CHAPTER XXII.

 

BOROUGH OF CATASAUQUA

Matthews and Hungerford, History of the Counties of Lehigh & Carbon, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 1884

 

 

This vigorous little Vulcan of the valley has an interesting history, albeit it is one which extends through scarcely more than two score years. It owes its origin and growth to the successful solution of the long-vexed problem of how to make iron by the use of anthracite coal as fuel. The Lehigh Crane Iron Company began operations here in 1839, with David Thomas as their superintendent. They sought to make iron with the fuel which nature had placed in vast abundance in the Lehigh region, succeeded in a degree equal to their most sanguine hopes, and the industry established by the company built up a town on this favored spot which had for a hundred years been farming land, its owners never anticipating the busy scenes to be enacted upon it.  

 

Catasauqua takes its name from the creek which empties into the Lehigh River below it, though this appellation must have been originally applied by the Indians to some tract of land upon its banks, for it means literally "dry ground" or "burnt ground.''  It is not improbable that it was a term used to designate a spot which the aboriginal inhabitants swept with fire in successive years, for the purpose of destroying the undergrowth that they might better follow the chase. Such was their custom in many localities. However this may have been, we find the name first used by the whites to designate the small stream which is also marked on some old maps " Mill Creek," from the fact that the first mill in the neighborhood was built upon its bead-waters by Thomas Wilson in 1735. The name was originally spelled  "Catasocque," but it is probable that its proper pronunciation is better represented by the present orthography.  

 

For a number of years after the settlement of the town it was called Craneville, in honor of the Welsh ironmaster with whom David Thomas, the father of the works, established here, had been associated in making his experiments with anthracite coal as a furnace fuel. It is a fact not commonly known that in 1845, when the idea of making a change was agitated, the name "Sideropolis" was suggested as the name of the village, and actually used for a brief season.  This Greek name meant Iron City. Application is said to have been made to the Postmaster-General to have the post-office name also changed from Craneville to "Sideropolis," but if such petition was ever made it was not granted, and shortly afterwards the soft and musical Indian appellation was happily adopted.  

 

Origin of Land Title. 1 — The town is situated on a portion of a tract of land containing two thousand seven hundred and twenty-three acres, and part of a tract   of ten thousand acres. It was described as follows:  " Beginning at a black oak standing on the east bank of the West Branch of the Delaware [the Lehigh is always called the West Branch of the Delaware in old land warrants] (about two hundred perches in a northerly direction from the northern point of the large island in the Lehigh River (at Allentown), thence by land of Caspar Wistar east two hundred and two perches to a small hickory; thence by vacant land north 6¡ 47' west twelve hundred and eighty-eight  perches to a post in a line of John Page's other land;  thence by the same and land of William Allen west  four hundred and forty-two perches to a Cader standing on ye bank of said West Branch (about forty  perches in a southerly direction from the mouth of  Hockquandaugoa Creek, at the village of Stemton);  thence down the West Branch, the several courses  thereof, to the place of beginning, containing two  thousand seven hundred and twenty-three acres, being  part of ten thousand acres devised by William Penn unto his daughter Letitia, who afterwards intermarried with William Aubrey of the city of London."  

 

The ten thousand acre tract was afterwards transferred by William and Laetitia Aubrey unto John Knight of the Liberty of Westminster, in the county of Middlesex. England, by indenture bearing date 4th and 5th November, 1724, and conveyed by them to John Page of Austin Fryars, London, by indenture bearing date 4th and 5th November, 1730. The title of the ten thousand acre tract was perfected on the 8th and 9th of February, 1731, by indenture tripartite made between William and Laetitia Aubrey, of the  first part, John, Thomas, and Richard Penn, of the  second part, and John Page, of the third part.  

 

The two thousand seven hundred and twenty-three acre tract was surveyed by Nicholas Scull, Oct. 10, 1736, in pursuance of a warrant dated at London, Oct. 10, 1731, in order to complete the residue and quantity of land conveyed to John Page.

 

The patent from the proprietaries of Pennsylvania erected the tract into a manor by the name of Chawton, and granted to Page and his heirs the power to  "erect and constitute within the said manor a Court Baron, "and leave "to have and to hold view of Frank Pledges for the consideration of the Peace," etc., in consideration of which Page or his heirs was to yield and pay to the proprietaries, their "heirs and successors, one Red Rose on the 24th of June in every year forever hereafter to such person or persons  as shall be from time to time appointed to receive the  same." 

 

 John Page, by his will bearing date July 18, 1741, devised all his land and estate in Pennsylvania to  Evan Patterson, of old Broad Street, London, who,  by letter of attorney dated July 7, 1750, appointed  William Allen, of the city of Philadelphia, and William Webb, of the county of Chester, his true and  lawful attorneys, to bargain, sell, or convey any lands  in his manor.  

 

Among the names of the early settlers and purchasers of this tract are those of Thomas Armstrong, Robert Gibson, Robert Clendennin, Joseph Wright, John Elliott, Andrew Mann, George Taylor, and Nathaniel Taylor.

 

The Armstrong tract contained about three hundred and thirty acres, the greater part of which is now owned by Jacob Deily. This was purchased in 1760 by George Taylor, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.  

 

Robert Gibson's tract contained one hundred and ninety-three and a half acres, and included the farm afterwards owned by the Fausts.  

 

That portion of the tract which constitutes the Deily farm, adjoining the borough, passed into the possession of one Eddy, of Philadelphia, about 1767.  He sold to George Beisel, who transferred it to George Geisinger about 1814, who in turn sold it to his son-in-law, Jacob Deily.  

 

That portion of the tract on which the greater part of the town is built appears to have passed into the possession of Andrew Hower, and Marks John Biddle secured one hundred and ninety acres at sheriff's sale in 1795. From him Frederick Biery made his first purchase in 1805. Biddle also sold some portions of his lands to Zeigler, who sold to Biery and Kurtz. Hower retained a small amount of land until 1823, when he sold to John Peters.

 

Early Residents. — Prior to the establishment of the iron-works the locality which was known as Biery 's Port was settled in about the same degree as the surrounding country, the few residents being farmers, with one or two exceptions. There were but four families living upon the ground, which the town now covers, the Bierys, Fausts, Peters, and Breischs, and of these one family (the Fausts) were beyond the present borough limits. The Deilys lived in the old stone house south of the creek, built in 1767, and Mr. Kurtz west of town, on the farm where he still resides.  

 

The Bierys — Frederick and Henry — had come to the locality early in the present century, and bought the stone mill now owned by William Younger, who rebuilt it in 1869. Henry Biery soon removed to New York, and Frederick remaining, exerted energy in making many improvements in the neighborhood. He carried on what was known as Biery's Ferry, and in 1824 built a chain bridge, which was swept away by the high water of 1841. It was rebuilt the same year, and in the progress of the work Daniel Tombler received injuries from which he died.  This bridge, which was also a chain structure, was destroyed by the flood of 1862, and the present structure was then erected. He built a stone tavern (still standing and occupied as a private house) in 1826, and a stone building of the same material (also remaining) in 1835; also the stone house now occupied by James Thomas. Thus a little cluster of buildings was in existence al the east end of Biery's Bridge before the site of Catasauqua had been chosen for manufacturing purposes. Frederick Biery was a man of ability, industry, and good character. His sons were Daniel, Jonas, Solomon, David, and William; and his daughters were the wives of N. Snyder.  Samuel Koehler, and Jacob Beihle. Solomon, whose widow (Mary Fredericks) still resides in Catasauqua, seems to have inherited his father's energy, and was during his whole life an active character. He carried on the tavern for many years, and was postmaster.  Jonas, who was engaged in the lumber trade, is now represented in the town by a son.  

 

John Peters lived at what is now the corner of Bridge and Front Streets, and this Spot is still marked by his old stone barn. He moved to this location in 1823 from Heidelberg (where he was born in 1799), and bought his small farm of Andrew Hower, at first occupying a house which had been built by John Zoundt, and afterwards erected a stone dwelling. He followed weaving- for nine years, and was one of the first lock-tenders for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. In 1851 he moved away, and now resides in Allentown with his daughter, Mrs. Owen Schwartz.  

 

The Faust family, of which we have made mention, had been long settled where Walter Faust now lives, just north of the borough boundary. The first representative of the family here was John Philip Faust, great-grandfather of the present occupant of the property. Jonas, his son, on the death of John Philip, about 1831, received his lands, and, dying two years later, the farm was accepted at its appraised value of fifty dollars per acre by his son Paul, who lived upon it until his death, in November, 1883. A portion of his land was divided and sold in town lots.  

 

The following sketch of Paul Faust was contributed by Win. H. Glace, Esq., of Catasauqua, the family solicitor:  

 

" The subject of this sketch was born Sept. 30, 1809, and died at the homestead in Allen Township, Northampton Co., immediately outside of the limits of the borough of Catasauqua on Nov. 12, 1883, aged seventy-four years, one month, and twelve days.  

 

"As he had spent his whole life on the farm where he died, and as all that portion of land comprised between Bridge Street, west of the Howertown road, up to Swartz's dam, in Allen township, at one time belonged to him or to his ancestors, with the exception of about eleven acres, which belonged to Henry Breisch and was sold to the late David Thomas about 1847, it was thought a brief sketch of the titles as well as of his life would not fail to prove interesting to at least some of the older residents of this vicinity.

 

" At the time of his birth and early manhood the surrounding country was but thinly settled, his nearest neighbors on the south being John Peters and Frederick Biery, the first named living at a point near the canal, some twenty feet north of the plank walk leading to the canal bridge, the old barn belonging to his place still standing opposite Boyer's store, while those on the north were Michael Fenstermacher and John Swartz; on the east the Kurtzes, and   on the opposite side of the river the Miller, Mickley,  Butz, and Biery families. His great-grandfather, Henry Faust, purchased the farm — originally one hundred and ninety-three and a half acres— of Robert Gibson, a Scotch-Irish settler, who owned two thousand seven hundred and twenty-three acres in Allen Township, embracing all that land from a point near Bridge Street to Stemton, west of the Howertown  

 

"Prior to the Revolution the lands hereabouts on the east side of the west branch of the Delaware, as then called, was all owned by Scotch-Irish settlers; south of Bridge Street to Taylor's land (now Deily's) was owned by Jos. Wright; that east of Howertown road, in Hanover township, by Robert Clendennin, while that north of Gibson's large tract being owned  by Andrew Mann.

 

"The immense immigration from the Palatinate at the invitation of Penn and his agents in the early part of the eighteenth century, as well as the large number of Hessians who settled lower down the river after the battle of Trenton, began to crowd out the Irish settlers even at that early day, until now there remains but few of the broad acres of Northampton County in the possession of their descendants.

 

"Their large farms were cut up in smaller tracts, and under the stubborn will, patient plodding, and untiring industry, characteristic of the race, transferred the wilderness and forest into the rich agricultural lands of today.  

 

"Among these early settlers was Henry Faust, who was born in Albany township, Berks Co., and was the son of one of two brothers, Bastian or John Faust, who had landed at Philadelphia at an early  period of Penn's emigration from the Palatinate, and  settled in Berks County. He died April 14th, 1795, leaving to survive him a widow and eight children.  The eldest son, John Philip, the grandfather of Paul Faust, accepted the land at the appraisement, which was calculated in pounds, shillings, and pence.  

 

"He built the old stone mansion, still in good condition, and purchased five acres which was afterwards sold to Mr. Kratzer, who sold to John Peter, who, in addition to managing his small farm, carried on the business of weaving. In addition, John Philip Faust purchased five acres of land from Yarrick Rockel, being the land now bounded by Third, Pine, and Walnut Streets to Howertown road, while about eleven acres were sold to the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company to build the dam and canal to supersede the floating of arks of coal down the river.

 

   " Upon his death, July 12, 1832, leaving to survive him a widow and four children, the eldest of whom, Jonas Faust, accepted the land at the appraisement at fifty-five dollars per acre, being the upper tract,  while Elizabeth Knauss, his sister, accepted the  lower tract of sixty acres, and soon alter sold to John  Peter, who thus increased his acres to seventy-five,  and all of which, less some lots sold, passed into the  possession of the late David Thomas about 1850.  Jonas Faust died the following year, after acceptance of the farm, leaving to survive him a widow and seven children, the eldest, Paul Faust, the subject of our article, accepted, on Jan. 24, 1834, the land at the appraisement of fifty dollars per acre. He was at this time twenty-four years of age, and took upon himself a burden few, at that time of scarcity of money and poor markets, would undertake, and a less sturdier man would have despaired of retaining the land.  For, in addition to the recognizances entered into to secure his brothers and sisters their share, there were those of his father's who had died soon after his acceptance of the land, and also three dowers, viz.:  his great-grandmother, Catharine, widow of Henry Faust, who long lived on the place in a small house, long afterwards occupied by Jesse Brown, at the lower spring, now the site of F. W. Wint & Co.'s planing-mill, but who afterwards remarried to a farmer named Huth, and died at an advanced age in Moore township, near the Blue Mountain; the dower of his grandmother, Barbara, who died Oct. 4, 1842, at the residence of her daughter, at the stone mansion still  standing near the entrance of the bridge across the  Lehigh from Stemton to Coplay; the dower of his  mother, who subsequently remarried Henry Breisch,  and is remembered by the earlier residents, who occupied the farm of eleven acres and old stone house,  lately destroyed, at corner of Third and Bridge Streets,  which was owned and built at an early day by a farmer  named Gross.

 

" The late David Thomas came here in 1839, and the town of Catasauqua was commenced, but it was a half-mile across the fields from his farm to the works, with the Peter's farm between. There was no road where Front Street now is; the road led from the dam along the canal west of the house, crossed present Front Street where Chapel Street intersects, and was laid out at an early day in a direction due east, passing where the chapel of the First Presbyterian Church stands, and along north side of the Breisch farm-house to the Howertown road where it intersects with the road to Bethlehem, which passes the farm-house of Henry Kurtz.    

 

"Prior to 1860, Paul Faust had sold a lot to the Catholic Church, and a few others south of Chapel Street, on Front and Second Streets, which helped him to pay off some of his liabilities; lots, however, were cheap, and it was not until 1865 that he was fairly out of debt. The last dower was paid off in 1870 upon the death of his mother, the widow of Henry Breisch, who died at Allentown, where, she had removed with her husband at the time of sale of their land to the late David Thomas, about 1847, the previous year, at an advanced age.

 

" By the rapid extension of the town northward, at the close of the war, the deceased sold about forty-five acres, besides the new canal tract, to the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company for town lots, the greater portion lying in Northampton County, and at the time of his death had accumulated considerable wealth, his land, prior to the panic of 1873, being valued by good judges at seventy-live thousand dollars.  

 

" He was the oldest of seven children, the others being Joseph Faust, South Whitehall; Reuben Faust, Catasauqua; David Faust, president Union National Bank of Philadelphia; William Faust, of Allentown, lately deceased; Elizabeth Laub, Kreidersville; and Maria Koch, of Allentown.  

 

" Mr. Faust was married, Jan. 6, 1835, to Amelia Brenig, who was born Sept. 7, 1816, in Long Swamp township, Berks Co., Pa., and was one of twelve children, having eight sisters and three brothers. She was the daughter of George Brenig and Polly Wetzell.  His widow resides on the homestead, and the five children, viz., Amy Borger, at Peru, Ill.; Walter, on the farm; Jane Koehler, in Easton; and M. Alice and Clara B., with their mother.  

 

" His form was a familiar one to all the residents here, and he possessed strong physical and mental characteristics, which, if fortune had smiled more kindly upon him in his earlier years, would have made him a successful man in any sphere of life he might have chosen. Of more than average size, a positive man of strong likes and dislikes, his confidence was slow to obtain, but when once gained it could not easily be shaken. His nature was too kind and easy, however, for that of a successful financier, and he was often imposed upon in monetary matters by designing, unscrupulous men, as he was loath to impute dishonesty to any one. He had strong domestic tastes, was retiring in his habits, and his life was a singularly pure one, — a man of few words, good judgment, and none can say that he was ever heard to speak disparagingly of or to his fellow-men. Of methodical habits, careful in all his transactions, leaving a record with his vouchers, and papers carefully kept and filed away, slow to make a promise, yet when once made, he thought it his conscientious duty to perform it, though at great pecuniary sacrifice. 

 

 "All of the original land-owners here when the iron-works were first started have now passed away except John Peters, who resides at Allentown, and Henry Kurtz, who, at a good old age, resides upon his farm in Hanover township."  

 

Henry Breisch, who was a stone-mason, lived where Dr. Daniel Yoder now does, and owned ten  acres of land surrounding his humble home. At the time the town was laid out a road extended up the hill from the Faust farmhouse, past Breisch's home, and onward to the Howertown road. The land on the gentle slope, where are now the best residences of Catasauqua, was in part tilled and in part rough pasture land, in many places overgrown with brush and   trees.  

 

Among the first settlers after the establishment of the iron-works were the Williams family, the Fullers, James Lackey, Samuel Glace, Joshua Hunt, Joseph Laubach, Peter Laux, Charles G. Schneller, and Nathan Fegley.  

 

David Williams, father of Thomas (who was killed on the railroad in 1872), of David (now superintendent of the Union Foundry), of John (cashier of the Crane Iron-Works), and of Oliver (president of the Catasauqua Manufacturing Company), came here in 1840 from Wales, and took a contract for moulding  with the Crane Company. His death occurred in 1845.  

 

James W. Fuller, father of the well-known citizens Orange M., James W., Abbott F., and Clinton H., came from Freemansburg in 1842, and died in Catasauqua thirty years later. He was a contractor and merchant. Four brothers of James W. Fuller (Charles D., George W., Abbott, and Orlando) became residents of the town, and their father, Chauncy D. Fuller, also settled here. He was a popular justice, and long in office. He died in 1867. Of his sons, only one is living, — Orlando, who is located in Bethlehem.

 

Samuel Glace, of Luzerne County, who had been engaged with the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company as early as 1828, entered the employ of the Crane Iron Company in 1842, and settled here in that year. He is still living, a hale and well-preserved man. William H. Glace, Esq., is his son, and Mrs. Dr. Yoder his daughter.  

 

Joshua Hunt, a native of Chester County, came here in 1848, as the bookkeeper of the Crane Iron Company.   

 

James Lackey, a native of Heading, came to Catsauqua about the time the operations were commenced which developed the town, and was the first merchant drawn hither by those operations. The Bierys and a man named Neilly had, however, previously kept store here. Mr. Lackey had his stock of goods in a small frame house at first, and afterwards in the stone house where George Deily now lives. He remained in Catasauqua until 1858, when, having been elected prothonotary, he removed to Allentown, where he now resides. One of his daughters (Mary Margaret) married Esaias Rehrig, now president of the Allentown National Bank, who carried on boat-building and the mercantile business in Catasauqua from 1852 to 1858.

 

Nathan Fegley came to the promising new town   soon after Mr. Lackey, and opened a store where Corwin & Bro. now do business. Afterwards he kept a temperance hotel, and in addition to his mercantile   business opened the first lumber and coal-yard in Catasauqua. He left in 1854, and his store passed into the possession of Weaver, Mickley & Co., a firm which was composed of V. Weaver, Edwin Mickley,  Samuel Thomas, and John Thomas.

 

In 1847, Joseph Laubach came Inn from Allen Township, Northampton and opened a store near Biery's Bridge. In 1850 he bought his present property, and two years later opened the Eagle House, which was the first hotel after that carried on by the Bierys. In this connection we will add that the Catasauqua House, of which Alfred S. Fry is proprietor, was built by Jesse Knauss about the same time that Mr. Laubach became a Boniface, and that the present American House, of which C. F. Bogh is landlord, was built by Solomon Biery in 1856, while the Pennsylvania House, now kept by Mr. Guth, was erected about 1857.  

 

The oldest merchant of the town is now Charles G.  Schneller, he having started in business in a small way on Second Street and Mulberry Alley in 1848, and followed mercantile life without intermission  since. In 1854 he moved to his present location on Front Street, where he has sold stoves and hardware for thirty years. He is a native of Bethlehem, and came to Catasauqua from Bucks County.  

 

Other early merchants were Getz & Gilbert, who established themselves in 1854; Peter Laubach, who opened a store shortly afterwards; and Joseph and J. W. Schwartz, who began, in 1856, the business which is still continued by the sons of the former, — T. J. and  Preston F. Schwartz.  

 

Morgan Emanuel, a native of Wales, was another early resident, who did much towards the development  of the town. He died April 11, 1884, aged nearly eighty years.  

 

The population increased quite rapidly from the  founding of the town, and in 1853 the following persons all owned property here :  

George Andrew, tailor. Henry Fenstermacher. William Miller, merchant.
John Albright Nathan Fegley. William Minnick.
Nathan Andreas. George Foehler. John Machette.
William Biery, carpenter. Owen Frederick, cabinet-maker. William McLelland (3d).
Solomon Biery. William Fegley, carpenter. William Neighley, carpenter.
Joseph Brown, tailor. Augustus Gilbert. James Neverns.
John Boyer. Henry Gaetz. David Neighley.
Hugh Bratton, laborer. James Ginder, boat-builder. Frederick W Nagle.
Jonas Biery. William Gress, merchant and inn- keeper. Samuel L. Nevaull.
Daniel Biery. Peter Hinley. Samuel Old.
Jacob Beil. Levi Haas. Reuben Patterson, shoemaker.
Aaron Bart, carpenter Henry Heck, saddler. Jacob Ruthman, mason.
John Brobst. John Heck. William Romig.
William Bayard. Joshua Hunt. Charles W. Rau, saddler.
Charles Becker, minister. William Jones. John Roth.
Washburn Bough, boat-builder. John Jones. Samuel Romick.
Lewis Bongh. David D. Jones. Patrick Roney.
Lucinda Biers Aaron Koch. Jacob Leem, shoemaker.
Stephen Biers Owen Kuntz, blacksmith. Simon Stearns, machinist.
David Bedelmon, weaver. Jesse Knauss, liveryman. Jonathan Snyder, tinsmith.
Christian Bough. William Kreider. Charles G. Schneider, mason.
Amos Bushmeir, tailor. John Kooon, blacksmith. Charles Sigley.
John Clark. Anthony Knapp, mason. William Stillwagon.
Samuel Calver William Kratzer. Nicholas Snyder.
William Cramsey. Reuben Kratzer. Samuel Still.
Jacob Christ. Henry Kurtz. Owen Scwartz.
Charles Deiler. Samuel Koehler. Solomon Swall.
Noah Davis. James Kerr. James Snyder.
Daniel Davis. A. Kromer. Peter Sheckler.
Reuben Ditgard. Joseph Lichtenwallner. George Snyder.
George Deily James Lackey, merchant. Joseph Troxell, shoemaker
Jacob Deily, wheelwright. Widow Leibort. David A. Tumbler.
Frederick Eberhard, contractor. Joseph Laubach, innkeeper. David Thomas.
Morgan Emanuel. S. H. Laciar, tinsmith. David Thomas, Jr.
Samuel Evans. John Laubacb. John Thomas.
John Evans. Laciar & Co., merchants. Samuel Thomas.
Phillip Fenstermacher. Jonas Lilly. Maria Troxell.
Paul Faust. Robert Mclntyre, contractor. Widow Wyman.
James W Fuller, contractor. Widow McAllister. David Williams.
Nathan Frederick, innkeeper.   John Mclntyre. E. P. Weiss, merchant.
Thomas Frederick, merchant. Peter Morey. Enos Weaver.
Jacob V. Fogel. Jacob Miller. John Wilson.
Reuben Fenstemacher. William McLelland. Henry Youndt.
    Enoch Youndt.

 

       

 

Among the tenants at this time were Moses E. Albright and William Steckel, merchants; Henry Bush and Charles Nolf, innkeepers; Benjamin Bush, miller; William Dice, carpenter; Cornelius Earle, minister; and Martin Franklin, physician.  

 

The growth of the place and its closely concentrated interests had led many, as early as 1850, to think that local government would best subserve the interests of the town.  

 

Incorporated as a Borough. — Application was made to the Court of Quarter Sessions of Lehigh County for the incorporation of Catasauqua, April 1, 1851, and on Feb. 1, 1853, after being submitted to the grand jury, the petition was granted and the village was made the incorporated Borough of Catasauqua. The boundaries were as follows: "Beginning at a point in the river Lehigh, at low-water mark; thence through land of Paul Faust, on the line dividing the county of Lehigh from the county of Northampton to the public road leading from the bridge to Howertown ; thence down the said road in the middle thereof to a stone corner between lands of George Breinig and Henry Kurtz; thence on the line between the said lands of the said Breinig and Kurtz to Catasauqua Creek; thence down said creek the several courses and distances thereof to its junction with  the river Lehigh; thence up the said river Lehigh,  the several distances and courses thereof at low-water  mark to the place of beginning."  

 

The court further directed that the election of borough officers should he held on the third Friday of March, at the public-house of Charles Nolf, under the superintendence of James Lackey as judge, and of Nathan Frederick and James W. Fuller as inspectors.  

 

The first officers were Burgess, David Thomas; Secretary, Owen Rice; Treasurer, Joshua Hunt; High Constable, Charles Sigley; Solicitor, James S.  Reese.  

 

In consequence of necessary grading, and at places heavy excavations, in streets and the building of a  lock-up the debt of the borough at the end of the  first fiscal year amounted to three thousand two hundred dollars, and in consequence of paying land  damages for the opening of streets, interest, and further grading, the debt on the 1st of April, 1855,  amounted to four thousand dollars. On the 1st of April 1868, it was five thousand dollars, and from that time forward for a number of years the receipts were not sufficient to pay the interest and current expenses, and there was an annual deficit. The expense of building the town hall and purchasing fire apparatus, etc., amounted to twenty-two thousand dollars; and there being an average annual deficit of seven hundred dollars, the debt was found in April, 1874, to be thirty-six thousand six hundred and nine dollars. The tax-levy had never amounted to more than three thousand eight hundred dollars prior to 1874, but in that year the triennial assessment showed a valuation of more than double the previous assessments, and thus met a long-felt want, increasing the tax-levy so as to pay current expenses.2  

 

An act of Assembly to amend the charter of the borough was passed March 25, 1861, and other acts  were passed from time to time changing the place of  holding elections.  

 

A petition praying for the division of the borough into two wards, signed by forty-nine citizens, was presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions in April 1876.  This measure was opposed by a number of citizens, but was accomplished, a decree of court being issued Jan. 19, 1877, dividing the town into the First and Second Wards.  

 

The town hall was built in 1868, by Fuller & Graffin, whose proposal therefor was eleven thousand five hundred dollars. The ultimate cost was fourteen thousand dollars, a number of changes from the original plan being made. The building is a handsome two-story brick structure. The lower floor contains a Council chamber and a large room by the Phoenix Fire Company, and the second floor is finished as a public hall, which has a fine stage, used  for dramatic and musical entertainments, lectures, etc. 

 

The burgesses from 1853 to 1883 have been:   

1853. David Thomas. 1872-73. John Williams.
1854. John Boyer 1874. Melchior H. Horn.
1855. Uriah Brunner. 1875. George Bower.
1856-57. David Thomas. 1876. William H. Glace.
1858-59. William Goetz. | 1877. F. W. Wint.
1860. A.C. Lewis. 1878-79. Henry Davis.
1861-69. John Williams. 1880-83. Philip Storm.
1870-71. James C. Beitel.  

 

           

The justices of the peace of the borough of Catasauqua from the time of its incorporation to the present have been as follows:    

  Comissioned   Comissioned
James Hudders April 13, 1853 W. H. Glace Oct. 28, 1874
C. D. Fuller April 10, 1855 A. F. Koons March 13, 1875
George Frederick April 13.1858 R. C Hammersley March 13, 1875
C. D. Fuller April10, 1860 Edwin Gilbert March 19,1877
John H. Wolf April 15, 1862 James Courtney March 25, 1878
H. D. Yeager May 11, 1864 William J. Craig March 27, 1879
Joseph Hunter April 11, 1865 A. F. Koons April 1, 1880
R. C. Hammersley April 11, 1865 R. C Hammersley March 30, 1880
R. C. Hammersley April 8, 1870 A. F. Koons March 30, 1880
W. H. Glace April 18, 1870 A. N. Uhlrich April 6, 1883

 

       

Through the liberal and enterprising character of its inhabitants the town was provided at an early period of its history with gas- and water-works.  

 

The Flood of 1862. — Catasauqua was the scene of great excitement during the flood of June 4th and 5th,  1862. The water here rose above its usual level from twenty-four to twenty-seven feet, and was about four and a half feet higher than the flood of 1841. All of the bridges, with several small buildings, many thousand feet of lumber, wagons, fences, etc., were carried away. A writer3 on the flood says, "The engineer of the Crane Iron Company stayed in the engine-room, and was instrumental in rescuing one or two persons from drowning. Many of the boats which were here loaded with ore from New Jersey were lost, and with them, the boatmen engaged upon them lost their all.  A German family from Newark, N. J., consisting of man, wife, and two children, were on their boat at Parryville when the flood loosened it. They got to shore here, and when we saw them their boat laid a complete wreck a little below the town. They had escaped from death, but the only earthly possessions saved by them were the clothes upon their backs.  Another family, from Stanhope. N. J., who were running an ore-boat, containing all of their goods, lost it.  They were all knocked off the boat, and their infant child, about fourteen months old, drowned; their other child was saved. The woman was rescued by some of the hands employed by the Crane Iron Company, and the man found a refuge in the engine-house.   When morning dawned, so that objects could be seen, two men were discovered upon a cinder-bank in the middle of the stream; at another point a man and boy in one tree. A father occupied another, while his daughter occupied one close by, and a small girl was holding on to a resting-place at the archway at Biery's Bridge. Attempts were made, by making a raft and attaching a rope to it, to reach them, but owing to the strength of the current that and other means failed. John Thomas, the superintendent of the Crane Iron Company, collecting a lot of their carpenters together, had a flat-bottom boat built for the occasion, in the short space of one hour and a half, by which means they were all brought safely to shore about eight o'clock.  

 

"In speaking with a resident of this place, he remarked that 'the scene was an awful one; while he, with others, stood on the river-bank, through the roar of the angry elements they could distinctly hear the agonizing cry of men, women, and children, as they were hurried past by the resistless torrent, on boats,  logs, etc.' It was heartrending to listen, and feel they  were powerless to help. Had the means been at hand the floating masses of boats and lumber on the rushing waters would not have permitted the efforts without encountering almost certain destruction. One dwelling-house below the town was carried off, and farther down, at Wheeler's lock, a house, a barn, and  several cows and horses were swept away from one  person, and another lost house, barn, and all their  contents, with the exception of one horse."  

 

The Crane Iron-Works.  See Crane Iron Works History.

 

David Thomas. David Thomas's life and times are thoroughly documented here. Much of the material used in this Mathews and Hungerford article is found in these articles.

Samuel Thomas. See the article on Samuel Thomas appearing in the List of Biographies.

 

The Catasauqua Manufacturing Company. See Catasauqua Manufacturing Co..

 

The Union Foundry and Machine Company. See Union Foundry and Machine Co..

 

 Davies & Thomas' Foundry. See Davies and Thomas.

 

The Lehigh Fire-Brick Company(Limited).—  Among the leading industries of the town is that carried on by the Lehigh Fire-Brick Company, which  owe their origin to David Thomas, and their present  extent and prosperous condition very largely to Joshua Hunt. The works were started in 1868 by the late David Thomas, the well-known iron manufacturer,  and Messrs. Oliver Ritter and Samuel McHose. The last two gentlemen retiring, Mr. Thomas associated  with himself in 1873 his sons and son-in-law, Joshua Hunt. On Jan. 1, 1883, the property passed into the possession of a chartered company. This change was  scarcely more than nominal, the company consisting  of Joshua Hunt, John Thomas, and representatives  of the estate of David Thomas. With every facility  for shipment by rail or canal that could be desired, and a region contiguous in which there exists an especial need for their wares, the company does a  thriving business. The well-known Woodbridge clay is used, and fire-bricks are manufactured from it of every shape and for all purposes, — furnaces, ovens, arches, linings, jams, boshes, cupolas, etc. The buildings, which are of stone, two stories in height, are under one roof, and cover an area of two hundred  and eight; by one hundred and sixty feet. There  are also five kilns of large capacity, and the works  are supplied with the best known apparatus. About  fifty men have employment here, under the immediate supervision of Mr. David Hunt. Recently an  interesting and novel experiment has been tried here with success, that of burning bricks with petroleum, and it is not improbable that this fuel may be introduced upon a large scale.

Joshua Hunt Biography

 

 

Planing-Mill. — Quite an extensive planing-mill was started about twenty years ago by Schwartz  & Yeager. The firm subsequently became Schwartz, Yeager & Wint, then Yeager, Wint & Syphers, and, in 1873, Wint & Co. Mr. F. W. Wint dying in 1881, the business was carried on by the representatives of his estate, and O. F. Fatzinger and J. P. Wint. The firm, which still goes by the name of F. W. Wint & Co., employs twenty men, and operates a saw-mill and planing-mill, as well as conducting a large business in lumber and coal.  

 

 

Bryden Forged Horse-Shoe Works. — The newest manufacturing institution is that started by the Bryden Horse-Shoe Company, which was organized in 1882, with a capital of sixty thousand dollars, Joshua Hunt being president, Oliver Williams secretary and treasurer, and P. F. Greenwood superintendent. The company was organized, and erected works for the purpose of manufacturing horseshoes under patents issued to George Bryden, of Hartford, Conn. All other machine-made shoes are rolled, and the heel and toe-caulks arc then welded on by the blacksmith, whereas the Bryden shoe is formed complete under the blows of a heavy hammer. The works employ about thirty men, and have a capacity of from two and a half to three tons of horse-shoes per day.  

 

The Younger Grist-Mill. — There has been a grist- mill at this site for at least a century, but by whom the first structure was built is not known. The property was long in possession of the Biery family, and since 1855 has been owned by the firm of Younger & Berger, and by Mr. William Younger alone. The present mill at Biery's bridge is a four-story stone structure of most substantial character. The milling machinery is of the latest improved variety, and Mr. Younger, who since 1871 has been the sole proprietor, is thus enabled to turn out a large amount of the very best flour.  

 

Milton Berger, who was for several years one of the proprietors of this mill, was the son of John and Hannah Berger, and born in Upper Saucon township, Aug. 11, 1833. Subsequently he removed with his parents to Bethlehem, and was married in 1855 to Miss Anna Maria Reich. Their children are Charles E. (of the firm of Roney & Berger, of Allentown), Ida V., and Milton. Mr. Berger was married a second time, to Miss Caroline Reich, a sister of his first wife, whose children are John F. and Robert J. He subsequently married Jane A. Lackey, of Allentown, who survives him. Mr: Berer, after some year's experience as a clerk in Bethlehem, in 1856 removed to Catasauqua, and, as member of the firm of Berger & Younger, conducted an extensive milling business, which was continued until his death in the thirty-ninth year of his age. He was in politics a Republican, and held various minor offices in the borough, though not active in the political field nor ambitious for official distinction. Both in official and business life he evinced exceptional business capacity, was honorable in all commercial transactions, and manifested a rare kindness and generosity when opportunity occurred for the display of those virtues. He was a member of the Reformed Church of Catasauqua, and formerly superintendent of the Sunday- school. The death of Mr. Berger occurred Jan. 21, 1872, in his thirty-ninth year.  

 

William Younger, present proprietor of the mill bearing his name, is a son of Casper Younger, born in 1790, and an officer in the war of L812, who was a  native of Bavaria, and having (migrated with his  parents to America, settled with them in Lehigh  County. He married Catherine Fink, of Upper Saucon, and had children, — Elizabeth, Elias, Edward, Louisa (Mrs. Samuel Eberts), and William. Mr. Younger was by trade a carpenter, and followed his vocation successfully, both in Philadelphia and in the Lehigh Valley. He died in 1869, in his seventy-ninth year. His son William was born Nov. 25, 1825, in Upper Saucon, but when an infant removed with his parents to Philadelphia. Here, on reaching a suitable age, and after he had received the rudiments of an English education, he was apprenticed to a silversmith. At the age of eighteen he returned to Upper Saucon, and with his uncle, John Berger, engaged in milling enterprises. At the age of twenty-one he returned to Philadelphia, and being inspired by a spirit of adventure enlisted in 1847 in Company B, Third United States Dragoons, under Capt. Butler, for the Mexican war. The company was principally engaged in guarding supply trains and in occasional skirmishing, their camps being successively at Palo Alto, Matamoras, and Mier, at the head of the Rio Grande. At the expiration of eighteen months of service the company was discharged, in July 1848, at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. For a brief interval Mr. Younger engaged in the pursuit of his trade, but the love of adventure and travel predominating, he started in 1850 for California, and returning in 1852, made a second trip in 1853. During the year 1855 be removed to Catasauqua, and deciding to devote the remainder of his life to business, entered partnership with Milton Berger in the milling business. His partner having died in 1871, Mr. Younger, at a later date, purchased the remaining interest, which he has since controlled. He has introduced all the modern appliances for manufacturing an improved grade of flour, and enjoys an extensive and profitable trade.  

 

Mr. Younger was, in 1857, married to Miss Isabella, daughter of Henry Kurtz, of Hanover Township, Lehigh Co. Their children are Amanda L., Emma J. (deceased), Grant R. (deceased), William (deceased), Henry C., Ada I., Esther A., and Ralph. Mr. Younger is a Democrat in politics, though not one of the active workers in the party. He is in religion a supporter of the German Lutheran Church.  

 

National Bank of Catasauqua.— This bank was  organized as a State institution Sept. 9, 1857, with a  capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars. Its first board of directors were Eli J. Saeger, David Thomas, John S. Hoffman, Charles A. Luckenhach, Jacob P. Shall, David A. Tombler, Joshua Hunt, William Miller, Jonas Biery, James W. Fuller, Robert Oberly, Samuel Laubach, and Jacob Fatzinger, Sr., Eli J. Saeger, president; Melchior H.  Horn, cashier; John O. Liehtenwallner, teller; and James W. Mickly, clerk. Of the original directors and officers the following-named directors and officers are now deceased: David Thomas, John L. Hoffman,  Charles A. Luckenbach, William Miller, Jonas Biery,  James W. Fuller, Robert Oberly, Samuel Laubach,  Jacob Fatzinger, Sr., John O. Lichtenwallner, and  James W. Mickly.  

 

The bank was continued as a State institution until July 1865. Its capital stock was increased during this period as follows: in 1860, to $120,000; in 1864, to  $180,600; it earned in dividends $71,650, and carried to surplus $31,550.55 above expenses and losses during this period. It was made a national bank in July, 1865, with a capital stock of $180,600, which was increased, May, 1868, to $300,000; May, 1873, to  $400,000; November, 1873, to $500,000. It has earned in dividends since its organization as a national bank  $631,264.67, and increased its surplus to $88,000 above expenses, taxes, and losses.  

 

It owns the banking house and adjoining dwelling, which is occupied by the cashier. It is a beautiful and substantial building, situated on Front Street; its vaults and safes are all modern, and its interior arrangements are suhstantial and convenient.  

 

The following-named persons have served as directors of this bank at various periods since its organization, those marked with an asterisk (*) being deceased:  

E. J. Saeger. *Jacob Fatzinger, Sr. Ashton C. Borhek.
*John L. Hoffman. William R. Yeager. Welcome B. Powell.
*Charles A. Luckenbach. James T. Borhek. *Thomas Clendennin.
Jacob P. Schall. *John D. Lawall. Samuel Straub.
*David Thomas. Martin Kennum. *John Hunter.
David A. Tombler. *Charles D. Fuller. William Kern.
Adam Gemig. *Tilghman H. Moyer. *Reuben Bieber.
Franklin P. Mickly. Samuel Thomas. Charles Glick.
J. Allen Kramer. Reuben A. Boyer. Franklin Andreas.
David Thomas, Jr. John Thomas. William D. Snyder.
James Weiler. Jacob S. Lawall. John D. Stiles."
*Theodore H. Green. David O. Savior. Nathan Laudenslager.
Joshua Hunt. William Trexler. William Andrews.
*William Miller. *Franklin B. Martin. Charles G. Schneller.
*Jonas Birny. William J. Craig. Henry H. Riegel.
*John W. Fuller. *Charles Kline. Jacob Fatzinger, Jr.
*Robert Oberly. Joseph Laubach. Samuel I. Brown.
*Samuel Laubach. *Henry Hummel. Harry G. Stiles.

 

 

The present officers of the bank are: President, Eli J. Saeger; Cashier, Melchior H. Horn; Assistant Cashier, Frank M. Horn; Teller, John J. Glick ;  Clerk, Charles R. Horn.  

 

Melchior H. Horn, cashier of this bank from its inception, is the grandson of Abram Horn, who was of German descent, and a resident of Philadelphia.  He held the commission of captain in the war of the Revolution, and that of colonel of the First Pennsylvania Regiment in the war of 1812; his eight sons and two sons-in-law also serving in the latter war.  His son, Abram, was appointed postmaster of Easton under Gen. Jackson, and continued under the Presidency of Martin Van Buren and William Henry Harrison. The same office was filled by other members of the family under Presidents Polk, Pierce, and Lincoln. Mr. Horn removed from Philadelphia to Easton, where he held the appointment of State surveyor for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He married Susan, daughter of Melchior Hay, and had children, eight sons and two daughters, of whom Melchior was born in 1783, at Easton, where he engaged extensively in business operations, and was generally known as a successful stage-line proprietor. He married Isabella Traill, and had children, — Sybilla, Robina, Robert T., John J., Isabella R., Melchior H., Enoch C, Philip H., Sarah, and Maria L. He married, a second time, a Mrs. Stedinger, and had one son, William Penn. His son, Melchior H., was born April 9, 1822, in Easton. The first ten years of his life were spent in New Jersey, upon a farm to which his parents had removed. He then returned to Easton, and received instruction for three years at a private school, after which he entered his father's office  as clerk, and assumed general charge of his stage  business. He later for four years filled a position of clerk in a general store, and at the expiration of this period embarked in the selling of groceries in Easton.  Three years later he accepted a position as a weighmaster on the Delaware Division of the Pennsylvania Canal, where he was employed until 1852. He then resigned to accept the position of teller of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank of Easton, and in 1857 was made cashier of the Bank of Catasauqua. He was in 1861, made a member of the staff of Governor Curtin, and detailed to special service, rendering valuable assistance in the organization of the Pennsylvania Reserves; he was subsequently commissioned as colonel of the Thirty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. Col. Horn continued to do active service in various capacities, filling important and responsible duties, until the close of the conflict, and resuming his labors in connection with the bank on his return, where he still acts as cashier.  He is a Democrat in politics, and although frequently a delegate to State, and suggested in Congressional   conventions for official honors, has declined to fill other than local offices. He is director and general manager of the Blue Vein Slate Company of Slatington, and otherwise identified with business measures.  He is a Lutheran in his religions views, and member of the Lutheran Church of Catasauqua. Col. Horn was married, on the 13th of October 1845, to Matilda L., daughter of Jacob Heller. Their children are William H., Edward T., Susan B. (Mrs. M. L. Dreisbach), Frank M., Harry Y., Isabella (deceased), and Charles R.  

 

Newspapers. — The Catasauqua Herald was the first journalistic venture made in the town. It was started in 1857 by Peter Kelchner & Fry. In 1860, Arnold C. Lewis was the editor, and he succeeded in putting the paper upon a paying basis, but going into the army in the following year he left it in charge of his brother, who allowed it to run down. The Journal was started soon after the close of the war by Thomas Lambert, but its life was short, and it was not until 1870 that the two papers now in existence were started. Of these the Catasauqua Dispatch was started by Edmund Randall as a fortnightly advertising sheet, under the name of the Country Merchant. This name was changed to the Dispatch, July 24, 1871, and the paper was then issued as a seven-column weekly, which in 1878 was enlarged to its present size, — eight columns. It is a sprightly local journal, independent in politics.  

 

The Valley Record was established by its present owner and editor, Capt. W. H. Bartholomew, who brought out the first issue Aug. 15, 1870. Originally a seven-column sheet, it was soon enlarged to eight columns, and about the same time it was made a supporter of Democratic principles. It is conducted, however, as a live local newspaper rather than a political journal, and every week places before its readers a detailed account of the happenings in town and county.

 

The Gas-Works were built and put in operation by a company chartered April 18, 1856, composed of   Joseph Laubach, John Thomas, William Samuel Glace, John Williams, and Joshua Hunt. The officers first elected were Joshua Hunt, president, Joseph Laubach, treasurer; John Williams, secretary.   The works were erected immediately after the organization of the company had been effected, and were at once appreciated by the people and liberally patronized. They were successful from the start. The  price per thousand cubic feet of gas was originally  $4.50 and is now $2.35 The amount consumed  annually is about two and a half million feet, which  is sufficient to allow manufacture with profit. Until 1880 the company used bituminous coal for the production of gas, but since that time have made it by  the Lowe naphtha process. The gas-works have cost to date, for construction and repairs, twenty-four thou sand five hundred and twenty-five dollars. The business of the company is now under the charge of Joshua Hunt, president, and John Williams, secretary and treasurer.  

 

The Water-Works. — For its ample supply of good water Catasauqua is indebted to the Crane Iron Company. The company originally using water as the motive-power for the blast and machinery at its works, extended pipes to the houses of several of its leading employees, and under an act of the Assembly, approved April 24. 1857, a charter was obtained to extend the water through the town, which was subsequently done. In 1873 the company at an expense of between twenty-five thousand and thirty thousand dollars erected new works, which are of incalculable value to the town. From an extended account of those works in the Catasauqua Dispatch of Feb. 4, 1874, we take the following:

 

"When the Lehigh Crane Iron Company was induced to build furnaces at this point, the Lehigh Navigation Company deeded them the right of water power from Swartz's dam to Allentown. The first furnace was commenced in 1839, and blast was furnished by waterpower, a large wheel being used for that purpose. To this wheel was attached a pump, to force water for use about the furnaces, the tank or reservoir being located on top of the works, and this arrangement remained in use until after No. 3 was built. No.  2 was erected in 1841—42, and water was furnished to it in a similar manner. But soon after the erection of No. 3 in 1844, these tanks were dispensed with, and more extensive improvements commenced. A new pumping apparatus was constructed, and four-inch pipes laid from the engine-house to Wood Street, up Wood to Second, and from thence to a basin, which was located at the top of Church Street. Alter years of use it was found very difficult to retain water in this reservoir, as the limestone formation underneath continually made crevices in the foundation and allowed leakage. Unsuccessful attempts to remedy this evil were made, and it was decided to erect a temporary wooden structure, which has answered the purpose for a time. New pipes were laid as the town grew. In 1854 a four-inch main was laid on Front Street, as far north as Bridge. In 1856 a three-inch main was extended up Second Street as far   Strawberry Alley. The Front Street pipe was subsequently extended as far as Pine, then to the rolling mill, and lastly as far as Puddlers' row. Thus, year after year, as demands required, new pipes were laid, but none of larger dimensions than four inches in diameter. The growth of the town and the requirements of water for six furnaces taxed the reservoir to its utmost capacity, and in case of fire the supply was not equal to the demand. Buildings in portions of the town of a greater elevation were unable to obtain a water supply, and this want, coupled with the rapidly-growing hounds of our borough, induced Mr. Joshua Hunt, superintendent of the Crane Iron Company, to bring the matter before the board of directors and asked that an extended improvement he made.  The officers deliberated upon the necessities of the case, and appropriated the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars for the new works. Plans were at once completed, and proposals solicited for the excavating and laying of eight-, ten-, and twelve-inch mains in our streets, which contract was awarded to Messrs. George W. Smith .V Son, of this place, who immediately commenced work. The pipes used were from the works of Messrs. Starr, of Camden, N. J., and our citizens are perfectly familiar with their look and capacity, as they were visible on our streets for a number of weeks. 

 

"On Front Street, from Wood to Bridge, an eight-inch main supplies the water, while on Second Street, from Union to Chapel, a ten-inch pipe was laid. Connections were made on Union and Chapel Streets with the four-inch mains on Front, and ten-inch pipes were laid on Bridge Street, from Front to Second, and on Walnut to Fourth, where connections are made with the twelve-inch supply from the new reservoir. Some thirty new fireplugs were erected at selected points, which can be used in case of need. The old four-inch mains on Front Street, from Wood to Bridge, were removed, and also those on Second, from Church to Walnut, but extend from Wood south on Front and north from Bridge on Front. Streets not mentioned have the old four-inch pipes as formerly, with the advantage of a greater head and more abundant supply of water. The new reservoir is located on the highest   point of ground in this neighborhood, and is situated   on a lot of ground purchased by the company many years ago, at Fifth and Walnut Streets, is sixty feet square and ten feet deep from the overflow, which, in case of necessity, empties the waste water into a deep well upon the property. The capacity of the reservoir is two hundred thousand gallons, which, allowing eighteen gallons per day to a person, would accommodate a city of eleven thousand inhabitants. The construction of this reservoir was performed in the most   substantial manner, and has given every satisfaction.  Excavations for the foundation were made about four feet under ground and immense stones placed in the walls. The limestone masonry is four feet in thickness, and rises to an elevation of twelve feet. Then a four-inch space was allowed for concrete, and lastly a nine-inch brick wall, securely cemented. The floor   has a layer of eighteen inches of small stone securely laid, upon which is a four-inch coating of concrete.  With pipes and reservoir complete, there was need of greater pumping capacity, and instructions were   issued to prepare proper machinery. The engine room adjoining the company's machine shop is twenty- three by twenty-live feet in dimensions, and contains two forcing-pumps and a beautiful stationary engine.  The pumps are kept at a very slow motion of ten strokes per minute, and have a capacity, at that rate of forcing one hundred and eighty-live thousand gallons of water per day, and, doubling the stroke, twice that quantity, but at the present motion the demands of the town are fully met and tin reservoir kept full.  Street sprinkling requires a large amount of water during the summer months, but the running of one pump was sufficient to insure an abundant quantity.  The pumps are propelled by the large water wheel underneath, the canal furnishing the power and the water required for the town. In case the canal should fail to furnish power, or the machinery should break, the stationary engine can be attached and the furnace furnishes steam as the motive power. The engine is of eighteen horsepower, and can be used to pump water for the town and at the same time propel the machinery in the shop adjoining. The engine and pumps were manufactured by the company's employees, and all the castings necessary for the water- works were turned out at the company's shops. To equalize the pressure throughout the borough a high standpipe has been erected, and is located near No. 6 Furnace. The water is forced into this pipe, and flows to a corresponding elevation in pipes until it reaches the reservoir, into which it flows and remains for use.  Unequal flow is avoided by the use of the standpipe.  The water from the pumps enters it, the street-pipes are supplied by a steady pressure, and there is less strain on the pumps and pipes. The standpipe is somewhat higher than the overflow of the reservoir, being one hundred and thirty feet from its base. It is constructed of heavy plate iron, and is four and one-half feet in diameter at the base by thirty-three inches at the top. It is surmounted by a conical roof and railing, an iron ladder leading from the base to the landing above. It has a capacity of about five thousand gallons of water. To the pumps at the works a hose attachment can be made. Sections of hose will be kept on a reel in the pumping-house, and, in case of need, an attachment can readily be made and valuable service rendered. By the attachment of a section of hose to a fireplug on Front Street, a stream can be thrown over any house on the street, and Mr. David Thomas informs us that he was able to throw a stream over his residence by attaching a section to plug in his yard. The elevation of Mr. Thomas' house is above the average of houses on Second Street, and it demonstrates the effectiveness of the new works.   The water furnished is taken from the canal, but only enters that conduit at the edge of town, at Swartz's dam, and may be considered as pure Lehigh water as is obtainable. For household purposes, it is superior to that furnished Allentown, which is of so hard a nature as to be unfit for washing and general uses.  And as to the supply, it is so abundant that a population of eleven thousand could be accommodated with- out overtaxing the present works. Therefore we can boast that we have one of the best, if not tin best, water arrangements of any town in Pennsylvania.  Our borough has not been involved in debt to secure this great blessing. The expenditures made the last season exceed thirty thousand dollars, and yet the company added to our obligations as citizens by the purchase of a first-class steamer tor use in case of fire, and have erected a hall to house it which is a credit to any town. Catasauqua is largely indebted to Mr. Hunt for the new works, as he urged the matter upon the attention of the company, and supervised their construction. The master mechanic of the company, Thomas E. Evans, planned and constructed the pump machinery." 

 

Religious Matters. — There are several elements of population in Catasauqua, and as a consequence the number of religious denominations is larger than might be expected in a town of the size. The Welsh are Presbyterians, Congregationalists, or Baptists.4 The Germans are Lutherans and Catholics, the former denomination claiming a majority of them. The older native population forms largely the strength of the Lutheran and German Reformed congregations, while the Evangelical Church is principally composed of the descendants of those Germans whose predilections were for the former churches. The Scotch are as a rule Old-School Presbyterians, and the Irish people are divided between the Presbyterian and Catholic Churches. There are many Swedes in the town, and they are, with few exceptions, adherents of the Lutheran faith.  

 

Historical Sketch of the First Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua, Pa.— The First Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua dates its beginning from about the time when the Crane Iron Company's works were started in this place. In 1889, by invitation of that company, Mr. David Thomas, a native of Wales, came here to begin the enterprise, out of the successful prosecution of which the town of Catasauqua itself has grown.  

 

For the first few months after his arrival, and until   a suitable dwelling house could be erected in Catasauqua, Mr. Thomas resided in Allentown, and with his family worshiped in the Presbyterian Church of  that place, then under the care of the Rev. Robert W.  Landis  

 

Mr. Thomas was an ardent friend of Sabbath-schools and speedily organized one in Catasauqua.   To accommodate this school, and also provide a place of worship nearer home, a church edifice was deemed necessary. Accordingly a small triangular plot of   ground in the rear of the old reservoir, on what is now Church Street, was set apart by the company. By the liberality of Mr. Thomas this plot was enlarged to a square, running from Church Street north to Bridge Street, and measuring about two hundred feet in width by three hundred and fifty feel in depth. On the south end of this plot, near the reservoir and fronting  on Church Street, which thus derived its name, the  first church in Catasauqua was built.  

 

The corner stone was laid by the Rev. Mr. Landis on the last Sabbath of December 1839. The ceremony took place during a snow -storm, and the concluding services, owing to the inclemency of the weather, were held in Mr. Thomas' new house on Front Street (opposite No. 1 Furnace), to which little assembly adjourned. This is the date of the first sermon in the English language ever preached in this town, at least so far as is known.  

 

A little over two months sufficed in which to finish   the building, and on the 22d day of March 1840, it   was dedicated to the worship of God. It was a very unpretending whitewashed structure of un-planed boards, set perpendicularly and battened. Its size at first was about twenty-live by thirty-five feet, but it was afterwards lengthened by the addition of ten or twelve feet. The adjacent ground was occupied as a graveyard, and continued to be so used until Fairview Cemetery was laid out on the opposite side of the Lehigh River. The bell to call the people together  (a present from Mr. Thomas) was hung in the fork of an oak-tree, which stood at the south right-hand corner of the building.  

 

At or about this time Rev. Mr. Landis organized the church, an English Presbyterian, and ordained Mr. Thomas as the first elder. It numbered only three members, viz.: Mr. David Thomas; his wife Elizabeth, and his oldest daughter, Jane. All these survived until June 20, 1882, a period of forty-two years. Then Mr. Thomas was called to his rest, greatly beloved and honored.  

 

As Mr. Thomas was a Welshman, and his wife and children were only slightly acquainted with the English language (although they very speedily acquired a knowledge of it), and as he was soon to be followed by many of his nationality, surprise has been expressed that he did not have the church organized  as a Welsh church. To this his reply always was:  "English is the language of this country, and I saw that the future of my children and of my fellow- countrymen was identified with that language; and therefore sound wisdom dictated a policy which would Americanize them as soon as possible."  

 

This far-sighted policy he always adhered to; and while proud of his Welsh origin, he never to any great extent gave pecuniary aid or encouragement to the support of separate Welsh organizations. He even opposed them as detrimental to the best interests of his countrymen. He judged it wiser and better to have them at once mingle as much as possible with Americans, that they might the sooner become one with them.  

 

By an arrangement with Mr. Thomas, the Rev. Mr. Landis ministered to the little church for some time after its organization; but in 1841 he discontinued his labors in Catasauqua, and the church was for a while without regular preaching. During the time that Rev. Mr. Landis served the people, but at what exact date is not known, Mr. David Williams, Sr., was ordained elder, and filled the office with great acceptance until his death, Aug. 14, 1845.  

 

In 1842, Rev. Richard Walker succeeded Mr. Landis as pastor of the Allentown Church, and preached to the Catasauqua people as stated supply, occupying the pulpit in the afternoon of every alternate Sabbath.  This arrangement continued for some years, during which Messrs. Joshua Hunt and William J. Romig, M.D., were chosen elders and ordained Sept. 13, 1846.  

 

In 1850 the church, numbering about twenty-five members, obtained from the court of Lehigh County an act of incorporation, dated December 3d of that year, under the style and title of "New School Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua." This was afterwards, Feb. 25, 1853, changed to " First Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua," it being the first church organized and incorporated in the town.  

 

The church at this time was under the care of the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia, and so continued until a change of boundary lines brought it within the Fourth Presbytery. About the time of its incorporation permission was obtained from the Third   Presbytery of Philadelphia to have the services of a resident minister. Accordingly. Rev. Charles Evans, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Wilmington, Del., was engaged for six months. At the end of that time the Rev. Hugh Carlisle was employed and served as stated supply for about one year and a half. While  here be was elected pastor, but for some reason the  call was never prosecuted, and he was not installed.  During his term of service, Messrs. William McClelland and David Williams were chosen elders and set apart as such Dec. 8, 1851. Rev. Andrew Culver of  Manayunk, Pa., and Rev. Cornelius Parle, of Unionville, Pa., were present, assisting in a protracted meeting, and took part in the services of ordination, the  latter giving the charge to the people.  

 

In October 1852, Rev. Cornelius Earle resigned his charge in Unionville, Centre Co., Pa., and on the 14th of the same month removed to Catasauqua, and as pastor-elect began his labors in this place. In May 1863, he was formally installed as pastor, being the first one so installed. On this occasion Rev. Richard Walker presided as moderator and put the constitutional questions; Rev. Ellis I. Richards, D.D., of Reading, Pa., preached the sermon; Rev. John Patton, D.D., of Philadelphia, gave the charge to the  pastor, and Rev. Duncan K. Turner, of Neshaminy,  Pa., gave the charge to the people.  

 

The congregation continued to occupy the old building erected in 1839-40 until increase in numbers and wealth called for a new and better one. Accordingly a building committee was appointed, consisting of the pastor, Rev. C. Earle, and Messrs. D. Thomas, Joshua Hunt, Morgan Emanuel, and William McClelland.  By an arrangement with Mr. Thomas, the original donor, the plot of ground running from Church Street to Bridge Street was exchanged for another deemed more eligible, situated on the north corner of Second  and Pine Streets, in size one hundred and eighty by  one hundred and eighty feet. On this the corner-stone of the new church was laid at half-past five o'clock Saturday afternoon, Sept. 23, 1854, by the pastor, Rev. C. Earle; an address was delivered by the Rev. Richard Walker, of Allentown, and Rev. Leslie Irwin, of Bath, took part in the services. At this time the church numbered sixty communicant members, and the Sabbath-school was large and flourishing.  

 

The new edifice, still occupied by the First Church, is of brick, semi-Gothic in style, the main building forty by sixty-three, exclusive of tower and pulpit- recess, and has a transept on the south side twenty by thirty feet, which forms part of the audience-room, and an organ transept on the north side ten by twenty feet. In this is a fine organ, the gift of Mr. David Thomas, valued at two thousand five hundred dollars. The spire is about one hundred and fifty feet high including the finial. In the tower is a fine-toned bell of Meneeley's make.  

The building, although completed some time before was not opened for worship until it could be dedicated free from debt.  Delay also took place that arrangements might be made to light it with gas. This led to the incorporation of the Catasauqua Gas Company, a fact not known to many. So that in a double sense the church has given light to the town.  

 

At length the church was solemnly dedicated to the worship of God on Sabbath, the 11th day of May 1856. Rev. George Duffield, D.O., preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev. C. Earle offered the dedicatory prayer, and Rev. R. Walker took part in the services.  In the afternoon Rev. Jacob Becker, of the German Reformed Church, preached in the German language.   

 

The old building was sold for thirty-five dollars, subject to removal. The pulpit and pews were placed   at the disposal of Rev. C. Earle, and by him used at Hokendauqua, where about this time be organized a Presbyterian Church, and to which he ministered for thirteen years, and until the church at that place was built and the lecture-room had been dedicated, and the congregation was large enough and strong enough to have a pastor of its own. 

 

The pews in the new church at Catasauqua were distributed by lot among all who desired regular sittings. The result was very satisfactory to the holders, many of whom, surprising as it may seem, drew the very pews they had particularly desired.  

 

Provision was made for the support of the gospel by voluntary contributions. This plan was adhered to until 1868, when the rent system was adopted.  

 

As commemorative of the reunion of the Old and New School Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church, a memorial chapel was built. The corner-stone of this was laid by the pastor May 13, 1871, and dedicated by him December 10th of the same year. The building is of brick, semi -Gothic, and in size is about thirty-five by eighty-two. It contains rooms for all church purposes, and is used for mid-week services and by the Sabbath-school. The Sabbath-school numbers about three hundred members, teachers, and scholars.  Mr. Joshua Hunt served as superintendent for nearly thirty-six years. He resigned in 1882, and was succeeded by Mr. John Williams, the present incumbent  

 

On the north of the church building, with a space of forty feet between the two buildings and fronting on Second Street, is one of the most beautiful and conveniently arranged manses in the State It is of brick, and in style corresponds with the other buildings.  The congregation has always been remarkable for its punctuality and promptitude in all things. It is claimed for it that during thirty years no regular church service has ever been begun two minutes after the appointed time, - a fact which deserves mention in its history.  

 

At a meeting of the church Nov. 26, 1874, Messrs. John Scudders, John Williams, and William G.. Lewis were elected elders, and they were duly set apart on the following Sabbath, Nov. 29, 1874.  

 

Since its organization, in 1839, about six hundred and ten persons have been connected with it as communicant members. Of this number five hundred   and thirty united under its present pastor, viz.: three hundred and twelve on profession of faith, and two hundred and eighteen by letters from other churches  

 

Through the labors of its pastor it has been particularly and directly identified with the organization of the churches of Hokendauqua, Lockridge, Ferndale, and Bethlehem. It has contributed liberally to every Protestant church in town, and its own property is free from debt.  

 

Present pastor, Rev. Cornelius Earle. Former and present elders, David Thomas, David Williams, Sr., Joshua Hunt, William J. Romig, M.D., William McClelland, David Williams, Jr., John Hudders, John Williams, and William G. Lewis; Clerk of Session, William G. Lewis; Superintendent of Sunday-school, John Williams; Organist, Professor James Prescott.

 

Rev. Cornelius Earle. — As a sketch of the First Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua, and an engraving   of  the first and second houses of worship used by that  congregation appear in this work, it is deemed fitting  to also present a portrait of their first, and up to this  time their only settled pastor, together with a brief  biographical notice.  

The clergyman referred to, Rev. Cornelius Earle, son of Cornelius and Maria Lent Earle, was born in New York City, July 11, 1823. He was the fifth of seven children, viz., four sons and three daughters.  His great-great-great-grandfather, Edward Earle, came from England about 1672, and first appears in the official records of the Province of New Jersey as the purchaser of the Island of Secaucus (in the Indian tongue "Ci-ka-kus") for the sum of two thousand Dutch dollars, together with the stock and "8 or 10 negro and Christian servants." The island contained about three thousand acres, and in the history of those days is described as "the bravest Plantation in the Province." Built into the wall of the oldest house upon the island at the present time is a stone inscribed "Edward Earle, 1678." It appears to have been taken from a house built before the present one.  The family still preserves the ancestral crest handed down from John de Erlegh, 1132, viz., a wounded lion, with the motto. "Vulvenitus non victus." His mother, Maria Lent, was the great-great-granddaughter of Baron Resolved Waldron, who came to New Amsterdam (now New York) in 1617, in the suite of Governor Peter Stuyvesant. He was the Governor's private secretary, and served in that capacity for sixteen years consecutively. The family records show that the title and letters patent were granted by the Dutch government to Rudolph Waldron, the head of the family, in 1120, and to his son, Baron Richard Waldron, by the English government in 1156. The crest is a tiger rampant, and the motto, "Nee beneficii immemor, nee injurise." The old family mansion, built by Baron Resolved Waldron, in 1660, on the shore of the East River, near the foot of the present Eighty eighth Street, was taken down so recently as 1870, being two hundred and ten years old. These points are referred to here as matters of antiquarian interest.  

 

Coming down to the subject of the present sketch, Rev. Cornelius Earle was born, as aforesaid, in New York City. He pursued his preparatory studies in the University Grammar School, of which Rev. Cyrus Mason, D.D., was at that time rector, and Rev. Cornelius II. Edgar, D.D., now of Easton, Pa., and John Leekie of Edinburgh, Scotland, were principal instructors. Rev. George H. Houghton, D.D., now rector of the Church of the Transfiguration in New York City, was also one of his tutors.  

 

He entered the Freshman Class of the University of the City of New York in 1841 and was graduated as an "Honor Man'' in 1845, having as his part "The Philosophical Oration.''  

 

Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen, LL.D., was al that time chancellor, and Tayler Lewis, LL.D., E. A. John-son, LL.D., Rev. C. S. Henry, D.D., John Draper, M.D., LL.D., and B. F. Joslin, LL.D., were distinguished professors in that institution.  

 

In the autumn of the same year he began his theological course in the Union Theological Seminary, New York City, in which "school of the prophets" Rev. Edward Robinson, D.D., Rev. Henry White, D.D., Rev. Thomas H. Skinner, D.D., LL.D., and  Rev. Samuel H. Cox, D.D., LL.D., then taught.  

Mr. Earle was licensed to preach the gospel by the Third Presbytery of New York City in 1848. He soon after transferred his relation to the Presbytery of Wilmington, Del., in order that he might take charge of the church of Unionville, Chester Co., Pa., and Kennett Square, then a mission station annexed to it.  He was installed pastor Dec. 7, 1848. He resigned his charge there Oct. 1, 1852, and removed to Catasauqua, Pa., October 14th, and began his labors there as "pastor elect." He was installed pastor over the First Church of Catasauqua in May 1853.  

 

The congregation at that time worshiped in the little frame edifice of which an engraving appears in this work.  

 

The church grew under his ministration, and on the 23d of September, 1864, the corner-stone of the new house of worship was laid on the corner of Second and Pine Streets. This building was dedicated May 11, 1856.  

 

To commemorate the reunion of the so-called " Old and New School" branches of the Presbyterian Church (to the latter of which this church belonged), the corner-stone of a "memorial chapel" was  laid May 13, 1871, and the edifice duly dedicated on  Sunday, Dec. 10, 1871.  

 

In addition to his charge at Catasauqua, Mr. Earle originated several church enterprises in neighboring   towns. Soon after the Thomas Iron Works were started at Hokendauqua, as seven members of his church at Catasauqua had removed thither, he organized the "Presbyterian Church of Hokendauqua."  For a time religious services were held in a barn owned by the company; afterwards, for a little while, in the room over the company's office. Having served the little band for full twelve years under great disadvantages, and wishing to lighten his labors, he secured the erection of the building now owned and  used by the Presbyterian Church there. He at the same time obtained from the board of directors the grant of an additional lot adjoining the church lot,  "as the site of a parsonage, whenever circumstances should call for the erection of one." Having carried forward the enterprise until the new chinch was about completed, and the lecture-room part of it had been dedicated, he announced to the people his intention to withdraw, and requested them to secure the services of a pastor to reside among them. This was done, and Mr. Earle's connection with them ceased.  

 

An opportunity soon after this presenting itself to start a church at Lockridge (or Alburtis), where a furnace was about this time built, and the nucleus of a little town formed, the temptation was too great to be resisted, and he commenced religious services there on Wednesday evenings, using an old school-house which was fitted up for the purpose by Mr. Y.  W. Weaver, superintendent of the works. Having invited Rev. Mr. Little to co-operate with him, they preached there on alternate Sabbaths, using for their transit a small locomotive which the Thomas Iron Company generously placed at their disposal, and which, as the only available means of reaching the place (seventeen miles distant from Catasauqua), quietly bore them to and fro. Their Sabbath scruples in the case were overcome by the consideration that it was the only way to cover thirty-four miles of travel in the time they had to spare from other duties, and involved less real work than the use of horses would have done. This arrangement continued for a year or more, at the end of which time Rev. Mr. Walker, of Allentown, being without a charge, was engaged, and both the other clergymen withdrew, not, however, until Mr. Earle had obtained from the Thomas Iron Company a grant of land for church and cemetery purposes, and a liberal contribution of money for the infant enterprise.  

 

Very soon after withdrawing from the Lockridge mission, at the suggestion of Mr. David Thomas, Rev. Mr. Earle began to hold religious services at Ferndale (Fullerton), one mile below Catasauqua, worshiping at first in a small barn which Mr. Thomas had fitted up for the purpose. At that place Mr. Earle organized the "Ferndale Presbyterian Church," Oct.  14, 1871, it being the nineteenth anniversary of his coming to Catasauqua. He continued to minister to it until stricken down with a long and severe illness. After his recovery, feeling that it was too heavy an addition to his other pastoral work, he was, at his own request, relieved by the Presbytery of Lehigh, and on his recommendation Rev. Mr. Little, who had officiated during Mr. Earle's illness, was given the charge of it.  

 

Several years now passed, when, two or three of Mr. Earle's members having removed to Bethlehem, he was led to look up the Presbyterians residing there.  Binding the number sufficient to warrant the organization of a Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem proper, in which there was no church of that order at the time (although one had been organized in South Bethlehem |, and having by personal visitation kindled their enthusiasm, "The First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem" was duly organized November, 1875, by a committee appointed for the purpose by the Presbytery of Lehigh. To consolidate and watch over them until a pastor could be secured, Mr. Earle acted as a volunteer pastor, and preached for them gratuitously every Wednesday evening during the winter, and withdrew only when the present pastor, Rev. A.  D. Moore was ready to take charge of the flock, which he did in 1876.  

 

The several enterprises above named begun by him and carried to a point where they could stand alone, were not undertaken to "eke out his salary." The liberality of his own church in Catasauqua rendered that unnecessary. They were undertaken through his zeal for a cause dear to his heart, and to which he  had devoted his life.  

 

Rev. Mr. Earle was twice married. The first time, Nov. 12, 1S49, by Rev. Joseph C. Stiles, D.D., pastor of Mercer Street Church, New York City, to Miss Maria Louisa Lent, daughter of John A. and Catharine Van Beuren Lent, all of New York City. This most estimable lady died in Catasauqua, Dec 18, 1856. Two children were born of this marriage, viz.:  Alletta M. Earle, in Unionville, Pa., Aug. 22, 1851; died in Catasauqua, Dec. 28, 1872; and Edward M.  Earle, now of Cleveland, Ohio, born in Catasauqua, Pa., April 13, 1855.  

 

After an interval of over three years, Mr. Earle was married a second time, April 26, 1860, by Rev. William Payne, D D., rector of St. George's Church, Schenectady, N. Y., to Miss Elizabeth Zullagar, daughter of John and Mary Langley Zullagar, all of the above-named place.  

 

The second Mrs. Earle, like her predecessor, greatly beloved and deeply lamented, died in Catasauqua, April 29, 1872.  

 

In secular matters Mr. Earle has been closely identified with several enterprises of local interest. That the new church on Pine Street might he lighted with gas, he brought about the organization of the "Catasauqua Gas Company," before unthought of, and which owes its origin at the time it was formed to Mr. Earle's persistence in the purpose not to use the church until it could be thus lighted.    

 

On in the fall of Fort Sumter, Col. M. H. Horn and Mr. Earle called the first public meeting in High-School Hall, and Mr. Earle made the first speech and the   first call for volunteers on that occasion The bugle call thus sounded, the First Church and its pastor together during all the weary struggle   again and again the old church-bell rang out the peal of victory, or summoned the friends of the Union to fresh efforts in its defense until peace came.  

 

On the suggestion of Mr. Samuel Thomas that a soldier- monument should be erected, Mr. Earle organized the "Monument Association," and served its secretary. He drew up the constitution and by-laws, named its members, arranged the inscriptions and singularly appropriate texts on the four sides of the monument; also the order of exercises on the day of dedication, and delivered the historical oration, Maj. Calhoun being the orator of the day.  That neither his name nor that of any civilian member of the committee appears anywhere on the monument is due to the decision that "no man's name should be inscribed on the monument unless he had been sworn into the service of the United States, and had been under the enemy's fire." Hence it is just what it purports to be. a "Soldiers' Monument."  

 

For the past seven or eight years Mr. Earle has been the chaplain of the Fourth Regiment National  Guards of Pennsylvania, commissioned by Governor  Hoyt.  

 

His pastorate has been as happy and harmonious as it has been long, and has been blessed with repeated revivals. The length of it, and the harmony which for more than thirty-one years has prevailed, are the more noteworthy when it is borne in mind that during that time the town and country have passed through labor crises and political crises of the severest kind. Moreover, that the church itself is composed of five or six different nationalities, and as many denominations; and that the rich and the poor, the employer and the employed, during all these years, have peacefully worshiped together.  

 

The official records of the denomination show that in the numbers added to its membership, and in the amount of money contributed for home support and to the benevolent cause of the denomination, the First Church is behind few, and in advance of many sister churches, if judged by its numbers and ability. 

 

It possesses a valuable property, consisting of church, chapel, and manse, beautiful for situation, and beautiful in themselves. This is particularly true of the manse. When about to build, a definite sum was placed at Mr. Earle's disposal, and he was simply told to "build to suit yourself, and it will suit us."  He did so and "it is a house to live in."

 

The buildings owe their existence very largely to his zeal and foresight, and in the style and arrangement of them, within and without, they are monuments of the largeness of heart of the people, and the taste and executive ability and steadfastness of purpose of the pastor. All things considered, his pastorate may be claimed to be a fairly successful one, and for the length of it in these times of change, and the results of it, worthy of record in this history of the Lehigh Valley.  

 

 

Bridge Street Presbyterian Church. — The planting of Presbyterianism, so early as 1736 in that part of Northampton County widely known as the "Irish Settlement" (so called from the nationality of its first population) led to the organization of the Bridge Street Presbyterian Church, Catasauqua. The territory occupied by the "Allen Township" or " Settlement" congregation extended from Bath to the Lehigh River, and within these limits the Crane Iron Company established its works in 1839. This new and   great industry at once attracted large numbers of workmen and their families from Presbyterian Ulster, in the North of Ireland, who naturally looked for Christian fellowship among the descendants of their countrymen, then the thrifty fanners of the rich and prosperous "Settlement." The mother church at that time had for pastor the Rev. Leslie Irwin, himself a native of Ireland, and a graduate of Belfast Royal Institution. He was a most faithful and devoted minister of the gospel, and from the beginning extended his watchful and loving pastoral care to the new colony on the Lehigh. At great personal inconvenience, and in the most inclement seasons, he visited the families from house to house, and once every Sabbath preached to them the gospel of the kingdom. In compliance with a petition from the people, the Presbytery of Newton, in August 1850, organized the church with thirty-two members, and ordained James McClelland its first ruling elder.  Mr. Irwin continued his ministry for a period of fifteen years after its organization, during which time he had the satisfaction of seeing the good fruits of his labors in the increase of the membership and Christian usefulness of the church. He was succeeded by Rev. James Lewers, who labored in word and doctrine with great fidelity and encouraging success till stricken down by the hand of death on Aug.  23, 1868, in the third year of his pastorate. During the period of his ministerial services the church enjoyed great prosperity. It grew in numbers and in grace and in good works, and then erected that substantial and costly edifice in which the church worships at the present time. In the fall of 1868 the Rev. William Fulton was chosen pastor, and soon thereafter entered this field of labor. He was an able and acceptable minister of the New Testament, and under his ministry the church became stronger still in numbers and resources and spiritual activity. The large debt which encumbered its property was much reduced. The financial embarrassments which at that time affected the public industries of Catasauqua, followed by unhappy divisions which then crept in among the people, had a most injurious influence on the peace and harmony and prosperity which had previously characterized its history. As a consequence the church suffered seriously in loss of members and loss of means. Mr. Pulton resigned his pastoral charge in October 1875, and in May, 1876, the Rev. D. Harbison, the present pastor, was duly installed by the Presbytery of Lehigh. The church, though weakened by previous division, is now united and growing, has recently succeeded in paying off the indebtedness which for many years was a heavy and oppressive burden, and in the enjoyment of tokens of the divine favor, is endeavoring to be faithful to her high trust.  

 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — It was in the year  1845 that the first Methodist sermon was preached in   Catasauqua. Isaac Larash had built a small frame house on what is now known as Church Street, in which two rooms could temporarily be thrown into one. Here Newton Heston, then stationed in Allentown, preached the first sermon, George Quigley and Thomas Murphy also preached occasionally while stationed at Allentown, as did Samuel Irvine. The congregation soon became too large for its meetings to be held in the house of Mr. Larash, and Mrs. Jeanette Frederick and Mrs. Amelia Matchett obtained the  use of the Second Street school-house. From this time on, for several years, there was occasional preaching at various places by the Revs. A. H. Hobbs, H. H.  Hickman, and F. D. Eagan. At the time the latter preached here there were nine members, among whom were Jeanette Frederick, Amelia Matchett, Margaret Rogers, and Samuel Steel. It was under Mr. Eagan's preaching that the church edifice was built, in 1859, and dedicated on Christmas day of that year, although the upper part was not finished until 1867, when a re-  dedication took place. The first trustees' meeting was held at the house of Joseph Reichert, April 17, 1860, the members present being Charles Graffin, Arthur Campbell, and Joseph Reichert, In November of the same year a charter of incorporation was granted. The church was supplied by ministers from Allentown and elsewhere until 1864, when C. H. Bickley was appointed pastor. He served until 1865. Since then the succession of pastors has been as follows: 1865, H. F. Isett; 1866, S. B. Best; 1869, J. J. Jones; 1871, William P. Howell; 1874, Jeremiah Pastorfield; 1876, G. Oram; 1879, D. M. Young; 1881, L. B. Hoffman  (six months); 1881, S. O. Garrison. The church, though for several years leading a struggling and somewhat feeble existence, is now in excellent condition. There is a Sunday school in connection with the church, of which the first meeting was held Feb. 25, 1860. It is at present in charge of James Thomas.  

 

Emanuel's German Evangelical Church. — There was preaching in Catasauqua by Henry Bucks and Noah McLain, of this denomination, in 1848, and the same year the first church of this denomination was built on the Howertown road, between Union and Wood Streets. It was a brick structure about thirty by thirty-eight feet in dimensions, and cost eight hundred dollars, while the lot cost enough more to make the entire expense nearly one thousand dollars.  The trustees at the time the church was built were Charles G. Schneller, William Neighley, and Henry Youndt. The church society had been organized six years prior to the date of building, or in 1842, though it had not reached a very promising condition until the date with which we have seen fit to open this brief sketch. The original members were Henry Youndt and wife, Enoch Youndt and wife, Abram Youndt  and wife, Joseph Youndt and wife, Valentine Knoll,  Matthias Knoll and wife, and Sebastian Knoll. By 1870 the society had received so many accessions that   its old house of worship was no longer adequate for   its accommodation, and the present structure on the corner of Second and Walnut Streets was erected.  This is a handsome brick church with a wooden dome, and is of ample size for the congregation. It cost about ten thousand dollars, and its erection was superintended by William Michael, David Tombler, Owen Schwartz, C. G. Schneller, and Aaron Klick, who were at that time trustees. A lot with a good house upon it, which has since been used as a parsonage, was purchased in 1874.  

 

The pastors who have served this congregation have been as follows; Revs. William Hessart, Francis Hoffman, John Kramer, Henry Bucks, and Noah  McLain, Micheal Singlinger, Samuel Rhoads, Christian Hummel, Jacob Gross, Christian Myers, George  Knerr, Moses Dissenger, George Haines, John Schell,  John Koehl, .lames Lehr, C. B. Fleager, George  Knerr, Jacob Adams, George- Haines, C. Breyogel,  and R. Lichtenwallner, the present incumbent. The church has now about two hundred members, and a flourishing Sunday school, under the superintendence of E. V. Schwartz.  

 

The German Reformed Church.  We would naturally expect the Reformed Church represented here, surrounded as the town is with numerous churches belonging to that denomination. Indeed, it would be expected that this denomination should be the first one on the ground to organize a congregation; but the Reformed people moving into the town continued to hold their membership in the congregations from which they moved, though that may have been from a mile to six and sometimes more from town; there was therefore no necessity felt for a congregation here until people felt the inconvenience of attending service at such a distance. In the mean time the Presbyterians, many of whom came from great distances, immediately felt the need of a house for public worship, and hence they erected for themselves a chapel in 1839-40, and thus they were the first to start church enterprise here. The Reformed people, feeling that to attend divine service nearer home would afford much comfort and, ease, yet loving the church of their fathers, they were granted the use of the Presbyterian chapel on such days or hours when the Presbyterians had no service, and thus they worshiped here from time to time until a proper organization was formed by them under the ministerial functions of Rev. Cyrus J. Becker, D.D., in   1848. We must not omit to notice here that much credit is due to Mr. Nicholas Balliet in bringing the church interest of the Reformed people to such definite shape. He was a zealous laborer in the cause of the Christian religion, and in the Reformed Church.  

 

After an organization was once effected, a movement was soon set on foot to build a church, but its membership being only about one hundred, covenanted with the Lutheran people, who started the same time under the pastoral charge of Rev. Schindel, and they agreed to buy a lot and build on it jointly, hence a union church was built in 1852, on a lot bought from Mr. Henry Kurtz, lying on Howertown road. It was surmounted with a handsome steeple and bell.  

 

In 1868 the Reformed congregation made an overture to the Lutheran to buy or sell; the Lutherans buying out the Reformed, the Reformed built for itself a church on a lot donated by Mr. Joseph Laubach on corner of Third and Walnut Streets.  The corner stone of this church was laid in April 1869, and it was dedicated in the fall of the same year. This congregation was known as the First Reformed Church of Catasauqua, Pa. Dissensions arose very soon in the congregation, which resulted in the resignation of the pastor. Rev. C. Becker, and which further resulted in weakening the organization to but a small number. In the winter of 1873, Rev. A. P. Koplin was called by the East Pennsylvania Classis to look after the Reformed interest, and he succeeded in effecting a new organization under the former title. It soon had a membership of over one hundred, but the property being burdened with a   heavy debt, its growth was retarded, and in 1880 the property was sold by the sheriff, and the organization, under the title of First Reformed Church, disbanded; but in April of the same year, at a public meeting called for the purpose of organizing a Reformed Church, a new organization was effected, under the title of Salem's Reformed Church of Catasauqua. 

 

This new organization bought the property from the sheriff, and efforts were at once put forth to pay for the property, and last year (1883) the congregation succeeded in paying off all indebtedness. In all   this time there was small progress in the increase of the membership, and now (1884) its membership is about one hundred and eighty. But the debt, which had been the chief hindrance, now being paid, there is a prospect of a more rapid increase of the membership. As has been already observed, the pastor of the first organization was Rev. C. J.  Becker. After his death, he was followed by his son Cyrus, who served the congregation until his resignation, in 1870. From this date to 1873 the congregation was without a regular pastor. In the fall or winter of that year Rev. A. B. Koplin was called, and he served the congregation until 1877, when he was called to another field, and the congregation called  the Rev. J. J. Crist. When the new organization was formed, under the title of Salem's Reformed Church, he was newly elected, and he has been serving the congregation up to this time.  

 

St. Paul's Lutheran Church. — St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Catasauqua, dates its origin from the latter part of the year 1851. About that time Rev. Jeremiah Schindel, Lutheran, and Rev. J. C. Becker, D.D., Reformed, began to preach to the two respective congregations that afterwards erected the St.  Paul's Union Church. In the beginning of the year 1852 the two congregations were regularly organized and the two clergymen mentioned elected as the first regular pastors. The church building was soon commenced, the corner stone being laid on July 4, 1852, and the dedication taking place on Christmas day of the same year. The building committee consisted of George Breinig, Solomon Biery, Samuel Koehler, and Charles Nolf. This Union Church continued until March, 1868, when the Reformed sold out their interest, and the Lutherans became sole owners of the property.  

 

The first Lutheran Church council was composed of George Breinig and George Frederick, Sr., as elders; Reuben Patterson and Jonathan Snyder, as deacons. In 1854, Rev. Jeremiah Schindel resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. William Rath, who served the congregation until July 7, 1861, when Rev. F. J. F.  Schantz became pastor, and remained such until Sept. 30, 1866. From this date until June 1, 1867, the congregation was supplied by Conference, — Rev. Carl Schlenker serving the same in German, and Rev. E. J. Koons, in English. From June 1, 1867, Rev. J. D. Schindel, a son of the first pastor of the congregation, assumed charge of the same, and yet serves the congregation.  

 

The organists during this time were the following:  John S. P. Faust, Edward Broder, John Leonhard, Martin Frankenfield, T. S. P. Steiner (for twelve years), Norman C. Shaffer, and the present organist, John C. Schafer.  

 

During these thirty-one years the congregation has had a varied experience, but has always shown life and growth. In 1863 the building was handsomely repaired, and in 1871 a basement was made under it.  In 1873 the dead buried in the adjoining lot were re-moved. In the same year a part of the congregation severed their connection, and organized the English Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity.  

 

Ever since the organization of the congregation both the German and English languages have been used in the services. At first the English was used occasionally, but at present the two languages stand on an equality. The present membership of the congregation is something over seven hundred, and the Sunday-school numbers something over five hundred.  It has a valuable property and no debts. The present church council consists of, — Pastor, J. D. Schindel; Elders, Frederick Eberhard and William Wolf; Deacons, James Seyfried, William F. Koehler, Samuel Everitt, and Sylvester B. Harte; Trustees, Philip Storm and James C. Beitel ; Secretary, Samuel J.  Koehler; and Treasurer, Samuel M. Snyder. The officers of the Sunday-school are, the pastor of the congregation as superintendent; Samuel J. Koehler and Paul C. Brodbeck, assistants; Tilghman F. Frederick, secretary; and Edwin Kleibscheidel and Monroe Snyder, librarians.  

 

The Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity. —  On Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1873, the annual congregational meeting of St. Paul's Lutheran Church was held in their church. At this meeting a resolution was adopted reducing the English services in the church from five to four times each month. It was the opinion of ten English members that this action was not called for by existing circumstances, and as the congregation had been growing rapidly by the introduction of English preaching in the church, as the Sunday-school attached to the church was conducted in the English language, and as the children of the church were educated entirely in that language, considerable dissatisfaction was manifested on the part of those who believed that the church should keep up with the demands of the times ; and after  repeated requests on their part made to the German  portion of the church to recede from the action taken,  without effect, a portion of the congregation retired from  the meeting to discuss the situation. M. H. Horn was called to the chair. George Bower, Edwin Schlench and M. H. Horn were appointed a committee to report  upon the situation at a future meeting to be called by  the chairman. A meeting was called for Monday evening, Jan. 6, 1873, at the residence of M. H. Horn, and was largely attended. It was agreed to make one more effort to arrange with the German portion of the congregation, and endeavor to get them to recede from the action taken Jan. 1, 1873. Accordingly, Messrs. George Bower, Thomas Frederick, Charles F. Beck, Edwin Schlench, and Harry J. Eckensberger were appointed a committee to meet the church council of, St. Paul's Church, for the above-named purpose, and to report at a meeting to be held Jan. 10, 1873.  

 

January 10th the committee reported that the church council of St. Paul's Church refused to recede from the action taken at the meeting of January 1st.  The meeting then resolved to organize an English Lutheran congregation and procure a suitable place for worship. A committee was appointed on organization and supplies. Subsequently the German Reformed Church was procured as the place of worship, and on Sunday, January 14th. Rev. John Kohler, one of the oldest members of the German Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania, preached both morning and evening. The Sunday-school in connection with the church was organized, with about eighty children, on the 12th of January, with M. H.  Horn, superintendent; E. H. Breder, assistant superintendent; Robert A. Lyttle, superintendent of infant department; Edwin Schlench, H, J. Echensberger, Charles F. Beck, C. D. Boner, and Thomas W. Frederick, librarians. On Feb. 10, 1873 a constitution and by-laws were adopted, and the following-named persons were elected church officers: Elders, George Boner and Thomas Frederick; Deacons, Edwin Schlench, Jacob B. Werley, H. J. Eckensberger, and O. Person; Trustees, Charles F. Beck, E. B. Breder;  Treasurer, M, H. Horn; Secretary, William H. Horn.  The pulpit was regularly supplied by the following-named ministers until a regular pastor was elected:  Rev. F. A. Muhlenberg, D.D, Rev. D. N. Kepner, Rev. Edmund Belfour, Rev. Joseph A. Seiss, D.D., Rev. Sibolte, Rev. William Frick, Rev. C. J. Cooper, Rev. S. A. Ziegenfuss, Rev. R. Weidner, and Rev. David  Guissinger. On Sunday, May 14, 1878, the first communion services were held by Rev. Joseph A. Seiss, D.D. of Philadelphia. The following- named persons communed:

George Bower Catharine Beck Robert A. Lyttle
Mrs. A. D. Bower Jacob B. Werley Edwin Schlench
C. D. W. Bower Abbie R. Werley Mrs. Schlench
Myra Bower Orantus Pierson Mullin Overpeck
Melchior H. Horn Elizabeth Pierson Joseph H. Shipe
Matilda S. Horn Henry J. Eckensberger Emily C. Shipe
William H. Horn Amanda Eckensberger George Frederick
Frank M. Horn Jacob L. Lawall Effie J. Frederick
Thomas Frederick Anna C. Lawall Mary Fenstermacher
Catharine Frederick E. H. Breder William H. Bender.
Thomas W. Frederick Mary C. Breder  
Charles F. Beck Benjamin B. Lynn  

 

 

Monday, May 26, 1873, Rev. John R. Plitt was unanimously elected pastor of the congregation. Rev. Plitt served the congregation until the fall of 1877, when he resigned to take charge of a congregation in West Philadelphia. From that time until April 9, 1883, the congregation was served by Rev. M. H. Richards as a missionary supply, when a call was unanimously extended to Rev. George W. Landt, of Easton, Pa., who was subsequently unanimously elected pastor.  Soon thereafter he formally took charge of the congregation and was duly installed pastor; Rev. David Gininger, of Easton, and Rev. J. D. Schindel, of St. Paul's Lutheran Chinch of Catasauqua, officiating.  

 

In the fall of 1873 the corner-stone of the present church edifice was laid with appropriate ceremonies, Rev. J. D. Schindel, Rev. J. R. Plitt, Rev. Dr. Muhlenberg, and other Lutheran clergymen taking part. In the spring of 1874, the church building was formally dedicated, — Rev. C. P. Krauth, D.D., Rev. F. A.  Muhlenberg. D.D., Rev. J. D. Schindel, Rev. J. R, Plitt, and other clergymen participating. The church is fifty by seventy feet in dimensions, built of pressed brick, with a large Sunday-school room in the basement, is of modern style, and one of the best built   and handsomest churches in the Lehigh Valley: the cost of the church and lot was about sixteen thousand dollars. It is situated on the northeast corner of Bridge and Third Streets. During the year 1876, the congregation became considerably embarrassed by the effects of the panic of 1873, 1874, 1875, and 1876, and the church building was finally sold to pay debts due thereon; it was purchased by M. H.  Horn, and subsequently sold by him to the congregation at the price he paid for it. The congregation was chartered by the court of Lehigh County June 16, 1882, and since the election of Rev. George W. Sandt, and his taking charge of the same, new life has been infused, and considerable growth has already shown itself in the addition of membership. 

 

 The following-named persons are now the officers of the church: Frank M. Horn, Henry J. Hornbeck, George Beck, C. D. W. Boner. J. H. Mushlitz, Henry J. Eckensberger, E. J. Boyer, and Owen Fatzinger; of the first communicants of the congregation the following named have since died: Thomas Frederick, Catharine Frederick, Orantus Pierson, Anna C. Lawall; and of the members subsequently joining the church the deaths have been: Isabella T. Horn and Mrs. John Royer. The congregation carries upon its rolls about sixty members; the Sunday-School, one hundred and sixty pupils, and twenty-four officers and teachers.  

 

The following-named persons have served as officers at various times since its first organization:

George Boner George Frederick
Thomas Frederick Tilghman Fenstermacher
Edwin Schlench Frank J. Grover
J. B. Werley Hiram Beitelman
H.J. Eckensberger J. H. Mushlitz
Oratus Pierson Joseph H. Shipe
Charles F. Beck Frank M. Horn
E. H. Broder C. D. W. Boner
M. H. Horn Henry J. Hornbeck
William H. Horn Owen Fatzinger
Jacob S. Lawall E. J. Boyer
M. E. Kreidler George F. Beck.

 

 

Bethel Welsh Congregational Church. — On Nov.  28, 1882, the Bethel Welsh Congregational Church was organized with thirty members, and Rev. David R. Griffith chosen pastor. The members, feeling the want of religious services conducted in their native language, formed the new congregation, and secured the building formerly used by the Welsh Baptist Church, on Third Street, above Walnut, for a place of worship. They regularly met in that building until Dec. 2, 1883, when they dedicated with appropriate ceremonies their new church building at Fourth and Pine Streets. At ten o'clock a.m. the services were in the Welsh language, and Rev. R. S. Jones, of Providence, and Rev. D. Todd Jones, of Shenandoah, preached. In the afternoon, at two o'clock, English services were held, Rev. T. C. Edwards, of Kingston preaching. At six p.m., Welsh services were held, Revs. R. S. Jones and Edwards preaching. The congregation has steadily increased in membership until had swelled to sixty-four communicant members, and the Sunday-school numbers one hundred and eighteen scholars.  

 

Material aid was afforded the new congregation, and they dedicated their new house free of debt. Mrs. David Thomas took an earnest interest in the new project and was very active in securing her fellow countrymen a place of worship, and her liberality aided in a large measure in placing in their hands the   much-desired church building. The building committee chosen by the congregation were Messrs. Samuel Thomas, William P. Hopkins, David D. Thomas, and Rev. David R. Griffith, and the building erected is a credit to their taste and experience.  

 

Ground was broken for the new building in May 1883, and on Sunday, June 17th, the foundation walls were completed and the corner-stone laid with appropriate ceremonies. Rev. D. Todd Jones, of Shenandoah, and Revs. Griffith, Harbison, Garrison, and Crist took part in the exercises, and Mrs. Thomas laid the stone.  

 

The plat of ground, ninety by one hundred and eleven feet, on which the new church stands, is eligibly located at Fourth and Pine Streets. The building was partially designed by L. S. Jacoby, architect, of Allentown; the erection contracted by Mr. Cain Semmels, builder, this place; the slating by Mr. T. F. Laubach;  the painting and frescoing by Goth Brothers, Bethlehem ; the heaters and gas-fitting by Mr. Henry Souders; and other tradesmen furnished materials and  performed work. The structure is of the Gothic style, built of brick, with steep roof, covered with black slate, surmounted by a neat open spire, placed in a transverse position. The building faces Pine Street, is thirty by fifty feet in dimensions, with entrance porch ten by ten feet, and a wing extending on Fourth Street, sixteen by twenty feet, with entrance six by eight feet.  

 

The Catasauqua School District— Prior to the incorporation of Catasauqua as a borough, the district was embraced within the Hanover Township School District. A mixed school was established at or near the corner of the Howertown road, and the road leading to Bethlehem (now Race Street), on the land of Frederick Biery, and it was called the Biery's Bridge School. Later this school was removed to a frame building on the land of the Crane Iron Company, situated at what is now the corner of Church and Bridge Streets. In 1848 a building was erected on the corner of Bridge Street and Howertown road by the Presbyterian congregation, on land bought from John Peters. It was occupied by the two branches of the Presbyterian Church until Catasauqua was incorporated into a borough, when it was purchased by the school district, and fitted up to accommodate two schools of sixty pupils each. In the year 1854 a lot was purchased from Jonas Biery, on the corner of Second Street and School Alley, on which the district erected a two-story building with two rooms to accommodate one hundred and twenty pupils. In 1859 a lot was purchased from Adrian Barber, on the corner of Second and Walnut Streets, on which a building with six rooms was erected to accommodate three hundred pupils. In 1868 a lot was purchased from John L. Manchett, on Front Street, between Wood and Union Streets, and a building was erected thereon to accommodate two hundred pupils.  

 

The school buildings are all of brick and of modern structure, all finished with modem furniture. All have large grounds planted with shade trees, and are pleasantly and conveniently located.  

 

Previous to the year 1858 the records of the district were not carefully kept, so that it is not possible to give a correct history of the board's doings. April 2, 1858, Joshua Hunt and M. H. Horn were elected members of the board. The former was chosen president, and the latter secretary, and from that day regular minutes of the board are on record. The old members of the board holding over were Frederick Eberhart, John Mclntyre, Charles G. Schneller, and William Miller. At that date there were one hundred and eighty pupils on the school lists. The schools were all mixed, and taught by A. W. Kinsy, W. H. Barton, Eliza McKee, and Anna Phillips.  

 

Prior to 1858, David Thomas, Samuel Glace, Owen Schwartz, John Mclntyre, William Miller, Frederick  Eberhard, and Charles G. Schneller had served as  school directors. Of this number David Thomas, Schwartz, and Miller have since died. April 9, 1858, at a regular meeting of the board, on motion of Miller and Schweller, the following resolution was unanimously passed: 

 

 "Resolved, That Joshua Hunt, M. H. Horn, and John Mclntyre be a committee to examine all the pupils now attending our schools, and any others who may apply for admission into our schools, and report to our board with a view of classifying and grading of the pupils."  

 

This committee subsequently reported the result of their examinations, and recommended the establishing of one grammar, two secondary, and two primary schools.  

 

May 10, 1858, Charles L. Russel was elected teacher of the grammar school; Alonzo W. Kinsy and William H. Barton, teachers of the secondary schools; and Eliza McKee and Anna Phillips, teachers of the primary schools.  

 

Aug. 2, 1858, Mr. Russel having resigned as teacher of the grammar school, Mr. R. Clay Hammersly was elected to fill the vacancy. This school was regraded and classified. The more advanced pupils were assigned to Mr. Hammersly and formed the high school; the others were taught by Mr. John Porter and constituted the grammar school. An additional school was organized of primary scholars and taught by Miss Gwenney Leibert. Dec. 16, 1858, John Porter, teacher of the grammar school, was superseded by F. Herschkoll, of New York City. June 30, 1858, there were 300 pupils registered as attending the schools; in 1859, 325 pupils; in 1860, 365 pupils; in 1861, 408 pupils; in 1862, 450 pupils; in 1863, 474 pupils.    

 

On July 3, 1863, there was no regular meeting of the board, in consequence of the fact that four of the six members, viz., Messrs. Hunt, Miller, Schneller, and Horn, had answered the call of the President of the United States, and volunteered in Company B of the Thirty-eighth Regiment for the defense of the State.  

 

On Aug. 22, 1863, the high school was regularly established, with R. Clay Hammeresly as teacher.  From that date on the schools have been in a very prosperous condition.  

 

The seating capacity of the school-rooms in the   district is 725. Number of pupils in attendance March 7, 1884, 678, divided as follows: One high school, 45; two intermediate schools, 75; two grammar, 86; three secondary, 137; two advanced primary and four primary, 335; number of teachers employed, 14; term, 10 months, divided into two sessions. Salaries, high school, $90; intermediate, $70; grammar,  $60; secondary, $40; primary, $32 per month. The value of the school property is $68,000; funded debt at four per cent, interest, $15,000.  

 

Since 1857 the following named persons have served as directors of the board (those marked with * are now dead):  

Frederick Eberhard, six years. H. D. Yeager, three years.
*William Miller, nine years, and as president three years. *John Hudders, six years, as president six years.
John Mclntyre, three years. *Milton Berger, two years.
Joshua Hunt, six years, and as president three years. A. H. Gilbert, twelve years, as president five years.
Charles G. Schneller, nine years, and as treasurer six years. David Davis, ten years, as secretary five years.
M. H. Horn, twenty-four years, and as secretary sixteen years, as treasurer three years, as president two years. James W. Schwartz, six years, as secretary five years.
Levi Oberholtzer, one year. Joseph Matchett, two years.
F. F. Geiring, five years. James C. Beitel, three years, as treasurer two years.
*Charles D. Fuller, three years. C. W. Chapman, eight years, as president two years.
David A. Tombler, three years. H. H. Reigel, three years.
*William Getz, two years. C. J. Keim, three years.
R. Clay Hammersly, six years, and as treasurer three years, as president three years. Samuel J. Koehler, three years.
*Thomas Frederick, three years. *A. T. Eberhard, two years.
*Joseph Schwartz, three years. David Williams, three years.
John Boyer, three years, as treasurer one year.  

 

 

The present board is composed of (C. W. Chapman (president., David Davis (secretary), M. H. Horn,  A. H. Gilbert, David Williams, B. C. Hammersly, David J. Williams, Jr.  

 

The following-named persons have graduated from  the high school:

1868, Alletta M. Earle, Frank M. Horn
1869, Sarah Davis, Mary Lewars, Margaret A. Depue, Margaret A. Quig
1870, Amanda J. Funk, Elizabeth Wilson. Sarah Bear, Mary A. Halbach
1871, Sarah J. Mclntyre, Rebecca McMonegal, John F. Halbach, Alice James, George Halbach
1872, Hannah Davis, Ella D. Boyd, Esther Bear, Sarah Minnich, Emma Hison, Emma Schneller, Jane McClelland, Charles Brunner, Edward D. Boyer, C. D. W. Bower. J. W. S. Souder
1873, Mary James, Hannah McGee, Amanda Bough, Ida M. Harte, Elizabeth Morrow, Michael J. Brady
1874, Sarah A. Kay, Cora C. Creveling, Anna C. Creveling, Delia Mealy, Mary McGee, Margaret McClay, Mary M. Craig, Lillian A. Harte, Mary A. Hudders, Eliza J. Bear, Louise Taylor, Jacob F. Becker, George W. Bower, Frank Mclntyre
1875, Henry F. Funk, Elizabeth Nevins, Martha J. Streahm, Sarah J. Gillespie, Jane F. Miller, Agnes L. Swartz, Harry T. Horn, Jennie Weisley, Matilda Price
1876, Clara L. Bear, Elizabeth M. Souder. Minnie S. Boyer, M. Alice Breder, Isabella T. Horn, Edward J. Frederick, Roger Hunt, Clifford H. Riegel, George F. Beck, George L. Plitt, Austin A. Glick, Edward J. Lawall, Frank J. Savin, Mark W. Halbach
1877, Emma Nevins, Mary M. Schneller, Alice Kay, William H. Emanuel, William Tretch, Albert J. Hiscon, Frank Clark
1878, Jesse H. Harbinson, Sarah McHenry, Anna B. Gibson, Margaret A. Nevins, Julia A. M. Carson, Gertrude E. Williams, Elizabeth A. Harbison, Solon J. Harte, Albert J. Misley, James Clugston, Jr., John A. Funk, William Overton, Jr., Albert A. Koons, Samuel A. Campbell
1879, Winnie Williams, Margaret Gillespie, Edwin O. Moyer, Charles R. Horn, Horace Boyd, Thomas H. Milson, Cassius C. Andress, Richard Foly, Frank S. Bower
1880, Ida E. Corvin, Nancy McAndless, Maria Thomas, Anna M. Funk, Clara E. Schlanch, Margaret A. Funk, Hannah E. Stock, James G. Lucy, Charles E. Frick, Franklin P. Frederick, Archibald Harte, William H. Laubach. Jr., William J. Snyder, Jr., William A. Reigel
1881, Della F. Lawall, Emma M. Engler, Minnie M. Bower, Cora E. Eberhart. Mattie McHenry, Elizabeth Hunter
1882, William J. Funk, Laura M. Hock, Anna M. Craig, Elizabeth Clugston
1883, Laura Bower, Soleri Birtel, Elizabeth Gillespie, Winnie Hopkins, Huldah Schlanch, Agnes William, Anna Fuller, Francis Kopp, Emily Lawall, Elizabeth Milson, Elizabeth Williams, David Folan. Senior class of 1884, Laura Eberhard, Elsie Mclntyre, Mary App, Sallie Church, Matilda Wolf, Clara Clampbell, Anna Lucy, Cora Schual, Elizabeth Bartholomew, William Dyatt, Abner Buck, Benjamin Campbell, William Sieger, Osborn Snyder, James Troxell, David Griffiths, Edward Rohn.

 

The following-named persons have been employed as teachers at different times since 1857:

Alonzo W. Kinny Kate Y. M. Smith Maggie Depeu
William H. Barton W. H. Halderman Kate McMonegal
Charles H. Russell L. C. Wonderly William T. Morris
Eliza McKee Sallie Wilson Esther Bear
Anna Phillips Walter J. McFarland Alice Hammersly
R. C. Hammersly Anna McKibbin T. F. Frederick
Gwenney Leibert Robert McClean O. B. Pearson
John Porter Harte Gilbert Jennie McClelland
F. Herschkill B. C. Snyder J. H. Mushlitz
Anna Evans John Hill Hannah Davis
Eliza Hammersly E. H. Breder Sarah Kay
Reuben Lichtenwallner Charlotte Bear Alice Kay
Mary Ann Davis Martha Wilson Mary Craig
Mary Duff Sarah Davis Ellen Johnson
Naomi Phillips Rebecca McMonegal John Depeu
Mary Evans Maggie Quig Charles H. Bertel
Rebecca Sigley Sarah Bear George J. Benner
Mrs. John Clark Irene Reich Sallie McHenry
Milton O. George John Kendlehart Delia Mealy
Jennie Corwin Carrie Wilson T. W. Bevan
Anna M. Smith C. McMonegal J. F. Moyer
Jennie Click Amanda Funk I. Frank Barr
Robert A. Lyttle Sallie Mclntyre Paul Hirsh.
A. P. Garler A. N. Uhlrich  

 

The teachers now employed are T. W. Bevan, high school; J. H. Mushlitz, Kate Y. Smith, intermediate schools; J. F. Moyer, I. Frank Barr, grammar schools; Sallie J. Mclntyre, Anna M. Smith, Hannah Davis, secondary schools; Alice Kay, Rebecca McMonegal, Sarah McHenry, Mary Craig, Martha Wilson, Eliza J. Bear, Delia Mealy, primary schools.  

 

Fairview Cemetery. — On the west side of the Lehigh River, opposite the town, and occupying a beautiful location, is the Fairview Cemetery, laid out and cared for by an association chartered Jan. 1, 1877, and then consisting of M. H. Horn, David A. Tombler, R. Clay Hammersley, R. A. Boyer, John Thomas, James W. Schwartz, W. H. Laubach, and Orange M. Fuller. The property was owned by James W. Fuller, Esq., who set it apart as a burying-ground, and sold to the association upon its organization. The cemetery is now kept in excellent condition, and is one of the most beautiful in the valley.   In the cemetery is a soldiers' monument, erected in 1866 by the people of Catasauqua.  

 

Masonic Lodges. -— Porter Lodge, No. 284, F. and A. M., was originally instituted as No. 152, on Sept.  5, 1853, and named alter Hon. James M. Porter; was fully organized June 30, 1854, with the following officers, viz.: W. M., Robert Mclntyre; S. W., Levi Kraft; J. W., James McLeary; Sec, A. H. Gilbert; Treas., Charles H. Nolf; S. D., F. B. Martin; J. D., Charles Allen; S. M. C, William Getz; J. M. C, James Clugston; Tyler. William Biery. This lodge, an offshoot from Easton Lodge, has been the parent of four lodges, viz., Lehigh, of Trexlertown, organized     in April 1858; Barger, of Allentown, in April, 1859; Monoquesy, of Bath, in April, 1861; and Slatington Lodge, in April 1861. Porter Lodge, in 1868, furnished a new hall, its present meeting-place, in Fuller's Block, at a cost of nearly sixteen hundred dollars.  From the time of its organization to the present two hundred and forty-nine persons have been initiated to membership, and the number now on the roll is about ninety.  

 

The Past Masters have been as follows: W. R.  Houser, Daniel Yoder, M.D., George Bower, B. F. Wonderly, H. H. Riegel, M.D., Charles Corwin, William H. Ainey, Henry Souder, Henry Davis, George Mclntyre, J. P. Griffith, A, F. Koons, F.J. Grover, William Williams, J. Fatzinger, Joseph Matchett, David Williams, Charles W. Chapman.  

 

At the present writing the officers of Porter Lodge are as follows: Robert E. Williams, W. M.; John B.  Davis, S. W.; Preston E. Stem, J. W.; Daniel Yoder, Treas.; Edmund Randall, Sec; Joseph Matchette, Chap.; David H. Thomas, S. D.; John W. Hopkins, J. D.; Charles D. W. Bower, Purs. ; Owen F. Fatzinger, J. M. of C.; Frank B. Keiser, S. M. of C.; Henry Souder, Tyler; Trustees, H. H. Riegel, chairman; Charles Corwin, James C. Beitel.  

 

I. O. O. F. Lodge and Encampment— Catasauqua Lodge, No. 269, 1. O. O. F., was instituted Oct. 6, 1847, on which occasion the following officers were elected, viz.: N. G., Reuben Seip; V. G., Aaron Bart; Sec, Samuel Colver ; Asst. Sec, David A. Tombler; Treas.,  Nathan Frederick. Since the beginning four hundred and thirty-six members have been initiated into this lodge, and it now has ninety-six. The present officers are: N. G., Edward Davis; V. G., F. H. Reichel ; Sec, A. R. Dieter; Asst. Sec, Robert J. Morris; Treas., H. A. Beitleman.  

 

Fraternity Encampment, No. 156, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 6, 1867, on which occasion the following officers were elected: C. P., George Bower; H. P., M. H. Horn; C. W., D. A. Tombler; J. W., Daniel Gillespie; Treas., F. M. Eagle; Scribe, A. F. Koons; O. S., Phillip Storm; I. S., Aaron Snyder; G., Henry Souder; 1st W., William Beiry; 2d W., John Hunter; 3d W., F. F. Giering; 4th W., Henry Eckensberger; 1st G. of T., Franklin Bower; 2d G. of T., James Hutchinson; Trustees, Henry Eckensberger, F. F.  Giering, William Shoeneberger.  

 

The present officers are as follows: C. P., W. H.  Horn; H. P., Edward Edwards; S. W., W. H. Scanlin; J. W., Edward Davis; Treas.. F. M.Eagle; Scribe, Thomas Jones; G., J. B. Davis; O. S., J. H. Chryst;  1. S., F. H. Kiechel; 1st W., Alexander Morrow; 2d W., Joseph Wresley, Jr.; 3d W., D. P. Tombler, Sr.; 4th W., Samuel Everett; 1st G. of T., Frederick C.  Yeaser; 2d G. of T., David Gillespie; Trustees, Phillip Storm, William Williams, and Edward Edwards; P. C. P.'s, George Power, D. A. Tombler, Thomas Jones, Joseph Reichard, Amandus R. Dieter, William Williams, William H. Horn, David Gillespie, Tilghman Fenstermacher, Edward Edwards, David G.  Morris, William H. Griffiths, Daniel Davies, John B. Davis, David K. Williams, Franklin H. Dieter.  

 

Grand Army of the Republic. — Fuller Post, No.  378, is a recent institution, but there was a Grand Army post of the same name, and known as No. 71, in Catasauqua many years ago. It was organized Aug. 19, 1867, and disbanded Oct. 15, 1869. The officers first elected were: P. C, Edward Gilbert; S. V. C, Spencer Tetemer; J. V. C. William H. Myers; Adjt., Aaron McHose; Q. M., John W. Heberling. The post was reorganized April 18, 1872, and again disbanded Oct. 15, 1876. The recent organization was elected Sept. 10, 1883. The name which it bears was bestowed in honor of Lieut. George W. Fuller of this place. The present officers of the post are: Com., Edwin Gilbert; S. V. C, Charles Laramy; J. V. C, Frank H. Wilson; Adjt., Edmund Randall; Q. M., Joseph H. Schwab; Chap., Joseph Matchett ; O. D.,  Joseph Wray; O. G., John Matchett.  

 

By special act of Congress, approved May 15, 1875, the government donated to this post for the ornamentation of burial lots in the cemetery four-iron cannon and sixteen cannon balls.

 

References

1. From an article by the late Jacob Fatzinger

 

2. Report of Burgess William H. Glace for 1877.

 

3. The author of the little pamphlet called "Incident of the Freshet on the Lehigh River, Sixth month, 4th and 5th, 1862", for which we are indebted to Mr. D. T. Williams, of Catasauqua.

 

4. The Welsh Baptists do not at present maintain an active organization.

 

 

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Rev. July 2014