   The following trustees were elected to be in charge of the sale of the Herrickville parsonage: Chauncey Lent, John Wells, John Over­peck, M H VanNess, and Fred Sage.  The property was sold for $505.00 plus a little more for rent.  After all the bills were settled up and the balance divided, Dr George Bell presented the following churches these amounts: East Herrick $58.75, Herrick­ville $275.00, and Standing Stone $175.00.

At Camptown June 5, 1928 Rev Fred E Lott DS: Attendance good by all churches except Standing Stone.  During the summer and fall of 1928 a movement was promoted to use the Presbyterian Church for a community Church building by all three denominations.  The Baptist Church was to be used as a gymnasium and the Methodist church as a Community Hall.  The motion was widely accepted and passed.

 

January 21, 1929, the first Quarterly Conference was held at Camptown with Rev Fred E Lott DS in charge.  Only Camptown and Lime Hill were represented.

May 7, 1929, Rev Lott was again in charge at the meeting held in Camptown.  All five churches were represented: Lime Hill, Herrickville, Beaver Meadows, Standing Stone, and Camptown.       

 

The first vacation Bible School, ever held on the charge was held at the Standing Stone Church July 1929.  Thirteen cer­tificates were presented. January 12, 1930 was the last Quarterly Conference at Camp­town.  Rev Fred Lott DS presided over a good attendance from Lime Hill, Camptown, and Standing Stone.

 

The first Quarterly Conference held May 4, 1930, with the Rev Lott presiding was held at Camptown at 3:pm.  Good attendance with all appointments represented.

 

January 4, 1931 was the last quarterly Conference at Camp­town, Rev Fred Lott presiding.  Camptown, Herrickville, Lime Hill and Beaver Meadows represented.  Standing Stone absent.   During the fall months the Herrickville church had been fully renovated and redecorated inside.  Pews were installed in place of chairs.

 

During the first Quarterly Conference which was held on May 3, 1931 at Herrickville, Rev Fred E Lott DS in charge.  Churches represented as follows: Herrickville, Camptown, and Lime Hill. 

 

On Sunday August 30, 1931 the Lime Hill Union Church celebrated 50 years. Services were held in the afternoon. At least 300 people were present.  Many old families returned for the occa­sion. 18 were present who attended the dedication 50 years ago!

 

On Saturday September 19, 1931 the Standing Stone church was reopened after extensive redecoration and the same time the 75th anniversary was observed.  The interior had been repainted and repapered and the pews refinished.  Services were held 11:00 am and 1:30 am with the Rev. Floyd S. Hendershot, Pastor of the Bap­tist Church Mehoopany, Pa as the speaker.  The subject was  “the church.”  Rev Hendershot a native of Standing Stone was converted in that church.   Rev Carl Councilman was the speaker in the afternoon.   He was a Methodist preacher at Firwood who had preached at Standing Stone 29 years ago.  He spoke on  “Workers Together With God.”  Both services were well attended and highly inspirational and helpful.

* Historians note regarding the Standing Stone Church: Reverend Helen Learn, the Pastor of the church reported in the Towanda Daily Review Newspaper awhile after the break-in the following: Two children, aged 10 and 11-year-old vandalized the church June 6, 1998.  The 90-member congregation of this 143-year-old church was shocked. Many things could not be repaired and were replaced, like the 75-year-old collection basket. The communion table was be refinished. The burned flags and

Parchments were replaced.   There were several cracked and broken stained glass windows along with broken an­tique chandeliers.  The people of the church felt that the church should always be unlocked so that it would be available to anyone who needed it prior to the attack, but now the feelings have understandably changed.  Thank God the church was insured, and the vandals were unsuccessful in their attempt to burn the church.

On Sunday January 3, 1932 the Quarterly Conference was held at Camptown.  Dr. Fred E. Lott D.S. presided.  Beaver Meadows was the only church not represented.

 

April 17, 1932 Dr. Fred Lott was again in charge at Herrick­ville.  Herrickville was the only church represented! That is all the minutes found at the Camptown Parsonage in a mem­bership book dated 1917?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDENDA PERTAINING TO ELDERS ON THE CIRCUIT

 

Elder D. C. (DeWitt) Olmstead married Miss Emma J. Lane of Mont­rose, PA. October 20?  The Rev King Elwell married them in Montrose, PA.  He was the presiding Elder of the Wyalusing Dis­trict and she was the Lady Principal of the Hudson River Insti­tute and Claverack College. That would be in the Southern tier area of New York, just up from New York City.  

 

The Following excerpts were taken from the old missing record book.   This book hasn’t been seen in many years, where it went nobody knows!  A former historian, Mae Fassett, obtained the old book from the Fairdale Methodist Church. These items were recorded down by some of the present members before it disappeared.

April 25, 1891, Marcus Pickett Superintendent of Sabbath School. April 1914 Music director; Katherine Clapper

January 26, 1889, Brother P.F. Clapper elected for Education

1907 Mrs. C.B. Culver Superintendent of Sabbath School

1909 George Mclaud Superintendent of Sunday school.

The Retta church joined with Beaver Meadows 1893.

December 28, 1890 Brothers of the church were P.F. Clapper, J.F.Clapper, and Marcus Pickett.

 

The following are random church officers, elected throughout the years.  There are more Stewards and Trustees found in the both old secretaries books than are recorded here.   This is a random sampling.

Stewards found in the Quarterly Conference Reports April 26,1889; Sister Woodhouse, takes care of Apportionments, Brothers Clapper, Jones, and Howe.  (These must be new stewards as Brother King replaces Brother Sturdevant who

died the next meeting.) Officers found in the Quarterly Conference Reports January 25, 1908; Stewards; Mrs. Joel Carter and Mrs. Marcus Pickett. Raymond Cobb was in charge of church music, and Marcus Pickett in charge of records.

Stewards in the Quarterly Conference Reports February 15, 1910; Henry Sharer and Geo. McClod (McLaud): Stewards listed December 30, 1911 in the Quarterly Conference Minutes; Henry Sharer, M.G. McLaud, Mrs. Rundell, and Marcus Pickett. Stewards listed April 1914 at Beaver Meadows from the Quarterly Conference Reports; Marcus Pickett, George McLaud, Mrs. N.C. (Josephine) Cobb, and Mrs. James (Anna) Culver Trustees and Stewards found in the Quarterly Conference Reports for 1916; Trustees; George McLaud, Mrs. N.C.  (Josephine)  Cobb Mrs. James (Anna) Cobb, and a Stewards; Marcus Pickett, George McLaud, Samuel Pickett, Henry Sharer

 

From records at Camptown U.M.C. stewards, and official members holding office about 1926-1932. Mrs. Lou (Cobb) Brown Ladies Aide President, Mrs. Wavie Culver, Mrs. Lena H. Clapper, Mrs. Susan Pickett (she died 1930), Mrs. Euna Pickett, Mrs. George McLaud, Lucy L.  Bennett, Mrs. J.G. Carter Superintendent of Sunday school and Ladies Aide President, Marcus Pickett, and Ruth Hall as Superintendent of Sunday School.

From the membership book dated 1924

On the inside cover, hand written

 

Trustees of Beaver Meadows Church elected January 28, 1934

For 3 years Marion Bennett, term expires Jan 1937 Sec & Treasurer

Bryce Whitney, term expires Jan 1937

For 2 years James Garris, term expires Jan 1936

C B Culver, term expires Jan 1936

For 1 year   Clair Sloat, term expires Jan 1935 (term expired)

 For 1 year Marcus Pickett elected Feb 24, 1935 term expired 1936

Chairman Trustees elected 1937

Marcus Pickett a lifetime member

3 years   L E Sharer, term expires 1940 President

C B Culver, term expires 1940   Sec & Treasurer, he died 12\7\1937, Ralph Culver to fill unexpired term

2 years James Garris, to expire 1939

Marion Bennett, to expire 1939

1 year   Wayne Bennett, to expire 1938

(Re-elected Wayne Bennett 3 year term to expire 1941)

 

From the Wyoming Annual Conference Reports, here are just a few of our Lay Members from the not so ancient past.

Lay Leader in 1956 was Mrs. Walter Sharer (Mabel)

Lay Leader in 1957 and 1958 was Walter Sharer

Lay Leader in 1962 and 1963 was Carl Whitney

Lay Leader in 1967 and 1970 was Herbert Button

Lay Leader in 1974 was Morris Fassett

Elected officials in the Beaver Meadows Church in 1966-1967

Lay Leader; Herbert Button

Treasurer; Mrs. Ralph Culver

Trustees; Marion Bennett’67, Ralph Culver ‘68, Carl Whitney  ‘68,

Max Whitney ‘67, Morris Fassett ‘69

Church School Supt.; Mrs. Arthur Garris

W.S.C.S. President; Mrs. Morris Fassett

Communion Steward; Mrs. Herbert Button

Stewards; Mrs. O.D. Clapper, Jeanette Fassett, Morris Fassett,

Olin Fassett, Wanda Fassett, Mrs. Carl Whitney, Mrs. Arthur

Garris, Mrs. Marion Bennett

Commissions Members & Chairman; none listed

Membership & Evangelism Chairman; Mrs. Morris Fassett, committee members, Mrs. O.D. Clapper, Morris Fassett, Olin Fassett, Mrs. Daniel Clapper, Mrs. Olin Fassett

Education Chairman; Mrs. Arthur Garris, committee; Wanda Fas­sett, Jeanette Fassett

Mrs. Ralph Culver, Mrs. Max Whitney, Mrs. Olin Fassett

Missions Chairman; Mrs. Marion Bennett; committee members, Jea­nette Fassett, Mrs. Carl Whitney, Mrs. Webb Sivers

Stewardship & Finance Chairman; Arthur Garris, committee members: Mr. and Mrs. Walter Sharer, Marion Bennett, Max Whitney, Howard Sharer

Christian Social Concerns Chairman; Mrs. Carl Whitney

Custodian of legal papers Walter Sharer

Pasteur Relations; Mrs. Ralph Culver, Mrs. Marion Bennett, Carl Whitney alternate

Music; Mrs. Ralph Culver, Mrs. Marion Bennett, Mrs. O.D. Clapper

Vocations Chairman the Pastor

Will and Legacies chairman; Mrs. Ralph Culver

Hospital and homes Chairman; Mrs. Carl Whitney

Literature Secretary; Mrs. Arthur Garris

Together Representative; Mrs. Carl Whitney

George Ryan was the trustee delegate to the Camptown Charge till 1968.

From the ministers report 1966 there were 15 funerals, 3 wed­dings, and 7 baptisms.  The church received 5 new members.  

The building is in reasonably good condition, valued at  $15,000.  They planned to add storm windows and a new kitchen in 1966, estimated cost $1,000.

The minister reports, “ministering to the needs of this community has resulted in being involved in court cases, visiting jails, counseling with families and even have part of a family move in with us for awhile.  We count it a privilege to be considered worthy of this kind of involvement.”  Rev Norman Kase 

 

From 1974 the officers were as follows;

Chairman of the Board; Dale Bennett

Secretary of Administrative Board; Charlotte Fassett

Lay Leader; Morris Fassett

Treasurer; Ruth Culver

Communion Stewards; Mrs. Ruth Culver, Mrs. Herbert Button, Mrs. Charlotte Fassett

Members at Large; Mrs. O.D. Culver, Morris Fassett, Mrs.  Carl Whitney, Mrs. Marion Bennett, Mrs. George Ryan, Walter Sharer.

Trustees; Glenn Bennett (77), Douglas Clapper (77), Marion Bennett (76), Daniel Clapper (76), Morris Fassett (75).

Committee on finance same as Stewards;

Council of ministries:  Charlotte Fassett Chairman

Work area on membership & Evangelism:  Mrs. Morris Fassett Chairman, Mrs. Daniel (Sylvia) Clapper, Morris Fassett, Olin Fassett, Mrs. Helen Clapper, Leland Repsher, Work area in Education: Mrs. George Ryan Chairman: Mrs. Clifford Clapper, Mrs. Virginia Clapper, Mrs. Morris Fassett, Sharon Repsher, Diane Bennett.

Work area in Missions: Mrs. Marion Bennett Chairman:  Mrs. Webb Sivers, Mrs. Carl Whitney, Dean Bennett.

Work area in Stewardship: Mrs. Ruth Culver Chairman: Mr. and Mrs. Marion Bennett, Mr. and Mrs. Morris Fassett, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Clapper, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Bennett.

Work area in Christian Social Concerns: Mrs. Carl Whitney Chair­man: Mrs. George Ryan, Mrs. Walter Sharer, Wanda Fassett, Tolise Otis.

Pastoral Relations: Mrs. Ruth Culver, Mrs. Marion Bennett

Parsonage Trustee: Morris Fassett

Custodian of Legal papers, Wills, and Legacies: Walter Sharer

Hospitals and Homes: Mrs. Carl Whitney

Literature: Mrs. Morris Fassett

Music: Mrs. Ruth Culver, Donna and Steve Harvey

Committee on Nominations & Personnel: Pastor is Chairman, Mrs. Marcella Whitney (77), Mrs. Grace Bennett (76), Mrs. Jenella Ryan (75).

Cluster Council Members: Dale and Donna Bennett, Darrell Fassett, Alternates Douglas and Virginia Clapper, and Vicky Clapper

Church self-study Project: Mae Fassett, Glenn Bennett, Marion Bennett, and Alternate Dean Button.

Worship service was held at 9 O’clock, there were one baptism, 1 funeral, 43 members, 1 death, no marriages, and no transfers of membership for 1974. There was no choir at Beaver Meadows either. This was from the minister’s report of the Camptown Charge.

 

Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church Officers 1990

Lay Member; Audrey Eberhardt

Alt Lay Member; Jane McGee

Recording Secretary; Donna Bennett

Admin. Board Chairman; Dale Bennett

Membership Secretary; Phyllis Lockwood

Historian; Mary Schweitzer

Financial Secretary; Grace Bennett

Sunday School Treasurer; Dean Button

Building Fund Treasurer; Douglas Clapper

Trustee Chairman; Dale Bennett, trustees Douglas Clapper 1990, Morris Fassett 1991, Sue Beitel 1991, Alice Sivers 1991, Herbert Button 1992, Virginia Clapper 1992, Dale Bennett 1993 Chairman

Finance Chairperson; Bill Eberhardt, committee; Grace Bennett, Jane McGee, Dean Button, Douglas Clapper, Virginia Clapper

Pastor Parrish Chairperson; James Lockwood, committee; Bill Eberhardt and Sue Beitel 1990, James Lockwood and Charlotte Fassett 1991, Grace Bennett and Donna Bennett 1992, Lay member Audrey Eberhardt.

Music/Worship   Chairperson; Sandy Campbell, Committee; Mary Schweitzer  (Music, Altar, Communion), Virginia Clapper, Phyllis Lockwood, Jane McGee, Susan Beitel, Amanda Brotzman

Outreach Chairperson; Jenella Ryan

Education Chairperson; Dean Button; committee; Carol Brotzman (lead teacher), Donna Bennett, Jane McGee, Sandy Campbell

President Ladies Aide; Dean Button

Communion Steward; Virginia Clapper

Communion Asst.; Charlotte Fassett

Auditors; Jenella Ryan and Alice Sivers

Nominating Committee; Susan Beitel, Charlotte Fassett 1990, Dean Button and James Lockwood 1991, Sandy Campbell and Jean Herman

1992, Lay Member Audrey Eberhardt

Public Relations Chairperson; Phyllis Lockwood

Organist; Mary Schweitzer

 

Officers for 1995 were as follows:

At Yearly positions

Adm. Board President; Morris Fassett

Recording Secretary; Jane McGee

Financial Secretary; Grace Bennett

Church Treasurer; Donna Bennett

Building fund treasurer; Douglas Clapper

Sunday School Treasurer; Dean Button

Membership Secretary; Donna Bennett

Historian; Carol Brotzman

Chairperson of Sunday School; Carol Brotzman

Ladies Aide President; Charlotte Fassett

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BEAVER MEADOWS LADIES AIDE SOCIETY

 

The Beaver Meadows Ladies Aide Society, or the Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) as it was then known was formed in 1887.  Susie Bond Pickett was the first president. We do not have the original charter, or know of its location. This group was established as a non-profit organization to promote good will, and help the community in whatever way they could, whether it was people in need after a fire, children needing clothing, quilting bees, or the time honored tradition of food baskets to the elderly and disabled people at Christmas time. They have helped pay many a bill to keep the church going, even purchased a furnace. The electric and fuel bill have been paid many times by this organization.  The women are the backbone of the church! The first church suppers were held in the shed above the church or the old Clapper Hill schoolhouse.  When they got tired of having the dinners in these other places, the dinners were held to raise funds so that the basement under the church could be added. The ladies got out their tablespoons and dishpans and started digging out the dirt themselves.  With this act they accomplished what they wanted.   The men got involved and did it right!  In 1948 Mrs. Florence Bennett was the instigating force in this project, and it was accomplished. The new goal of electricity was accom­plished the next year.  The Ladies Aide usually serves a lunch at Memorial Day time, and a dinner in October known as the Bazaar or harvest dinner.  The whole community helps provide for these by donations. Ice cream socials were once a very common fundraiser, as were pancake suppers and covered dish/Pot luck dinners.   The whole community gets to enjoy these fund raising get-togethers. Good times and fellowship are always found at any Beaver Meadows get-together gathering.

 

 

 

There are very few photos of the Clapper Hill schoolhouse with its coal shed on the side. This is one with Sophia Dzuiba, Claude Wheaton and Amelia Smith. No date available. The building was dismantled in 1948 and moved to the triple cities area my Mr. Marbaker.

There are record books of the minutes from the past avail­able.  They show Mrs. Louanna Cobb Brown and Mrs. (Alma) Dean Button served long terms as President. Officers of 1994 are: Charlotte Fassett; President, Jenella Ryan; Vice President, Marie Trible; Sunshine Chairman, and Grace Bennett remains as Secre­tary-Treasurer, a job she took on in 1947 when her mother Angie Sharer died. In 2005, we find Neta Repsher is President. Vanilla flavoring and dishcloth sales were steady income over the years.   The ladies even put together a cookbook of everyone’s favorite recipes in 1986. Over the years craft/bake sales helped add to the funds. The ladies have served many a luncheon to help a bereaved family, and at benefit dances. The ladies are always there when needed.  Where would our community be with out these helpful ladies!

Historians note:  When the ladies were the WSCS, the meeting was always opened with a prayer, a song, included a program, and treats.

 

The December 29, 1912 Quarterly Conference Minutes had the fol­lowing report from the WSCS at Beaver Meadows; this is for the year ending January 4, 1913.  There were 6 social fairs held. $125.00 was received during the year. $15.15 was received from social fairs and dinners.  The beginning balance of the year was $20.00, yielding  $160.15. They paid the parsonage debt of $52.00, and paid this year $102.38. They paid the pastor about $55.80.  Balance on hand $18.00.  Respectfully submitted by Mrs. M.J. Pickett, President

 

The January 28, 1914 Quarterly Conference Reports contained the following report of the L.A.S.  The expenses were as follows;  $18.47 applied to the minister’s salary, $17.78 for repairs on the church,  $6.00 for parsonage repairs, and $53.50 for parsonage debt.  Total  $95.75.  Total funds on hand  $15.60   Respectfully Submitted Mrs. Marcus Pickett, President

About January 1915 from the Quarterly Conference Reports we find this ladies Aid report submitted;  “Ladies Aid meets regularly twice each month.  Everything is working harmoniously.  There are funds in the treasury.  Respectfully Submitted Mrs. Marcus Pick­ett, President

 

From the Clapper Hill news items October 1917; The Ladies Aid was held at Mrs. Orell Clapper’s, Thursday of last week, it was well attended. Proceeds $2.50.

The following   are a sample of the minutes in the only known remaining Secretaries book of the earlier years.  It once be­longed to Ruth Culver, now in the possession of Charlotte Fas­sett.

 

 

THE SPELLING IS JUST AS IT WAS RECOPIED FOR ME, I HAVE NOT VIEWED THE NOTEBOOK MYSELF.

 

February 28, 1929

The Ladies Aide met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. L.E. (Angie) Sharer for the first

Aid of this year.  There was a very good attendance. The work was quilting.  At

Noon, the ladies served a very good dinner.  In the absence of the President no

special business only a general discussion and it was decided to use the money from

this Aid to apply on the Preacher’s salary and an order was drawn for the same or

 $5.00. All too soon the time came to adjourn all feeling they had enjoyed a very pleasant day. The proceeds of the day was $6.64 after drawing the order for  $5.00 there was a balance left in the treasury of $1.64.   Mrs. Susie Pickett, secretary of L.A.S.

 

6^th aid August 29, 1929

The Ladies Aid met at the schoolhouse in the afternoon for the purpose of cleaning the building.  For this work they received $6.00 from the school board.  Being very few members present it was considered unnecessary to hold a business meeting.

Angie Sharer, Secretary

 

* Historians note; There were many Ladies Aide meetings held at the old schoolhouse on the Ralph Culver property prior to its dismantling.  Proceeds from the sale of the old schoolhouse were donated to the construction fund for raising the church on a new foundation.  This was accomplished in 1948.   The new basement became known as the community hall because these ladies used it as their meeting place.  Meetings are now held once a month in a member’s home, or in the community hall of the church where the church socials and dinners are held.  Incidentally the schoolhouse closed in 1933.  This building was sold to Mr. Marbaker who tore it down, and reused the lumber to build a home in the triple cities (Binghamton area.)

 

8^th aid October 3, 1929

The Ladies Aide met at the home of Mrs. Ernest (Jennie) Smith.   It was well attended for the day, as it was stormy. The work furnished was quilting.   The idea of appointing a committee to plan and serve the dinner was a success and those appointed for the next aid were Mrs. Clifford Hill, Evelyn Pickett, and Ruth Sharer. Proceeds of the day were $4.16.  Adjourned to meet at Mrs. Ed. Blakeslee in two weeks.   Angie Sharer, Secretary

 

11^th aid November 14, 1929

The Ladies Aid met at the home of Mrs. Clark (Florence) Brotzman. A bounti­ful dinner was served to about 27.  As no work was furnished the time was spent in visiting.  At the business meeting it was decided to have an oyster supper Wed. evening November 27 at Joe McCormick’s.  The proceeds were $4.00.  At 4 o’clock all adjourned to meet with Mrs. Howard Allen the following week.

Angie Sharer, Secretary.

Historians note, Quilting was usually the business done at the Florence Brotzman home, and Pearl had to wash the dishes so the ladies could quilt! This info came from the dishwasher (Pearl Brotzman Repsher).  I have also been told that mending was one of the services provided by the ladies at homes with large families.

 

13^th aid March 14, 1930

The Ladies Aid met at the home of Emma Marbaker to serve dinner for her sale. 

Proceeds were $20.91.  There was no business meeting held, but there was an aid

Appointed at Mrs. Ella Blake­slee’s in two weeks.   Angie Sharer, Secretary

 

14^th aid March 27, 1930

The Ladies Aid of Beaver Meadows met with Mrs. Ella Blakeslee. It being a stormy day the attendance was small.  There was no place appointed for the next aid.  There was $1.00 paid in on the ministers Christmas gift.  The Aid voted to draw out of the usual expense of the dinner was taken out leaving a balance of  $3.65 for the Aid dinner including the dues that were paid in. Angie Sharer, Secretary

 

 

The following are a sampling of the Ladies Aide minutes found by Donna Bennett March 28, 1999. They belonged to Grace Sharer Bennett.

 

March 19, 1957, the WSCS met at Norma Jean Campbell’s home. Eleven members were present.  A prayer and the song “Sweet Hour of Prayer” opened the meeting.  Ruth Culver motioned that the group send a $1.00 to the conference for the national WSCS meeting to be held in St Louis May 6-9. Mable Sharer report that the quarterly conference meeting was to be at Camptown April 11.

 

The official board meeting March 18^th:  Ruth reported the floors of the parsonage had been sanded, and they wanted scatter rugs! Mable suggested the same officers serve another year.  It was adopted. Ruth (Culver) will have the next social at her home. No date set. Louise Whitney reported on the Brewster Hospital and Mis­sions overseas. The offering was $4.40.

A meeting at Ruth’s, no date, 14 present. Marcella Whitney report­ed   the annual meeting to be held in Scranton May 9th.   The social at Ruth’s is to be April 12^th.  The motion was made by Mable Sharer and seconded by Mae Fassett that we serve lunch at Clifford Clappers sale April 16.  It was approved.  The proceeds are to be donated to the church.  Louise Whitney had charge of the day’s program.  The topic today’s youth who serve, from the Together Magazine.  A prayer and an Easter program followed this.

 

1958:  The social money from the 12^th given to the church. 

Social at Marcella’s   $12.00

Social at Caroline’s (Fassett Sherwood Goodwin) June 14^th $10.35.

Historians note from Marcella Whitney:  At a social the men played cards, Hi Low Jack, and the women visited amongst themselves.  All enjoyed refreshments of cake, coffee and sandwiches.

 

May 7, 1958 at the home of Ina Wootton:  Committee appointed for Decoration Day dinner:  Ina, Marcella, Mable, Norma Jean, Sib  (Clapper), Louise (Whitney) is in charge of dinning room.  Meeting closed with the Lords Prayer.

 

June 18, 1958 WSCS at Mable’s:  There were 12 present.   Ruth Culver opened with a prayer.  There will be an officers training meeting at West Auburn June 20^th.  Ruth approved the payments for Together Magazine. Mable motioned, and Ruth seconded we pay our share of the parsonage expenses.  Mable also mentioned that one of the war bonds was due.  It was approved to cash it and give it to the cemetery association.  It was also suggested that they buy another bond.  Ruth read the missionary report and urged we pray for our church, home, and foreign missions.  Worship by Mable, and response by Grace Bennett.  Norma Jean covered sportsmanship, and the program was by Louise Whitney.  Mae provided scripture, and prayer closed the meeting.      $2.00 was received to put toward buying a new bond.  $2.00 was given to the cemetery association.  They now have a balance of $300.51. $25.00 From War Bond to cemetery association

$5.00 to Glenn Bennett for foreign exchange student.

Grace had a social at the church  $12.00. Fire insurance $40.80

 

August 6, met at Mae Fassett’s.  Opening Ruth Culver, she later reported on curtains for parsonage.  The WSCS voted to pay $20.00 for the church liability insurance.

 

Sept 3, 1958, met at Pearl Repsher’s:  They agreed to   pay the balance owed on

Bible School supplies and pay quota support (probably church apportionments).

There was a discussion on a bazaar.  Decided to ask each family for $5.00, or

what they could  afford.  The date to be October 25^th.  Jeanette and Wanda (Fassett)

in charge of fish pond.  Candy and popcorn to be sold.  The week of prayer to begin

October 1, Ruth Culver in charge.    12 present

Social at Charlottes Oct 9^th  $9.50 Special meeting October, Worldwide prayer

week!  It was at the church.   There is to be a district meeting Oct 28^th at the “Central” Methodist Church Wilkes Barre. There will be a supper Oct?  In the place of a social this month.  They will pay the church benevolences in October. Ruth Culver held the program of song and prayer.

 

Dec 3, 1958, WSCS met at Mrs. Arden Campbell’s:  6 members present. Meeting

Opened with “Joy to the World.”  Mable motioned we send $5.00 to the Binghamton

Children’s home.  Beaver Meadows is to invite Rush WSCS to a meeting sometime

before May.  The children’s Christmas program was discussed. Louise to get candy.

Mae Fassett talked on the history of the church.  Wanda and Jeanette to get the

tree. Mable has coffee sugar, and water. (Remember the church had no running

water)   Carl Whitney was in charge of heat, and Ruth the program. The candy cost

$6.45 A gift for Rev Bosert $2.50

 

 

 

More on the Christmas program:

Mae was to read Psalms, Luke and Matthew topic; responsible Christian Citizens, meeting to be closed with the Lords Prayer, refreshments, and social hour.

 

Feb 5, 1959 WSCS met at the home of Ruth Culver.  There were 8 members present. A prayer of Benjamin Franklins was read.  Mrs. Floyd Ace of Retta WSCS invites our group to meet with them April 8^th in the evening.  April 22 was set as a prospective date to invite Rush here to meet.  Mrs. Fred Jayne of Camptown invites all to Camptown for Bible study of Isaiah.

Flowers for Florence Bennett’s funeral was $5.18

 

* Historians note:  Florence was the second wife of Very Ben­nett.  She instigated the motion to have the church being raised on a new foundation in 1948.   Florence was born in 1880 to Simon and Almeda Cogswell James, and is buried in the cemetery here beside her first husband C A Place.   She was the stepmother to Glenn Bennett.

 

 

March 1l, 1959 flowers for Mrs. Singer $5.15 

 

* Historians note:  This would be Mrs. Sam Singer.  She was born Adelia Frisbie (June 3, 1887 - March 8, 1959), daughter of Aaron and Matilda Wells Frisbee. Adelia married first to O.  Lonnie Devine  (buried at Fowler Hill), and second to Calvin Woodruff about 1911.  She was the mother of Vanona Woodruff Stanton Reidy.  Vanona was buried with her second husband Daniel Reidy in the St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery in Elmira, N.Y. after she passed on September 13, 2002.

 

April 1, 1959: WSCS at Marcella Whitney home on Wednesday pm. 9 members present.  Opened with prayer.  Spring district   meeting to be in Tunkhannock.  Mrs. Hess may visit April 8 and 23 to discuss youth concerns. 

 

May 6, 1959:  Met at Odessa home.  Same officers approved with the exception of Mae being Spiritual life secretary.   Planning Decoration Day dinner.  Committee:  Louise, Grace, Mae, Marcella, Ina, and Odessa in charge dining room.  Motioned to pay  $50.00 to the church for fuel bill. 

June 3, 1959, met at the home of Florence Brotzman, Wednesday pm. announced the officers training June 10^th at Lime Hill.  A letter urged all to attend Sky Lake. (Probably a training session)  Ruth reported on the Wyoming Conference meeting she attended.   The president thanked all for the success of the Memorial Day   Din­ner.  We need the young people to get involved.   They discuss painting the basement, buying new oilcloths (tablecloths), place­mats, and paint the church basement.  They will pay for DVBS (Daily Vacation Bible School) supplies.  DVBS to be held second week of July.   Louise had a program on our duties in the WSCS organization.  Topic:  New Ambassador for Christ: Lena, Jeanette (Fassett), Mae and Louise.

 

Social at the church June 20^th.  A gift from the Pickett family Flowers for the

Pickett family (Harry Pickett died July 8, 1959).

 

Wed.  August 5, 1959; Opened by Ruth Culver.  She told of the Bible School program and the local church.  Bazaar plans were discussed.  They will have a covered dish supper the first Satur­day night in October and a white elephant sale some other night.  They planned for a bake sale in Laceyville some other time. Balance $209.89.

 

Sept 16, 1959:  WSCS met at Norma Jean Campbell’s.  Scripture by Norma Jean.  Decided to change the supper to a social and sell candy, popcorn, and soda pop.  Have a fishpond and a white elephant sale.  11 members present. 

 

Oct 28, 1959, met at the church, Ruth and Charlotte reported on the bake sale, $23.80.  Mrs. Anna Clapper a retired missionary will speak at Wyalusing Nov 3 at 7:30.  They were   planning a pancake supper for Nov 14.  In charge were Walter and Mable, Sib and Daniel, and Betty and Elston (Wootton).  Paid fifty dollars to the church for benevolences. 

Flowers for the Repsher’s:  $5.20.

Historians Note:  Mrs. Clara (Frank) Repsher had a heart attack at her granddaughter’s husband’s funeral, Kenneth Adams (died Decem­ber 25, 1959.)  He is buried at Beaver Meadows.  Mrs. Adams was the former Donna Clapper, daughter of Daniel and Sylvia Repsher Clapper.   Clara collapsed at the funeral and died in the ambu­lance on the way to Tyler Hospital.  Clara was also the mother of local folks here, of Donald and Cecil Repsher and Syb Clapper.  Pearl was a member of the WSCS.

 

January 7, 1960, meeting at Ruth Culvers home on Thursday pm.   The Steiger family has given a picture of the church to Ruth Culver.  They also offered to have it framed.  We decided to accept it.  It was decided to get a gift for Mrs. Shoup when we find out what she needs for the new baby. (She would have been the minister’s wife.)  The committee’s findings for the tax excep­tion of the church oil (fuel) were read.  They decided to donate a book to the Laceyville Public Library in honor of Kenneth Adams.  Ruth was in charge.  (She was on the Laceyville library board at that time too.)  There was a discussion on how to raise money for the Together Magazine subscriptions.   A social to be at Ruth’s January 23^rd. Refreshments and social hour followed!

* Historians note: The photo probably came from Elizabeth

Steiger’s family. She passed away in 1975.  She resided in Fall, Pennsylvania.   Her family was descended from Augustus and Estelle Cobb Steiger who are buried in the cemetery here.

Social at Culvers $9.00

Flowers for Mrs. Annis McLaud     $5.20

Historians note:  Mrs. Annis McLaud was born Annis Bennett  (Oct. 29, 1869 - March 10, 1960), the daughter of D. D. and Cornelia Very Bennett.  She was the wife of Marion McLaud.

 

March 12, 1960: WSCS met at the church Saturday evening.  A nominating committee was set up for the next meeting.  There was a discussion on buying a cross for the church from David C Cook in memory of H J Pickett, L E Sharer, and

Wayne Bennett.   The cost was to be $39.75.  Ruth and Louise are soliciting funds for the same.   It was agreed to use $5.00 to buy a gift for Mrs. Shoup’s baby.  Mable was to get something.  A social followed the meeting.  Mae was the hostess, netted $6.00.

 

April 6, 1960: A meeting at Mable Sharers.  The President Ruth led them in prayer.  They looked at pictures of the cross that were available to purchase.  The nominating committee presented the following:  President Louise Whitney, Vice President Odessa Garris, Spiritual Secretary Mae Fassett, Secretary Treasurer Grace Bennett, Missionary Education Ruth Culver.   They were approved.   They decided to have a regular dinner at the Church May 30^th.  Art Garris was asked to make new tables for the church before that time.

Social at the church April 23, Mae to be hostess. Balance of treasury  $97.48.

 

May 4 1960 meeting was at Charlotte Fassett’s home.  Ruth reported on the book in honor of Kenneth Adams.  It was at the library.  No bill yet.  Mable read a letter of thanks from Eleanor Landon.  Eleanor’s first husband was DeWitt Dale Landon who died August 8, 1951. Eleanor married LeRoy F. Smith as her second husband. She made a lot of donations to the church and WSCS. They were still discussing the cross and new tables for the dining room.  Decided to paint the church basement.  Decided to get some nap­kins with a religious design to sell Memorial Day.  Committee for dinner:  Odessa, dining room chairman:  Mae dinner chairman with Wanda, Florence (Brotzman), Dean (Button), Mable (Sharer), and Alice (Sivers) to help her: Olin and Jeanette were in charge of coke: We discussed having a chicken barbecue in June.  16 members present 

Historians note: Alice Sivers belonged to the Silvara Ladies Benevolence Society.  Her best friend Sib Clapper encouraged her to come here.  So she attended both for many years, eventually dropping Silvara. She left our Ladies Aide and church here about 1994 to attend the Transue Church.

The cross cost $49.11 along with the napkins.

Paint from Whipple’s $6.75

Memorial Day Dinner sales $178.30 Expenses $55.80 profit $122.50

 

June 8, 1960 WSCS at the home of Ina Wootton.  Meeting called to order, prayer by Mable.  The lumber for the tables from Whipple’s cost  $37.28.   Mrs. William Learn of Spring Hill invites all to officer training at Spring Hill June 20.  We are urged to send a boy or girl to Sky Lake Camp.  Pearl Repsher was reported sick.   It was decided to bake some goodies for her.  Have it to Mae’s by June 11^th. 

 

July 13, 1960 WSCS met at the church.  Mae Fassett and the President read scripture.  The prayer was by Elsie. $53.70 was paid by the cemetery association and our share of the barbecue.  Ruth had received  $8.00 toward the cross so far.  Louise had  $10.00 to contribute to the cross.  Decided to pay $20.00 toward the liability insurance of our church.  Decided to order another carton of napkins to sell.   There is a social to be at the church July 23, Mable to be the hostess.   The program was “The Christian use of Leisure” by Mae Fas­sett.  12 present.  Social hour followed. (Note here that in those days the Cemetery Association and the Ladies Aide both shared the proceeds of the Memorial Day dinner)

Proceeds from social  $6.00

DVBS donated $5.00 to the cross

Making a total of $44.00

Napkins $7.40

Historians note:  Elsie must have been Elsie Sutton Steele, wife of Richard DeKalb Steele.  She was his first wife.  The only other Elsie here was Elsie Chapple who had already sold her property to Jacob William and Milita Ella Mathe  Sova and moved away.  There is one instance later where there were flowers bought by the WSCS; Grace recorded “flowers for Mrs. Sutton”.  Flowers were purchased when member’s parent passed away.

 

August 3^rd meeting at the church.  Mable led in prayer.   Ordered two more packages of napkins.  Mae had the program.  Ruth talked on missions.  Social August 13^th.   $1.00 contribution from Ruth for cross

 $2.25 flowers for Louise (Louise Whitney’s mother Mrs. Rachel Manahan Arey died)

$2.00 for napkins sold Mable and Charlotte

McCormick Reunion brought in $5.00

 

WSCS met Sept 7, 1960 at Mrs. Johnson’s home:  11 members present. Ruth reported on the parsonage committee.  Roof and cellar needed repair.   A committee for the Marker of the church in memory of Annis McLaud was appointed, Ruth, Lena and Charlotte.  Life retreat to be at Standing Stone Sept 28^th.  Harvest Supper to be October 8.  Committee:  Charlotte, Lena, Sib, Ina, and Louise.  Bake sale and fishpond.  The next meeting is to be at Odessa’s. The program for the year by Mae Fassett.  A gift from the Culver Reunion $5.00.

* Historians note:  Mrs. Johnson was Mrs. Iva Johnson.   She was the mother of Almeda Steele and Charles Ellsworth  (He later married Caroline Fassett). Her home has long since disappeared (before 1973.)   It was located where the Brown and Steele families have their homes.  She was born May 9,1898, the daughter of George and Ida Mae Miller Lattimer.  She married first to Charles Willard Ellsworth, and second to Clarence Johnson.  Iva passed on Septem­ber 17, 1972 and was laid to rest in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, New York. Her obituary records Iva and Clarence Johnson resided in the “valley” many years.  The “valley” being Athens, PA.  She was known for her “souffle pies” that she furnished for the dinners.

 

Meeting at Dean Buttons Oct 5, 1960.  There were 7 members present.   The secretary was absent.  It was decided to meet at the church Oct. 22 for a meeting and a social.  They will make plans for visita­tion night Oct 27^th when East Rush

WSCS will visit.  South Auburn invites them to visit next Thursday afternoon Nov 3.   Bazaar supplies  $112.75.    The library book for Kenneth Adams cost $2.00.  

Flowers for Mrs. Jayne.  $5.00

Gift from the Clapper Family $7.00

* Historians note:  Mrs. Jayne was Marcella Jayne Whitney’s moth­er.   Mildred Marcella Smith Jayne, wife of Frank Jayne  (She married him Oct 15, 1924). She was born Nov 3, 1901 and passed away Nov 6, 1960.  She was a member of the East Herrick Methodist Church until its closure.    Mildred and Frank then became members of the Stevensville Presbyterian Church. 

 

Oct 27^th met with East Rush WSCS at the church.   No business discussed, just visiting.  Mae was in charge of the worship. Ruth talked about the highlights of the last 20 years.    A social followed.

December 7^th, met at the church.  There were 6 members present.   Dean was appointed Sunshine chairman with Charlotte to help her.  The pur­pose for “sunshine” is to cheer shut in’s or sick people in the hospital from our community.

 

Jan 7, 1961, met at the church for a social and business meeting. 

We decided to pay a portion of the parsonage roofing bill $16.75. 

Paid the church electric bill $19.84.

$5.00 for flowers for Mr. Arey (Louise Whitney’s father, Fred Arey)

$5.00 from Charlotte for use of the church.

 

March 25, 1961.  Beaver Meadows WSCS met at Ruth Culvers for a social and business meeting.  Called to order by President, Ruth led in prayer.  Nominating committee appointed; Ruth was to contact William Keeler about getting stationery with a picture of the church.  Meeting closed with the Lords Prayer. 

 

April 15, 1961:  Met at the church Saturday Eve.  Mae was the hostess.  A sympathy card from the Arey family was mentioned.   The nominating committee called for the same officers, and was passed.   There was a discussion on the church sign.  It is hoped to have it by May 30^th.  Mae was in charge of the program.

Social May 6^th, Mable offered to be hostess.

Met Saturday evening, meeting opened with scripture read by Sharon  (Repsher). Ended by a prayer by Louise (Whitney).   Mable was appointed to be Christian Social Relations Secretary.   Ruth ordered candles for the church and the wayside marker.   Mae and Louise gave the District meeting report, which was held at Montrose.

 

May 30^th   dinner committee appointed: Marcella, Pearl, Norma Jean, Wanda.

Wanda to be in charge of the dinning room.  A Turkey dinner to be served. Beaver Meadows Cemetery Association paid Olin Fassett $5.00 (Why it was in their minutes, maybe for The Coke served at the dinner?) Flowers for Barbara.  $5.20

 

June 10, 1961, WSCS at the church.  A social and business meeting.   There was a balance of $147.30.  $25.00 was given to the missions. There were thank you cards from 3 families.  A list of new dis­trict and conference officers was read.

Ruth reported on the candlesticks and the wayside marker.   The sunshine secretary reports $1.14 in her treasury.  Bible School discussed, and a chicken barbecue for June 25^th.

 

July 23, 1961:  WSCS at 1 o’clock May 06, 2005 before.  They agreed to pay Bible School bill for supplies.  They planned a chicken supper for Aug 5.  New business, they wanted to repair the church steps out front.   Mable asked all to remember Una Pickett on her birthday with cards on August 8.   Notes of appreciation were shown from Isilda (Carter) and Nina  (McLaud) (the Clapper sisters) on the candlesticks.    The meeting closed with a prayer by Mae.  Received from McCormick family $5.00. 

Historians note:  I find that the Brass candleholders on the altar were given in memory of Daniel and Estella Place.

 

Dec 9, 1961 WSCS at the church: 

The Askew family donated $10.00

Historians note:  Mrs. Jessie Clapper Askew was another daugh­ter of Daniel and Estella Clapper.  She passed away about Dec 22, 1961.

Feb 7, 1962 at the home of Odessa Garris:  15 present.   Walter Sharer has asked Joe Sigel to clean the furnace, the bill to be paid by the WSCS.  It was also asked that Joe Kovalick turn on the heat in the church before funerals!

Since the prayer chairman Mae was absent, Louise led them in prayer, and read the

Poem “Abraham Lincoln.”  A social at the church to be Feb 17^th. 

Added:  church social at Ruth’s   $6.00

To church treasury     $6.00

Cleaning the furnace  $17.26    

Flowers for Mrs. Sutton March 19.  $5.20 the balance is $167.13

WSCS Social at the church March 24^th

 

April 3, 1962 Beaver Meadows WSCS met at the home of Florence Brotzman, Tuesday Pm. 17 present:  Ruth Culver opened the meeting with prayer. Secretary and treasury reports approved.   Parsonage report was given.  They need more rooms and a bath!  Louise asked for someone to host a meeting of the WSCS and a social.   They must be ready for a funeral dinner if necessary.  Officers: Pres. Louise Whitney, Vice Pres. Charlotte Fassett, Secretary treasur­er:  Grace Bennett, Sunshine Secretary: Odessa Garris, Spiritual life:  Mae Fassett, Youth:  Jeanette Fassett, Missions and Children’s work:  Ruth Culver.  

From a secretaries report December 12, 1974 to the Charge Confer­ence at Camptown U.M.C. Our Ladies Aide Society is a small group.  We held five meetings

during the year.   We served a dinner for Memorial Day and a Harvest Supper in October.  Other funds are raised through gifts, dues, community suppers, and the sale of vanilla and dishcloths.  We paid the entire amount of church upkeep, also gave a donation to the Cemetery Association, paid all of the churches charge assessments and helped with the minister’s salary. This article was not signed, however Grace Bennett should have compiled this as secretary. The 1966 conference notes of the Camptown Charge show the following article:  The Ladies Aide has severed their ties with the Women’s Society of Christian Service and have become known as the “Ladies Aide” in 1966. Thus better enabling them to serve our own local congregation.

 

 

 

Grace Sharer Bennett was a very important driving force of the Ladies Aide for many years.

Grace Bennett about 1990 at Bible Study

 

Tribute to Grace:

Grace Estella Sharer was born the second child, first daughter of Llewellyn E. and Angeline Corby Sharer at Clapper Hill on May 1, 1906.  She had an older brother Donald, who passed away on April 9, 1981, and a younger brother Walter, who passed away on September 6, 1998.  Grace had two younger sisters, Ruth who married Wayne Bennett  passed away after a difficult childbirth August 11, 1931, and her remaining sister Anna, resides on Spring Hill. She is the widow of Harry Cobb. Grace married Marion Bennett on May 17, 1927.  Marion, the son of Norval and Lucy McLaud Bennett purchased a hillside farm on the Board Road in 1923.  It is there, they began house keeping.  She farmed right along beside her husband until they sold their farm to their son Dale, and his wife Donna about 1970. They then moved to Silvara. Grace and Marian were the parents of four children, Boyd born in 1928, Margene born in 1942, Dale born in 1943, and Dean born in 1946. 

Grace began her association with the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church at an early age, but as was the custom of the day, she was not baptized until an adult, and joined the church the same day May 10, 1931.    In her younger years she served as organist, which was an elected position. She held various positions in Sabbath School.  She was never officially elected as Historian, but recorded church history in a book kept in the sanctuary.  She was secretary - treasurer of the church and held other offices.  In the Ladies Aide she was also secretary - treasurer, taking over this position from her mother Angeline Sharer who passed away in 1948.  She continued the job until 1997, quite a record.  Grace not only served her church but her community too.  She served as the Tuscarora Township auditor from 1960-1997.  She was a great lady always ready to lend a helping hand.  Many times Mary Schweitzer, Grace Bennett and Alice Sivers cleaned our church!  A "Thank you Grace" is just not enough to say to some one who served our church like she did. If it needed doing, she did it without a qualm. On cold blustery day, March 10th, she was laid to rest beside her husband M. V. Bennett who had passed away on January 27, 1977. The ladies of the church served a lovely luncheon to the family following the committal service conducted by the Rev. William Nelson in the church cemetery. 

 

Wyalusing Rocket, date unknown

 

Mrs. Grace S. (Sharer) Bennett, aged 92, formerly of Laceyville R.D.#1, Silvara, PA., passed away on Sunday morning (March 7,  1999) at the Skilled Nursing Unit of the Towanda Memorial Hospital. She had been a resident there for the last five months. She was born at Clapper Hill, Bradford County on May 1, 1906; she was the daughter of the late Llewellyn and Angie Corby Sharer. Mrs. Bennett was a graduate of the Camptown High School, Class of 1924. She later graduated from the Mansfield Normal School, Class of 1926, after which she taught school at Camptown for one year. On May 16, 1927 she married Marion V. (Vernon) Bennett. From that time on, she and her husband owned and operated a large dairy farm on the farm in Silvara (Board Road). Mr. Bennett passed away on January 27, 1977. She was a member of the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church and was also a member of the church’s Ladies Aid Society; a Tuscarora Township auditor for 40 years retiring in 1997 and was a past member of the Shiloh Grange of West Auburn. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Margene and Jack Nittinger of Sayre; three sons and their wives, Boyd and Shirley Bennett of Eagle River, Alaska, Dale and Donna (Tewksbury) Bennett and Dean and Diane (Bowman) Bennett, all of Laceyville; a sister Mrs. Anna Cobb, Spring Hill; 16 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister Mrs. Ruth (Wayne) Bennett in 1931, and two brothers, Donald Sharer in 1981 and Walter Sharer in 1998. Funeral and committal services were held from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main Street, Laceyville with the Rev. William Nelson of the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church officiating. Internment was in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery. Family and Friends called at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to be made to the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church, R.R.#1 Box 1184, Laceyville, PA. 18623 in care of Mrs. Donna Bennett; or the Wyalusing Personal Care and Retirement Home R.R.#1, Box 168, Wyalusing, PA. 18853 or to the Towanda Skilled Nursing Unit, Towanda Memorial Hospital, One Hospital Drive, Towanda, PA. 18848.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following are minutes of Mary Schweitzer just as she recorded them.

This is Mary at a Church picnic; Mary Ann Yurgatis is behind her. Our Mary was always in PINK! She loved that color. She was one great lady!

 Mary Schweitzer, August 18, 1917 - August 12, 1995

 

 

Ladies Aide meeting August 15, 1989: Present were Donna Bennett, Marie Trible (President?), Grace Ben­nett, Phyllis Lockwood, Jane McGee, Audrey Eberhardt, Charlotte Fassett, Marcella Whitney, and Mary Schweitzer.  Discussed the items for the craft sale November 4, talked about Welsh Cookies, and having an ice cream social, the quilt, and cleaning the church.  Still need $1,700 to $2,000 to repair the church.  Asked about the church linens, Phyllis Lockwood will buy new ones.

Ladies Aide meeting at Dean Buttons home March 8, 1990 opened with the Lords prayer, Grace Bennett read the last minutes, made  $29.00 at the soup supper, made  $439.00 at the pancake supper, talked about having a soup lunch after Sunday Service.   Discussed food needs for Jamboree.    Douglas Clapper found out that Taylor Packing would donate the hamburger. 

Present:  Dean Button, Karen Bond, Audrey Eberhardt, Donna Ben­nett, Grace Bennett, Doris Bond, and Phyllis Lockwood

* Historians note: From an interview with Dean Button in 1995:  She relates to me that when she first came to Clapper Hill, Herb was employed by the Ralph Culver farm.  When asked to join the ladies aide, she did immediately.  When the fall supper time came, Mabel Sharer and Grace Bennett asked her to roast a turkey and stuffing, however they got a great big surprise, she made corn bread stuffing, just like she would have made down south where she came from in Alabama.  They expected bread or cracker stuffing.

 

April 18, 1990 Ladies Aide Meeting at the home of Olga Kanach, present:  Marie Trible, Grace Bennett, Audrey Eberhardt, Doris Bond, Karen Bond, Dean Button, Alice Sivers, Jane McGee, Olga Kanach and friend, Mary Schweitzer. Dean opened the meeting and Grace read the minutes. Discussed the price of food for the jamboree. Dean Button ordered boneless ham for the Memorial Day dinner at Caswell’s IGA Laceyville.  The menu: Ham, beans, cabbage salad, mashed potatoes, peas, and pie.  Took up collection-adjourned meeting.

* Historians note:  The “INFAMOUS QUILT.”  Every lady in the area embroidered a quilt piece of her own design with her name on it.  Phyllis Lockwood was in charge of that quilt.  The Ladies Aide actually never finished the first quilt. Phyllis left the ladies aide and the church; she had the quilt when she quit the ladies aide. She did purchase all the materials and gave them to the ladies with instructions on how big to make their blocks. She was a wonderful quilter, just like Alice Sivers who helped the ladies with their next quilting project. About 1990, every lady was asked to create another block of there own choice.  This new quilt was completed and raffled off at the Bell-a-bra­-tion ceremony.  The winner was Doris Whipple of West Auburn.

* Historians note added later:  I find that Mary Schweitzer actually dated her first quilt piece 1988.

June 25, 1991 at Grace Bennett’s home Present:  Grace Bennett, Donna Bennett, Jane McGee, Dean Button (President), Marie Trible, Mary Schweitzer, Alice Sivers. Dean opened the meeting with the Lords Prayer. Grace read the old minutes, discussed the dance which made $208.00, took in  $329 at the dinner  (Memorial day), cleared $155.00.   Talked about having a craft table at the Elk Lake High School and Tunkhannock Craft Shows. Ham Supper, everyone bring a dish to pass July 18 at 1.30 pm. Voted not to send flowers to nonmembers, discussion about the quilt, took up collections, meeting came to an end.     Mary Schweitzer

March 5, 1991 Ladies Aide meeting at Sue Beitels Dean opened the meeting with the Lords Prayer, Grace read the minutes. Present: Grace Bennett, Dean Button, Charlotte Fassett, Alice Sivers, Mary Schweitzer, Pearl Repsher, Marie Trible, Susan Beitel, Donna Bennett, Audrey Eberhardt, Food discussed for the Round and Square Dance May 11.  Douglas Clapper in charge of tickets $4.00 apiece Pancake Supper March 22. Conference Circle of Prayer, signed card for Bryce  (Brotzman), they talked about a spaghetti supper, asked about the quilt, took up collection, adjourned the meeting. * Historians note: Bryce Clark Brotzman passed away March 25, 1991 at Tyler Memorial Hospital, Tunkhannock, PA.  He was born in the family home February 17, 1930 the son of James “Clark” and Florence Sink Brotzman.

July 31, 1991 Ladies Aide meeting: Those present: Audrey, Donna, Grace, Alice, Dean, Jane, Mary, and Marie.  

 

They decided not to have a Memorial Day dinner next year (but they had one anyway).  $656.83 was in the treasury.  The insurance issue was discussed. Harvest Supper was also discussed.

 

 October 5, 1991.  Bring your quilt pieces to the next meeting.  August 17, 1991 is the Culver Reunion. Think about the craft show.

* Historians note: From a September 1993 newspaper clipping of the Happenings in these parts column, by Annis Tyler Wyalusing Rocket:  Harvests suppers are the key words.  The folks up at, Beaver Meadows are holding their meal at 5 pm. and they’ll have an abundance of turkey, dressing, lots of vegetables (including Donnas Harvard Beets, I expect), home made pies for dessert and good service at your table.

 

The next photo is of our beloved Mary Schweitzer who saved much of our history. She loved plants and always wore PINK!

 

 

LAS Report for the 1995 year-end report:

 

Purchases made during 1995 includes a VCR\TV table in memory of Nicole Repsher. Bibles as Memorials, 22 brown metal folding chairs, brown serving trays and stainless steel tableware.

Events during the year were a pig roast in May, which was a huge success, and an Ice Cream Social in August and a Harvest Supper is in the planning for October 7, 1995. A proposal was made to charge nonmembers $35.00 for rental of upstairs,  $35.00 for rental of basement with one exception, the Culver Reunion which was to remain at $25.00.   We will clean prior to these events.  Members may use the facilities  for a donation and do their own cleaning.

 

The LAS meetings for 1996 will be held on the 1^st Wednesday of each month with whoever offers to be hostess.  If no hostess for the month, the meeting will be in the church basement on the 1st Wednesday at 7pm.                 

Charlotte Fassett, President

 

* Historians note:  The Sunday School at Beaver Meadows purchased $90.00 worth of chairs for the newly refurbished church basement in 1995.

From my own October 2, 1999 Historians minutes I see the ladies had a very good dinner clearing a whopping $750.00.  That meant a really good dinner turnout. They served at least 350 din­ners at that particular fall Harvest Dinner.  Donna Bennett decorated the hall with the usual pumpkins, gourds, and leaves.  Dale and Bryan Bennett sold the pumpkins they grew and the jam Donna Bennett made for the J.U.M.P. youth group.   Carol Brotzman donated her extra gourds to this fund too, after Donna was finished decorating the hall.  There was a huge turnout for the Turkey dinner.  The ladies were short handed in the kitchen as Charlotte Fassett was in Florida; Audrey Eberhardt was on a trip.  Mary Shatinsky, Amber and Sandy Camp­bell were at a wedding. Lots of the usual help was missing.  They did just great serving up lots of meals to hungry folks as usual. God always provides if

you let him.                            

Our Ladies working in the kitchen!

 

Grace Bennett, Charlotte Fassett and Neta Repsher working in the kitchen when the ladies were hosting a dinner. Sorry folks no date available but Neta says she was young then.

Special Events held at the Beaver Meadows Church.

 

Special events held at the Beaver Meadows Church, which have not been covered before.  There undoubted many more unre­corded events.

Of course we had weddings, many of them but I am only going to include two weddings here with photos so you might see how the church décor looked.

The first wedding held at Beaver Meadows in many years was Douglas Frank Clapper and his beautiful bride Virginia Mae Kelley. Douglas was the son of Daniel and Sylvia Repsher Clapper. Virginia was the daughter of Roy and Frances Ham Kelley. They were married here at Beaver Meadows by Reverend William Reid on June 19, 1954. Standing up with the couple were Daniel and Rita Stine Clapper. Please note the old cross-mentioned elsewhere in this book that was donated by Reverend Sweet was hanging on the wall.

Photo from Doug and Ginny Clapper

 

 

 

 

 

Reverend William Reid married Arden Seymour Campbell and Norma Jean Sharer here at Beaver Meadows September 15, 1956. This photo, just five years later than Doug and Ginny Clapper’s depicts a change in the look at Beaver Meadows.  Note that the altar area has pews and the original rugs that the ladies saved rags for were on the floor. The bride and groom stood on one, that other dark area is a heat duct. When Dale and I got married there March 24, 1972 by Reverend Algernon Jayne, my train filled and floated, not to far up thank the Lord. It looked beautiful according to the audience. I am sure God enhanced many more brides dresses this way too. The wedding photo is courtesy of Sandy Benscoter Campbell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adenda September 10, 2016

2016-09-15 / Lifestyles Wyalusing Rocket
Campbells Celebrate 60 Years Together

Pictured, from left, are some of those who took part in the wedding. Robert Franklin was best man; Arden Campbell, the groom; Rep. Tina Pickett, presenting the citation; Diane Franklin, flower girl; Norma Jean Sharer Campbell, the bride; Ron Sharer, an usher, and Ken Sharer, ring bearer (both are brothers of the bride).

 

 

 
A gathering of family and friends took place on Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Beaver Meadows social hall. The beautiful day was a reflection of the wonderful, easy-going couple celebrating their 60 years of marriage.
Arden and Norma Jean (Sharer) Campbell were married on Sept. 15, 1956 at the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church with the Reverend William Reid officiating.
Arden is one of five children of Fred and Alice Campbell. Norma’s parents were Walter and Mable Sharer, she is also one of five children. Arden and Norma have known each other since ninth grade. Arden said he would walk or ride his bike to visit Norma at her house.
Norma went to school at Stevensville and Camptown, then graduated in 1955 from Wyalusing High School. Arden was born in Camptown and went to Camptown School then graduated from Wyalusing High School in 1955. They were both part of the last year of the old Wyalusing High School. Norma was an on the job training (OJT) student for one year at Tuscarora Wayne. She then became a full-time homemaker as their family grew to their five children,
Randy, Rick, Lynn, Aaron and Linda. Arden worked at GLF (Grange League Federation), then Wysox Agway for 35 years. He installed many barn cleaners, pipelines and bulk tanks in farms throughout a large area and did the electrical maintenance on anything that had a motor to run it.
They are proud parents of five children, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. For those who were unable to attend the open house, cards would still be enjoyed by the couple and can be mailed them at 4596 Clapper Hill Road, Laceyville, PA 18623.

 

The 25th and 50th wedding anniversary celebrations for Olin and Helen “Mae” Hawley Fassett were held there.  The Justice of the Peace David McNeal in Towanda married them July 25, 1925. 

 

The 25th wedding anniversary party for Jeanette and Francis Brotzman was held in the basement. They were married November 25, 1942 at the Skinners Eddy parsonage by Reverend George Snyder.

 

 

Dennis, Ray, Jeanette and Francis Brotzman, Sue, Alan,

Norma Jean holding Randy and Dale. I included this photo to show the basement before it was finished.

 

 

 

The 35 wedding anniversary for Ralph and Ruth Spencer Culver was quite a celebration in 1961. A mock wedding featuring area children was portrayed.   The following children took place in the mock wedding.

The bride, Susan Button

The groom, Kenneth Sharer

The best man, Dale Brotzman

The minister, James Garris

The father of the bride Bradley Garris

The bridesmaids, Kathy Repsher and Kathy Garris

The flower girls, Diane Fassett and Barbara Mowry

The Ring bearer was Jackie Clapper

Following the reception Charles Davis of Lime Hill showed slides of South America; symbolic of what the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Culver might have seen on their honeymoon.  Mrs. Arden Campbell prepared the cake.  Charlotte Fassett completed the party arrangements.   They were married October 5, 1925 in Algina, Iowa.

The friends and families of George and Jenella Garris Ryan celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary at the Beaver Mead­ows Church on March 9, 1997.  They were married in Newport News Virginia, March 5, 1947 right after World War II. George had served his country.   

Mrs. Jenella Ruth Garris Ryan, age 81, of RR 3, Box 3375, Laceyville, Pa. (Clapper Hill), passed away early Friday morning, Sept. 12, 2008, at the Robert Packer Hospital, in Sayre, Pa. Born in Oklahoma City, Okla., on March 9, 1927, she was the daughter of the late James A. and Kathrine M. Clapper Garris. Living most of her life near Camptown, Pa., She was a graduate of the Camptown High School. After her graduation, she attended flight attendant school, in Virginia. After her marriage and having her family, her plans on being a flight attendant were changed, and she thus became a housewife and homemaker, for her family. While living on Clapper Hill, she was very involved with the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church, serving her church on a number of boards, and in several offices. She was also Sunday School and Bible School superintendent, as well as teaching many Sunday School and Bible School classes. She was also very active with the Beaver Meadows Ladies Aide Society. Mrs. Ryan was also a member of the Wyalusing American Legion Post No. 534 Auxiliary. Preceding her in death was her husband, George M. Ryan, who passed away on March 10, 2006. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Arthur J. Garris, as well as her daughter-in-law, Diane M. Ryan, in 2007, and her grandsons, George A. Ryan Jr., in 1981, and Tito Ryan. Surviving are her daughters, Loretta (Donald) Wilson, of Stevensville, Pa., and Kathryn (Robert) Sands of Clapper Hill, Pa.; her sons, Arthur Ryan of Wyalusing, Pa., Eugene "Shorty" and his wife, Jane Ryan, of Laceyville, George "Pete" and his wife, Cindy Ryan, of Clapper Hill, Bill Ryan of Laceyville and Tom Ryan of Clapper Hill; also, a granddaughter whom she raised, Jenella Ryan Birdsall, of Tunkhannock, Pa.; and 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral and committal services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Patricia Newhart of the church officiating. Interment will be in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main Street, Laceyville, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church, RR 3, Laceyville, Pa. 18623.  Daily Review on 9/13/2008

 

 

 

Amanda Brotzman and Kevin Kingsbury who were married in Folkston, Georgia by Rev. Clancy July 3, 1996 renewed their marriage vows with friends and family on December 23, 1996. Kevin was serving with the Army Rangers at Fort Hunter, Georgia at the time of their marriage. A reception followed in the social hall of the church.

 

My October 23, 1998 Historians notes record lots of activities here:  The Sunday School teachers met in the morning to discuss class size and to make Halloween party plans.    The party is to be at 2 o'clock, just after Marvin and Elsie Crawford Brotzmans’s renew­al of wedding vows.  We will start with a hayride, and then have a haunted house.   Present for the meeting were:  Carol Brotzman, Donna Bennett, Jane McGee, and Mary Shatinsky.

* Historians notes:  Mary Wilcox Shatinsky retold us of how when she was young, oh so many years ago, they put a wagon on the old schoolhouse roof on Spring Hill, and how they exchanged the milking machines from Vince Latini’s barn with those in Gerald Shumway barn.  What a surprise those farmers had in the morning. They were not the same brand! Douglas Clapper was in on some of those little tricks too!

Doug tells me that tipping over outhouses was the thing to do, but if you got caught, it was a very smelly situation, and the police made you set them back up! I wonder if he knows from personal experience! I did not ask.

Rev William Nelson officiated at the renewal of wedding vows of Marvin and Elsie Crawford Brotzman on October 30, 1998.  They were sharing a new commitment to life and God. They were originally married April 30, 1983.

 

There was a special house variety shower for the Jane and Peter Magee family when their house burned August 27, 1980.  Just one more time the community helped out in times of need. I remember there was a lot of fun had by all too! There always is! Jane was coming home from her job at the Elk Lake School; fire trucks were everywhere, all she thought was what a hot day for a fire! God blessed them with good neighbors and a strong church family in to which Jane did not belong to yet, but her children were Sunday school members. A few years later on October 28, 1984 Jane joined our church.  Jane was our Church Task force. She taught Sunday school for a while, then retired and then came out of retirement in 2004 to teach again.

 

On June 21, 1989, a farewell party for Rev. Margaret Reid and family was held.  The church was filled with her many friends and family. The Reverend Reid’s were not strangers to Beaver Meadows; they paid many a visit here. It was Reverend Bill’s first charge.

 

 

 

Reverend Margaret Reid, Alice Sivers and Dean Button

Photo by Jane McGee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Culver Reunions have been held here at Beaver Meadows for many years.   From an old secretaries book I find recorded on August 25, 1927, $67.41 donated from the Culver Reunion. I find notes for Clappers having reunions there also.

 

 

 

Photo from Grace Borek, unfortunately there is no date of the reunion.

Beaver Meadows is still hosting Clapper reunions, but no photos have been made available.

 

We had a photo contest at Beaver Meadows too! The photo contest ended Palm Sunday March 31, 1996. The winners were announced April 14, 1996.

1^st place was Sandy Campbell, gave her award money to Greg Campbell’s Eagle Scout project of church bulletin board.

2^nd place was an unsigned entry, the money donated to the church fund.

3^rd place winner was Stirel Harvey who also donated his award money to the church.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From my 1997 minutes:  Now these used happen a lot, all sorts of get-together meals! There was a ham and eggs supper held at the church February 15, 1997.   Herb Button was expected to be making eggs for the crowd, but he was in the intensive care unit at Tyler Hospital.  Our prayers went out to him.  The men served the ladies!

 

This could have happened any time, there were always Memorial Day dinners held by our wonderful women. Where would a church be without those ladies serving dinners and raising money to pay the bills. These are from my 1997 minutes: The annual Memorial Day program was held May 26, 1997 de­spite a bomb scare in Laceyville. Rev Bill was in charge of weath­er, and it was beautiful.  The program included a Flag Walk, a memorial service speech by Hedwig Chaffee, a Mini Tractor pull for the children, drawings for a Barbeque which was won by Vir­ginia Woodruff of Silvara, A photo of the church, donated by Dorothy Nyland was won by Ed Burgess of Doolittle Hill, and two baskets of food were won by Roger Wood of Wyalusing.   It was planned to end the service by placing the tombstone on the Thomas Hughes grave, a Civil War soldier who never had a marker. However, the stone had not arrived yet.  Hedwig Chaffee deliv­ered his memorial tribute and placed a begonia on his gravesite. Over 220 dinners were served to a happy, hungry crowd.                                                                

 

                  This is that lovely photo which was donated by Carl and Dorothy Nyland

 

I find in my historian notes that the headstone arrived in September.  Gwen Pickett and Judy Higley adopted it, pledging to care for the stone as if it were their own family member.

 

We had Funerals and Memorial services for church members too. This is just one recorded here.

 

On October 30, 1998, our fellow church member and special friend Herbert Keith Button went to be with the lord just before 4 a.m. at the home of his daughter Susan Beitel.   There was a prayer chain for his family.  He had been suffering from the hiccups and poor health for many months now.  His mind was good, but his body was failing.  He was born June 30, 1919 at Springville, Pennsylvania to Glenn Lester and Emma Jean Lance Button. He was married to Alma  "Dean" Button November 20, 1943 in Rome, Georgia.  They met while Herb was stationed at Camp Siebert while serving in World War II.  They were the parents of five daugh­ters, Patsy, Judy  (Mrs. Clayton Ellis), Linda  (Mrs. Leslie Millard), Susan (Mrs. Thomas Beitel) and Kelli (Mrs. Lester Honey­well). Linda had been killed in an auto accident March 17, 1984.  Herb devot­ed his life to his family and the Lord.  He was a faithful member of our church and cemetery association.  He was the adult teach­er of Sunday school for many decades.  Ralph Culver employed him on his farm while it was in operation, however it burned in 1965. Herb then held a position with the Laceyville Agway. A memorial service is to be held November 2nd at 7 p.m. in the church with their children providing special music.    

 

*Historians note regarding the memorial service November 2:  The church was over packed.  Rev. Bill Nelson and his children provided a very special service.  Herb always told me his wishes were to be cremated, as was his beloved wife Dean who had passed away earlier. His ashes were to be buried on top of his wife, in the same cremation hole. They owned a burial plot in Beaver Meadows where their daughter Linda was buried, but were buried on the Beitel farm in Auburn Township according to his wishes.  I would also like to note the church had a very special memorial service for his wife Dean Button. She was another very special lady.

 

 

 

This photo which was taken between 1890-1900 is not the best, but it is the only known in existence of the former residence of Nathan and Isilda Clapper Strickland on the Board Road, it was the place Herb and Dean Button called “home” for so many years.  They purchased it from Odessa Garris. Before that Smith’s, McLaud’s, Clapper and Brotzman’s families had resided there, just to mention a few. This is probably a mate to the photo at the beginning of the book of Beaver Meadows area. They were found together.

 

The next photo is of Nathan Smith with his grandparents Nathan and Isilda Clapper Strickland. Sorry there was no date on the photo. Nathan C. Strickland (October 29, 1844 - July 29, 1903), Isilda A. Clapper (August 12, 1849 - August 31, 1938) and Nathan Smith (February 21, 1895 – January 1966). Young Nathan’s mother was the former Ada Strickland, (June 25, 1876 - February 14, 1896). Rev Scofield married Ward Smith and Ada Strickland July 19, 1894.

 

 

 

The death of Mrs. Ward L. Smith,

Opposition correspondent to probably the Wyalusing Hustler.

 

The subject of this sketch, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. N. (Nathan) C. Strickland, was born in this place June 25, 1875, and departed this life Feb. 14, 1896.  She was married July 19, 1894, to Ward L. Smith of West Auburn.  The fruit of this union was a little son.  A very large gathering met at her home Sunday, Feb. 16, to pay their last respects to the departed.  She was laid in her final resting place, which is in sight of her childhood home, Rev. A. Scofield, her former pastor, conducting the funeral services.  The husband and parents have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community.  I would note she was buried in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery on February 16, 1896.

 

 

 

 

 After Christmas in 1999, Beaver Meadows honored the Reverend Bill’s for 50 years service to the ministry. Reverend Bill Reid entered the ministry here (1950-1957) at Beaver Meadows with his wife Reverend Margaret Reid (1986-1989). Reverend Bill Nelson (1989-2006) entered the ministry the same year so both were celebrating 150 years at Beaver Meadows with 50 years of service to the lord themselves. A big party was held in the church basement after a wonderful service in the sanctuary during the Christmas season in 1999. This photo by Jane McGee shows the Pastors in the sanctuary in front of one of the props used in the festivities for the day. Reverend Bill was growing a beard for the Founders Day program to be held in February.

 

Reverend Bill and Reverend Margaret Reid with Reverend Bill Nelson

 

 

 

The obituary of our dear friend Rev. Bill Reid,

Wyalusing Rocket March 29, 2007

William W. Reid, Jr. passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at Tyler Memorial Hospital, Tunkhannock, surrounded by his loving family. Born Nov. 12, 1923 in Beechhurst, Long Island, NY, he was an Eagle Boy Scout. During World War II, he served in the medical corps of the U.S. Army, spending eight months as a prisoner of war. He lived in northeastern Pennsylvania since 1950. A graduate of Oberlin College and Yale Divinity School, he was a minister in the Wyoming Conference of the United Methodist Church for 56 years, six of them as Wilkes-Barre District Superintendent. Also a public servant, he served on Wilkes-Barre City Council from 1972 to 1976, helping the recovery efforts in the aftermath of the 1972 flood. He also served as Wyoming County Commissioner from 1992 to 2000. Bill’s life was marked by his work for social justice and his tireless work on behalf of the imprisoned and impoverished. Also an accomplished hymn writer, his hymns—most notably “O God of Every Nation”—have been published in hymnals of many denominations. An avid bird-watcher for 70 years, he founded the Bradford County Christmas Bird Count and served as a regional compiler for the National Audubon Society. He was also a contributing author of the Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pennsylvania. Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret; sons, Philip and wife, Penny of Beaumont and Thomas and wife, Kathleen of Oberlin, OH; daughter, Elizabeth and husband, William Beebe of Spring Hill; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary and her husband, Hugh Puckett of Roswell, NM; three nieces and three nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William W. and Edith Reid and his twin brother, David. Friends may call at the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church on Warren Street from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 30. A memorial service will be held at the Tunkhannock church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 31. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, which will be used to fund mission trips in Bill’s memory, may be made to the Eatonville United Methodist Church, PO Box 741, Tunkhannock, PA 18657. Arrangements were entrusted to the Harding-Litwin Funeral Home, Tunkhannock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Founders Day

February 13, 1850 - February 13, 2000

 

 

Founders Day on February 13, 2000, what a program. Everyone in the church participated in one way or another. Carol Brotzman wrote a narrative play about the history of the Beaver Meadows church from the purchasing of the Land Warrants by Chandler Bixby, to the modern day church events of 1999. The congregation either narrated or portrayed a person from our church’s past. The children sang, former Pastors came and as usual a lovely get-together was held in the newly refurbished basement to culminate the activities. Some of the men even grew beards to fit the mood for the activities.

 

Founders Day 2000, photos by Carol Brotzman

 

 

Miles and “Lib” Bennett, a main stay family in the early church at Beaver Meadows and Silvara due to their involvement with the Freewill Baptist church.

 

 

 

FOUNDERS’ DAY PROGRAM

FEBRUARY 13, 2000

WRITTEN BY CAROL BROTZMAN

 

 

NARRATORS:  SANDY CAMPBELL, JESSI ELLIS, CRYSTAL HONS,

AND JANE MCGEE

FERRIS AND NANCY BENNETT:  ‘SKEET’ AND NETA REPSHER

BENNETT CHILDREN: LEVI  - CHRIS CAMP

MILES  - CODY CAMP

MAHALA – ERICA HONS

OLIVE – CHEYANNA CAMP

CHARLES – HEATH DEGARAMO

MILES AND LIB BENNETT: DALE AND DONNA BENNETT

CHANDLER BIXBY: REV. BILL NELSON

EDMUND MARBAKER: ‘SKEET’ REPSHER

WAVIE AND CHET CULVER: CHARLOTTE AND MORRIS FASSETT

MARCUS AND SUSIE PICKETT: REV. BILL NELSON AND GWEN PICKETT

AARON CULVER: MORRIS FASSETT

LYMAN PICKETT: ‘SKEET’ REPSHER

PETER CLAPPER: CODY CAMP

JOEL AND JOEY CARTER: DALE AND DONNA BENNETT

FLORENCE PLACE BENNETT: GWEN PICKETT

GRACE BENNETT: DONNA BENNETT

REV. VAN STONE: REV. BILL NELSON

CHARLOTTE FASSETT PORTRAYS HERSELF

DONNA BENNETT PORTRAYS HERSELF

WOMEN OF THE CHURCH:

MARY SHATINSKY

AMBER CAMPBELL

TARI KELLEY

CHILDREN OF THE CHURCH:

TIM KELLEY

PAM KELLEY

ERICA HONS

BRITTANY HONS

CHRISTINA HONS

JORDAN ELLIS

CHEYANNA CAMP

CHRISTOPHER CAMP

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE PLAY

 

Narrator (Jane):        It is about 1833, Ferris and Nancy Black Bennett have moved

                                    from Spring Hill to Pike Township, Bradford County.  They

bought land from Mr. Mercur.  Their intention was to make a home near the grove of white birch trees. 

 

(Ferris and Nancy and kids walk in)

 

Ferris:             This looks like a nice area to build.  What do you think, Ma?

 

Nancy:            There aren’t any neighbors for the kids to get acquainted with.

 

Ferris:             There will be soon.

 

Narrator(Sandy):      The year is about 1838. Chandler Bixby and his wife, Urania,

                                    are arriving here from New York State.  Chandler and Charles Bixby, lumbermen by trade, have just bought the Peter Guinip and Peter Lowery land warrants in Tuscarora Township.  Their land borders the Bennett property.  This is how a conversation between them might have gone.

 

(Ferris and Nancy talking to each other)

 

Ferris:             I could have sworn I heard a tree fall.  Nancy, did you hear anything?

 

Nancy:            Yes, we don’t usually hear anything but animals and kids. 

 

Ferris:             Want to take a walk and see?

 

Nancy:            Levi and Mahala, will you watch the younger ones for a few minutes?

                        D. D.’s still sleeping.

 

Miles:              I want to go too.

 

Ferris:             Okay.  We’ve got neighbors.  Hello there, we’re the Bennetts.  I’m

Ferris and this is my wife, Nancy, and our son, Miles.  He’s just one of our seven children.  We get number eight in October.

 

Chandler:       I’m Chandler Bixby.  Brother Charles and I bought 900 acres here

                        to ‘lumber off’.  (Chandler to Nancy)  My wife, Urania, will be happy

to see you, Mrs. Bennett.  She thought there would be no human civilization, not to mention women, out here to associate with.  She had lots of lady friends up in Baltimore, New York, where we came from.

 

 

 

 

Chandler:       (To Ferris) Charles, my son, and I have started to build a mill just down at the end of that body of water.  We’ve dubbed it Beaver Meadow because there are so many beavers down there.  We plan

 to build a house on the other side of the ravine as soon as we get the lumber

 sawed.  (pause) I guess I’m going to have to lay boards down to make a road to

 Sesson, if that trail doesn’t dry out.  I have to get my lumber out to sell somehow.

 

Ferris:             (Laughing)  I guess we’ll have to call it the Board Road.

 

Narrator (Jessi):        Some time has passed.  It is now about 1840.  Chandler has

                                    clear-cut some of the land.  He’s ready to start selling it off.  John and Harriet Clapper bought land from Chandler and his new partners, Cyrus McCarthy and Joseph P. Chamberlain.  Their new land is just up from the meadow.  The Clapper’s finished paying for the land and had it transferred on June 8, 1848.

 

 

Narrator (Sandy):     In the meantime, the James and Margaret French Culver

                                    family had arrived here about 1845.  They bought land on the

‘Board Road’.  Joseph Marbaker and his wife, the former Susan Cottrell, and their children arrived from Burlington about 1849.  They started their homestead on Fowler Hill, just over the hill from the Meadow.  The people decided they needed a place to worship.  They built a Meeting House, on what was originally the land of Chandler Bixby, down by that pond named ‘Beaver Meadow’.  This was in the summer of 1849.  They had to make it a Union Church because there were too many

people of different denominations.  Chandler was Presbyterian; the Bennetts, Baptist; the Culvers, Congregationalists; and the Marbakers, Wesleyan Methodist.  The charter dated February 13, 185-, provided for all denominations to use the church equally.

 

Narrator(Crystal):    The Whitneys came.  They bought the land Chandler called

                                    home:   his mill, and his house.  Three years after the 1850 census, on May 9, 1853,  William married Mahala Bennett, daughter of Ferris and Nancy Black Bennett.  Rev. D. D. Grey, a Baptist minister, performed the ceremony.  Chandler and his wife, Urania, had moved to Rushville.

 

Narrator(Jessi):         The time is about 1868.  The Civil War is over and most

                                    of our men have returned.  This is a scene of what might have

                                    happened.

 

 

Miles Bennett:            Lib, I’m going to be gone most of the day.  Abram Clapper,

                                    Philander Hardy, John Clapper, Ed Marbaker, William Bradshaw, Almon Pickett, Aaron Culver, and I have to go to Towanda.  We’re going to the Bradford County Courthouse to record that Tuscarora and Rush Religious Compact that we set up about 1850.  It has to be a legal document.  The government might decide to tax us, if we don’t.

 

Lib:                             Did you leave it just the way it was?

 

Miles:                          No, we made some revisions at the last meeting.  No names

                                    have to be recorded.  We just have to list some trustees.  Besides Chandler Bixby, Amasa Fowler and others have left here.  We can’t take them off the list.  They were an important part of the founding of the church.  They can’t sign for themselves if they aren’t here.

 

Lib:                             That poor Theodore Clink never made it back from the war.

                                    He left those two children fatherless.

 

Miles:                          Ma, don’t fuss.  Their grandparents are taking good care

                                    of them.  Don’t worry, we’ll probably be late getting back.

 

Lib:                             No need to worry.  The kids and I will be just fine.

 

Narrator (Sandy):     The time is now October 1, 1869.  The local families of

                                    Miles Bennett and Edmund Marbaker were members of the Freewill Baptist Church in Silvara.  Here is another scenario of how things might have gone.

 

Lib Bennett:               Miles, remember we don’t have a covenant meeting tonight

                                    in Silvara because of the dedication of the church at Beaver

                                    Meadow. 

 

Miles Bennett:            I don’t see where adding a pulpit and a vestibule make that

much difference.  (Pause)  I’m going down to see if Ed and Thankful want to have Sabbath School at the Bishop Schoolhouse.

 

Lib:                             Maybe his brother, Joe, and his wife, Susan, will come too.

                                    They don’t mind coming to Sabbath School.

 

Miles:                          Well, with the war over, the Wesleyan Methodists don’t have

                                    much of a cause left since anti-slavery was the reason they

                                    organized. 

 

Lib:                             Remember, they joined at the Beaver Meadow Church.

 

Narrator (Jane):        It is now February 28, 1885.  We will join a trustee’s meeting

                                    here at Beaver Meadow.  It’s already in session.  The following are present:  Ed Marbaker, the Treasurer; Lyman Pickett, the Secretary; Joe Marbaker, R. J. Hall, Peter Clapper, Aaron Culver, and Miles Bennett.  Nathan Cobb and James Sharer were absent.  This is how it might have sounded.

 

Aaron Culver:           Old business – about that problem we had at the last meeting

                                    of the boys entering the church.  (Talking to Miles)  I think we settled that pretty nicely, Miles, by opening the church one hour prior to the church service.

 

Miles Bennett:            Yes, and the usage fee of $1.00 for their singing school will

                                    soon get us an organ.

 

Lyman Pickett:          Miles, why did you call for another special meeting?

 

Miles Bennett:            We have to get our finances caught up.  Peter Clapper has

not been paid anything for being sexton since 1858.  We must settle up with him.  The elders want all old business cleaned up.

 

Peter Clapper:           I’m not too worried about it!

 

Ed Marbaker:           That’s 26 years, we can’t have a bill that long.  And we can

                                    still only pay $8.24.

 

Peter Clapper:           That’s enough.  Matter closed.

 

Narrator (Crystal):   By 1893, the congregation was growing.  We just got 3 new

                                    members and many are on probation just waiting to join.  There are 25 members in the Epworth league.  The Church foundation needed to be secured better.  Rev. Schofield recorded that we spent $125 to raise the church on a new concrete foundation and replace the flagstone out front.  Henry Hitchcock and James Stone were the laborers on that project.

 

Narrator (Jessi):        Time went on.  The church became more and more Methodist.

                                    Marcus Pickett (Rev. Bill take a bow) was at the center of most of the activities here since the late 1880’s.  His wife, Susie, was the first Ladies Aid president when it was organized in 1887.  We’ll now sit in on a board meeting about 1911 or 1912.

 

(Group of men seated up front)

 

 

Marcus Pickett:         We must get the steeple repaired.  All agreed, say ‘Aye’ –

                                    All opposed, say ‘Nay’.

 

 (Group of men all say ‘Aye’)

 

Marcus Pickett:         I’ll hire Joel Carter.

 

Chet Culver:              Marcus, What schedule are we on now for church?

 

Susie Pickett:             I got that new bulletin Rev. McKelvey is putting out. 

                                    It says July 21^st, the service will be 10:30 at East Rush, 2:30 at Retta, and 7:30 at Rush.  Next week, we’ll be here at 2:30, 7:30 at State Road, and the morning service will be at Rush at 10:30.  I hope that he continues the church bulletin.  It’s handy.

 

Wavie Culver:           Don’t forget it includes local events too.  Like the Children’s

                                    Day exercises we had June 30^th.  Now, on with business.  I still don’t think that it’s right that Rush can have services every week when we have just about the same amount of people here.  We should have services every week too.

 

Marcus Pickett:         That’s one reason we should consider going with the

                                    Camptown Charge.

 

Joey Carter:               I thought they were going to close the State Road Church

                                    after Rev. Gorisse got them to build the new church at Rush.

 

Susie Pickett:             The Bulletin says they’re putting on a new roof.

 

Chet Culver:              They only have summer services there.  Why go to all

                                    that expense?

 

Narrator (Crystal):   Somehow, while the steeple lay on the ground awaiting

repairs at Beaver Meadows, it disappeared (allegedly stolen for firewood).

 

Narrator (Sandy):     About 1918, Beaver Meadow left the Rush Charge to join the

                                    Camptown Methodist Charge.  It doesn’t appear that there are any other faiths practicing in the church at this time.  This Methodist charge already had Herrickville, East Herrick, Keene Summit, Standing Stone, Lime Hill, and Camptown.  That had to be one busy minister.

 

 

Narrator (Jessi):        The year is 1920.  The church was making improvements

                                    again – new windows.  The larger ones in the sanctuary cost $50 apiece and were pledged by families.  However, Mr. F. E. Belden disappeared and didn’t pay for his window.  This is a scenario of how a board meeting might have gone.

 

Chet Culver:              We must get these windows paid for and installed.

 

Joey Carter:               Let’s take up a special collection for the Belden window.

                                    If that’s not enough, Joel and I will pay the rest since he

                                    stayed with us. 

 

Chet Culver:              Problem solved.  That’s good of you.

 

Marcus Pickett:         Are all the other windows paid for?

 

Chet Culver:              Yes, and we even have enough money for the vestibule windows from the last Social.

 

Marcus Pickett:         Can we get them installed before winter?

 

Chet Culver:              If we all agree and with a little free labor, we can start

                                    the last week of July.

 

Wavie Culver:           We can use the schoolhouse for church on July 25^th, if

                                    we aren’t done.

 

Marcus Pickett:         Thanks, Wavie.  If we can get the ladies to feed us so we

                                    don’t have to stop for lunch breaks, I don’t see why

                                    we can’t be done in two weeks.

 

Narrator (Sandy):     In 1940, Joey Clapper Carter – the Matriarch and Leader of the Sunday School, was retiring due to ill health.  Ruth Culver, the new superintendent, and the kids threw Joey a real surprise party to show their appreciation.

 

(Donna Bennett and Gwen Pickett meet out in front of the rail)

 

Narrator (Jane):        We now move on to 1948.  The ladies are all stirred up.

                                    Mrs. Florence Place Bennett is encouraging the women to

push the men to raise the church  on a new foundation.  They wanted a place to serve dinners.  This is a scenario of how it might have gone.

 

Florence Place           Ladies, bring the kids, dishpans, and spoons.

Bennett:                      Meet me here at the church on Saturday morning.  We’ll

                                    start the digging ourselves.

 

Grace Bennett:          The men will soon get the idea we mean business.

 

Narrator (Crystal):   They did mean business.  We got a new foundation with a

                                    basement to use as a community hall.  During the next 30

years, the church continued on.   Attendance dwindled as did the Sunday School which was held sporadically.  Church services were held in homes in the winter to conserve fuel.

 

Narrator (Jessi):        The scene is September, 1978.  A board meeting with Rev.

                                    Raymond Van Stone went something like this.

 

Rev. Van Stone:        I suggest that we have a Sunday School.  If this church is going

                                    to continue, we need to educate our children here; not at the

Silvara Sunday School where at least seven of our children are attending.

 

(Donna Bennett and Charlotte Fassett look at each other)

 

Donna Bennett:         I know Scott and Steve are going there.  The Brotzman kids,

                                    Debbie Fassett, and Donny Repsher’s two children.

 

Charlotte Fassett:      That’s a start.  The Ladies Aid can donate the materials

                                    to start.  I’m willing to try, if you are Donna.

 

Narrator (Sandy):     Around Halloween, 1978, they would start a Sunday School

                                    with 2 classes.  They didn’t know Carol and Beverly Brotzman would show up to help.  By the fall of 1979, after a successful summer bible school, the teachers were Donna Bennett, Carol, Beverly, and Sue Brotzman.  They had

four active classes and nearly 20 children.  The church was growing again.

 

Narrator (Crystal):   In 1981, we spent one year with the South Auburn Charge

after leaving the Camptown Charge.  At that time, we had our first woman minister, Rev. Ruth Carter Breitweiser.  Her ancestors signed the 1850 charter.   In 1982, the church members voted to become totally independent.  The church continued to grow – new siding, new roof, the new Clapper steeple, and indoor plumbing.  Today, we will celebrate the 150^th Anniversary of our first church charter which was dated February 13, 185-.  Thanks to Susan Marbaker’s obituary, we know the church was built about the summer of 1849.  Her obituary records her husband, Joseph, as a motivating factor in the building of the church.  It states he lived to enjoy his farm here 50 years, and that the church at the nearby Beaver Meadow was built shortly after they purchased their farm at Fowler Hill in 1849.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queen For the Day was celebrated May 16, 2004

Rev. Bill threw his wife Eva Nelson a party to thank her for everything she did for him while he had his knee replaced. What a party in the spring of 2003. The Sunday school sang, and there was lots of fun had by all. Willard Docktor delivered a very surprised Eva to the church. All I can title this photo is “What’s up next Bill?”

 

Eva Nelson arriving by Carol Brotzman

 

The 100^th Birthday party for our own Glenn Ferris Bennett was held May 7, 2005. Over 150 people attended. It was a gala event with Rev. Bill Nelson starting out with the line “I always wanted to get a teacher in the corner”!  Glenn was born May 6, 1905 in the house which was occupied by the late Robert and his wife Anna Bolles (from 1953 till April 2006) to Very D. and Mary Lucina Woodruff Bennett. He married on May 06, 1932 Florence Marie Beckman. Both were eventually teachers. He wasn’t at the time. In order to be a female teacher in those days you had to be a single woman, so the marriage was kept a secret for over a year while Glenn finished his college education. “Flo” passed away on December 18, 1995. She is buried in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery.

            Glenn’s mind was sharp, I talked to him many times regarding the history of the Beaver Meadows Church. Here he is at 99 plus. (Daily Review photo 5-7-2005)

 

Glenn Ferris Bennett and his mother Mary Woodruff Bennett

This photo is of the farmhouse Glenn was born in taken about 1960. Anna Labzentis Bolles resided in the home until April 2006.George Bolles, her son, and his wife Dawn Edsell Bolles then moved in to keep a closer eye on the barn.  Anna and her husband Robert had rented the farm since the spring of 1953. George and Dawn Bolles finally finished the paperwork and purchased the farm on January 31, 2007.

Daily Review October 16, 2005

Glenn Ferris Bennett, age 100, longtime area resident and respected teacher of Tuscarora Township, died Sunday, Oct. 16, 2005 at the Memorial Hospital, Towanda, Pa.

He was born May 6, 1905 in Tuscarora Township in the house on Clapper Hill Road across the road from his present residence on Bennett Acres, a designated century farm. He was a son of Very Bennett and Mary Woodruff Bennett. Glenn attended local schools and graduated from Laceyville High School, Class of 1923 and from Mansfield Normal School, Class of 1924. He began his career as a teacher at the age of 19 in the one-room schoolhouse on Clapper Hill in 1924, and had 17 students at the time. He later taught history and English in Skinner’s Eddy, was an English teacher for many years and the principal at Laceyville High School for two years until consolidation. He taught English to the upper grades at Wyalusing Valley High School for over 15 years. His combined total was 44 years of teaching.

 

Glenn met his wife-to-be, Florence Beckman of Coudersport, Pa., during summer school at Penn State, and on May 6, 1932 Glenn and Florence were married. Since the Depression had begun, they kept the fact a secret in order for Florence to keep her job. By 1938, there were three small children in the house and Glenn needed to complete his degree so he took classes at Mansfield State Teachers College while Florence taught in his place at Laceyville High School. The couple also managed a lunch-counter gas station at Powers Corner near Mansfield. Florence was a Spanish, Latin, French, science, social studies and chemistry teacher for many years, retiring from Wyalusing Valley High School in 1969. “Mr. and Mrs. B.,” as the couple were affectionately called by students, were exceptional teachers and a devoted couple. They enjoyed a long retirement together, traveling to visit family and remodeling their home. Glenn and Florence were married 63 years before Florence passed away on Dec. 18, 1995.

An avid reader and farmer, Mr. B’s interests and memberships over the years include: Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church, the Mayflower Society, John Howland Society and the sons of the Civil War and a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Surviving are: his sons, Robert Glenn Bennett of Camarillo, Calif., Dr. John Very Bennett of Atlanta, Ga., and James George Bennett of Columbus, Ohio; his daughter, Suzanne Marie Bennett-Sagrati of Cincinnati, Ill.; and 21 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.

 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church with the Rev. William C. Nelson, his pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Beaver Meadows Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Church on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2005 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Wednesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

 

Memorials may be directed to the Bennett Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o First Liberty Bank, 101 E. Main St., Laceyville, Pa., 18623.

 

 

 

The “Castle” on the hill

 A photo of Glenn Bennett’s home taken in July 2006. It is the house directly across the road from where he was born.  Below is a neighbor helping neighbor photo.  The people are Ernest, Clifford and Daniel Clapper with the bib overalls, then Glenn Bennett with the hat and maybe a tie, and finally Lynn Clapper on the buckboard. My guess for a date is about 1920.

 

I shared this photo with Mr. Glenn’s daughter Suzanne Sagrati. I am sharing her comments (July 28, 2007):

What a great picture.  Thank you.   When Dann'l Sr. died Dad talked a lot about how they had played together as boys- making trails and paths over in the woods.  He said that Dann'l could always think of something fun to do. Sib always called him "Moe" - my recollection.   After we first moved into the Clapper Hill house they had a square dance group that would go to the houses and dance.  Our house had that big living room with no furniture to speak of and I can remember all the laughter and fun and seeing Mom and Dad's faces looking so happy. Then after Jim was born-1940- everyone seemed too busy and aside from a couple of quilting bees, I can't remember any get togethers in the living room. .. until my Uncle John bought us a TV and neighbors would come on Saturday pm to watch wrestling.  Even though the picture was black and white and so grainy. Alice Sivers always brought the most marvelous cakes.  

Thanks again. 

 

Suzanne Bennett Sagrati

 

Suzanne was kind enough to share Glenn’s 95^th birthday letter to the people of Beaver Meadows with me, and now I share it with you:

 

Recollection of Walking to Beaver Meadow for Church in 1915

 

    When I was about ten years of age it was fun to go to church in good weather.  Mother, Dad and I would start walking and as we passed our neighbors' homes they would join us.  All the way to church everyone would be laughing, talking and all the kids would be running and playing. Clifford, Ernest, Daniel Clapper and I always played together.  We would pass my Aunt Wavie and Uncle Chet Culver's house, but they would have already gone ahead in their buggy.  Aunt Wavie often played the organ.

    The Pickett's and the Bennett's and Sharers came from the opposite side of the hill, we’d all meet in the churchyard, but I can't recall if they had walked.

    The last one to join our procession was "Crazy" Dennison.  He lived alone in a big house in a cow pasture on the hill above the church.  Walking home, when we would reach the top of his hill, Dennison would start to preach his own sermon.  All the adults would stand around to listen, and we children had to be quiet until he finished.

    The church services then were much like those of today.  The children attended Sunday school while their parents were in church.  I (remember Lena Clapper and "Aunt Joey" Carter as our teachers,  "Aunt" Joey's son, Herbert, had a beautiful voice and sang in church.

    It was about this time that I could remember Reverend Trible who first opened the basement under the church and dug the drainage ditch.  In later years, I remember Reverend Reid gratefully because he would come regularly and take my own children to Youth Fellowship.  Oh yes, there is one other minister very important to this congregation.  It's "Wild Bill - working to beat hell".

    Over the years, I can't remember any sermons or any specific Bible lesson, but I can remember and appreciate the love and fellowship of our neighbors.  That hasn't changed over the years.  The people whom I recall from those summer Sundays have gone on to glory, and are deeply missed. They are resting in peace in Beaver Meadows Cemetery, but somehow, I'm still here, still having a good time.  Thank you for coming to celebrate my birthday!  I hope that your procession today brings you as much joy as ours brought us eighty-six years ago and as much pleasure as you have given me on my 96th birthday.  You're all invited back for my Hundredth... if you're still around.

    I'm grateful to God, to all of you and to my family.  God Bless You.      GFB

 

Dear Carol, Rev. Bill had organized a drive through birthday party.  After church, people came to the farm and drove in the top driveway, Dad sat in his wheelchair in the door to the family room, and they exchanged greetings, and then drove out the bottom door of the garage.  Dad gave out lollipops and these letters to each car.  What a happy day that was for him!

Sue

 

 

* Historians note: I would like to note that Crazy Dennison was Perry Denson (June 02, 1835 - November 20, 1919), the only local Confederate soldier who resided on property which was later to become the Louis Pary’s farm. That property was sold and incorporated in to the Brotzman family farm in World War II. Perry Denson evidentially moved before he passed as he died in the house, which was located near where Skeet and Neta Repsher built their new home on the Board Road.

 

 

 

 

Below is Glenn Bennett with his parents Mary and Very Bennett.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following are meetings and notes recorded by Mary Schweitzer.

            Although Mary was never officially elected secretary of anything, I truly appreciate her records, as they are the only modern minutes I have viewed.  There are minutes in the possession of the church clerk from Rev. VanStones time forward.  He insisted minutes be kept.

 

Mary Schweitzer wanted to come to our house for her birthday August 18, and we won’t say how old she was because she was always 39 years and holding. She wanted Charlie (Brotzman) to bring her. He was not 16 yet and did not have his driver’s license. She knew he would come on the ATV. Mary was spry and had a ball riding in on a 4 wheeler.

 

Church meeting September 3, 1985

Dale Bennett called to order; Rev. West gave the prayer, Nita Repsher  (the treasurer) reported we sent in part of the apportionments.  Total to pay  $1,200.00.  Rev. Charles Gomer will be here to speak October 13, 1985. There is a luncheon planned to follow the meeting. The trustees meeting is scheduled to be September 10 at 8pm., with a decision of 10% of the offering to go to the building fund.

Rev. West spoke, the church, as a unit desires to be independent. We never had a full time pastor to strengthen the community.  We have no parsonage.   He stresses the building could mean more, we should edu­cate the young more, plan activities for senior citizens, and we should all learn to live with disagreement and LOVE THY NEIGHBOR.  Rev. Dick gave the closing prayer.

 

March 4, 1987, church meeting, Ash Wednesday Service, Business meeting

440 gallons of fuel oil donated by Jack Hillard, and delivered by Rev. Reid’s son, Philip and son-in-law (Bill Beebe.)

We need money for church roof and siding.  Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bennett gave a donation.  Tuesday is clean-up day; bring a mop, Spic and Span, and cloth rags.

Thursday is Bible study 8 pm at the church. Some of the other things on the agenda are, the Easter program, home­coming and a large stone for the front of the church needed.

 

March 16, 1988  "Church meeting"

Alice Sivers, Clerk read the minutes of the last meeting.

Present: Douglas Clapper, Rev. Margaret Reid, Dale Bennett, James Lockwood, Maurice (Mary always called Morris, Maurice) Fassett, Charlotte Fassett, Grace Bennett, Susan McLaughlin, Alice Sivers, Herbert Button, Mary Schweitzer, William Eberhardt, Audrey Eber­hardt, and Milton (Skeet) Repsher. Insurance was discussed (Milton was the agent). $2,705.00 insur­ance on the building.  $100,000.00 liability insurance.  We want to raise the church insurance to $40,000.00 and liability to $300,000.00.  We will have Skeet check into this. There was no insur­ance on the organ or the table that were stolen.   Audrey and William offered a loan of a table to use in church.   Motion to have communion on Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday. Service Holy Thursday 7.30 p.m., we voted for Sunrise service 6.45 a.m. We will send balloons up as part of the service.  There will be only one service on Easter Sunday. Placement of furniture discussed, the pulpit is in the middle of the stage. The picnic for Sunday school is to be held at the Sportsman’s Club on maybe July 23? We are planning a Hee Haw show July 17. Carol Brotzman in charge.

*  Historians note:  This was the second Hee Haw show.  The main event came at the end, a surprise birthday cake for Douglas Clapper who provided the music.  It had so many candles we thought we’d have to call the fire department!  The third Hee Haw show, two years later August 18, 1990 surprised Mary Schweitzer herself, there was a Birthday cake for her, and an anniversary cake for Audrey and Bill Eberhardt. The fourth Hee Haw show was held in 1999 as a big part of our 150^th anniversary year round festivities, which started at Memorial Day time in 1999.

Hee Haw 1986, photo by Peter McGee

Douglas Clapper, Judy Ellis, Sue Beitel, Sandy Campbell, Jane McGee

When I asked Doug what he remembered most about the Hee Haw shows in July 2005, his reply was very quick, that Birthday party and that lawn mower that started up on me. Sandy Yurgatis had been portraying a frazzled mother with little children. They could not get the lawn mower to start (a little bubble lawn mower). She called for Doug to come help her. Of course he came down. He gave it one tug on the cord, and Charlie Brotzman who was hiding behind the set made the sound of a starting lawn mower that startled every one, especially Doug. Then Sandy just nonchalantly said to everyone, “I know it would take just one Jerk”! Doug was such a good sport in every Hee Haw show. He wanted 3 inch thick icing on his cake too, but I don’t think he got it. There was always lots of music provided by various musicians but Doug was always there with his base guitar. The Button sisters sang, the Campbell sisters sang and played, the kids of Sunday school always preformed to the hilt. Jane McGee was always portrayed Second Hand Rose and Mary Schweitzer was Minnie Pearl right down to the price tag on the hat! Carol Brotzman did the news station and Rev Bill had his ducky shoes for the last two shows. We always packed the church to standing room only and had a lot of fun!

 

April 19, 1989, the administrative board meeting at the church.

The minister opened with a prayer, Dale Bennett told of the  $5,538 estimate by Randy Campbell on the new siding.  The people con­tributing to this fund would receive a Bronze award for  $50.00, a silver award for 200.00, and gold for $500.00. Get a book to record all these names down.  Herb Button wants to preserve the "gingerbread look" of the church, but it was deemed impossible to do when applying much needed vinyl siding.  Not practical to keep the look of the church now was the decision. Check with the Historical society about the history of church. Get in touch with Hedy Chaffee.

With the new improvements we will be bat proof! Cover steeple with?

Roof go ahead, $1,100.00 (tan color), windows $400 or $500 dollars.  Randy (Campbell) will help.  Meeting adjourned 9.50 P.M.

 

The next Cemetery association meeting is to be May 6, 1989.  Mother’s day is May 14, 1989. We also know the size of the church is 26 feet x 50 feet, making 2496 square feet

*  Historians note:  The reward system, for the donation money to the siding fund was never initiated. 

 

August 29, 1989 Administrative Board meeting

Rev. Simmons opened the meeting with a prayer.

Dale Bennett talked about the dance September 30, 1989.

Siding donations were discussed.  Donations to this point were:

Audrey and Bill Eberhardt, Judy Button (Ellis), Clapper brothers, Glenn Bennett (I believe it is supposed to be Jim Bennett), Stan­ley Parys, Olga Kanach, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Bennett.  Jane gave treasurers reports, apportionments $1700.00.

 

 

 

October 7 is the Harvest dinner. $5.00 a ticket.

Discussed the following:  Roller skating, Hymn sing, pancake supper, children’s program, dedicate the hymnals, talk about moving church furniture, the minister would like to do some visiting, suggestions for Sunday morning services, should play more music, different ways to serve communion.   Rev. Simmons closed meeting.

There were 12 people present: Mary Schweitzer, Jane McGee, Herb and Dean Button, Morris and Charlotte Fassett, James and Phyllis Lockwood, Audrey and Bill Eberhardt, Grace Bennett, Rev. Edwin Simmons

 

 

May 20, 1990 Church meeting, probably Quarterly Conference

Rev. Charles Gomer (D.S.) present, he was invited by the Pastor Parrish committee, Rev. Simmons opened the meeting, Rev. Gomer spoke on problems, Lack of communication and lack of understand­ing.  The PPR committee must work with the Pastor and the congre­gation, everything is to be taken seriously, and   should work with all committees.  William Eberhardt warns we are not doing things together!

All members of the committee should know what is going on.  Rev. Gomer closed. June 5, 1990, the board met, discussed what money was spent, and which was a gift.  They feel the front doors should be repaired.

* Historians note.  They were finally replaced in May 1996.

 

September 30, 1990 Administrative Board meeting after church service.

Dale Bennett opened the meeting, Rev. Nelson gave the prayer, and Donna Bennett read the last minutes.  Dale thinks apportionments are too high.  Rev. Nelson also spoke on this issue.  Raised 7.63 % Audrey Eberhardt was the Lay Leader, and Jenella Ryan the Auditor.   Long range planning conference  --- Beaver Meadows Church.   Rev. Nelson spoke of the "Gods Little Acre” project.  Ten dollars were given out to buy materials for crafts, etc.   When sold, keep the ten dollars, and give the church the rest. Charlotte Fassett said she wanted Phyllis Lockwood to put the news in the paper.

 

 

April 18, 1991 Administrative Board Meeting at the church

Meeting called to order by Dale Bennett.  Those present: Dale and Donna Bennett, Audrey Eberhardt, Rev. Nelson, Jane McGee, Mary Schweitzer, Morris and Charlotte Fassett, Jenella and George Ryan, Phyllis and James Lockwood, Herbert and Dean Button, Mary Ann Yurgatis, Jenella Sands (Ryan) and Jessie Button (which I will note should have been Jessie Fletcher).  Donna read the minutes; there was a motion to change church to 9 am for summer services, voted and seconded by Grace.  Decided what we owed for the well: drilling $1,750.00.  Well pump donated by the Clappers.  We should send a thank You note to Bell Brothers Well Drillers.

Dance May 11 --- Joan Clapper to play with the band.

 

Meeting of the cemetery association Friday April 19, 1991.

May 4 luncheon for the workers (Cemetery Work Bee)

Discussed fixing the shed by the church.

Discussed Sky Lake.  June 22, kids go to camp, Sky Lake, little kids can go visit too. It’s a church outing for all.

Conference news, the VOICE will be coming out soon, a Methodist newspaper. Rev. Nelson gave the closing prayer.  

 

October 3, 1991 Quarterly Conference, at the church.

Meeting opened by Mr. Lawrence, Rev. Nelson gave the prayer. Present were: Dale and Donna Bennett, Grace Bennett, Jane McGee, Herbert and Dean Button, Morris and Charlotte Fassett, James and Phyllis Lockwood, and Mary Schweitzer. Dale gave a report on the well; water tested good, 165 feet deep, and the "duck" work to begin next week.  Heat to be left on low so the pipes don't freeze. 

Insurance is at $15,000 for building, and $5,000 for contents. The attendance at church is average. A retired minister services us. Sunday’s school reports given by Jane McGee  (teacher):  Sunday school is self-sufficient, bill paid.

Discussed nominating committee, Phyllis Lockwood for Public Relations committee.  We changed the service time back from summer hours of church at 9 a.m. and S. School at 10 a.m.  Church moved back to 11 am.

Music and Worship committee meeting at Sandy Campbell’s home;

Those present:  Jane McGee, Sandy Campbell, William Eberhardt, Grace Bennett, and Dean button

Decided on a gospel jamboree.  Music by Rev. Nelson, Rev. Charlie Bishop, Ronnie Schoonover, the Santamour family, Judy Ellis and Susan Beitel, the Holdren family, Brain and Doreen Bennett, Rev. Ed Simmons and Mary Schweitzer will play together, Douglas Clapper and his banjo too.

We must advertise, have James Lockwood announce at the men’s breakfast, let Marie Trible put in the paper "Rocket."  Mentioned collection, greeters are Audrey and Bill Eberhardt and Jane McGee.

Next meeting at Sandy's September 14

 

Music and Worship committee meeting May 2, 1991

Present: Sandy Campbell, Rev. Nelson, Phyllis Lockwood, and Mary Schweitzer

There is a new way to start the Sunday service, with the chil­dren.  All the children

are to take turns at lighting the candles and taking up collection.  Music should be played all the way through collection.  They want more music!  Suggestions:  Sheila Repsher  (play the organ), Sandy and Candy Campbell (play and sing), Judy Ellis and Susan Beitel sing, other groups.  We need another planning meeting to discuss. Altar linens should be used. We discussed the needs of the area: Mary recorded the following exactly as written. “New ways to be tried in the church, meals for fishermen and hunters, and a daycare”. I suspect she meant to earn money for the church and provide services for the community.

Jessi Ellis, Amber Campbell and Bryan Bennett as youth acolytes.

 

 

 

The following are excerpts from Trustees meetings recorded by Alice Grow Sivers. 

 

January 8, 1987 --- 8:15 pm to 9:30 pm

Present: Herb Button, Dale Bennett, Doug Clapper, and Alice Sivers

Mr. Jack Hillard, Kingston, Pa. has given our church about 550 gallons of oil for our furnace.  Mr. Philip Reid has offered to transport the oil to tanks up at the church so that it can be transferred to our furnace storage tank in the basement, as we need it. The ceiling lights and fans were discussed.  It was decided that the congregation should have a voice in the matter; therefore, it will be presented at a special meeting after church Sunday.   We aim to meet the wishes of the majority! The need for new wiring and buying wire was talked over - it was decided the three "boys" (Herb, Dale, and Doug) would go over the situation and buy the needed materials.  The new inside steps were discussed.  It was decided that Whipple Brothers would be asked to cut the jacks - no definite work date could be set but it was agreed that extra help from the community can be used and will be appreciated.   Meeting ad­journed.                         Alice Sivers

 

 

January 11, 1987 No meeting because we didn't have church! SNOW

 

January 18, 1987 Jane McGee has seen to purchasing the fans.  The matter is all taken care of.  Doug has fixed our lights so they do not have to be changed.

 

March 4, 1987

On Wed. night, March 4, 1987 eleven people gathered at the church basement for a short Ash Wednesday meeting and a discus­sion of work progress on the church. After the service, Dale opened the meeting; minutes of the January 8 meeting were read and corrected to read,  "Mr. Jack Hillard of Kingston, Pa. gave our church about 440 gal. Of fuel for our furnace.”  I was directed to send Mr. Philip Reid a thank you note for transporting the oil.

     Doug Clapper reported $513.13 in the building fund after all bills are paid. The subject of a new roof and siding was cited as a long-range project.  It was decided to put any appreciable amount of money into an account to draw interest. A tentative date of March 10 was set as a clean up date.  Rev. Reid discussed Bible study with March 10, 1987 set as the first date, meeting place to be at the church, time 8 o’clock.  Mrs. Reid suggested that perhaps we would like to help Herrick­ville with their improvement project like the Tunkhannock people helped us.   Palm Sunday and Easter programs were discussed.  The meeting was adjourned.    A. Sivers

As a follow up note:  several people from the church went to Herrickville and helped paint.  It is nice to be able to return nice favors!  Tunkhannock people had been so kind to us.

 

On March 16, 1988 a meeting of the trustees of the Beaver Meadows Church was held in the basement of the church building. Present were Dale Bennett, Herb Button, Susan McLaughlin, Douglas Clapper, Morris Fassett, Skeet Repsher, and Alice Sivers. The minutes were read and approved.  The next order of business was reorganization. Herb made the motion, and Susan seconded it that the same officers are kept - namely, Dale Bennett, Presi­dent, Alice Sivers, Secretary at large, and Douglas Clapper, Treasurer. Dale Bennett was chairman.  The motion was carried unanimously. It was discussed about the new roof for the church and it was decided to make the attic bat proof, if possible, at the same time as we have the roof done.  The discussion of revisal of our insurance was started, but postponed until Skeet Repsher could provide us with definite figures.  However, motion was made and seconded for Skeet to get an appraisal on the value of the building.  Motion carried. A motion was made to raise the coverage to $40,000.00 on the building until July, which is the date for renewal of the policy. Next meting to be March 23, at 8 o’clock in the church basement.                   Alice Sivers, secretary

Alice makes a note that nothing was accomplished at the next appointed meeting.

 

The next meeting was a joint meeting with the cemetery association, those present:  Dale Bennett, Ken Sharer, Skeet Repsher, Dale Brotzman, Max Whitney, Douglas Clapper and Alice Sivers. Alan Trible was rehired to mow the cemetery for $75.00 per mowing. We agreed to buy 3 gallons of paint for the cemetery fence posts.  The meeting date was April 14, 1988 in the church base­ment. Insurance discussed again, no decisions made.

 

April 21, 1988, another meeting, Rev. Reid, Sue McLaughlin, Herb Button, Dale Bennett, and Alice Sivers present.  Dale Bennett had contacted a lawyer regarding finding out we were not responsible for any liability claim as trustees, and the $100,000.00 Liability coverage would be all that was necessary for the building and grounds.  We only make suggestions for the congregation to follow. We decided on a project to cover the stained glass windows.  This is to be a "preferred project."  There is to be an adminis­trative board meeting April 29, 1988 to discuss insurance.

 

April 28, 1988, a joint meeting of trustees and administra­tive board. Present were:  Herb and Dean Button, Alice Sivers, Grace Bennett, Donna and Dale Bennett, and Rev. Margaret Reid. It was decided to ask of the other local churches how they covered the liability problem of insurance.

 

An informal meeting at the church March 11, 1989: Those present:  Herb Button, Rev. Reid, Virginia Clapper, Morris Fas­sett, Dale Bennett, and Alice Sivers.  No motions made but dis­cussions of the roof and siding were held. Ways to raise money discussed, such as barbeques, Pork Roasts, walk-a-thons, Rock-a-thons, selling refreshments at ball games, etc.  We have enough money for roofing.  The men will put it on. The estimate on the siding and labor is about $5,000.00.  It was suggested we do the siding as we can get the money.  The next meeting is to be March 29.          Alice Sivers

 

Daily Review on 8/22/2008

 Mrs. Alice L. (Leona)  Sivers, age 87, of RR 3, Box 3765, Laceyville, Pa., passed away early Thursday morning Aug. 21, 2008 at her home on Clapper Hill, in Tuscarora Twp. She was born in Laceyville, Pa., on Dec. 6, 1920, the daughter of the late George and Rhoda Sands Grow. Married to her husband Webb E. Sivers, for 70 years, they made their home and raised their family on their farm just outside of Silvara, on Clapper Hill. All of her life Mrs. Sivers was a housewife, and homemaker, for her family. She was also very active in her community, serving as the Tuscarora Twp. tax collector, for over 15 years, and serving on the Tuscarora Twp. School Board, and later on the Wyalusing Valley School District School Board after the consolidation of schools. She also attended the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church, and she was very active with the church family, serving dinners, for the many community functions. For the last few years, Mrs. Sivers attended the Transue Community Church, and all of her life she was a member of the Silvara Ladies Aide Society.  Surviving are her husband of 70 years, Webb E. Sivers; her daughter and her companion, Sharon Newberry and Clinton Higley, of Laceyville, Pa.; and her son and daughter in law, Art and Rosie Sivers, of Silvara, Pa. She is also survived by her 7 grandchildren, 6 great grandsons, and 1 great granddaughter, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 8 brothers and sisters, including her twin-sister, Mrs. Annis L. Tyler, who passed away on Apr. 7,1995. Funeral and committal services will be held on Monday morning, Aug. 25, 2008 at 11 a.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, Pa., with Rev. Charles Bishop, of the Transue Community Church officiating. Interment will be in the Quimby Cemetery, in Silvara, PA. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Monday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations to the Transue Community Church; C/O Mrs. Sandra Jayne, RR 1, Laceyville, Pa., 18623. 

 

 

 

 

The Ep'worth League at the Beaver Meadows Union Church

 

*  Historians note:  The Ep'worth League was established in May 1889, in Cleveland Ohio by the Methodist Episcopal Church.  The purpose was to promote earnestness and loyalty in the spiritual life of the young people in the Church. The original organization had Senior and Junior chapters. It was very much like the M.Y.F. that has been active here off and on for many years.

 

We find that the Ep’worth League was first mentioned in the Quar­terly Conference Report minutes April 25, 1891.   The officers were not listed, but they were approved at the conference.   This is the only league in the charge.  The Pastor VanWert pleads for the support of the League and Sabbath Schools to have a success­ful year.

 

In the July 11, 1891 Quarterly Conference Reports we find their are about 25 members of the League at Beaver Meadows trying to get into effective work.

 

In July 16, 1893 Quarterly Conference Reports we find there   are two Ep’worth Leagues in the charge, both starting off with promise of doing good work.

 

Notes copied from the old missing record book states the follow­ing:  May 4, 1901, Mrs. Joey Carter was President of Ep’worth League.  This is verified by the Quarterly Conference minutes.

 

May 16, 1903 Quarterly Conference Records state Mrs. Pickett (Susie probably) gave the report on the League at Beaver Meadows.

Unfortunately we do not know what she spoke of.

 

April 23, 1904 we find Mrs. Joel Carter gave the report to the Quarterly Conference.

 

January 28, 1914 we find Tressa Pickett was approved as President of the Ep’worth League.

 

The January 16, 1915 Quarterly Conference Reports contained the following report, "The League meets regularly each Sunday evening and is in flourishing condition.  There are from 35 to 40 active members. Respectfully Submitted, Mrs. James Culver, President of the Epworth League.    (Mrs. Anna Culver)

 

The January 3, 1916 Quarterly Conference Reports show Mrs. Harry Pickett as the President of the Epworth League.

 

No more information was ever located on this organization at Beaver Meadows.

 

Sabbath School or Sunday school at Beaver Meadows through the years.

 

On June 3, 1885, in the Quarterly conference records, we find L.A.  Pickett elected Superintendent of Sabbath Schools.

*  Historians Note: that is the year Mr. Pickett died, June 8, 1885.  We do not know who finished his term.

 

From the Quarterly Conference Report: we find J.D.  Taylor the Superintendent of Sabbath School May 23, 1877.  Sabbath schools operated usually during the summer months with great attendance.

 

The January 7, 1888 Quarterly Conference records state that we have the only Sabbath School continuing through the winter months. There are about 22 teachers and leaders, with about 125 scholars in the charge.

 

January 26, 1889 Quarterly Conference reports state that Burt R. Jones is the Superintendent of Sabbath School at Beaver Meadows.  Sunday school is in progress, and there are 8 teachers with 8 classes. The Sunday Schools in the charge are known as community on Missions Sunday Schools, not just regular Sunday school classes.  Bertha Clapper at Beaver Meadows leads the Temperance One Education class. 

 

On December 28, 1890 it appears that Mrs. N.R. Jones is in charge of our Sunday school, as she is listed under the Quarterly Con­ference Reports for Education chairman.  The Freedmen’s groups were under the leadership of Marcus Pickett; Temperance is under control of R. Cobb, and Tracts with Mrs. Marcus Pickett.   The Sunday school continues through the winter and is quite success­ful.  The minister has preached to our Sunday school at different times.  Revival meetings that have been held were quite success­ful.

The April 25, 1891 Quarterly Conference Reports   show Marcus Pickett replaces Brother John King who has moved away as Superin­tendent.   The average attendance is about 50 persons.   A large number of scholars have joined the church on probation. (We find no names, or results of membership growth proving this.) 

 

July 16, 1893 Quarterly Conference Reports state there are 4 Sunday Schools in the Charge, Beaver Meadows being the only Union, not Methodist. There are an average of 150 persons attend­ing charge wide. Brother Cornell is Superintendent charge wide. There is such a great interest among the people, he states, he cannot spare as much time as he feels needed. 

 

In  1893 and 1894 we find Charles Howe Superintendent of Sabbath Schools by Quarterly Conference minutes.   March 7, 1894 we find Mrs. Raymond Cobb in charge.  In 1896 we find J. McLaud  (Jonas) in this office from the same record book.   January 20, 1895

Finds Raymond Cobb as Superintendent of the Charge Sabbath schools, and his wife Mary Owens Cobb, in charge at Beaver Mead­ows. The January 1904 records show Mrs. Marcus Pickett as Super­intendent of Sunday School, and in April 1904 Marcus Pickett is back at the helm. 

 

The Quarterly Conference minutes January 19, 1907 show Mrs. C.B. Culver as Superintendent of Sunday Schools with Ethel Cobb in charge of education.

 

The February 15, 1910 Quarterly Conference Minutes record that George McLaud is the Superintendent.

 

The April 20, 1912 and the January 4, 1913 Quarterly Conference Reports show Mrs. R.W. Cobb is Superintendent.

 

On December 29, 1912 the Quarterly Conference was held at the Trinity church, with Mrs. Mary Cobb giving the following report on Sunday School at Beaver Meadows; There are 11 officers and teachers, 35 scholars of all ages, average attendance is 20, and there are 20 listed on Cradle Roll, Number of officers and/or teachers that are members or on membership probation to the church are 4.  Current expenses are $12.00 for this quarter.  Mrs. Mary Cobb Secretary (Mrs. R.W. Cobb)

 

April 1914 Quarterly Conference Reports show Henry Sharer as Superintendent of Sunday School.  This disagrees with the Sabbath School minutes as Mrs. Joel Carter is listed as Superintendent for the upcoming year at the December 28, 1913 meeting.

* Historians Note; I have no explanation for the discrepancy.  I never find Henry Sharer mentioned in the Sunday school minutes.

 

January 28, 1914 at Rush: Quarterly Conference Reports show the following submitted by Mrs. J.C.  Carter Superintendent; 5 teachers and officers, 35 scholars, average attendance 25, total scholars enrolled that are members of the church are 35, current expenses  $16.00 for the year. $32.00 was raised for missions during the year.  Respectfully submitted by Mrs. J.C.  Carter, Superintendent

 

The January 16, 1915 minutes recorded in the Quarterly Conference Minutes show the following; "The Sunday School meets regularly each Sunday morning.  The school was never in better condition than at the present time.  All of our debts are now paid and there is money in the treasury.  Respectfully Submitted Mrs. Joel Carter, Supt."

 

The Quarterly Conference Reports for 1915 show the following; "Organized Classes 5, Bible Seekers about 20 members, Victor Class  (young men) 5, Live Wires (young women) 12, Sunshine Band (Juniors) 16, Star Class (Beginners) 8, We have Sunday School the year around, Regular attendance about 50.  Home Department, none; Missionary department Pd. $3.97; Cradle Roll, Papers, and Lesson helps.  Miss Florence Marbaker, Secretary, Mrs. Carter, Supt."

 

*  Historians Note; Miss Florence Marbaker became the wife of Glenn Trible. 

 They were the parents of Clyde Trible and Mae Trible Ross residing on the family homestead that was purchased from the land warrants by Joseph and Susan Cottrell Marbaker about 1849.

 

   Photo loaned by Phil Herman

Florence (Mrs. Glenn Trible) and Nellie Marbaker (Mrs. Francis Hood)

From the Secretaries Book of the Beaver Meadows Sabbath School, which was purchased November 13, 1908:  The following are a few of the minutes of the meetings; there is nearly a complete record of meetings from 1908 to1948.  Miss Tressie Pickett (20 August 1892 to 10 April 1974) acted as recording secretary for the very early book.  Miss Tressa M. Pickett was the daughter of Samuel and Katherine Pickett, she later married Walter Tompkins.  She signs the minutes, Tressa.

 

I recorded the spellings just as they are recorded, errors and all. The first minutes are on November 15, 1908; singing, prayer, responsive readings and recitation of verses opened the meeting. There were 14 persons present. The collection was $.09.  Singing and repeating the Mizpath closed the meeting.

 

November 22, 1908, opened by singing, prayer by Mrs. Dennison, responsive reading, recitation of bible verses, then on to class exercises, 26 present, collection $.29, closed by singing and repeating the Mizpah.

*Historians note regarding the Mizpah: Most all Sunday school classes were closed by the Mizpah which comes form Genesis Chapter 31:May the LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

 

January 10, 1909; Sabbath School opened by singing hymn number 90 and number 360.  Prayer was led by Mrs. Hall.  School proceeded to class exercises, responsive readings, recitation of verses, 4 teachers present, 17 scholars present, and collection 4?   Repeated the Mizpah.  The election of officers was as follows; Superintendent, Mr. M.J.  Pickett, Assistant, Mrs. C.B.  Culver, Organist, Florence McLaud, Choralist, Mrs. J.C. Carter, Teachers; Bible Class M.J. Pickett, Class 1   Isilda Clapper, Class 2 Mrs. J.G.  Carter, Class 3 Mrs. Susie Pickett

*  Histrorians note:  Repeating the Mizpah or the Golden Rule always closed Sabbath School!  The Mizpah; Genesis 31 verse 49, The Lord Shall Watch Between me and thee, When We Are Absent From One Another. There was a Sunday School convention at West Auburn, Rev. Dunmore, Rev. Warrick, and Rev. Hudgins from Beaver Meadows were the speakers. The attendance was good reports Leo Bolles.  People traveled from all over to these conventions.

 

December 5, 1909; Mr. Fowler lead the prayer.  They sang hymn number 196.  There were 3 teachers, 11 students, and 1 visitor present.  Collection was $.10.

 

Elections for 1910:  Supt. Mr. George McLaud, Asst.  Mr. Marcus Pickett, Organist Florence McLaud, Chorister Nina Clapper, Teach­er of Bible Class Mrs. Frank Hall, Class 1 Kate Clapper, Class 2 Mrs. Marcus Pickett, Class 3 Mrs. Joey Carter, Treasurer Mrs. Marcus Pickett, Florence Marbaker Superintendent?

 

* Historians note: From a newspaper clipping, accompanied by a photograph; The Beaver Meadows Church School picnic in 1910 was held at Tuscarora Lake, then known as Kinney Pond.   Just getting to, enjoying the picnic, and returning home was an all day experience. The picnic area in that time era included picnic tables, a bandstand, and a pavilion.  The people known attending from the newspaper article in the photograph are as follows, actually the newspaper copy I had which burned had numbers on the people for identification, sadly its gone:  Stell Clapper, Susie Pickett, Lucy Bennett, Alice Hall, Katie Clapper Garris, Nina McLaud, Hazel  (Bennett), Florence McLaud, Karl, Vern, Paul, Myrtle, and George Wakeman, Ruth Hall, Donald Sharer, Angie Sharer, Ruth Harrison Pickett, Leola Smith, Ben Smith, Harriet Hall, Nellie, Mamie, and Florence Marbaker, Geneva Smith, Mary Bennett, Marion Bennett, Ed Marbaker, Jimmy Marbaker, and Susie Pickett Garris.  There were at least 57 people present in the photo. As for identifications from relatives, little Ben Smith (Born 1903) is the fellow in the front row with the frilly bowtie and his sister Geneva Smith (Brotzman) or Leola Smith (Melan) is the young lady between the two gentlemen beside him. It is hard to tell Geneva (Born 1900) from Leola (Born 1902) with just a two-year difference in ages.

 

The same photo belonging to Martha Walker, which was found in Hettie Marbaker Moore’s scrapbook, tells us that Edward Marbaker Sr. is the fellow with the beard on the right. The following message is written on the back, copied as written:

 

 

The group picture is a post card with the following recorded on the back:

 

Return to H. Marbaker in 10 days if not called for.

Sept 14, 1910

Friend Hettie and Siel, Thanks for the card but hant seen the letter yet. I seen your Ma at (looks like Lawton or Laurton) fair she told me where to send this. Lute (I assume meaning Luke/Luther Marbaker) was pretty mad about the picture. I wish you would get some taken from it and send his back to him it was not the old gents at all. All are well. H. Marbaker.

The card is addressed to Mrs. Hettie Moore, Peckville Pa and post marked Wyalusing Pa 6PM Sept 13 1910

 

I would like to note Hettie was the daughter of Edward and Almeda Wage Marbaker Jr.

 

Beaver Meadow Sunday school 1910 Kinney Pond picnic

 

* Historians note; September 11, 1911 at Beaver Meadows there was a meeting of Sabbath School Superintendents.  In attendance was George McLaud for Beaver Meadows, he reports that the attend­ance is about 30 students, and they meet at 1.30 p.m.   Claude Carter represents Retta.  He reports there are about 20 students that meet at 10.30 am.  Leo Bolles from West Auburn was also there to record this event.  He also recorded a church conference was held there one summer evening in 1911, and that H.C. McDer­mitt preached text Isaiah 48-31. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Sample of what happened at the conventions! Note Katherine Clapper is there.

 

June 30, 1912, Sunday school was in wonderment, tardiness the problem, Superintendent Mrs. R.W. Cobb; Assist. Mrs. M.J.  Pick­ett; Organist Katherine Clapper; Chorister Mr. R.W. Cobb; Teacher class 1   Mrs. M.J. Pickett, class 2 Mrs. J.G.  Carter, none listed for class 3, class 4 Mrs. R.W. Cobb, Sunday school closed with many sad, disgusted faces!

* Historians note; there was a Sunday School Convention held at Beaver Meadows!  Leo and Bertha Crawford Bolles, and Edith Possinger from West Auburn reported that the attendance was good, about 100 at­tended, and that there were three preachers speaking.  Leo Bolles served as a layperson speaker at many churches in the area, in the absence of the minister.

 

August 8, 1913:  Miss Katherine Clapper entertained her S.S. pupils of the intermediate class and others at her pleasant home.  Dainty refreshments were served at 2.30 o'clock to 20 pupils, at 3 o’clock the little flock was called to order by the President and elected the following officers:  President Katherine Clapper; Secretary Nellie Marbaker; Treasurer Cecil Hall; Sick committee Marvin Brotzman and Marion Bennett; Program committee Katherine Brotzman, Georgiana Devine, and Leola Smith; Name of Class: Sunshine Band, Name of flower Daisy, Class Pledge: Do all the good you can.  In all the way you can; To all the people you can; Reason for organization; regular attendance, increase mem­bership, and finance, class colors:  White on green

 

 

This is a class from the Clapper Hill School, maybe 1912; the teacher is Katherine Clapper (4^th back row). I recognize some of the students, (left to right) Marion Bennett (5^th child back row), Leola Smith (next to Marion) and her brother Ben Smith is the 1^st child in the back row. Ernie Clapper (which one I don’t know, but he should be there) and his brother Daniel Clapper (6^th child in the first row). There should be some Marbaker children in this photo. If anyone has them identified please share the names.

 

 

 

 

 

December 12, 1913; Sunshine Band gave $1.50 for payment of the organ.

*  Historians note; The Quarterly Conference minutes recorded 1915 as the year when the church finally got the organ every group had been saving for.  However, there were organists listed as officers prior to this time, therefore, there must have been a previous organ.

 

December 28, 1913; Meeting opened by singing, responsive read­ing, prayer by Mrs. Carter, reviewed lessons; total of 34 present.  Meeting closed by prayer, election of officers; Super­intendent Mrs. Carter; Assist. Superintendent Tressie Pickett; Secretary Katherine Brotzman; treasurer Rosa Brotzman; Organist Mrs. George McLaud; Assistant organist Miss Tressie Pickett; Chorister Joel Carter; teachers as follows: Class 1 Mrs. M.J. Pickett, Class 2 Katherine Clapper, Class 3 Tressie Pickett; Class 4 Mr. M.J. Pickett; Class 4 Mrs. N. Bennett;

 

April 25, 1915: Sunday school as usual, total of 29 present, total collection of $.35, Sunday school closed as usual.  The young ladies of Beaver Meadows met at the home of M.J.  Pickett. They organized their group.  The name of the class is the  "Live Wires."  The motto is "Live Wires for Christ," the colors; Gold and Green; the officers elected were as follows; President Zeal­tha  (Zeltha) Blakeslee, Vice President Hazel Bennett, Secretary-Treasurer Katie Brotzman, Social committee Gladys Devine, Tressa Pickett, and Geneva Smith, sick committee Mildred Wootton, Nellie Marbak­er, and Isabel Carlin. The "Live Wires" will hold a social May 29 for the benefit of the class.

*  Historians note:  These ladies held many of these social events. From a   newspaper clipping October 17, 1917, they held a social at the home of Mr. and Mrs. L.D. Carlin, Cake, coffee, sandwiches, and pickles were served for $.10. These same young ladies paid $50.00 for a stained glass window in our church!  Susie Pickett was the teach­er.  Glenn Bennett recalls they were always doing something good for the church.  They also put on many play for public enter­tainment.

 

May 9, 1915; Sunday school beginning as usual, with 33 present, collection of $.43.  After Sunday school the young men met at the home of Marcus Pickett and organized their class named "Bound to win." Class Motto; Work to Win, Officers were elected as follows; President Bryce Whitney; Vice President Willie Woodruff; Secre­tary Leo Wootton; Treasurer Henry Pickett; Social Committee Nathan Smith, Robert Smith, and Marion Bennett

* Historians note: Class names included Sunshine, Live Wires, Earnest Seekers, Star Class, and Victor class or Winner class.  There were as many as 5 teachers present and sometimes 47 people at Sabbath School in 1916.  They also ordered material from David C. Cook publish­ers.   Sunday School could be canceled because of rain, not just snow. Everybody walked, nobody wanted to get wet!

 

 

Officers for 1916; Chairman of elections was Marcus Pickett; Supt. Mrs. Lucy Bennett, Asst. Supt. Mrs. Una Pickett, Organist Lena Clapper, Asst. Organist Mrs. James Garris, Chorister Orell Clapper, Secretary James Garris, Asst. Secretary Marion Bennett, Treasurer Mrs. James Marbaker, Teachers: 1st Class   Mrs. James Garris, Live Wires Mrs. Marcus Pickett, Bible Class Mrs. Hall, Star Class Mrs. Jas. Marbaker, Victors Class M.J. Pickett, October 1916; The second book of Sabbath School minutes was pur­chased by Mrs. N.C. Bennett, Supt. She records the classes; Number 1 Sunshine Band, Number 2 Live Wires, Number 3 Ernest Seekers, Number 4 Star Class, Number 5 Winner Class. 

*Historians Note: Leo Bolles, a Lay Speaker for the Methodist Church recorded in his diary that there were 90 at a Sunday School Association Convention there May 29, 1916. My only question is where did they put them all; remember it was just the upstairs then. In another dairy he recorded 100 plus in attendance.

 

 

 

Officers of 1918; Election day January 6, 1918, Supt. F.E.  Bel­den, Asst. Supt. Mrs. Joey Carter, Organist, Vera McLaud, Asst. Organist Euna Pickett, Chorister Mrs. J.C.  Carter, Secretary Mrs. James Marbaker, Asst. Secretary Nellie Marbaker, Treasurer Mrs. James Marbaker; amount in treasury $5.85, Classes: Sunshine Band, none present; Live Wires, Mrs. M.J. Pickett; Earnest Seek­ers, Euna Pickett; Winners, Mr. Marcus Pickett; Star Class, Mrs. J.G. Carter;

 

 

 

 

 

September 22, 1918 Mr. F.E. Belden was given $1.00 for attending the County convention in Towanda.  

 

October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, and 10 1918:  No Sunday School due to influenza!

 * Historians note; Florence Sink Brotzman used to tell stories of how many babies and pregnant women died with this outbreak.  She was expecting the twins (Mearl and Pearl) at the time of this epidemic.

 

Officer elected for the year 1919; Supt; Mrs. Joey Carter, Asst Supt. Mr. M.J. Pickett, Secretary Vera McLaud, Treasurer Mrs. Lottie Carlin, Asst. Treasurer Marion Bennett, Organist Vera McLaud, Asst. Organist Mary Bennett, Chorister Mrs. Joey Carter.  Teachers:  Earnest Seekers Mrs. Wavie Culver, Live Wires Mrs. Marcus Pickett, Sunshine Band Isabelle Carlin, Winners Mr. M.J. Pickett, Star Class Mrs. Joey Carter 

 

August 24, 1919: No Sunday school because of Camp Meetings.

 

May 6, 1920:  Officers elected, Supt. Mrs. Joey Carter, Asst. Supt. Mrs. M.J. Pickett, Secretary Leola Smith, Treasurer Mrs. Lottie Carlin, Organist Vera McLaud, Asst. Organist Lena Clapper, Chorister Mr. J. G. Carter

 

July 25, 1920, Sunday school and church met in the School House.  The church was in no condition to have services. (They must have been installing the new stained glass windows.) 15 students present, total collection $.61.  Read the secretaries report, sang hymn number 87, then classes were held.  Read the Mizpah for the closing.

*Historians note: They got those new windows installed rather quickly in order to just miss one week of services. The Clapper Hill schoolhouse was located then on the Culver property which is now owned by Morris and Charlotte Fassett. It was located approximately where the trailer of Dawn and Pete Baldwin is situated.

 

August 8, 1920; No Sunday School because of Mr. Dorwick’s funeral. (Nathaniel Dowrick 1832-1920) There wasn’t and Sunday school the next week due to a camp meeting.

 

Lets skip to 1922 now! The records in between were recording the same type of thing, how many attended, what verses were being said and the class officers here were always changing amongst the same people. They knew how to work well with each other and build a strong church and Sunday school, or Sabbath School as they called it. This just reaffirms my beliefs that if you don’t have a strong Sunday school, you don’t have a strong church or future, as those kids are your future. They knew it!

 

January 15, 1922 Sunday school opened as usual, including two duets. Live Wires were taught by E.J. Melan, the class consisted of Miss Blanche White, Ben Smith, Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Melan; The Sunshine Class consisted of Ella, Max, George, Daniel; The Star Class consisted of Irene, Vera Woodruff, Naomi Smith, Mrs. Joey Carter and Glenn Bennett.

*   Historians Note: Possible names of students, Ella Marbaker, Max Smith, Daniel Clapper Sr., George McLaud, Irene? E J Melan was Edward Joseph Melan and his wife Leola Smith Melan.

 

 

July 11, 1926, Officers elected: Supt. Mrs. Joey Carter, Assist. Supt. Miss Vera McLaud, Secretary Ruth E. Hall, Treasurer Vera McLaud, Organist Vera McLaud, Assist Organist Evelin Pickett, Bible Class teacher? , Intermediate class Ruth E. Hall, Young Men’s class?  The young ladies class? Formal opening omitted, the lesson was the early life and education of Moses.  11 in the bible class present collection $.47, 5 intermediates present collection $.05, total present 18, and the total collection $.52. Sunday school closed.

 

The entire year of 1930 is missing!  This was the year that Mrs. Marcus Pickett died.

 

July 12, 1931: the supplies for the quarter, from David C. Cook cost  $1.37.   Opening song Onward Christian Soldiers, Eleanor Clapper and Verna Clapper sang a duet. There were 27 present.

January 10, 1932; Sunday school opened by singing "I Love To Tell The Story."  Prayer by Mrs. Joey Carter, followed by the Lords Prayer, Election of Officers; Superintendent Ruth Hall, Asst Superintendent Elizabeth McCormick, Secretary Treasurer Anna Sharer, President of Cradle Roll Department   Verna Clapper, President of Home Health department Mrs. Culver, Organist Mrs. Lena Clapper, Asst. Organist Anna Sharer.   Teacher; Beginners Verna Clapper, Primary. Elizabeth McCormick, her assistant Mrs. Joey Carter, Junior class Ruth Hall, Intermediate class Lena Clapper, her assistant Mrs. Wavy Culver, 21 present collection $.30. Sunday school dismissed.

*  Historians Note; The "Cradle Roll" at Beaver Meadows; When a child was baptized, a tiny cradle with the name of the child was hung on to a large cradle that was located on the sanctuary wall.  Many cradles were added to this as children became baptized.   No one seems to know what happened to this record of baptism at the church, or when it was discontinued.

 

June 19, 1932: there was a social at the home of Mrs. John McCormick. Gains: $10.47.

 

Officers elected; January 1, 1933, Superintendent Mrs. John McCormick; Assist. Superintendent Miss Ruth Hall; Secretary and Treasurer Frederick Canfield; Head of cradle roll Merle (Mearl was the correct spelling) Brotzman.

 

January 22, 1933: Miss Hall gave the report of the district  #9 meeting.  There was only one teacher and one student present, so classes were dismissed hoping for fair weather. Collection was $.11.

 

April 1, 1934: Sunday school opened by the song "The Old Rugged Cross."   Prayer was by Hazel Taylor. Mearl and Pearl Brotzman, and Russell Taylor were appointed for the next social committee.  The lesson was the risen cross. Closed by singing "Onward Chris­tian."

 

June 17, 1934: the students are practicing for the Children’s day program.   Then they study "the risen Lord and the great commis­sion."  46 students present.

 

June 24, 1934: Grace Bennett, Ruth Hall, and Max Whitney are in charge of the next social. 33 students present, collection  $.33.  Closing prayer by Beatrice Woodruff.

 

December 23, 1934:Sunday school opened by  "Jesus Loves Me," followed by a prayer by Mrs. Hall, unison reading of scripture.  Ernest Taylor was appointed chairman of the elections; Election results; Ernest Taylor Superintendent, Asst.  Supt. Miss Ruth Hall, Secretary Max Whitney, Treasurer Grace Bennett, Adult teacher Marion Bennett, Willing Workers Elizabeth McCormick, her Asst. Miss Ruth Hall, Primary Class Mrs. Taylor, her asst.  Ethel Wootton, Organist Grace Bennett, Cradle Roll dept. Ethel Wootton, 16 present, $.38

 

July 26, 1936: Gideon Brotzman offered the prayer. There were 14 present, collection was $.45.

 

May 9, 1937: Sunday school reorganized with Mr. Andrews acting as chairman.  The following officers elected; Supt. Joey Carter; Secretary Irene Whitney; Treasurer M.V. Bennett; Organist Grace Bennett; Cradle Roll Supt. Mable Sharer; Bible Class teacher Wavie Culver; Young Peoples Wayne Bennett; Junior Class Angie Sharer; Primary Class Grace Bennett; Total present 22, collec­tion $.59

 

April 28, 1940: Election of officers; Superintendent Ruth Cul­ver; Asst Supt. Wayne Bennett; Secretary-treasurer Grace Bennett; Bible class Wavie Bennett, Junior class Angie Sharer; Young Peoples Wayne Bennett; Beginners Grace Bennett; A rising vote of thanks to the retiring Superintendent Mrs. Joey Carter; remarks by the new Superintendent Mrs. Ruth Culver; Song "Onward Chris­tian Soldiers,” Responsive reading, and the Lords Prayer.  The lessons studied from Isaiah.   15 present    Collection $.48

* Historians note: Joey Carter even taught Sunday school in her own home.  Many a time she taught all by herself.  Jenella Ryan recalls, "they went to Aunt Joeys and had fun and refreshments, then went to the church for serious Sunday school". Doug Clapper only remembers those good cookies Aunt Joey made!   It didn’t matter if it was Sunday or not, she might call a meeting on Saturday if she had a mind to, even a Friday!

 

September 1, 1946: No Sunday school no one came!

* Historians note: I had taught Sunday school from 1978 to 2005, and this has never happened to us!  What must have happened to cause that situation?  Maybe Aunt Joey wasn’t going to be there, and no cookies! Maybe the kids thought no cookies, no Sunday school! Aunt Joey had retired, she was the force behind Beaver Meadows Sunday school, she was my idol even though and I never met her! (Carol Brotzman)

 

This is the only list of students found. It must be about 1948, only the first names were listed except for May Trible.

Class 1            age   Class 2           age Class 3       age

 

Norma Jean (Sharer) 10 Donna (Clapper) 10 Ronnie (Sharer) 11

Mi-----?  14            Jeannette (Fassett) 8 Howard (Sharer) 13

May Trible 15          Midge (Clapper) 6 Ralph (Sharer) 15

Patricia (Stanton) 12   Beverly (Repsher) 9 Henry (Stanton) 11

Caroline (Fassett) 13   Leland (Repsher) 6

Charlotte (Repsher) 11

Lyle (Clapper)

Douglas (Clapper) 13

Daniel (Clapper) 15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This list of local residents was found in the Sunday School Secretaries book, the last items to appear in the book.   This was written after November 1942as Mr. and Mrs. Francis Brotzman are there and before March 1947 as Miss Jenella Garris is listed. She married George Ryan in March 1947. (Spelling is as recorded)

 

Laceyville R.D. 2                               Laceyville R.D. 1

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Stanton           Mr. and Mrs. V.D. Bennett

Mr. and Mrs. William Stouse          Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Bennett

Mr. and Mrs. Llewellyn Sharer       Mr. and Mrs. Marion Bennett

Wayne C. And Dorothy Bennett      Mr. and Mrs. Clark Brotzman

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Sharer            Mr. and Mrs. Francis Brotzman

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bennett        Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Brink

Mr. James A. and Miss Jenella Garris   Mr. and Mrs. Olin Fassett

Mr. and Mrs. Donald McCormick  Mrs. Ardella Hawley

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Marbaker       Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Dirk

Mr. and Mrs. Geo. McLaud            Mrs. Bryce Whitney and Family

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Culver             Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Whitney

Mrs. Wavie Culver                           Mrs. Nellie Hitchcock

Mrs. Annis McLaud                         Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Trible

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Cortez Jennings        Mr. and Mrs. Harry Pickett

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Clapper        Mr. Eldred Pickett

Mr. and Mrs. Orell Clapper           Mr. and Mrs. Elston Wootton

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Clapper         Mr. and Mrs. H.O. Wootton

                                    Mrs. Ethel Cobb 

 

 

 

* Historians note:  Since this book contains residents from 1948, I will now lists residents as of June 1, 1996.

 

 

Starting at the bottom of the "Dug Road," now called the Clapper Hill road.

Webb and Alice Grow Sivers

John Mowry and Jonathan

Russell  (Rusty) and Crystal Repsher Hons, children Erica and Christina, (they moved to Stevensville in September 1996)

Elston and Eleanor Lott Mowry

Glenn Bennett 

Robert and Anna Labzentis Bolles

George Bolles and children, Georgia and Robbie

Mrs. Rita Stine Clapper (widow of Daniel Jr.)

Ray Anderson and Linda Clapper Kirkowski, her children Heather and Lori

Douglas and Virginia Kelley Clapper

Rick and Vicki Clapper Ellis and children Jessi and Jordon 

Jerry and Tina Tenesco Clapper and son Daniel

Daniel Clapper Sr.

Daniel and Joan Clapper DeGaramo, and Heath

Terry Clapper

Donald and Sheila Hitchcock Repsher and daughter Dawn

Kevin Repsher and son Kyle

Dean Dennis and Kay Beard Shelton and Ray

David and Debbie Fassett Camp, children Cody, Christopher, Cheyanna 

Morris and Charlotte Repsher Fassett

Earl and Phyllis Friedemann (brother and sister, vacation home)

Angelo and Anna Stravatto (Summer home)

Robert and Pat Newhart Kelley

Julie Kelley Case and sons Brett and Christopher

Montie and Terry Weiscarver Kelley, and Tim

Liza McLaughlin and Donald Smith (married August 2, 1997)

Leo and Anna Bonti (summer home)

Almeda Ellsworth Steele, Anna Steele Brown, Carl Steele, Tammy Brown

Bill and Barbara Steele Brown, and children Bill and Jill, Daisy Brown, Victor Brown

Robert  (Porky) and Katie Ryan Sands, and daughters, Jenella, Sabrina, and Bobbie Jo

George and Jenella Garris Ryan

Pete Ryan, Cindy Sayman and children, Erica, David and Tonya Sayman

Tom Ryan

Lynn and Candy Benscoter Campbell and son Alex

A summer cottage, Mike Hudman’s

Walter Sharer, Ronald Sharer, Ralph Sharer

Howard and Joyce Hicks Fassett Sharer

Ken and Connie Fassett Sharer and daughters Jennifer and Jill

Arden and Norma Jean Sharer Campbell and son Aaron

Board Road starting at the top

Howard and Doris Bond, and daughter Karen Bond

Herbert and Dean Baker Button

Vacant summer home

Adeline and Jerry Nagin summer home (Jerry died in June 29, 1996)

Joe and Dolly Merchiore

Dick and Kay Glaser (summer home)

Jacob and Milita Mathe Sova (vacation home)

Dale and Carol Hoose Brotzman and children Mary Ellen and Charles

Dennis and Dorothy Jacobus Brotzman and son Dennis

Francis Brotzman and son Randy

Marvin and Kathy Repsher Teetsel

Cecil and Pearl Brotzman Repsher

Milton (Skeet) and Neta VanDeMark Repsher

Joe and Mary Rivenburg Repsher Matier and son Lee Repsher

Paul and Mary Fetter    (moved to Montrose July 31, 1997)

Dale and Donna Tewksbury Bennett and son Scott

Dean and Diane Bowman Bennett and son Nolan

Jim Czarkowski

William and Audrey Cummings Eberhardt

The corner of Benscoter Road and Whitney Road (known as Mabel’s Corners)

 (Turn left) Jerry Case, on the corner

Peter and Jane Gallagher McGee and son Christopher

Clyde and Marie Grover Trible

Carl and Marcella Jayne Whitney

Turn right at the intersection

Dale and Debbie Taylor Grover and children Amy and Tim

Alan and Laurie Holister Trible and children: Alan, Randy and April

Terry Hunsinger family

At the previous intersection if you had gone straight

A vacation home

Karen Schultz and her husband Richard occupy the old Max Whitney farm.

A new home being built by Marge and Les Williams of Pompton Plains, New Jersey

The Pickett Road 

Howard and LaLonnie Zeyher

Charles and Lillian Rowe vacation home

Phyllis Bell Hamilton Lockwood

Donna Kelley, and children Shannon and April

Randy and Sandy Benscoter Campbell and children Greg and Amber

County Line Hill

Janet Pfaff Cafasso and daughter Robin

James and Anna McDonough

A new home being built by McDonough’s

Bill and Helen Labzentis Yurgatis

Carl and Jeannie Hibbard Yurgatis, Mary Ann and Brian

Edward Bendock and Patty Smith household

The area has changed quite a bit since this 1996 listing; the Richard Card family has built a new home on the Board Road. The Dale Bennett’s have moved into a new home with the family of Jerry Wing moving into the old farmhouse.  Pearl and Cecil Repsher’s home is vacant as they are in a nursing facility.  Dennis, Randy and Francis Brotzman are gone on to greater rewards. The Buttons have passed away as have the McDonough’s, Merchiore’s and the Nagin’s. Helen Yurgatis is gone and my dear friend Phyllis Lockwood too.  Walter Sharer, and his sister Grace Bennett who had much to do with the early church have both gone on to greater rewards.  We trust all have made the final journey to heaven. The Leslie and Marge Williams have sold the home, which was being built on the Whitney property and bought part of the Olin Fassett farm to use as a retirement home.   So many changes in just a few years, and these are not all.  The church has changed its outward looks, but God still lives there accepting all of us who accept him. Give us a try on Sunday mornings at 9 O’clock. That time has changed to; it was previously church at 11 and Sunday school at 10, which is still at 10 o’clock.

 

 

 

 

More changes at Beaver Meadows May 14, 2005, photos by Jane McGee

Many were counting the 60 rings to make an estimation of the trees age.

 

A Ministers Map, compiled by the minister is next. The residents listed date it to about 1910. It is followed by a typed list of residents found in the same membership book. The first map is an 1850 Barber census map Tuscarora Township.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This wonderful map with roads that no longer exist was found in the Rush Church membership record book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1850 Barber census map of Tuscarora Township, Bradford County, PA

The next map is about 1868 of Tuscarora Township

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A map of Tuscarora Township about 1858

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modern Sunday school data!

From report to conference 1966: the Beaver Meadows Sunday School

1965 report: There were 3 officers, 1 substitute teacher, and 10 children under 11 years, and 11 children 12-21 years old active in the Sunday school. Home extension members 6, Average attendance 8 children, 1965 Bible school had 35 attending. 

There were no new members joining the church.  All three Classes, all use their own materi­als.                    Mrs. Arthur Garris, Chairman

 

The following is a list of students from the 1950’s to 1978, compiled by Carol Brotzman, Gwen Pickett, and Jenella Ryan.  I apolo­gize to anyone who might have been left out, as there is no writ­ten list.  The teachers were as follows: Louise Whitney, Jenella Ryan, Helen Clapper, Odessa Garris, Jeanette Fassett Shoemaker and maybe more, however these were the mainstays that kept it going. A church without a Sunday school has no future. These folks did their best, and kept the church alive with a Sunday school.

Pat Amitage, Tom Armitage, Scott Bennett, Steven Bennett, Alan Brotzman, Dale Brotzman, Dennis Brotzman, Norma Jean Brotzman, Sue Brotzman, Ray Brotzman, Anna Brown, Jim Brown, Judy Button, Kelli Button, Linda Button, Sue Button, Lynn Campbell, Randy Campbell, Rick Campbell, Jerry Clapper, Joan Clapper, Shelley Clapper, Terry Clapper, Vicki Clapper, Darrell Fassett, Diane Fassett, Debbie Fassett, Bradley Garris, Jim Garris (later to be an Air Force Chaplain), Kathy Garris, Cameron Kelley, Julie Kelley,  Michelle Kelley, Montie Kelley, Shannon  Kelley,   Danny Kovalick, Elaine Kovalick, Rose Kovalick, Hilary McLaughlin, Liza Mclaughlin,  Jeff Millard, Dave Olmstead, Charlene Pickett,  Gwen Pickett, Tolise Pickett, Amy Repsher, Dawn Repsher, Kevin  Repsh­er, Lorie Repsher, Scott Repsher, Skeet Repsher Sr., Skeet Repsh­er  Jr., Arthur Ryan, Bill Ryan, Eugene Ryan, Kate Ryan,  Loretta Ryan,  Pete Ryan, Tom Ryan, Donna Sands, Jack Sands,  Jim  Sands, Larry Sands, Wayne Sands, Nancy Trible,  Cathy Whitney, Donna Mae Whitney,  Gary  Whitney, Larry Whitney,  Sharon  Whitney,  Brenda Wilson, Gordon Wootton, Sandy Yurgatis

 

Sunday school continued through the years.  Odessa Garris was Superintendent, and then Jenella Garris Ryan later became Superin­tendent.   There were lapses between classes sometimes, however on October 20, 1978, a newly reorganized Sunday school was formed. Donna Bennett, Charlotte Fassett, Carol Brotzman, and Beverly Brotzman were teachers, and Jenella Ryan as the Superintendent.  Within one year there were 20 students enrolled.  There were even 8 members in the adult class taught by Herb Button. This estab­lished the present day Sunday school foundation of classes.  There have been as many as 64 students in Bible school 1979. Many of the students receive perfect attendance pins annually.   Mary Ellen Brotzman has 15 years perfect attendance, the record to date. With the support of the community, the children have presented four Hee-Haw Variety Shows, and an annual Christmas program. Children and adults alike participate, making it truly a community effort. Craft fairs in 1980 and 1981 provided a great day of fun, and we all got to see each other’s art works.  There were even children’s categories to encourage creativity.  Teachers over the last 27 years have included Sandy Campbell, Jane McGee (returned to teaching 2004), Donna Bennett retired in 2004, Carol Brotzman (both Carol and Donna started in 1978, Carol retired in August 2005), Sue Brotzman, Sandy Voda (Sandy retired in August 2005), Sue Beitel, Kathy Adams, Julie Millard, Linda Millard, Vickie Ellis, Mary Shatinsky, Amber Campbell, Jesse Ellis, Crystal Hons, and Candy Card. Herb Button was the long time adult Sunday school teacher. Superintendents have been Jenella Ryan, Dean Button and Carol Brotzman

 

Adult Sunday school about 1990

Grace Bennett. Alice Sivers, James Lockwood

At the end of the table is probably Rose Hamilton, Phyllis Hamilton Lockwood’s daughter in law, 2^nd photo left to right the same lady, Phyllis Lockwood, Dean Button and Herb Button says do not take my picture.  Jane McGee’s photograph’s.

 

 

 

     In  1990, "God's Acre" was established to send our youth to Sky Lake Methodist Camp. Scholarships have been awarded to stu­dents earning the most points in Church and Sunday school attend­ance.  It works this way, $10.00 is given out to willing partici­pants in November.  The object is to invest that $10.00, and make a profit, with all the profits going back into the fund.   Making birdhouses and bird feeders are just some of the projects done by members. So far the project works well, 1 or 2 students go to camp each year, and the seed monies are still growing.  As the bible says, ye shall reap what ye sow. 

* Historians quote from a newspaper clipping of the August 19, 1990 Hee Haw show: The writer of the program was Carol Brotzman. The members of the Beaver Meadows Methodist Church Sunday School presented a "Hee Haw" program on Sunday, which delighted the audience. The clown was portrayed by Rev. William Nelson, gave much pleasure to everyone. There were two surprise events at the program.  One was a cake made by Sandy Campbell for Audrey and William Eberhardt on the occasion of their anniversary, and the other was the observ­ance of Mary Schweitzer’s Birthday, with a cake baked by Donna Bennett. The staff would like to thank all of the people who took part in the show and the audience, which was terrific!

 

We have had Special Easter Sunday Services too. One was when the Sunday school students sang and everyone present re­leased a balloon near the top of the cemetery containing their address.  I would like to note that this practice was stopped because of the ecology. We did not know it at the time that Whales and dolphins were swallowing these balloons that fell into the ocean. We could not be responsible for demise of these creatures.

 

 The following two were returned with letters.  The balloon of Mary Ellen Brotzman was found by Thurston L Morrison of RD#2 Box 89-A, Hallstead, Pa., 18822.  It was returned April 7, 1988, with the orange stump of a balloon and the following letter:

 

Dear Mary Ellen Brotzman,

I have found your broken balloon and your tag. I’m sending it back to you. I'm eleven years old.  If you would like to call me my phone number is area code 717-967-2510.

P.S.  I am a Christian too.

Your balloon finder Thurston L. Morrison. age 11 years.

 

 

The second balloon was found in Lawsville, PA. (Montrose area) April 13, 1988. My husband Theron Smith found your balloon in his quarry the 9th of April.  It came a few miles. I am sending you $5.00 for your church.  I am a member of the U.M. Franklin Forks Church, have been since 1925, that’s a few years.

Hope you have every success in your life.  God Bless. Sincerely, Marjorie Smith

 

            In regards to balloons, Dale Brotzman found a broken balloon let off by another Sunday school, it was launched from the Greater Sunday school Day on March 30, 1997, which was Easter Sunday. Dale Brotzman found it on April 8, 1997.  The broken blue balloon was found on the Stravatto property (formerly the lands of William and Mary Schweitzer).  In reply to finding the balloon, all the children attending Sunday school on April 13, 1997 signed a letter which was sent the following day as a to the Spanish Church of God, 279 Rhode Island Street, Buffalo, New York. We never received a response from them.

 

The following is a list of students participating in Sunday school compiled by my memory since 1978 when I first began teach­ing.   These students attended quite regularly.  *  Means they received year pins.  I hope I remembered them all!

 

* Brooke Adams, * Monica Adams, * Bryan Bennett, * Scott Bennett, * Steven Bennett, *Brian Benscoter, Noah Birdsall, * Amanda Brotzman, * Amey Brotzman, * Charles Brotzman, * Dennis Brotzman, * Mary Ellen Brotzman, Ray Brotzman Jr., Tammy Brotzman, Daisy Brown, Jill Brown, Tammy Brown, Tara Brown, Victor Brown, Cheyanna Camp, * Christopher Camp, * Cody Camp,  * Alex Campbell,  * Amber Campbell, * Erick Campbell, * Greg Campbell,  *Riley Campbell, Tonya Cantone, * Jessica Card, * Tyler Card,  * Joan Clapper,  David DeGaramo,* Heath DeGaramo, * Bill Eberhardt, * Tara Eberhardt,  * Jessi Ellis,  * Jordon Ellis, * Deborah Fassett, Jessie Fletcher, Lucas Fletcher,  Ryan Grindes,  Christian Harvey, * Josh Harvey, Matthew Harvey, * Michael Harvey, * Thomas Harvey, * Timothy Harvey,  * Brittany Hons, * Christina  Hons, * Erica Hons, * April Kelley, * Cameron Kelley, * Jack Kelley,   * Michelle Kelley, * Pam Kelley,  *Shannon Kelley,  *Tim Kelley, * Christopher McGee,  Daniel McGee, *  Jenni­fer McGee, * Peter McGee, * Peter McGee Jr., Lorraine  McGraw, * Hilary  Mclaughlin, *  Liza Mclaughlin, * Danielle Millard, * Isaac Millard,  * Jeff Millard, * Ronald Millard, * David Nedley,  * Cassie Nedley,  * Autumn Pickett, * Cathy Proof,  Konnie Proof,  Colton Repsher, * Dawn  Repsher, Hunter Repsher,  TyAn Repsher, * Kevin Repsher,  Kyle Repsher,  Lee  Repsher,   * Milton Repsher  Jr.  (Skeet), Nicole Repsher, Rochelle Repsher, Sarah Anne Repsher, Colby Ritter, * Sonya Ross, * Jenella Ryan, * Bobbie Jo Sands,  * Sabrina Sands, Douglas Sayman, * Erica Sayman, Tonya Sayman, Alan Shatinsky, Nicole Shatinsky, Carl Steele, Eric Stein Ellis, Erin Stein Ellis, Marty Stein, Todd Stein, Shane Stein, Johnicca Strozyk, * Alan Trible Jr., Randy Trible, Jeremy Whitney, Mike Wilcox, Brenda Wilson, Jaelin Wright,  * Dustin Voda, * Marissa Voda, * MaKayla Voda,  * Brian Yurgatis,  * Mary Ann Yurgatis, * Sandra Yurgatis,  

 

I will now include some photos through the years of Sunday school children.

The first is Charlie Brotzman, Sabrina Sands, Jenella Ryan, Jane McGee, Dennis Brotzman Mary Ann Yurgatis and Mary Ellen Brotzman about 1987.

The second is Jordan Ellis, Chris Camp, Crystal Hons, Erica Hons, Sandy Campbell and Cheyanna Camp about 1996

 

 

Always having fun while learning about God as you can see!

 

In the last few years Beaver Meadows has had a J.U.M.P. group, all teenagers headed up by Sandy Benscoter Campbell and Vicki Clapper Ellis. Some of the young people very actively involved have been Amber Campbell, Jessi Ellis, Jordan Ellis, Brian Benscoter, Bobby Barth, Alex Campbell, and many more may have participated whose names I do not know. They help bridge the gap between the young and the older generations of the congregation in the church, participating in church services, including Christmas Eve. They support such projects as TACO and by helping local less fortunate people in our area. Not knowing a lot about this group, I asked Sandy Campbell to enlighten us about J.U.M.P. in June 2005.

 

 

 

Hi Carol,

     J.U.M.P. stands for Juniors United in Ministry and Prayer.  The group
originally had Bud Otto as a leader also.  The first three members were
Amber Campbell, Jessi Ellis and Shawn Otto.  We started about 1998.  They started their ministry with Children's sermons during the Sunday morning worship
service and progressed to doing their whole worship service.  They have
done a service on Noah's Ark, The First Christmas and Creation.  They
provide games for the children at the Memorial Day Celebration.  They
have adopted families at Christmas for probably 5 years now.  They have
raised the money through Christmas tree sales, stationery sales, their
games on Memorial Day; bake sales and the collections from their Church
services.  We have provided Christmas gifts for as many as 21 individuals
at a time.  Each family that we sponsor also gets the ingredients for a
ham dinner.

     The kids are always willing to help out when called upon.  Rob Barth was
a regular for quite a long time also.  If I think of anything else I'll
let you know.  Thanks for asking and if you have any other questions,
please contact me. – Sandy

P.S.  Also, as you said we have done the TACO in the past and Christmas

 

From my Historians notes I find the following: September 11, 1999:  Rev. Bill is taking a well-deserved vacation.  His brother came to visit him. The youth group provided the service.  Vicki Ellis served as the minister.  Other key players were as follows: Sandy and Amber Campbell, Jessi Ellis, Shawn and Bud Otto.  It was a great program.

 

Beaver Meadows Sunday school 1995 year-end report;

 

     The Sunday school operated from the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in June.  There was one program congregation presented the first Friday night in December.  It is our annual Christmas program.   The awards for attendance presented.  Last year, 13 full year attendance pins ranging from 1 year to 16 years were awarded.  Students also receive starter pins after 4 weeks of perfect attendance. Lessons are purchased from David C. Cook and are studied every week, along with the singing of Christian songs and prayer. We intend to show all children that a good time can be found with Christ in your heart.                       

 From the Christian Education Department, Carol Brotzman

 

Halloween was always a lot of fun.  This must have been about 1988.

The little dragons slayer is Greg Campbell, the pumpkin is Matthew Hamilton, Bobbie Jo Sands, Sabrina Sands in the purple, Amber Campbell is a ballerina, the clown is unidentified, Chris MaGee is the Devil next to Charlie Brotzman in a suit as the headless horseman, the witch is Jenella Ryan, Mary Ellen Brotzman is holding Ashley Hamilton, and the final lady is Mary Ann Yurgatis.

 

 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

 

 

Christmas at Beaver Meadows 1978-1996

with additions by Carol Brotzman

 

Since 1978, Carol Brotzman was in charge of writing and directing the annual Sunday School Christmas program. The first year, the program was presented in the regular church service, however it moved to Sunday night and then the first Friday night in December. The subject of those Pagan trees was a touchy subject with the elders in the church. It wasn't until 1984 that the tree remained in the church for the whole season.  The Sunday school had used Christ­mas trees before in the annual Christmas program, but they were never left up for the Advent season.  I see very little reference to Christmas trees in the early church records, however the Fassett’s were getting one for the church in Mae’s diary. The last two live trees were given to Mary Schweitzer for her and Bill to enjoy. 

 In 1982, a small Jessie tree, or the descendants of Christ tree, was decorated with symbols of each descendant.  Ruth Culver requested that we please leave it up, so from then on we had a formal church tree.  The next couple of years, Mary Schweitzer was in charge.  She made paper ornaments, and conducted all the decorat­ing herself.  I am not sure which year she made the Grape Vine wreaths to adorn the altar and all the windows, but it was in the early 1980’s.  She nearly killed Emma Freidemann’s grape vine making them. Then about 1985 the church members got into the "Hanging of the Greens” tradition. The Sunday school bought garland and white lights.  Each family was asked to donate an ornament, and it was dedicated at the annual Christmas program. The tradition of decorating our tree at the Sunday School Christmas program was born.  Everyone still has a part in decorating the church families tree.

 

In 1986 Carol Brotzman made the miniature Christmas stockings with Jane McGee embroidering the family names of the community upon them.   Most families took theirs home after Christmas.  William and Audrey Eberhardt started donating a live Christmas tree about 1986. Up until this time, the trees were obtained from Jane McGee or Dale Brotzman. About the next year Phyllis Lockwood donated solid candles for the windows to replace the barrel candlehold­ers made by Carol Brotzmans’s Sunday School Class a few years back.   In October 1989, Jeanette Brotzman, Donna Bennett, Charlotte Fassett, Dean Button, Carol Brotzman, Phyllis Lockwood, and Mary Schweitzer decorated an assortment of wooden ornaments at the home of Carol Brotzman.  Sandy Campbell and Jane McGee decorated some of these ornaments at home also as they were working when the ladies met.  These were dedicated and embossed with names of members of the church at the annual pro­gram in December.   The next year however they weren’t used, all members of the congregation decorated a Jessie Tree with the names of Christ’s family.  The next few years all the orna­ments were incorporated into the program, with the congregation decorating the tree.  In 1994, Donna Bennett painted new wooden church ornaments, again purchased by the Sunday school.  Each contained the names of early church families; names repre­sented were from prior to 1850, to present day.  The windows were again dedicated with little churches placed on the tree bearing the names on the windows.  The program depicted the beginning of our church association with the Tuscarora Rush Religious Compact.  The children re-enacted how it came to pass, and how our compact, the Tuscarora Rush Religious Compact was re­corded at the Bradford County Court House, December 24, 1868.  Mary Case donated silver candleholders to the church from her wedding in 1994; they now adorn the windows for candle light ceremonies.  A Sand Dollar was added to the tree depicting hidden stars in nature as a remembrance of the 1996 Christmas story told by Carol Brotzman at the annual Christmas program December 15.   This was the first program that was not held the first Friday in December at 8 o'clock in many years.  It also was the first time the church had it's own artificial tree.  Jane McGee’s family obtained a 10-foot tree from a bank near Philadelphia for us to have here at Beaver Meadows. The Sunday school again bought new white and green garlands for this occasion. We appreciated the live trees from the Eberhardt’s, but ecology is important to us, and Donna Bennett didn't have to work quite so hard getting pine nee­dles out of the carpet and the heating system.  The new heating system was just too drying for the last real tree in 1995.  The Sunday school purchased a large nativity set about 1985, Peter McGee constructed a crèche, and Donna Bennett painted it. It has been in use ever since. It was used as part of the live nativity in 1996.

 

 

 

The cast: Angels were the Hons family baby Brittany, Christina, Erica and Crystal along with Cheyanna Camp, Tara and Bill Eberhardt were Mary and Joseph, Jordan Ellis and Bryan Bennett were Shepherds, the Camps, Cody and Christopher were Kings along with Alan Shatinsky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following are a list of the family ornaments dedicated in 1985:  2 handmade cloth stars dedicated to Wanda and Olin Fassett, made by Wanda:

A stuffed calico candle for Douglas and Ginny Clapper;

A snowman for Kenneth and Pauline Tewksbury who spent much time with their daughter Donna Bennett;

The wooden nativity made by Donna Bennett for the Dale Bennett family; Bryan Bennett had such a good time spinning this orna­ment in his first Christmas program about age 3.

The Christmas card ornament by Grace Bennett;

The wooden church made by Herb and Dean Button;

Howard and Doris Bond made the metal church with Luke Two labeling

2 satin balls represent the George and Jenella Ryan and Katie and Bob Sands families:

Carol Brotzman made a beaded star representing Florence Brotzman;

A pinecone wreath ornament made by Carol Brotzman represents the Dale Brotzman family and the never-ending love of God he showers upon all of us;

A green crocheted wreath made by Jeanette Brotzman represents the Francis and Jeanette Brotzman family;

2 needlepoint ornaments, Drummer boys, were made by Jane McGee, represented her family and the Clyde Trible family, they were taken home;

Needlepoint candy canes for the Carl and Bill Yurgatis families were also taken home.

Knitted white bells represented the Webb Sivers family, and Alice knitted many to give to church family members;

A macramé sleigh by Doris Pitcher;

A Santa Claus Clasping hands for the Milton Repsher family;  

A metal sleigh from the Milton Repsher family representing his parents Pearl and Cecil Repsher;

A wooden Mrs. Santa Claus from Morris and Charlotte Fassett

Rev. Richard West placed the carpenter’s nail on the tree, representing Christ

And at least 10 beaded wreaths made by Carol Brotzman represent families not donating an ornament.  There are several pinecone ornaments made in 1985 for the church. Crocheted ornaments donat­ed by Sandy Campbell and Jeanette Brotzman about 1988 round out our ornament collection.  Sandy crocheted with the finer thread.  Other decorations donated include: The star on top of the tree is from Marie Trible, donated about 1992.  Previous to this time, a homemade angel or macramé star made by Carol Brotzman was used.

Audrey Eberhardt donated another string of white lights.   

Charlotte Fassett donated silk poinsettias for the altar.

Bows from Donna Bennett, Jane McGee, Mary Schweitzer, Phyllis Lockwood, and Audrey Eberhardt pretty much cover our decorations.

The Eberhardt’s have often provided real poinsettias on the altar, and in 1995 poinsettias were purchased by families dedicated to loved ones past and present.

To go along with the children’s 2003 Christmas program, the Sunday school purchased a large nativity. Each child portrayed a character from the nativity.

 

Other special events of the Christmas season include holiday baskets for the shut in’s, caroling nearly every year since 1984. That was the year that Dale Bennett was driving the wagon that broke down crossing from Douglas Clapper’s farm to the Dale Brotz­man Farm  (in the hedge row).  The weather must have been well below zero, and the walk seemed like an eternity until they arrived on foot to the Dale Brotzman home to warm up.  They then walked to the main road singing all the way, to be picked up in cars, to return to the church for hot chocolate.  There was a great hymn sing at Christmastime 1985, with area children dancing, and local people singing and providing special music. 

 

Each year the children all receive a candy cane, and their attendance awards at the annual program.  It is a tradition here that all children make some kind of ornament for their own tree as a remembrance of Sunday school each year.  The teachers always give some sort of biblical present to the students. Bibles and New Testaments have been awarded.

 

It is at the Christmas program that the awards for the year are given out. Special awards of bibles have been earned for saying 100 bible verses, or reciting the books of the bible in order, all at one time.  Some of the children receiving them for 100 verses were, Sandy Yurgatis, Amanda Brotzman, Amey Brotzman, Mary Ellen Brotzman and Charles Brotzman.  Michelle Kelley earned hers for saying the books of the bible all at once to Alice Sivers. Jenella Ryan, the Superintendent at that time was absent that particular day. Michelle (Missy) was so excited; I had her say them to Alice who was attending the adult class. Alice learned them at age 3 and can still recite them to this day. Sandy Yurgatis earned both bible prizes. She tells me she received a regular white bible for saying the books of the bible and a white bible with her name embossed upon it for saying 100 verses.

 

A Christmas Eve service here at Beaver Meadows has been a tradition for many years. This being started well before my time, and I hope carried on, well after I am gone. I compiled these Christmas traditions from my memories in December 1996.  I would like to make a note that a new pre-lit artificial Christmas tree was bought by the ladies in 2004 and a new star for the tree.

 

* Historians note from Jenella Ryan: In all her many years of teaching, and her childhood memories, she recalls that birthday cake with Jesus, and hot chocolate were often served after a Christmas pro­gram uniting all in fellowship.  This has been done a few times since 1978.  Henry Stanton even paid us a visit as Santa Claus after the program in 1978 while cake was being served.

 

The following are some of the folks who have portrayed the jolly old elf Santa here at our church. (This list was compiled in 1998)

Mr. and Mrs. James Lockwood 1988, Bob and Bonnie Baker 1992, Theresa Stanton 1993, Dale Bennett 1994, Gwen Pickett 1995, no Santa in 1996, and Rusty Hons in 1997. Dale Bennett played Santa earlier on one Christmas leading his sleigh of Reindeer. Candy Campbell has portrayed Mrs. Santa on several occasions, even singing for us in her lovely costume made originally by Phyllis Lockwood.  In  1998, Greg Campbell who starred in his first Christmas program here about 1987 as the littlest Magi was now the big chief himself, Santa Claus!

 

Now which Santa is this Gwen?

Photo by Carol Brotzman, suit courtesy of Eleanor Sutton

 

 

My own 1997 Historians note reveals the following data with happy memories: December 5, 1997 at 8 p.m., it snowed, but the electricity stayed on, not like last year.  The annual Christmas program, it was the 20^th production for Carol Brotzman and Donna Bennett.  The theme this year was a community Christmas," and as usual to decorate the Christ­mas Tree. The Clapper family sang, (Vickie Ellis, Joan and Danny DeGarmo), Sheila Repsher and Sandy Campbell played the piano. Jessi Ellis and Bobbie Sands preformed violin and flute solos.  Carol Brotzman told the story the "Legend of the Candle."  Rusty and Crystal Hons, and their new baby Brittany, portrayed Santa and the Christ Child. Rusty also wooed the crowd as Santa Claus. New ornaments were placed on the tree representing new families of the church since 1989.   They are the following:  Jim and Ann McDonough, Janet Cafasso, Bobby and Sandy Voda and family, Guido Kumetz, Carl and Dorothy Nylund, Rev and Eva Nelson, Gwen Pickett, Ken and Judy Higley, Bud and Cathy Otto and family, Nancy and Gary Johnson, Kevin and Kyle Repsher, Stiril and Lisa Harvey and family, Joan and Danny DeGarmo and family, Ray and Debbie Taylor and family, Bill and Cindy Eberhardt and family, and the Rusty and Crystal Hons family.   Carol Brotzman and Donna Bennett were presented corsages and Calligraphy plaques for serving 20 years with the Sunday school.  The lithographs read:

 

 “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”  

 

A Birthday Cake for the baby Jesus, as well as a birthday cake for Morris Fassett who celebrated his birthday on December 5, were served following the program in the church basement. The church was filled with happy people!

 

 

 

 

 

Peter McGee snapped this photo in December 2003. Sandy Yurgatis Voda was presenting Donna Bennett and Carol Brotzman for 25 years of continuing service to the Sunday school. Donna retired the next year. The presentation was at the very end of the Living Nativity Christmas program. See those kids all have candy canes!

The Sunday school gave the church a beautiful nativity set to cherish and use as a remembrance from this program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The early church in Eastern Pennsylvania

 

Information from Chaffee’s "History of the Wyoming Conference," and from the Methodist Journals, "Heroism and Romance” compiled by Louis DeForest Palmer. Rev. David Crafts "History of Bradford County," and Stockers "History of Susquehanna County."

 

* Historians note:  Remember that this was a Union Church; there may have been any number of other denomination ministers provid­ing services here.

 

According to "Heroism and Romance,” William Colbert, at about the age of 21 listened to his divine calling and became the first Methodist circuit minister of this area. In the fall of 1792 he was sent to serve the Wyoming - Tioga circuit, from Wilkes Barre to Tioga (Athens.) It is very unlikely any minister ventured to our exact area during these early years, but the Methodist faith had it roots put down. Ready to sprout and grow.  It was recorded that Rev. Colbert preached at the home of Guy Wells, who lived on the Wyalusing creek, about 3 miles up from the river, near Camp­town.  The next day he ventured farther up the creek to near Stevensville to preach. Rev. Craft recorded that Colbert was probably the first Methodist minister to preach in Bradford County, at least the lower part of the county.   The Methodist faith was a relatively new religion in comparison to the other religions of the area.  

 

            In  1794 a circuit of Seneca, Tioga and Nova Scotia was formed.   Mr. Flemming was the presiding Elder.  Seneca had been taken from Tioga earlier that year.  Dr. Peck, of Tioga circuit gives the membership of Tioga at 138 souls in 1796.      In  1799 there was a new arrangement of districts, and the Northern part of Pennsylvania was connected with central New York, and Albany. William Lenahan was the presiding Elder.  John Leach and David Dunham were the preachers at Tioga.  In 1801 the Tioga district was embraced in the Albany district.   William Colbert became the presiding Elder in the Philadelphia conference in 1802.  In 1803, the Genesee district evolved from the Albany district, Rev. Colbert was appointed to this charge.  Tioga was only one of the eleven charges in the whole state of Pennsylva­nia.  In 1804 Joseph Jewell replaced Rev. Colbert as the Genesee district presiding Elder, a position he held until 1808.  Anning Owen is said to have been Elder part of this time but there is no proof.   History shows us Anning Owen later became involved the Skinners Eddy area.

 

            In 1808 there is a new arrangement of districts.  The Susque­hanna district is enlarged to include the Tioga Circuit, and is now attached to the Philadelphia Conference. John Chamberlain and Mr. Best were the preachers.  Mr. Loring Grant soon joined them.  Mr. Grant and Palmer Roberts continued on the circuit until 1810 when the circuit was enlarged. It now was extended, from  "Owego it extended over the mountains to above the forks of the Wyalus­ing, down the creek to its mouth, up the Wysox, and from the mouth to the head waters of Towanda, and on the head-waters of the Lycoming, there being in many places thirty mile between appointments.  From this later place the circuit extended over to Sugar Creek, thence to the river again at Sheshequin.   From Sheshequin they went to Tioga Point, then up to Waverly, thence to Elmira, and back to Owego."  This must have been some large circuit to travel, and I quoted it from Rev. Crafts History of Bradford County.

 

            The Genesee conference was formed July 20, 1810, and em­braced the Susquehanna district.  Dr. Peck states that there were seven circuits with a membership of 3,960.  In 1814, with the population growth, it was time to divide the old Tioga Circuit again.   The Susquehanna River divided the area.  The new circuit, which was formed at this time, was called the "Wyalusing circuit, and included the following terri­tory; From Owego south to Skinners Eddy, and then up the East side of the Susquehanna to Athens.  This area was about an area of about 40 miles by 20 miles.  The circuit was still part of the Susquehanna District.  Mr. Harmon was the presiding Elder, and Renaldo Everts was the Preacher.  The Stewards for the area were Joseph Ross and Joseph Utter.  The first Quarterly meeting was held at the home of Joseph Ross in Middletown, Susquehanna County September 24, 1814.  The collections reported totaled  $20.41, with deductions that left $14.62 for Mr. Everts quarterly wage. There was a quarterly meeting at Windham September 30, 1815.  Marmaduke Pearce appears to be the Elder and Elisha Bibbins was the pastor.   In 1814 the Spencer and Wyalusing circuits were connected.  The ministers were John Griffing, Caleb Kendall, and Philo Barbary. It was a very strong charge.  The ministers of the charge were required to preach three sermons on Sunday, and nearly one every weekday.

 

             In  1828, the Genesee conference was again divided, and a large portion was divided into what became known as the Oneida conference, but this did not affect our area.  In about 1832 the circuit was divided again, and the Pike circuit was formed in the Eastern section.   This area included Herrickville and Orwell area.   In 1839 the Wyalusing circuit was changed to the Orwell circuit.  Dr. George Peck left the area to become the editor of the "Methodist Quarterly Review."

 

            The History of the Wyoming Conference lists the following Elders for the Wyoming District, Oneida Conference: 1843-1845 Silas Comfort, 1846-1849 William Reddy, 1850-1853 D.A.  Shepard, 1854 George Peck, 1855-1857 W. Wyatt, 1858-1861 George Peck, 1862-1863 R.  Nelson, 1864-1866 H.R. Clarke, 1867 G.P.  Porter, 1868 R. Nelson, 1869-1872 George Peck, 1873-1876 G.R. Hair.

 

             In  1852, the old Susquehanna district, which was 49 years old now, dissolved.  It had become incorporated into the four new districts of the Wyoming Conference, which was newly organized that year.  With the new arrangement, the old Wyalusing circuit, which was part of Bradford County, was included in the Wyoming district.  Mr. Shepard was the presiding Elder. In 1854 the Wya­lusing district was formed, with George Landon as presiding Elder.  It embraced 14 charges and had a membership of 3,123 persons according to Rev. Craft.  The minister serving our area, Wyalusing, was Dr. Peck.  This is supported by our Quarterly Conference reports.

 

            The History of the Wyoming Conference states that "in 1855, the Wyalusing District was created, comprising the following appointments:  Montrose, Brooklyn, Gibson, LeRaysville, Tunkhan­nock, Skinners Eddy, Mehoopany Mission, Colley Mission, Nicholson, Wyalusing, Rome, Orwell, Litchfield, Windham, and Springville.   The district continued until 1878."  The following were Elders:  1855-1858 George Landon, 1859-1862 G.H. Blakeslee, 1863-1866 H. Brownscombe, 1868-1870 D.C. Olmstead, 1871-1874 Luthur Peck, 1875-1877 I.T. Walker. This was the Wyalusing District, Oneida Conference.

 

            In  1866 the Rush Mission was established, with an appoint­ment at Stevensville.  There is no mention of Beaver Meadows in Crafts History, but we know from a quarterly Conference record that Stevensville was in the Rush circuit with Beaver Meadows.  It also states that a part of the Skinners Eddy charge is also in Bradford County.  We know that the Tuscarora Church in Silvara was part of that charge, as were many schoolhouse connections of our area, including Fowler Hill.  The Tuscarora Church was not the Silvara church we know now. It was a chapel created by the Silvara Family on their property on the former Gerald and Mary Scouten property.

 

            Most of the preceding information was obtained from Crafts History of Bradford County, and seems to fit our area rather well, however the histories of the Skinners Eddy church, and the Wyoming conference give us a little different version.

 

This is a photo of the Skinners Eddy Methodist Church about 1922 by Leo Bolles

 

            The Bridgewater Circuit was established in 1813.  The first pastor was John Hazzard.  It took four weeks to travel his cir­cuit of 16 to 18 appointments.   One of the circuit ministers, Hiram Moore, preached at Skinners Eddy, winning back the Sturde­vant family from the Baptist belief, to their original beliefs in the Methodist faith. Colbert and the Elder Sturdevant (a Baptist Minister) met many times.  The Baptist had an active circuit along the Susquehanna River also, establishing the   Laceyville Baptist Church about 1794. Rev. Samuel Sturdevant was the active Baptist minister if the area, residing at Black Walnut.

 

            In  1830 the circuits of the Bridgewater Charge were: Springville, Auburn, Rush, Tunkhannock, Fairdale, Skinners Eddy, Meshoppen, West Nicholson, and part of the Montrose Charge.   The parsonage was at Lymanville.  Stockers History of Susquehanna County records that, "in 1830 the Methodist Churches of this sec­tion were served by the ministers of the Bridgewater Circuit, Susquehanna District of the Oneida Conference.  In 1841 the name was changed to Springville, and the Conference was Wyoming.  In 1855 Wyalusing District, in the Wyoming Conference, took its place, and so continued to 1877, when this county was classed with the Binghamton District." (I would like to note this was copied directly as written.)

             The 1837 list of churches associated with the Skinners Eddy charge does not include Rush.  I doubt there was any active church crowd here at Beaver Meadows in 1837. There were very few local inhabitants then, mainly just the Bennett family in lower Pike Township and the Fowler and Bishop families of Fowler Hill! Chandler Bixby bought virgin forests January 3, 1839.   He had already been living here prior as he had been paying taxes to Tuscarora Township in 1838.  Therefore I would venture to guess that our particular area was not too involved in any church cir­cuit yet.   Crafts History states that the Wyalusing area was included in the Skinners Eddy charge. 

 

             In  1841 the Springville Circuit was carved out of the old Bridgewater (Montrose) Circuit.  We know that the Auburn district was classed with this unit.  We could have a religious organiza­tion started at Beaver Meadows by now, as there are folks moving into the area.  The Clapper family and all their related families were here about 1840, and the Culvers came shortly thereafter.

 

The circuit was called the Springville Circuit, Binghamton Dis­trict, Auburn, Pennsylvania, a district of the Wyoming Conference. The ministers were as follows: 1841 William Round and H. Brownscombe, 1842 Thomas Wilcox and J.W. Davison, 1843 J.W. Davison and E.A. Young, 1844 J.O. Boswell, 1845-1846 Ira Wilcox, 1847 J.  Whitham, 1848 J. Mulkey and O.F. Morse, 1849 J. Mulkey, 1850-1851 Erastus Smith, 1852 C.L. Rice and E.F. Roberts, 1853 E.F.  Roberts and Luther Peck, 1854 F.S. Chubbuck and J.K. Peck and A. Lang, 1855 Z.S.  Kellogg, 1856 J.D. Warren and A.P. Aiken, 1857 J.D.  Warren and H. Stanley, 1858-1859 J.V. Newell and I.T. Walker.    We do not know if any of these ministers preached here or not.

 

*  Historians Note; Fowler Hill is included on the Skinner Eddy Circuit charge 1854.   The Silvara Tuscarora Chapel was dropped from the Skinners Eddy Charge at this time.  We find from the Silvara Freewill Baptist church records that the Fowler Hill group also met as a Baptist congregation.  Records of the Elder D.D. Gray support this.     

 

 

The following postcard is the former Freewill Baptist church in Silvara.

 

           

 

 

 

We certainly had charge ministers supplied by the conference here, but there may have been different Pastors, and ministers of different faiths. On February 27, 1858 it was decided that the division should be made at once to separate off the Springville District.    At this point our church was not a part of the Springville Circuit, Auburn Charge, as we are definitely not listed.   The History of the Wyoming Conference shows   the ap­pointments were as follows: Overfield, White's or Bennett’s Cor­ners  (2 miles south of Auburn Corners), Cartertown  (Retta), Dunmore  (Rush Four Corners), and Eddy (East Rush).  The first pastor to the new Springville Circuit was John Mulkey.  He served 1 year. The first quarterly conference was held in the barn of Daniel Carter at Cartertown, now known as Retta.

 

*  Historians note:  All of the conference information has come from the History of the Wyoming Conference, by A.F.  Chaffee unless otherwise stated. Records previously showed that Beaver Mead­ows was part of the Springville Circuit, but we (with the Rush Charge) must have changed districts. I find in our own Quarterly Conference Secretaries book, and I trust that they knew what they were writing down when they recorded in the June 1, 1878 Quarterly Conference minutes, and I quote the following state­ment:  "At the last Annual Conf. the Wyalusing District was dis­continued.  And Rush charge was annexed to the Binghamton Dis­trict.    Rev. Bixby    P. Elder (Presiding Elder) Chairman."   I find reference to the Wyalusing District and the Rush Charge in only two places.  The first reference is of the Quarterly Con­ference Minutes.  This must be correct information, or they would not have recorded it down for posterity.  Stockers History of Susquehanna County states that the Rush Church, prior to the establishment of the Rush Circuit, belonged to the Springville Circuit.  It was appoints lie along the Wyalusing Creek, just as the Rush Circuit appointments. The Rev. Dr. Elijah Snell preached the "Word."  Dr. Snell remains active for many years in the Quar­terly Conference Reports representing the Rush Centre Church.  Stockers History also clearly states, "In 1830 the churches of this section were served by the ministers of the Bridgewater Circuit, Susquehanna District of the Oneida Conference.  In  1841 the name of the circuit was changed to Springville, and the district to Wyoming. In 1855 Wyalusing District, took its place, and so continued until 1877, when this county was classed in the Binghamton District."  This should be proof enough of our humble beginnings with the Wyoming Conference.

 

* Historians note; there was a Presbyterian parsonage estab­lished about 1815-1816 in Stevensville, Pa.  This was alleged to be the first parsonage in the area. It was included in the Pike Circuit.  With a minister so close, maybe he was involved in our area too. Remember we were a Union Church, and there was always a need for funerals and marriages. (Just a thought)  Crafts History of Bradford County states there was a Methodist parsonage in Stevensville in this era in 1815. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINISTERS OF THE BEAVER MEADOWS CHURCH

The various lists of ministers vary some, however, this is a consensus.  The spelling of names may not be absolutely correct.  The following list is compiled from one created by Grace Bennett, another from Mae Fassett, and from “The History of the Wyoming Conference”.  The Camptown United Methodist Charge also published our list of ministers in the 1977 and 1978 Quarterly Conference Publication.  This data and dates of the Pastors are as close to correct as possible. 

We know now that the Beaver Meadows Church has belonged to the Springville Circuit, the Wyalusing District, and the Rush Mission.  The Rush Charge established a Mission under the Wyoming Conference in 1866 in the town of Bixby (Beaver Meadow).  The old stories tell us that church services were held in the individual homes prior to the building of a church. 

No proof has ever been found to the old legend that Beaver Meadow was associated with the Skinner’s Eddy Charge.  That rumor apparently came from an old record of being part of the Rush Charge.  East Rush Church was known as the “Eddy Church”.  Also, the list of ministers is entirely different from the Skinner’s Eddy Charge.  The list of pastors from the Rush Charge does agree, with the exception of Rev. Abraham Schofield.  This may have been an error.  He definitely was at Rush.  There are records stating that he married Ward Smith and Ada Strickland in 1894, at Rush.  Our church became a part of the Camptown Charge in 1918.  It was previously believed that the jointure of Camptown and Beaver Meadows occurred in 1914 but the Camptown Charge’s Ministers List records 1918.  Rush Pastor’s List and the Beaver Meadows Pastor’s List concur.  Good records became available after Beaver Meadows church joined the Camptown Charge.  The Beaver Meadows Church remained with the Camptown Charge until it was assigned to the South Auburn Charge in 1981.  Rev. Ruth Breitweiser was minister here at that time.  She was also minister to the South Auburn Church.  This affiliation lasted one year.  Beaver Meadows has been functioning well as an individual church since 1982.  It has been part of the Wilkes Barre District of the Wyoming Conference for many years now. (Historian’s Note:  + indicates the name of the minister appearing in the Methodist Honor Roll of the Dead – Wyoming Conference.

This obituary of Mrs. Ward (Ada Strickland) Smith offers still more proof that Reverend Scofield was here.

 

Death of Mrs. Ward L. Smith,

Opposition correspondent to probably the Wyalusing Hustler.

The subject of this sketch, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. N. (Nathan) C. Strickland, was born in this place June 25, 1875, and departed this life Feb. 14, 1896.  She was married July 19, 1894, to Ward L. Smith of West Auburn.  The fruit of this union was a little son.  A very large gathering met at her home Sunday, Feb. 16, to pay their last respects to the departed.  She was laid in her final resting place, which is in sight of her childhood home, Rev. A. Scofield, her former pastor, conducting the funeral services.  The husband and parents have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community.  I would note she was buried in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery on February 16, 1896.

Indicates that the minister’s name was taken from church membership records as being the pastor at that particular time.

 

Prior to 1855, Beaver Meadow was serviced by the Wyalusing Circuit.  The History of Wyoming Conference states that Reverend Transue was the minister one year prior to the establishment of the Rush Mission in 1866.

Rev G.S. Transue 1855-1866

+Rev. Isaac P. Towner 1867-1870

+(Rev. Towner was not on Grace Bennett’s list)

+Rev. William Shelp 1867-1870

+(The Camptown Church records relate that both these ministers shared the circuit in 1867.  Rev. Shelp, who was also a medical doctor, served until 1870.)

+Rev. Parker J. Gates 1870-1871

+Rev. George O. Beers 1873-1875

+Rev. Francis A. Dony 1875-1877

+Rev. Andrew W. Hood 1877-1878

+Rev. T. C. Roskelley 1878-1879 or 1879-1880

+Rev. Addison F. Harding 1880-1881

+Rev. C. H. Bashford 1881-1883

+Rev. W. J. Norris 1883-1884

+Rev. Gaylord C. Jacobs 1884-1887

+Rev. Thomas Burgess 1887-1888

+Rev. George W. Sanders 1888-1890

+Rev. Grant E. VanWoert 1890-1893

(Rev. VanWoert appears on the Rush Charge list in 1892.  Beaver Meadow became a part of the Rush Charge in 1892.)

+*Rev. Abraham Schofield 1893-1895

(Rev. Schofield was never at Rush Charge according to their list of Pastors)

Rev. A. W. Phillips 1895-1896

Rev. Robert McLauren 1896-1898

Rev. G. Gorisse (or Gousse) 1898-1901

(Rev. Gorisse was a native of France)

Rev. Henry Burns 1901-1902 (1/2 year)

(+*Rev. Carl Councilman took in Anna Fassett as a member on September 21, 1902.  He is listed as the pastor at Camptown UMC 1902-1908 and is also listed as a visiting pastor in the Quarterly Conference Minutes at the same time.)

Rev. R. Floyd Lesh

(Rev. Lesh was a supply pastor.  He served six months.)

                                            Rev. Albert E. Potter 1903-1906

Rev. Hughes

Rev. Peter F. Meads 1907-1908

Rev. Higgins 1908-1909

(+*Rev. William H. Stang took in Ruth and Emma Brown as members in 1911.  He is listed as the minister at Camptown UMC 1909-1912.)

*Rev. W. L. McKelvey 1912

(Rev. McKelvey was the pastor listed in a church bulletin of the Rush Charge

in July, 1912.)

Rev. William E. Cole(s) 1910-1911 or 1912-1913

Rev. James A. Hill (s) 1913

+Rev. Ivan Lott Snyder 1913 or 1914-1916(Rev. Snyder’s name appears mid-year)

 

+Rev. D. Marvin Corkwell 1914-1915

Rev. C. M. Griffith 1915

(*Rev. W. Randall took in Ernest Brown as a member in 1915.)

Rev. Emory M. Greenfield 1916-1917

(Beaver Meadows shared ministers with the Rush Charge equally up to this point)

Rev. McKloy (No dates listed)

(*Rev. F. G. Bulgin is listed as a mid-year change 1916-1918 on the Camptown UMC list of ministers.  A newspaper item under Clapper Hill News in October, 1917, reads as follows:  “The sermon given by our pastor, Rev. Bulgin, was greatly appreciated”.  In 1918, the Beaver Meadows Church was officially listed as joining with the Camptown UMC.  However, Rev. Bulgin did perform services

 prior to that date.)

+Rev. Wilson Treible 1918-1919

Rev. George Roberts 1923

+Rev. Harry M. Savercool (Savacool) 1920-1932 or 1926-1932

+Rev. Clarence Andrews 1932-1937

Rev. DeLoss Smith 1937-1942

+Rev. Arthur Mayo 1942-1943

+Rev. George L. Sweet 1944-1947

Rev. Gladstone Brown 1947-1949

Rev. William Reid Jr. 1950-1957

(Rev. Reid started his ministry at Beaver Meadows)

Rev. B. Evert Lord Feb. 1957-Conference 1957

Rev. Ervin Bossert 1957-1959

Rev. Darreld R. Shoop 1959-1962

Rev. Norman P. Kase 1962-1967

Rev. William D. Lewis 1967-1968

(Rev. Lewis started his ministry at Beaver Meadows)

Rev. James C. Valentine 1968-1972

Rev. Algernon B. Jayne 1972-1976

Rev. Raymond VanStone 1976-1979

Rev. Theodore R. Lorah Jr. 1979-1980

+Rev. Ruth Carter Breitweiser 1981-1982

Rev. Richard West 1982-1985

Rev. Margaret L. Reid 1986-July, 1989

Rev. Edwin A. Simmons 1989-Aug. 31, 1990

Rev. William C. Nelson Sept. 1, 1990- June 25, 2006(planned date)

 

* Historians note: I would like to make a note that Reverend Bill Nelson was the minister for 13 1/2 years at the Fairdale charge before coming here. He was employed full time for 13 years at Proctor & Gamble in Mehoopany and juggled both jobs nicely. Now that’s dedication, to work two jobs and fulfill the commitment to both!  

Lori Robinson, Lay Speaker Pastor July 2006 - July 2008

                            Patricia Jayne Newhart Lay Speaker July 2008  - July 2012

                                              Vickie Ann Clapper Ellis  July 2013 -

 

                Reverend Bill had a stroke during the morning service March 26, 2006. Lay speakers filled the pulpit until July 2006.

 

 

Reverend William Nelson

 

             

 

 

 

 

 

                         

The Reverend Helen Learn, acting as an Elder of the Wyoming District started the installation process for Richard Card to be the Pastor of the Beaver Meadows Church in a small ceremony on a very stormy, heavy rainy with lightening night March 12, 2006. His plans changed. He is listed as the Lay Speaker Pastor for the Evans Falls United Methodist Church.

 

Beaver Meadows has more than ministers, we have certified lay speakers.

Richard Card (2005, a full two-year certification)

Gwen Pickett (2005, a full two-year certification)

Jeannie Herman (2004, a full two-year certification)

Crystal Hons ((2005, a full two-year certification)

Candy Card (2005, a full two-year certification)

Stirel Harvey (2005, with one year, completion expected in 2006)

 

Audrey Eberhardt has been a Eucharistic minister for some time now.

*Historians note: From my 1996 minutes I find that Audrey Eberhardt was named to serve in Eucharistic ministry September 29, 1996.   This honor enables her as a layperson to do pastoral rites like communion, and perform the activities of a Chaplin.

About 2000 there was a Discipleship’s one class, Audrey Eberhardt was the teacher

Students were Vickie Clapper Ellis, Joan Clapper DeGaramo, Danny Degaramo and Stirel Harvey from Beaver Meadows and Pat Newhart of Retta.

These folks are not certified, but have filled the pulpit when needed.

 

From our early Sunday school members, James Garris is a Chaplain with the United States Army

 

 

 

The following are excerpts from a book containing stories of the early ministers. The book depicts the trials and tribulations of their lives and their relationship with the community in which they served. Mae Fassett found the records in a book regarding the ministers in the Endicott, New York.  She incorporated them into her own records. The Rush Church record book March 1873 has the same hand Rev. Transue was Pastor here for one year. Rev. Shelp became Pastor in 1867 until 1870. In the year 1868 a corporation was formed here of different faiths, which were Methodist, Episcopal, Methodist Wesleyan, Baptist, Presbyterian and Congregational. The church was then named Beaver Meadows in 1877.
 

 

1877- 1878, The Rev. A. W Hood, a native of Canada was appointed to succeed Rev. F. Doney and proved to be a very acceptable preacher and gentleman, especially to the younger people and a member of the order of Odd fellows, holding special meetings on several points of the church during his two years as pastor.  Especially at Stevensville where many were converted, but on account of our people not having a church there, most of the fruit was reaped by the Presbyterians.  * Historians note:  That is how the Presbyterian Church got such a strong hold on the community of Stevensville, Pennsylvania.  The church still exists today, however it is struggling like all other small churches. The Quarterly Conference Records record that the Stevensville Schoolhouse connection was dropped from the circuit in 1887.Now we know why that church failed.  After all there is only one God.

1879- 1880, Rev A W Hood was followed by Rev. T. C.  Roskelly, who was a fair preacher, a good financier and courageous, not being afraid of the unbelievers and infidels in the community.
 
1881-1882, Rev. C. W.  Bashford followed in order of succession as Pastor of this charge. He proved to be a great financier and helper of the Methodist department of this charge, having much to do with the plastering of the parsonage, fending the lawn and all that needed doing.
 
 1883, Rev. W. G. Norris, a young man was sent next.  He was of poor health, interested in the work, sympathetic but unable to meet the demands of the charge, his health giving away he was obliged eventually to locate elsewhere.

1884-1886, Rev. G. C. Jacobs, succeeded Brother Norris and proved from a spiritual point of view the most successful Pastor that ever served the charge, having during his second year pastured over one hundred conversions. He still retains a warm place in his heart for people. * Historians note: I compare Rev. Gaylord Jacobs to Rev. William Reid and Rev. William Nelson of more modern times.  Rev. William Reid made a huge impact on the community when he started his ministry here in 1950. His wife Rev. Margaret Reid was Pastor here from 1986 - 1989 also. He returned to Beaver Meadows many times during her ministry.  He served as the District Superintendent from 1978 - 1984.  The Beaver Meadows Church honored him for his service of 50 years in the ministry on January 2, 2000. Rev. William Nelson was also honored for 50 years in the ministry in October 2000. Rev Nelson holds the honor of the Pastor serving the longest term.  They both made major improvements here at Beaver Meadows.

1887, Rev. T. Burgess was next appointed to the charge. There was great a sense of disappointment.  His family never moved into the parsonage, resulting in the people refusing to pay his salary.

 

1888-1889, Rev. G. W. Sanders was appointed to supply the charge.  He was widely acceptable being born a farmer, and very sociable spending most of his time in and among the people. He did not attempt to make specialty.  His sermonizing brought many of the members of the Devine Ridge Class to the Fairdale Charge. It was a way of strengthening the Rush Charge spiritually and financially. * Historians note:  Now we know what happened to the Schoolhouse connection of the Methodist Circuit at Devine Ridge.

Historians Note: One Hundred Years Ago in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania September 29 (1899/1999 Montrose Newspaper) RUSH – “The old M.E. church on Devine Ridge is being taken down and any suitable material in it will be used in the new church about to be built here.”

 
 1890-1892, Rev. G. F. VanWoert a member of the conference on trial was afterwards appointed. Low in stature, he was in comparison with Rev. Sanders, his appearance was somewhat against him.  However, in time he overcame that handicap and proved to be most acceptable, and one of the most popular preachers to serve the charge.  His strength lay in energy and sympathy.  He had successful revivals at Rush and Beaver Meadows adding members to the church.  He increased the benevolences over previous years.  During his second year as Pastor, Elk Lake was removed from his charge and placed on the Auburn Charge.  East Rush and Retta were added to the Rush Charge, strengthening and improving the quality of the charge.
 
1893-1894, Rev. A. Shoefield an Elder and member of the conference was appointed to succeed Rev. VanWoert.  He left the charge in fair shape. The Sunday schools and prayer meetings needed toning up. The church records were kept badly, or not at all.  The list of members had not been revised for 8 years.  In the month of June in the first year of his pastorate the minister went west to fetch his wife back home from visiting relatives lightning struck the Rush Center spire, demolishing it.  Damage was also done to the chimney and roof.  The walls of the Beaver Meadows Church were taken out and re-laid in cement and flagstones purchased for the front of the church.  The total cost being $125.00.  It was raised and paid.

1895-1986, Rev. A .W. Phillips was a local Pastor who next served the charge. He was a hail fellow, well meet and very popular with the young people.  His abilities as a musician also helped greatly, except to "choir bosses" with whom he had several encounters. In all these people sympathy lay generally with the Pastor.  His social ability while his chief asset, proved his undoing as Pastor here, he being accused of two separate liaisons, one with a woman at Rush and the other at Beaver Meadows.  A trial was held at Fairdale.  His conduct proved he was not a fit man to be a minister so he resigned.

 

* Historians note: I pondered whether to include this story of Rev. Phillips and the story of Rev. Burns, which will be recorded here also. I decided my job was to record what was written, not to rewrite it.  After all, as Rev. Ruth Breitweiser told me when I asked her advice in 1998.  To error is human, and ministers are only human.  Nobodies perfect!

 

 

Reverend Ruth Breitweiser about 1998

 

December 20, 2005 Daily Review

Ruth Carter Breitweiser, most recently of Gracious Living Estates in South Montrose, died Sunday Dec. 18, 2005 at Gracious Living Estates. Ruth Choate Carter Breitweiser was born Dec. 10, 1916, in Retta, Pa., the third or four children of Bruce and Isilda Clapper Carter. She graduated from Rush High School in 1934 where she was president of Girl Reserves for four years, class president for three years an involved with cheerleading and drama productions throughout school. Four years later, she graduated from Keuka College with a degree in Christian Education as well as continuing her involvement in drama productions and becoming a member of Sigma Lambda Sigma. Ruth was the Director of Christian Education in three Methodist churches in Gloversville, N.Y., Rochester, N.Y., and Evansville, Ind., respectively. She then taught high school English and social studies n Corfu, N.Y., and Tunkhannock, Pa. She married George Breitweiser, Jr. on Nov. 25, 1948 and set up residence n Meshoppen, Pa., where the two opened “Breitweiser’s Store,” a business they continued to operate for over 25 years. Always involved with her church and community, Ruth touched many lives. She was president of Elk Lake’s PTA during the formation of the “new” jointure and director of the Meshoppen Methodist Sunday School and MYF Youth program for over 10 years. Community service included being a Girl Scout Leader plus taking an active role in the Meshoppen Creek Park Committee, Susquehanna River Environmental Committee and Meshoppen’s Bicentennial Committee. An avid stamp collector, Ruth established a special junior division for the Pennsylvania Philatelic Society of Scranton to encourage young collectors. Then, at a time in life when most people start to slow down, Ruth became a fulltime pastor for the Methodist Church for 10 years, serving the religious communities of Beaver Meadows, Silvara, South Auburn and Skinners Eddy. In 1974 she was awarded Keuka College’s Alumni Award for Community Service and then again was honored with the college’s Effective Use of Retirement Years Award in 1995. Even into her early 80’s. Ruth continued to maintain an extensive garden and entered numerous craft and food items in the Wyoming County Fair. Ruth was predeceased by her beloved husband George in 1996 and is survived by her two children, Bruce George Breitweiser of Meshoppen and Anita Ruth Breitweiser of Naples, N.Y., and many beloved nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m. from the Skinner’s Eddy United Methodist Church with Rev. Sue Wenner, of the church, and Rev. William Townsend, formally of the church, officiating. Interment will be in the Retta Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main Street, Meshoppen, Pa., on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and at the church on Thursday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Retta Cemetery Fund.

1896-1897, Rev. Robert McLauren a student from Drew University follows Rev Phillips in moral lines, as the people wouldn't pay his salary.  He went to Hawleytown, New York.

1898-1900, Rev. G. Gorisse a Drew University graduate whose country of origin was France came to Rush for his appointment. He found the church a mile away at Rush.  He decided the village needed a church. He did not want to walk that mile!  The churches of Rush and Retta were built during his tenure.

1901-1902, Rev. Henry Burns captured the people and drew large crowds.  But with sadness we are compelled to record his failures. He used tobacco: contrary to his vow, a confirmed user of alcoholic stimulants, a drug fiend securing his inspirations from the bottle and a hypodermic needle.  He falsified his matrimonial experiences in order to enter the Wyoming Conference.  He used hard cider and played cards with the cronies at Rush and Beaver Meadows. He did not keep the membership records right, reporting more than double the actual membership, as he didn't deduct for deaths or removals.  He was removed in October 1902.  He did more damage to the Christ's cause than any other person here ever did.  Only the fact that he transferred saved him from facing trial before the Wyoming Conference for his crimes.

1902-1903, Rev. R. Floyd Lesh a Dickinson College man was secured to serve in 1903.  He was good man and was greatly missed. * Historians note:  Drew University was founded in 1866 at Madison, New Jersey.  It has the motto, "Christian in Outlook, Methodist with Pride".

The book must have ended there! They were recorded as found with minor editing.  I just record, it is not my place to edit.  After all Reverend Ruth Breitweiser says, we are all-HUMAN and to error is being human. Reverend Ruth Breitweiser was a long time Pastor at the Silvara Methodist Church. The following photo of the Silvara Methodist Church is before the Ladies Aide Hall was moved alongside it from across the road. The time zone is roughly 1936.

 

Silvara Community Church June 23, 2013

By Carol Brotzman

 

 

 

 

 

 

WILLS PERTAINING TO THE CHURCH

 

Ruth Culver bequeathed $2,000.00 to the Beaver Meadows Cemetery Association, and $3,000.00 to the church when she passed on Octo­ber 6, 1987.  Morris and Charlotte Fassett received the bulk of her estate. Glenn Bennett and Ruth Stern, hers and Ralph’s cousins were given a monetary amount from her estate.

Her husband Ralph Culver’s will would have left the Beaver Meadows Cemetery Association one quarter of his estate had his wife not survived him.  Both are recorded at the Bradford County Court House.

 

Judson Sturdevant, Tuscarora Township, Bradford County, PA

Dec 3, 1841 - January 31, 1890

Judson was the son of Jesse Benedict and Irene Black Sturdevant.

This will can be found in the Bradford County Court House.  Judson married Elizabeth Ann Deremer, she died February 27, 1900.  His will wasn't probated until after she died! 

 

This is the Sturdevant Cemetery

on the Elston Mowry Farm Clapper Hill. Photo by Mary Ellen Brotzman

 

 

The last will and testament of Judson Sturdevant:

 

 This is his bequest to the Church at Beaver Meadow. After her death (his wife Elizabeth), I will from the income of my estate, one dollar annually to the funds of the Sunday school library at the Beaver Meadow Church, and three dollars annually to the pastor of the M.E. Church having charge of the class nearest my above mentioned real estate. 

The will was witnessed 14 February 1889.  He died 31 January 1890.  Admitted to probate 2 May, A.D. 1900 George T. Ingham, register. 

 

*  Historians note; Judson W. Sturdevant was born 3 December 1841.  Jud served in Co. A. 57th Pa. Vol.  His wife was Elizabeth Ann Deremer, born November 14, 1830 in Belvedere, New Jersey the daughter of Philip and Mary Williams Deremer.  She died 27 Febru­ary 1900. Elizabeth was also married to Elias C. Transue  (He died 22 March 1866).   Judson and Elizabeth adopted one child Burton Edward Sturdevant who inherited the entire estate. (This was from the Bradford County Court House also).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have conducted some interesting interviews, and of course they are too neat to leave out. Here is what some area folks had to say about Beaver meadows when they were young and some unusual experiences.

 

A visit with Jenella Ryan; She tells me that before there was a church basement, the Sunday school children sold "Soda pop” on Memorial Weekend to the families visiting graves of their loved ones.  Jenella and Helen Clapper used to laugh about the engravings on the can openers that were supplied by Clifford Clapper. They weren't just plain "Church keys!"  Jenella Ryan was the Queen of Vacation Bible School. She tells me they even lost her daughter Loretta once, she was found out in the pond in a rowboat! Jenella headed up bible school for many, many years.

 

The most vivid memory of John Pary’s is so cute coming from an 80 plus year-old gentleman.  "When I was just a small lad, about 2 years old.  My older sister Mary took me to church with her.  They passed the hat; I didn't know what it was for, so I reached in and took a handful, she made me put it back.  I just was too young to know what I was doing but I remember hearing it for a long, long time! (June 1996 interview)

* Historians note regarding collections: I would like to note that a bag on a pole was also passed here in the 1940’s for collection as well as plates on a long pole. Rev. Mayo who was here from 1942-1943 retold this to me.  I can’t tell you what ever happened to any of those collection objects. Sunday school used to use large straw hats donated by Mary Schweitzer for its Hee Haw shows and Christmas programs.

 

I talked to Mae Trible Ross about Sunday school when she was young.  She tells me that her mother, Florence Marbaker Trible, and the Blakeslee girls, Zeltha and Ida that lived up near Joe Kovalick’s used to walk to Sunday school together.  The Blakeslee home was across from Joe’s, on the hilltop where the only remnant remaining is the electric meter on a pole. She walked to Sunday school over the hill and down out by the backside of the pond.  When asked if Clyde, her younger brother ever went with her.   Her reply was simple, "He was sent, but never quite made it!"   Clyde’s reply was, "he heard the word school, and I just didn’t quite get along well with the word school." 

 

 

*  Historians note:  The Joe Kovalick property was also known as the old "Snell place."

 

Gwen Pickett tells me that she and Tolise would take Grandma Una to church, Gwen would prop herself up with pillows so she could see over the steering wheel to steer, and Tolise would work the pedals on that old 1940 Buick. Gwen said, “We never had an accident, everyone just gave us room”!

 

Dale Brotzman retells an interesting event that occurred during December 1961, in his 6th grade year at the Laceyville Elementary School.  The schools were sponsoring release time, a time on Friday afternoon that all children if they so desired could go to either the Baptist, Catholic, or Methodist youth class in the afternoon at the church of their choice.  Dale and Bradley Garris attended the Methodist class at Skinners Eddy.   However Joey Bendock of Silvara attended the Catholic session.  He came back bragging they were going to have a Christmas party.  Bradley got a tad bit jealous.  His remark was to Dale,  "We’ll show them (expletive deleted) Catholics, we'll have a party too," and they did!

 

Both Nancy Smith Decker of Arizona and Grace Fetherbay Borek told me of the fine choirs at Beaver Meadows when they were young. Maybe someday we can have them again! Oh fond memories of youth!

 

Cecil Repsher, who was born December 22, 1916, on many occasions has recited the following poem he learned in Glenn Bennett’s class.  He learned it while he was just a lad in school being taught by Glenn Bennett.

*Historians note: Cecil passed away June 29, 2006 at the skilled nursing unit in the Towanda Memorial Hospital. He didn’t out live his friend and teacher Glenn Bennett by long.

You’re sick of the game,

Well now that’s a shame

Your young, your brave and your bright

You've had a raw deal

I know don't squeal

Buck up, act your bravest and fight

It's the plugging away that will win you today

So don't be a picker young pard

Just draw on your grit

It’s dead easy to quit

It’s keeping your chin up that’s hard

                                        Cecil and his favorite horse Tony

 

 

 

Daily Review June 30, 2006

 

Mr. Cecil K. (Kenneth) Repsher, age 89, of RR 1, Laceyville, PA. (Beaver Meadows), passed away on Thursday morning, June 29, 2006, at the Skilled Nursing Unit of Memorial Hospital in Towanda, Pa. He was born in Skinners Eddy, PA., on Dec. 22, 1916, the son of the late Frank and Clara Carr Repsher Sr. Growing up in the Laceyville area, he attended the Laceyville High School. Mr. Repsher was employed as a truck driver for A.B. Cole Trucking and Cubby Baer Trucking in Meshoppen, PA. He also drove truck for the G.L.F. Mill, and Vandervort Mill, both of Laceyville. From 1969 until 1990, he owned and operated Repsher Septic Service. Most of his life he spent on his farm in Beaver Meadows, raising beef and dairy cattle, but his favorite job was dealing horses, both buying and selling, traveling throughout Pennsylvania and New York.  He was a member of the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church and the Tri Co. Sportsman Club and he was a past member of the Goodwill Fire Co. in Laceyville, serving as a fire chief and assistant chief. Surviving are his wife, the former Pearl G. (Grace) Brotzman Repsher, with whom he would have celebrated their 70th anniversary on July 6; his son Milt "Skeet" and his wife, Neta, Repsher of Laceyville; his three daughters, Charlotte (Morris) Fassett, Beverly (Henry) Stanton Sr. and Kathy (Marvin) Teetsel, all of Laceyville, PA.; a brother, Donald (Sheila) Repsher of Laceyville; 19 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Leland "Bucky" Repsher; granddaughters Nicole Repsher, Kim Repsher and Tara Brown; a grandson, Travis Repsher; a great-granddaughter Deanna Camp; three brothers, Carlton (Dutch) Repsher, Floridan (Bump) Repsher and Frank Repsher Jr.; and three sisters, Catherine (Kate) Spencer, Harriette Repsher and Sylvia (Sib) Clapper. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, July 2, at the Skinners Eddy United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Sue Wenner of the church and Pastor Richard Card of the Evans Falls United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main Street, Laceyville, on Saturday evening.  In lieu of flowers those wishing may make memorial donations to the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church, c/o Mrs. Kathy Sperry, RR 3, Box 53, Meshoppen, PA. 18630.

 

 

Cecil and Pearl Brotzman Repsher on their wedding day July 6, 1936. The happy couple was married at the First Methodist Church in Waverly, New York.  Pearl is mentioned many times in this book

 

Daily Review May 8, 2009

Mrs. Pearl G. (Grace) Brotzman Repsher, 90, formally of Laceyville (Beaver Meadows), Pa., went home to be with her Lord on Thursday afternoon, May 7, 2009, at the Skilled Nursing Unit of the Memorial Hospital in Towanda, Pa., where she had been a resident for the last five years. Mrs. Repsher was born in West Auburn, Pa., on Nov. 11, 1918, the twin daughter of the late Clark James and Florence Ruth Sink Brotzman. All of her life she was a resident of West Auburn and Silvara areas, of Laceyville, Pa. For more than 70 years, she was the wife of Cecil K. Repsher, who passed away on June 29, 2006. Cecil and Pearl were married on July 6, 1936. Most of their married life was spent on their farm in Beaver Meadows where they raised beef and dairy cattle. Mrs. Repsher spent most of her life in the home, caring for her husband and their family.  For many years, Mrs. Repsher was a member of the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church, and also the Beaver Meadows Ladies Aide Society. The Repsher's were also members of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. All of her life, she loved being surrounded by her family. She is survived by: her son and his wife, Milt (Skeet) and Neta Repsher Sr. of Laceyville, Pa.; her daughters and their husbands, Charlotte and Morris Fassett, Beverly and Henry Stanton, and Kathy and Marvin Teetsel, all of Laceyville, Pa.; her daughter-in-law and her husband Mary and Joseph Matier of Laceyville, Pa.; her sister and her husband Ruth and Robert Cobb of Athens, Pa.; 19 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; her extended family of brother-in-law and sister-in-law Donald and Shelia Repsher of Laceyville, Pa.; sister-in-laws Lorraine Repsher and Evelyn and Charles Boyer of Laceyville, PA.; many nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Mrs. Dean (Diane) Bennett, of Laceyville, Pa.

Besides her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by: a son, Leland (Bucky) Repsher; a grandson, Travis Wade Repsher; three granddaughters, Kim Renee Repsher, Nicole Louise Repsher and Tara Louise Brown; a great-granddaughter, DeAnna Marie Camp; her twin sister Mearl Brink; and three brothers, Bryce Brotzman, Francis Brotzman and Ray Brotzman. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 10, 2009, at the Skinners Eddy United Methodist Church with Rev. Ken Small of the church, Rev. Richard Card of the Evans Falls United Methodist Church, and Rev. Pat Newhart of the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main Street, Laceyville, Pa. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial donations may do so to the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church, c/o Mrs. Cathy Sperry, RR 3 Box 53, Meshoppen, PA 18630, or to the Skilled Nursing Unit of Memorial Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive, Towanda, PA 18848. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Task Force of the Beaver Meadows Church

Our future, By Jane McGee

 

 

The Task Force was formed in March 2004. Rev. Bill needed a committee to develop a Vision Statement and Mission Statement for Beaver Meadows UMC. The original members were Rich Card, Skeet Repsher, Jessi Ellis, Alex Campbell, Donna Bennett, Rusty Hons, Gwen Pickett, and Jane McGee. Rev. Bill is the leader and presides over all meetings. Over the year that we have met, a Vision & Mission Statement was developed and submitted to the Administrative Board for approval. The Vision statement is as follows:

 

Our vision is that all people in the area of Beaver Meadows church have a place to come and be comforted and nurtured. The, in turn, work with the whole congregation in "growing" our church both physically and spiritually in Jesus Christ.

 

Our Mission Statement is: 1. To offer our spiritual gifts to the Beaver Meadows Community in order to attract new followers of Christ. 2. To help develop the skills and gifts of these new followers so that we all can minister to people in our daily lives through our jobs, school, etc. This will be done not only by witnessing but by "living" our love of God.

 

The problem of membership was also addressed. The United Methodist Conference requires in their Discipline that members that do not attend church be contacted and asked if they would like to renew their vows, or if they request transfer to another church or denomination, or if they request withdrawal. The administrative board instructed us to send out cards to all members that have not attended church in the past year. After these people are contacted, all those who do not let us know what they want will be removed from the membership list after a period of two years. At the moment, the Task Force is organizing a Visitation of the Neighborhood. All families within a two-mile radius of the church will be visited before September. We are inviting all people we visit to attend our church, especially the ones who attend no church.

 

The list of changes to the sanctuary of the church were developed by Rich Card and Rusty Hons and presented to the Administrative Board for approval. The first repair to the church is already under way. The support beam is being adjusted so it can be removed and replaced with a steel beam.

 

A regular newsletter was proposed at the Task Force meetings. The first of the newsletters went out to the congregation and the community in May 2005. These will continue on a quarterly basis.

 

These records of Memorials and Minutes have been compiled, and recorded by Mrs. Carol {wife of Francis Dale} Brotzman so that others may easily find there past links to the Beaver Meadows Church. In hopes that future generations can know just how far we, as a church have come.   From the humble beginning we had before 1850, with that tiny frame building, to the beautifully refurbished church basement social room in the spring of 1995, to a nice pavilion to hold outdoor Sunday school classes and festivities by the 2000’s, then in 2005, a totally refurbished sanctuary.

 

 Little did our ancestors know when they wrote the charter, the value, that this church would become, not only monetary, but a spiritually bonding unit that could, and will, survive the test of time because the church families care!  We as a community have proven this many times, by the giving of ourselves to whatever has to be done.  This book was dedicated to all those people who have given their hearts and souls to Beaver Meadows. Maybe not everyone agreed with them all the time, but that’s human. We all have given and taken as the cliché goes to make Beaver Meadows the hub of the community, the tie that binds. May God bless everyone who ever set foot in Beaver Meadows church physically or spiritually!

 

 I may have made some errors, if I did, please tell me so and be gracious and forgive, after all I am only human too working with records recorded by someone else, usually long before my time.  If you have new data for us, please share so we may record more information for generations to come. Church records are valuable to any community’s heritage. They belong to everyone, not just the chosen few who find them or process them. Please continue to share so our grandchildren will know where their ancestors came from and what they did to keep Beaver Meadows active, when many of the other little churches are now extinct. If you look around, there are very few churches sitting on dirt roads! The conference closed them, but Beaver Meadows is owned by the Cemetery Association and cannot be closed by our conference as long as we stay self-sufficient we can survive.  Many of the churches that started out with us in the 1850 - 1950 range are now gone, just history but Beaver Meadows still has a future because is congregation cares.

 

 I wish to thank all those gracious people out there that willingly shared their time, memories, and personal family re­cords with me. I have incorporated the works of the former histo­rians and secretaries, Mae Hawley Fassett, Grace Sharer Bennett, Glenn Bennett, Walter Sharer, Wayne Bennett, Caroline Fassett Ellsworth, Jenella Garris Ryan, Alma Dean Baker Button, Alice Grow Sivers, Helen Brown Clapper and Mary Schweitzer into this book. This book could never have been compiled without each and everyone’s help and many more helping hands not mentioned here. I know that there are many more records and memories that have not been shared here, not just in lost record books.  That is the beauty of our history, like a seed planted; it too will be a reminder to whosoever shall find it. Hopefully they too will care to share and preserve a little bit more of our history for the generations to come.                                        Carol Brotzman, August 2005

Rev Bill Nelson closed with “what’s missing in Ch—ch”? ur (you are)”

Who is the church? WE ARE THE CHURCH

What are we to do? BE DISCIPLES

What are we to do? GO AND MAKE DISCIPLE

 

My Closing message

 

 

My personal views as historian on the importance of what makes a church a real live church! It is just something to ponder for future generations.

 By Carol Brotzman

 

            When I first came to the area to live in 1973. I was greeted and asked to attend church. Do we do that now? The congregation of about six to eight parishioners was meeting in the homes that winter. The congregation was small but determined to save their precious church. The children were being educated in other Sunday schools of the neighborhood.  Sunday school was a hit-and-miss thing here then. No real dedicated Sunday school.

 

            As my children grew up, I wanted them to attend Sunday school, they started in Silvara just like everyone else’s, but a very wise old Reverend Van Stone says, “If you want your church to grow, you educate them in your own church so they come back here”. So Donna Bennett and Charlotte Fassett did just that, not knowing that Beverly and Carol Brotzman would show up to help and stay! Stay I did, 27 years until July 2005.

           

When I look back over all the years of minutes I have recorded, Sunday school was the most important part of a church. You can have all the officers you want, but with no Sunday school, you have no future. The minutes always recorded how many was in Sunday school and who was in charge. We have had 100 registered in Sunday school, imagine that, and conventions for Sunday school were held here.  After Joey Clapper Carter was retired, no one came to Sunday school the next Sunday! Not one came, that sends me a message of something great about that lady. Ruth Culver, Louise Whitney, Helen Clapper and Jenella Ryan did their best, but not one had the gist of pulling a Sunday school together like Joey.

 

The records show when Joey was teaching from 1894 to the 1940’s, the church was alive, new stained glass windows, new pews, new everything was being installed to make this a beautiful full-fledged church, while in the meantime other churches were falling apart and closing like East Herrick and Lime Hill. Not Beaver Meadows, we had a Sunday school and great leaders over the years like Marcus and Susie Bond Pickett, Wavie Bennett Culver and Joey Clapper Carter just to mention a few. There were Singing schools and ice cream socials. Lots of fun-filled activities for everyone to enjoy. The church and the children made the community come alive.

 

The records will show that Beaver Meadows came alive again after 1978 when a revived and an active Sunday school was formed and took a good hold within a year. That precious Ladies Aide gave them money to get started with. Those wonderful women helping the community children.  There were 50 children in Bible school in 1979 and 1980. We always had in the 15 to 20 children numbers in attendance for regular Sunday school and the church grew. Where there are children, there are parents! Ruth Culver said it best when she attended the first Christmas program and the church was packed, “You will do it again won’t you please”. We did for many years to come.

 

A church is just a building, a place for faithful worshippers to come and share great times, learn and share.  When you get older and you look back at church events, the children are always first on your mind with some sort of event. Again, the children are what make the church a fun-filled place in most everyone’s mind.    With out a good Sunday school you have no church or much of a future.                 

  Carol Brotzman, August 14, 2004

 

A PRAYER OF WISDOM

LORD, MAKE A CHANNEL OF THY PEACE --

THAT WHERE THERE IS HATRED, I MAY BRING LOVE;

THAT WHERE THERE IS WRONG, I MAY BRING FORGIVENESS;

THAT WHERE THERE IS DISCORD, I MAY BRING HARMONY;

THAT WHERE THERE IS ERROR, I MAY BRING   TRUTH;

THAT WHERE THERE IS DOUBT, I MAY BRING FAITH;

THAT WHERE THERE IS DESPAIR, I MAY BRING HOPE;

THAT WHERE THERE ARE SHADOWS, I MAY BRING THY LIGHT;

THAT WHERE THERE IS SADNESS, I MAY BRING JOY;

 

LORD GRANT THAT I MAY SEEK RATHER TO COMFORT,

THAN TO BE COMFORTED;

TO UNDERSTAND, THAN TO BE UNDERSTOOD;

TO LOVE, THAN TO BE LOVED;

 

FOR IT IS BY GIVING -- THAT ONE RECEIVES;

IT IS BY SELF-FORGETTING -- THAT ONE FINDS;

IT IS BY FORGIVING -- THAT ONE IS FORGIVEN;

IT IS BY DYING -- THAT ONE AWAKENS TO ETERNAL LIFE.

 

THE AUTHUR,                 FRANCIS   1182-1226

 

 

 

Robert Bolles, of Clapper Hill used to say quite often,

YOUR NEEDS ARE TAKEN CARE OF, YOUR WANTS ARE ON YOUR OWN!

Just stop and think; that is so true

 

A favorite prayer

St. Theresa's Prayer:
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are
meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are
born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and
pass on the love that has
been given to you....
May you be content knowing you are a child of God....
Let this presence
settle into your bones, and allow your soul the
freedom to sing, dance,
praise and love. It is there for each and every one of
us

 

My favorite verse is

“Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give you the desires of your heart.” PSALM xxxvii. 4, 5, 7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next two photos are from Martha Walker. They were taken at the funeral of Almeda Wage Marbaker Gibbs on April 18, 1927. Note the open spaces in the fields beyond the Beaver Meadow Pond, and the now extinct apple orchard. Look at the beautiful picket fence, all part of our ever-twining history.  The cemetery at that time had lot markers, which were later removed for ease of mowing.

 

 

Identification: Mother's grave: Minta Marbaker, her husband- Glen Ellis

Miles Marbaker’s son- Clarence Marbaker, Emma Marbaker’s sons Ralph and Chester Clark

Chloe Marbakers sons - Leonard and John Hamley

 

Monday April 25.27  (I didn't make any grammar, spelling or punctuation corrections!)

Dear sister and girls,

I will write you a few lines and tell you about Ma and still I hardly know how to go at it. Well first I want to say she past away very easey. we called the Dr at 4am Friday morning she knew rite up till about then. she moned from then till the last at 5:45 but she closed her eyes and opened her hands. We took her out to Clapper Hill. her casket was solid oak and a steel case. we buried her on Miles lot, with May.  I think thear was 8 cars beside the Hearse, Ceal and wife Mort and wife Willie and wife Miles Earn and H and Lou and I. Most of the grandchildren. The church was full the ladies aid furnished dinner for us at the church and we took pictures of the F. You will wee your Easter Lilly at the center and the cut flower your chapter send. Ralph has the basket in front of Ralph the grandchildren sent the one in front of John. The nabors sent the peace Glen & Clarence is holding is the children peace Thear was 2 floers and too buds on the lilly you sent but the day the pictures was taken one of the buds had open up. i will close and write Kittie a few line too

 

. 

 

Next is Almeda’s daughter, Hettie Marbaker Moore and Ella Virginia Marbaker Chaffee, the daughter of Miles and May Brown Marbaker at the grave of Almeda Wage Marbaker Gibbs.

 

 

 

 

 

This is a photo of the Beaver Meadows Church from the backside before 1942

Note the difference in the shed above the church; it appears much larger and planked. It has not been turned around yet; note the full-sized flagpole on the veteran’s grave indicating it was at Memorial Day time. Take note of those beautiful peonies too. People had such respect for the deceased in that time era. They felt peonies lasted forever on a gravesite.

 It appears they were clearing the cemetery on the upper side of the photo. The cemetery in that time zone went on an angle from the bottom of the cemetery to the top marking off what we call the new section of the cemetery from the old section.

The steeple is gone as are the horse sheds making its date after 1942, as it was about that time that Archie Maxfield was hired to remove them. It appears that the church might be on its new foundation making it after 1949 but that is not a given. The photo did not have the date on the side of the card making it prior to the 1955 era.

The full-sized flag is placed on the original grave maker for David Woodruff (1831 – 1905), a Civil War Veteran. That stone is all eroded off now and a newer, on the ground style Veterans marker now marks his grave. Glenn Bennett seen to it David Woodruff had a proper marker when he was with the cemetery association.

 

 

 

I would like to thank my proofreaders, Kay Ervine, Lena Wohlschlag and

Ken and Angeline Hunter for helping me out! A huge thank you to them. I couldn’t do it without them.                                              Carol

 

 

 

My personal WebPages can be found under the Hatton/Exley website belonging to cousins Ernest, Noreen and Dawn Hatton. You can find many URL’s regarding genealogy on those 3 pages http://hattonexley.homestead.com/Brotzman.html

Copyright (c) 2006 Carol Brotzman.  All rights reserved.   This copyrighted work and has been contributed to the Sullivan County Genweb project
at https://sites.rootsweb.com/~pasulliv/. 

 

 

 

Yesterday is History, I cannot change it, I just record it.

Tomorrow is a mystery, I will record it just as it happens, but today is a "Gift" from God, let's all rejoice and share the bounties that the Lord hath given us! May the good Lord bless us all!

 

 

Beaver Meadows from the top of the hill, June 18, 2006 (Fathers Day)

It reminds me of .... "There's a Church in the valley, By the Wildwood.  No happier place in the Vale.  No spot is so dear to my Childhood as the little brown (white) Church in the Dale."    Carol Brotzman

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT" II CORINTHIANS 5:7

"Instead of looking at the shadows of yesterday, look at the light of
today and the hope of tomorrow”. Beaver Meadows will be there even if we aren’t.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos of the Beaver Meadows Chruch in possession of Mable Bassett Marbaker

shared to me by Marty Marbaker

 dated August 1943

 

 

 

The lady is standing by the  WalterAvery Brink headstone

Beaver Meadows 1946

 

 

Addenda 2013*

 

 Eva Nelson (Mrs. Rev. William Nelson)  has passed, what a wonderful life she had lived:

2013-02-07 / Obituaries Wyalusing Rocket

Eva Nelson February 2, 2013

 

Mrs. Eva Mae (Norton) Nelson, 91, of Meshoppen, PA, passed away after an extended illness on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at the Golden Living Center in Tunkhannock. She is now at peace and is reunited with those who have gone before her including her father, John Albert; her mother, Winifred Nellie; her stepfather, James; her brother, John Albert, II and his wife, Minnie Jeannette; her sister, Marjorie and her daughter, Sandra Jean. Born on Aug. 19, 1921 in Standish ME, she was the devoted wife of the Rev. William C. Nelson, who resides in Meshoppen. She was a member of the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church in Bradford County, where William had served as pastor until 2006. Eva was born into a New England sea-faring lifestyle, with her father serving a merchant ship officer and Purser, and a mother who had the very strength of the rocky Maine- New England coast they lived on in her hands and heart, a strength very much passed down through the generations. Eva and Bill met during WWII while working at the Norton Company, a machine tools manufacturing plant in Worcester, MA, Their first date was for a canoe ride, on which Bill mentioned that they would be married. She didn’t know about that at the time, but they have been together as partners in the ministry and in life, and this past June reached their 70th wedding anniversary. She served as his organist/pianist, editor of his sermons and articles and general caretaker of the many family members who came to visit or stay, to the family animals ranging from gerbils to horses and steers. In her own right, she was an editor for religious and craft publications, tremendously skilled at many types of crafts and loved to watch the myriad of birds that would come to the feeders scattered around the house. Her favorite thing was sharing in drawing and painting with her grandchildren, and in visiting with and hearing all of their stories and play. Fortunately, her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren were able to visit often in the last couple weeks. Besides her husband, Eva is survived by her sister, Geraldine Francis Gaulin, and her husband, J. Guy Gaulin of South Hadley, MA; her cousins, Virginia Beach of Raleigh, NC and Raymond, ME and Carol Hall of Heathsville, VA and Raymond, ME; her sons, William S. of Sheridan, OR and Ronald J. of Meshoppen; her grandchildren David, Joseph, Sara, Geoff, Benjamin, Alan and Jennifer; six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her niece, Deanna of Chicopee, MA and her nephews, John “Jack” III of Tonowanda, NY, , Leonard of Lititz, PA, Paul of Middle Township, NJ and Gary of Holyoke, MA. Eva and William had planned on donating themselves to the Humanity Gifts Registry of Pennsylvania, so that medical schools may benefit from study and research, so she has already continued on her life’s journey of always helping others. Arrangements have been made for this by the Sheldon Funeral Home of Meshoppen. There will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held in the coming weeks at the Beaver Meadows UM Church at the convenience of the family, following announcements by both the church and family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation may do so in Eva’s name to the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church, 5754 SR367, Meshoppen, PA 18630.

 

 

Another pillar of the church has passed, Douglas Frank Clapper

 

Daily Review October 20, 2013

 

 

Douglas Frank Repsher Clapper, age 79, of Clapper Hill, Laceyville, Pa., passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013. Born July 17, 1934 on Clapper Hill, he is the son of the late Daniel Clapper Sr. and Sylvia (Repsher) Clapper. He graduated from Laceyville High School as a member of the class of 1952. In school he was a member of The Road Patrol, baseball team, senior dramatics, and yearbook staff. Doug began helping his father and grandfather on the family farm at an early age; and eventually, along with his father, brother, and nephew made it his livelihood.  He married Virginia "Gin" Kelley on June 19, 1954. Together they have three daughters, Vickie, Shelly, and Joan. Doug found great joy in his family, and especially enjoyed the weekly gathering of the whole family for Sunday dinner.   He is a member of the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church where members recently honored him for his many years of dedicated service to the church's many projects. Doug is well known in the area for his 54 years of playing country music. Throughout the years he played with various bands such as The Ridge Runners, Donna and the Country Gentlemen, Queen of Hearts, and Northern Harmony. His love of music and talent for playing was passed down to his children and grandchildren. Doug may be even more famous for his sense of humor. He never left home without a joke.  Doug is survived by his wife of 59 years Gin Clapper; his three daughters Vickie (Rick) Ellis, Shelly (Steve) Ciprich, Joan (Dan) DeGaramo; grandchildren Matt (Lori) Ciprich, Meredith (Jared) Sadlowski, Jessi (John) Burgess, Jordy Ellis, Heath, David, and Mitchell DeGaramo; great-grandchildren John and Lola Burgess, Hayden and Ava Sadlowski, Atleigh, Delanie, and Dylan Ciprich; brother Denny Clapper; sisters Donna Harvey and Madge (Allen) Kershner; sisters-in-law Rita Clapper, Louise Kelley, Marlene Kelley, Linda (Mark) White, Cheryl (Jim) Newhart, Kathy (Jim) Cantone, Deb (Greg Johnson) Dymond; and brothers-in-law Bob (Pat) Kelley, Chancey (Cassie) Kelley, and Dale (Tammy) Kelley. He was preceded in death by his mother Sib Clapper, father Daniel Clapper Sr., brother Dan Clapper Jr., sisters-in-law Patt Clapper and Denise Kelley, brothers-in-law Ken Adams, Ed, Charles, Donald and Burleigh Kelley, mother-in-law Frances Kelley, father-in-law Roy Kelley, special niece and "partner in crime," Kathy Adams, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and dear friends.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church, with Doug's daughter, Vickie Ellis, officiating. Interment will follow at the Beaver Meadows Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main Street, Laceyville, Pa., on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.  Online condolences may be made at www.sheldonfuneralhomes.com.  Doug's generosity was known to everyone who met him. He has always been the "go-to guy" on the hill to his friends and neighbors. Over the years he organized many benefits for folks in the community, and if he wasn't organizing, he was participating.  To continue his legacy of helping others, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Doug Clapper Memorial Fund. Funds will be shared between The Abbi Brown Family and The Makenzie Vanderpool family. These two little gals are battling rare and difficult diseases. Three-year old Abbi is battling Leigh's Syndrome (mitochondrial disease). Four-year old Makenzie is just beginning her fight against a newly diagnosed brain tumor. Checks may be made payable to: Doug Clapper Memorial Fund. They should be sent to: P.S. Bank, P.O. Box 217, Wyalusing, PA 18853.

 

 ***Historians Note: I would like to note that Matt and Meredith are step grandchildren. Jessi Ellis Burgess is the mother of his two natural great grandchildren John and Lola Burgess.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The shed had been moved in this October 8, 2008

photo by Carol Brotzman

 

 

 

 

 

A baby Sparrow Hawk sitting on the new cemetery sign made Christopher Camp as his senior project August 12, 2012. This was the previous entrance to the cemetery captured in this Winter 2003 by Carol Brotzman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A tribute to Douglas Clapper

Douglas Clapper, Photo by Sabrina Sands June 9, 2013

 

Rev. Bill Nelson and Douglas Clapper in the summer of 2013

Photo courtesy of Heath Degarano

A celebration at Beaver Meadows

Beaver Meadows church to honor long-time helper

BY NANCY SHARER (REVIEW CORRESPONDENT)Published: June 7, 2013 Daily Review NANCY SHARER

The Beaver Meadows Methodist Church will hold an appreciation day for local resident Doug Clapper from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

TUSCARORA TOWNSHIP - Thank you, Doug!

The Beaver Meadows Methodist Church will hold Doug Clapper Appreciation Day from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The special afternoon will honor the local man for all the help he's given over the years.

Doug, who lives on a farm on Clapper Hill, between Stevensville and Silvara, has been an active volunteer at the Tuscarora Township church over the years, according to his daughter Vicky Ellis. For example, he built its steeple and cross - to honor his wife.

He's also helped on cleanup days, cut a stone for the ground in front of the church and engraved its name on it, and cut out a stone cross that lies beside it. (Doug has a quarry.)

He also remodeled the basement.

"Dad has never missed a project or a cleanup day," until he started having health problems, Vicky says. Doug is 78 now and will turn 79 on July 17.

"He enjoys it ... the fellowship with everybody," she says of his work.

Recently B&K Equipment donated the use of its lift truck so volunteers Dale Bennett, Randy Campbell, Jordan Ellis and Heath DeGarama could power wash and paint the

steeple. Jordan and Heath are Doug's grandsons.

All are invited to the appreciation day, which will be casual and is planned for the basement social room.

Vicky thinks her father is humbled by the plans. But he loves to visit with people. "He'll be tickled once he's there!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos by Carol Brotzman May 27 2013

 

 

 

The new church bulletin sign is behind the truck. It replaced the sign made by Greg Campbell as an Eagle Scout project. That beautiful memorial had been demolished one winter by the township snow plow.

 

 

Photo by Carol Brotzman

Installed by Dale Bennett in May 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In June 2012 the view of the church front changed again. The bushes were gone and a new stone fa-sod  replaced the natural stone front.

 

 

 

 

Photos June 14, 2013 by Carol Brotzman

Random photos through the years by Carol Hoose Brotzman

Starting with my favorite

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Beaver Meadows October  29, 2009

 

 

 

October 21, 2007

 

 

April 10, 2009

 

 

Beaver Meadows 2005

 

October 10, 2005

 

June 18, 2006 and fall 2006

 

 

 

October 26, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Storm over Beaver Meadows June 2008

 

 

 

 

May 9, 2009, part of the fence had been stolen

Then it was permenantly removed in June 2009

Summer 2010 Even the deer love Beaver Meadows

 

Winter of 2004

 

 

 

 

 

Late Summer 2012

The Hunsinger pad in the background again has a rig again.

 

Spring 2013

 

 

January 27, 2013

 

June 15, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Lyle Rockwell snapped this beautiful photo

  August 10, 2009 

May Peace be with you!

 

again on November 12, 2010

 

 

 

Sunrise at  the Beaver Meadows U.M.C. July 9, 2013

By Carol Brotzman

 

 

Come, Spirit,

make me docile to your voice.

Help me debate angels.

Let your will be done in me

even if it means

misunderstanding,

rejection,

scandal.

Give me wisdom to find you

in the irrational:

heavens gone awry,

astrologers’ predictions,

songs in the night.

Give me such hospitality of heart that

family,

foreign seers,

poor shepherds and animals

find a home in my presence.

Let me protect innocent children from

oppressive power.

Make me fearless of foreign lands and

unknown journeys.

When I cannot find you

do not let me rest until I search

home,

highway,

and temple.

Let me always insist on miracles to

celebrate love.

And when all I love on earth

lies lifeless in my arms

let me offer it to you with such freedom

of heart

that I am swept up into the heavens.

Amen.

at prayer with mary - mary lou kownacki, os

 

July 14, 2013 by Carol Brotzman

Beautiful Beaver Meadows April 25, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Addenda for 2014

Sent: Monday, January 20, 2014 11:46 AM
Subject: Admin Brd and Cemetery Assn Meeting

Hi Everybody – Just to let you know there will be a Cemetery Assn and Beaver Meadows Church meeting on Wednesday January 22, 2014 at the church at 7 PM.  Need approval of a lease agreement between the Cemetery Assn (owner of the building) and Beaver Meadows UMC.   Should be a short meeting -  See you in church!  Jane McGee

 

Dale Brotzman was replaced on the Beaver Meadows cemetery board by Dean Bennett upon his death April 7, 2014.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wyalusing Rocket April 10, 2014

Francis ‘Dale’ Brotzman April 7, 2014

Dale Brotzman Dale Brotzman On Monday, April 7, 2014, in the afternoon the Lord called another of His children home. Francis “Dale” Brotzman died at Scranton Regional Hospital, Scranton, PA. He would tell us “Do not stand at my grave and weep, for I am not there.”

He was born in Meshoppen, PA on Nov. 20, 1948, the son of Francis Arthur and Jeanette Amanda Salsman Brotzman. He resided his entire life on the Brotzman family dairy farm. Farming became his way of life. He lived for his Jerseys, his family and his farm. He graduated from Wyalusing Valley High School in May 1968 and immediately began farming with his father. He met the love of his life, Carol Ann Hoose, at the Troy Fair in July 1970, and the Rev. Al B. Jayne married them March 24, 1973 in the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church.

They began housekeeping in the old farmhouse in which his grandparents had resided. The next year their family began to grow with Amanda being born in June 1974. They purchased interest in the family farm two days after Charles was born in November 1975, and two days after Mary Ellen was born in October 1977, they purchased the farm that his grandparents, Clark and Florence Sink Brotzman, had purchased from his father, Elisha and Rose Culver Brotzman in 1902. The farm grew, as did their lives. Jersey cattle covered the hillsides numbering as high as 125. Farming was their life. After his father died, they purchased the remainder of the family farm and his brother, Randy came to live with them— the only home he too had ever known. In July 2002 both farms were declared Pennsylvania Century farms. The original farm in Tuscarora Township had been purchased by James C. and Margaret French Culver before 1845. Dale was a member of the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church and the Cemetery Association there. He was always helping someone do whatever needed to be done. Even after his death, his corneas will help someone else see. In October 2011 when his health was failing, Dale and Carol found a home for all their Jerseys on Rock Hill with the Jimmy Milliron family. They had to go together. They were a family too. Dale is survived by his wife of 41 years, Carol; his daughter, Amanda Louise Kingsbury and her husband, Kevin. They have two sons, Alex and Storm who reside in Gouveneur, NY. Their son Francis “Charles” resides on the family farm and married Jennifer Hunsinger. They have two sons, Damien and Tyler. Mary Ellen Brotzman resides in Berwick with her two Rotties. He is also survived by his siblings, Ray Brotzman and his wife, Karen of Tunkhannock, Norma Jean Ahlbrandt of Mehoopany, Alan Brotzman of Grover and Sue Teeter of Ulster; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Donna Spencer of Ulster. There are many nieces, nephews and cousins that survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Brotzman on July 4, 2000 and his mother, Jeanette on May 3, 1992; brothers, Dennis Brotzman on June 30, 1997 and Randy Brotzman on May 24, 2005; brothers-in-law, Gerald Ahlbrandt on Oct. 1, 2006 and Ricky Teeter on March 20, 2008; his in-laws, Charles F. Hoose on Nov. 23, 1991 and Louise Shefler Hoose on Oct. 12, 2011. It is Dale’s wish that there be no formal services. A small private service will be held at the family farm with a friend, Bill Beebe, officiating. Burial will be on the family farm he loved so very much. Pallbearers that will be carrying Dale to his final resting place will be Charlie Brotzman, George Bolles, Kevin Kingsbury, Alex Kingsbury, Storm Kingsbury, Tyler Brotzman, Damien Brotzman, Marvin Brotzman, Sr., Jerry Clapper and Clyde Trible.

Arrangements were entrusted with Sheldon Funeral Homes, Main Street, Laceyville. Online condolences may be made at www.sheldonfuneralhomes.com. We are all God’s children, Thank you Lord for letting us borrow Dale Brotzman for a short time. If you feel the need for donations, please donate to a local person in need or a local charity.

 

 

 

 

 

Dale and Carol Brotzman December 19, 2010

 

Rev Bill Nelson passed away June 2, 2014

 

Scranton Times on June 4, 2014

The Rev. William C. Nelson, 93, of Meshoppen, Pa., passed away after a brief illness on June 2, 2014, at the Golden Living Center in Tunkhannock, Pa. He is now at peace and is reunited with those who have gone before, including his wife of 70 Years, Eva Mae; his daughter, Sandra Jean; and his father, Conrad William and mother, Syster Ethel. Born on May 30, 1921, in Worcester, Mass., Rev. Nelson was the former pastor of the Beaver Meadows Methodist Church, Tuscarora Township, Laceyville, Pa. In the past he had served as the pastor of the Fairdale Methodist Charge, comprised of the Retta, East Rush, Rush and Fairdale Methodist churches.  He began his Ministry in Mendon and Whitman, Mass., and then went to work for the American Baptist Convention in Valley Forge, Pa., while also serving in the Ministry in Wayne, Pa. He then moved to NE Pennsylvania in 1965 to bring together parishes from Clarks Green and Clarks Summit together into the Abington Heights Baptist Church, which was eventually located on Noble Road, Clarks Summit, Pa. Eva and Bill met during WWII while working at the Norton Company, a machine tools manufacturing plant in Worcester, Mass. Their first date was for a canoe ride, on which dad mentioned that they would be married. She didn't know about that at the time, but was soon won over by his charms, smile and blue eyes that everyone loved so much. They were together as partners in the Ministry and in life for 70 years. He worked tirelessly to help others, going beyond the Church proper to work with migrant workers throughout NEPA, and Ecumenical councils and groups in the Scranton area. He taught his children and their children to be thoughtful and caring, and to give to their community in whatever way they thought was proper. And he taught all of us that caring about and respecting every person, regardless of race or color or thought, was the most important thing we could do each day of our lives. William is survived by sons, William of Sheridan, Ore.; and Ronald of Meshoppen, Pa. He is also survived by his siblings, George Nelson, of Boylston, Mass.; Lillian Lambos, Margaret Taylor and Virginia Mason, all from Worcester, Mass.; Violet Jablonski of Leominster, Mass.; Barbara Dione and Shirley Mondor both from Auburn, Mass. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, J. Guy Gaulin of South Hadley, Mass.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Beside their sons, "Rev. Bill" and Eva are survived by grandchildren, David, Geoff, Sarah, Benjamin, Alan and Jennifer; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. William, along with Eva, donated themselves to the Humanity Gifts Registry of Pennsylvania, so that medical schools may benefit from study and research. He has already continued on his life's journey of always helping others. Arrangements have been made for this by the Sheldon Funeral Home of Meshoppen, Pa. There will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held in the coming weeks at the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church at the convenience of the family, following announcements by both the Church and family. It will be held sometime in early July. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation may do so in Bill's name to the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church, in care of Pastor Vickie Ellis, 2198 Clapper Hill Road, Laceyville, PA 18623. Online condolences may be made at www.sheldonfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

Beaver Meadows June 23, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beaver Meadows Sporting the new red roof installed in 2015