New Castle, Pennsylvania

HISTORY OF NEW CASTLE.

The history of New Castle, as the home of a civilized community, dates back to the early part of the year 1798; but before the white man trod the hills and valleys of Western Pennsylvania, before even the restless and adventurous pioneers and avant couriers of the English and French Colonies had begun to make their appearance here, the red race, familiarly known as the American Indians, had for unknown ages occupied the soil and followed the wild and untamed pursuits of barbarian life--the chase and the war path. On the ground where New Castle now stands a powerful chief or "king" of the Delawares, or, as they were known by their Indian title, the Lenape, had his headquarters. He was called Pack-an-ke in the Delaware tongue, and most probably answered to the name of "King Beaver" among the white adventurers of the early days. We find Christian Frederick Post speaking of this man in the journal which he kept of his adventures among the natives in this vicinity in 1758, when he was sent on a mission of peace in advance of General Forbes' army.

The dominant people in this region were the Six Nations or Iroquois of the French, the ancient Mengwe of Indian tradition, the formidable rivals of the Lenape, and eventually their conquerors, sometimes known as the Romans of America, (so called by De Witt Clinton). The particular tribe who were nominal masters of the immediate region comprising Northwestern Pennsylvania, and having their council seat at or near the present city of Buffalo, was the Seneca. But various tribes and fragments of other nations were dwelling in the same locality: Senecas, Delawares, Munseys, Shawanese, &c., &c., living quietly and peaceably together and occupying the same hunting and fishing grounds in common. Two villages of the Lenape or Delawares were in this locality: one at the month of the Mahoning river, called Kas-kas-kunk; the other upon the site of New Castle, and called New Kas-kas-kunk. The latter town was the capital of Pack-an-ke. Another famous Indian town was located on the Mahoning, near to the present town of Edenburg, and known as Kush-kush-kee. The principal subordinate chief and councilor of King Pack-an-ke was Glik-kik-an, famous as a warrior, a statesman and an orator.

*We have used Mr. Petin's history of New Castle liberally in this connection.

FIRST SETTLERS IN NEW CASTLE.

John Carlysle Stewart, two brothers-in-law, John and Hugh Wood, and John McWhorter--all from the neighborhood of New Castle, Delaware, came together early in the season of 1798, and located on the ground where New Castle now stands. This portion of the country was mostly surveyed into what were known as "donation lands," set apart for the use of the soldiers of Pennsylvania who served in the American army during the war of the Revolution. The line between the original counties of Beaver and Mercer was the boundary between the first and second "donation" districts. South of this line was the first, and north of it was the second district.

Commencing at the northwest corner of lot No. 88 of these lands, the line of survey made an obtuse angle to the northeastward across lot 89; thence across lot 90 it ran almost exactly northeast, and from thence, at the southwest corner of lot No. 1953, it ran straight east beyond the Neshannock creek. This deviation in the south line of the second district left a strip commencing at a point two miles west of New Castle, and widening until it reached the Shenango river at a spot a little below the bridge on Grant street. At this place the gore was about ninety rods in width, and continued the same eastward to the present city limits. This gore was called a "vacancy." There is considerable diversity of opinion regarding the amount and location of lands purchased by Stewart, but there is no doubt he owned all of the 49 "vacancy" lying between the Shenango river and Neshannock creek, and his purchase most probably extended eastward for some distance beyond the creek, perhaps far enough to cover altogether about 400 acres. That portion lying west of the Shenango river, amounting to 117 acres and 38 poles, was taken by Cornelius Hendrickson. Lot No. 89, lying a little northwest of Sankey's addition to New Castle, was taken by Joseph and Samuel Cox; No. 90, lying immediately east of Cox, and running across the river, was taken by Samuel McCleary; lot No. 1953, lying next east of McCleary, Crawford White settled on; lot No. 1951, next east of Crawford White, was taken by Henry Falls. The "vacancy" occupied by Stewart was south of White's and Falls' land.

This gore or "vacancy" occurred through imperfect or careless surveying, and it is perhaps not wonderful that the surveyors of that day, when the country was a vast wilderness, in running their lines through the woods, and over hills and dales, should have failed to make every lot come out just so many acres, or the lines to be exactly true, and all the corners right-angles.

The original town-plat, comprising about fifty acres, was laid out by John Carlysle Stewart, in April, 1798, as appears by the records of Mercer county. [p. 18] At that date the territory was within the limits of Allegheny county, which extended northwards to the lake.

The plan of the new town was a very good one, lying with the cardinal points of the compass (or nearly so), and having wide, straight streets and an open market-space, 440 by 190 feet in the center, since curiously called "the Diamond." Mercer county was erected March 12,1800, and the south line of this county was also the southern boundary of the town.

Stewart and McWhorter were both practical surveyors, but the latter, on account of having the best instruments, made the survey and laid out the new city. When the plat was completed, it was unanimously named NEW CASTLE, in honor of the chief town of the State from whence they came.

The town was bounded on the north by a line running east and west through the center of the blocks lying next north of North street, from the left bank of the Shenango river eastward to Apple alley; thence south to the Neshannock creek; thence west along the line afterwards dividing Beaver and Mercer counties to the Shenango river; thence northerly along the river to the place of beginning.

The site of the town was a sort of glade or open bottom, destitute of large timber, but covered with a dense growth of grass and hazel bushes. Along the Neshannock was a thicket of wild plum and crab-apple trees, and here and there scattered over the plat were clumps and clusters of black and jack Oaks. According to the best authority we have been able to obtain, a large share of the lots in the new town were disposed of by lottery, most probably at several different times, for when first laid out there were not people enough to have made it profitable. Lotteries were quite common and popular in those days, and even religious societies did not scruple to raise funds by means of them.

It is very probable that John Carlysle Stewart erected the first cabin in New Castle, though Joseph Townsend, Jr., who came soon after the first named party, is sometimes credited with the honor. At all events, Stewart owned the land upon which the town was laid out, and would be very likely (seeing that he came to make a permanent stay) to have put up some kind of a shelter.

His cabin, built of round logs, stood near what is now known as the Falls spring; and he lived there until as late as 1810, after which he seems to have changed his place of above,[sic] but just where he removed to is very uncertain. Some accounts say he crossed the Neshannock and lived on land owned by him on the east side.

John Carlysle Stewart is described as a large raw-boded man, of Scotch- Irish descent, quite well educated, somewhat aristocratic, and not particularly inclined to hard labor. Of his early history very little is known, but he was said to have been born in or near Philadelphia, and to have lived in his younger days near New Castle, Delaware. The date of his birth is supposed to have been about 1765, as a daughter of his, now living in the State of Indiana, thinks he was about ten years old at the breaking out of the Revolutionary war. His father, Robert Stewart, was a major in the American army during the war, and possibly his son, John C., may have located land upon a warrant drawn by him for services. It is claimed by the oldest citizens of New Castle that John C. Stewart was the first Justice of the Peace in the place, which is altogether probable. At all events he was holding the office in 1807, according to an acknowledgment on an old deed now in possession of Joseph S. White.

He was connected with a number of public enterprises, looking to the advancement of his town, at various periods during his stay in the place, from 1798 down to 1821-2-3, when he removed to Ohio. Of him more hereafter.

Among the earlier settlers who followed Stewart and his three companions, were Joseph Townsend, Jr., who came before his father and brothers, and very soon after Stewart, and built a log cabin near where the old Dickson tannery was afterwards located, and Wm. Munnel, a blacksmith, who put up his cabin on the ground now occupied by Shaw & Waddington's iron foundry. Munnel's building was a curiosity. It was a long building, built of logs, and divided into three compartments--a dwelling at one end, a horse-stable in the middle, and a blacksmith shop in the other end. John Watson, from Penn's Valley, Pa., came some time during the same year (1798), and built a cabin across the street, east from Munnel's.

Cornelius Hendrickson and his son Daniel had each a cabin on the west bank of the Shenango, in the present township of Union. They established a ferry, probably, during the year 1798, over the Shenango at what is now the west end of North street. Thomas, another son of Cornelius Hendrickson, settled in what is now Taylor township, and his son Cornelius, Jr., settled east of New Castle on land purchased of Stewart.

Jesse Du Shane, father of Joseph T. Du Shane, now living on Pittsburgh street, came from the State of Delaware to Beaver, in 1802. In the Fall of the same year he came to New Castle, and built a cabin near where Isaac Dickson now resides. He brought his family to their new home in February, 1803. The journey from Beaver to New Castle was made in a large canoe belonging to Daniel Hendrickson. Joseph Townsend, Sr., and the well- known Indian, Har-the-gig, helped to bring up the canoe and its motley load. This Indian, about that time, lived on the Neshannock, some four miles above New Castle. When Mr. Du Shane settled in New Castle, there were but four cabins between the Shenango and the Nesbannock, and these belonged to J. C. Stewart, Joseph Townsend, Jr., Wm. Munnel, and John Watson. About the year 1806, Mr. Du Shane built a new house of hewed logs, which stood on the lot just north of the two-story brick building on the northwest corner of Washington street and "the Diamond." His lot extended north to the alley. The building was about equal to three ordinary houses in those days. The same year he rented one of the rooms to Joseph T. Boyd, who opened a general store, and afterwards admitted John Wilson as a partner.

Joseph Townsend, Sr., and his sons, John and Isaac, came in 1803. The old gentleman was a saddler by trade. The two sons learned the hatter's trade of Thomas Evans, their brother-in-law, at Sharon, Beaver county. When they became of age, they started the business in New Castle, and were the next to open a shop after Isaac Jones, who was the first hatter--having commenced business about 1805. The Townsends probably commenced about 1806-8. The old gentleman lived in a house which his son Joseph built for him, for some years. In his old age he lived with his other sons until his death, which took place about 1825.

Jared and Robert Irwin, James Reynolds, Nicholas Vaneman and Benjamin and John Elliott, all settled in New Castle previous to, or about, 1800.

Jesse Du Shane married Lydia, Zanes Townsend, daughter of Joseph Townsend, Sr. He died in New Castle, January 1, 1866, at the ripe old age of ninety-five years and one month, in a house nearly opposite where his son, Joseph T. Du Shane, Esq., now resides, on Pittsburgh street. His wife died in 1855, aged 84 years.

The second daughter of Joseph Townsend, Sally, married Thomas Evans, of Sharon, Beaver county, and the third daughter, Elizabeth, married William Van Zant Smith, who died in Ohio.

Among other very early settlers were John Wilson, two brothers by the name of Sampson, and Andrew Noble. The last-named individual was a great hunter, and came to New Castle about 1800, and built a cabin on what is now the Falls estate, near the brow of the hill. He brought with him a monstrous long and heavy rifle, carrying thirty-two balls to the pound. Some years after his settlement he became pecuniarily involved, and his creditor, Mr. Crawford White, levied on his "big rifle" for the debt. Mr. White always afterwards called the gun "Andy." It was a fine weapon, but the boys used to say if a man lost or missed a shot, he could not afford to buy ammunition for a second charge, it cost so much to load it.

Crawford White came from Cumberland county, Pa., settled on lot No, 1953 of the "donation lands," immediately north of Stewart's purchase, in 1804. He had a brother living in South Carolina, and when he sold out his property in Cumberland county, and prepared to come West, he went around by way of South Carolina, and visited his brother. From thence he came by way of Tennessee and Kentucky to Mercer county, and lived at New Castle for about two years, when he went back to Cumberland county, and married in 1806. Returning to New Castle he at once entered into the active pursuits of life. During the war of 1812-15, he went to Erie, probably in 1813, as a member of Captain Fisher's company, raised in and around New Castle.

In 1818, Mr. White erected a grist-mill and saw-mill (both frame buildings), on or near the ground where Raney's grist and flour-mill now stands. John Tidball was the first miller, and operated the mill for Mr. White.

The old gentleman died about the year 1834. His wife died in January, 1875, at the great age of 97 years.

John Elliott had the honor of erecting the first grist-mill in New Castle, which he did about the year 1800. It was situated on the west bank of the Neshannock creek, near where the Episcopal Church now stands. It was built, no doubt, of logs, and probably contained one run of "Laurel hill" stones. The mill was in constant use until October, 1803, when it was partially destroyed, but whether by fire or flood, tradition saith not--most likely by flood.

Previous to the erection of Elliott's mill, people were obliged to take their grain down the Beaver river in canoes, to Beaver Falls and bring it [p. 19] back by the same conveyance, or take it on horseback to Allen's mill, on the Slippery Rock creek, which latter[sic] was located at what is now Wurtemburg, in Wayne township. After the partial destruction of his mill, Elliott sold out to Nicholas Vaneman, who proceeded to repair and put it in operation. It was a primitive affair.*

*See article, "Early Manufactures."

Of the men who came to New Castle with John C. Stewart, it appears that his brothers-in-law, John and Hugh Wood, remained in New Castle until about 1821 to 1823, when they left with Stewart and settled in Holmes county, Ohio, at Millersburg, where he died. It is said by some authorities that Stewart was elected to the Legislature of Ohio, and was nominated for a second term, but his shabby appearance defeated him. Others say he was beaten the first time, for the same reason, and did not run again. John McWhorter, who laid out the town for Stewart, soon after returned East. He was of a speculative turn, and bought and sold lands, and frequently visited Western Pennsylvania, but eventually died, near where he came from, in Delaware.

Stewart was engaged in various enterprises during his stay in New Castle. He was connected, with other parties, as early as 1803-4, in the erection of a grist and saw-mill, on the Neshannock, at the Devil's Elbow, and about 1810-11, in company with one Wilkins, changed his grist-mill into a forge, for the manufacture of hammered iron, it being the first mill for the manufacture of iron in Western Pennsylvania.*

*See under heading, "Early Manufactures."

It would appear that Stewart eventually became badly involved, and gradually lost all his property in and around New Castle, and was even reduced so much as to be forced to teach school for a livelihood. It is conceded, on all hands, that in his personal appearance he was altogether slovenly, and he was, withal, rather indolent, and these facts may help to explain how he became unfortunate. It is said that he abandoned his unsold lots in New Castle, and they were afterwards sold for taxes.

When he sold John Elliott the water power on the Neshannock, about 1800, he probably sold with it quite a tract of land. Elliott sold to Vaneman, and he, in turn, perhaps, sold to Gillespie, or to Gillespie and Chenowith. Gillespie's Addition to New Castle was laid out in 1811, on lands which were a part of the "vacancy," at first purchased by Stewart.

Stewart had one son, named John, and four or five daughters, one of whom married while they lived in New Castle. John died in Ohio, unmarried, and the girls married and scattered in various directions after the removal of the family to Ohio. Stewart's wife was a Wood, a sister of John and Hugh Wood, before mentioned.

Rattlesnakes were very plenty when New Castle was first settled, and it is said that on the day Joseph Townsend's log cabin was raised, a horse was hitched to a pole, or the bushy top of a small tree, and driven around the spot, to trample the tall grass down, so the men engaged in the work could see the snakes, and avoid them. But these pests rapidly disappeared, and a rattlesnake is now as great a curiosity in New Castle as an African lion.

Wolves, of the large gray variety, were very plenty in the early days of the settlement, and howled nightly on the hills surrounding the town, and wherever a stray sheep or pig was found away from shelter and protection, he was licked up in a moment. They came careering [sic] over the hills and through the valleys in ravenous packs--

"With their long gallop, which can tire
The hound's deep hate and hunter's fire,"

and made night hideous with their mournful howlings.

Deer and black bears were also very common. The last bear seen in the place was killed by Daniel Hendrickson, Joseph Townsend and Jesse Du Shane, on the hill immediately above where the present residence of Mr. John T. Phillips now stands, in 1804. It is said the bear weighed four hundred pounds. Du Shane cut off its head and hung it in his wagon-shop, to scare the boys away from his tools. It was undoubtedly effective.

The first store in New Castle was opened by Joseph Townsend, Jr., who built a double log cabin on the northwest corner of North and Shenango streets, about the year 1800. In this building he commenced the mercantile business, and also opened a public house or "tavern," as they were called in those days. Both the store and tavern were the first of this kind in the place. After a few years Townsend sold out his store to one Patrick Wilson, who enlarged and improved the business and conducted it on something like true mercantile principles. About the time that Townsend sold his store he put a small tannery in operation, which he soon after sold to William Dickson. In 1803, in company with James Reynolds, and some accounts say also with John Carlysle Stewart, as a partner, he built a grist and saw-mill at the head of the narrows on the Neshannock, which was run for a time, and sold to Stewart, or Stewart and Wilkins, who, about 1811, changed it to a forge for the manufacture of iron.

It appears from the best information, that Joseph Townsend, Jr., died about 1811. His death was a great loss to the embryo town, for he appears to have been an energetic business man, who kept his talents and capital constantly employed for the benefit of himself and the place. Patrick Wilson continued the mercantile business for some time at Townsend's old stand, when thinking the "Diamond" a better locality for business, he removed thither, and Townsend's double log cabin soon after caught flre and was consumed. The spot was long afterwards known as "The burnt cabins." At some period during his business operations, Joseph Townsend erected on the southwest corner of North and Mercer streets, a log cabin which Arthur Chenowith facetiously named "Pokeberry Exchange," on account of its peculiar color.

North street Was for a number of years the main business thoroughfare of the town, until gradually business shifted to the vicinity of the "Diamond," and from thence in course of time eastward to that portion of Washington street lying between the "Diamond" and the Neshannock bridge.

John Wilson was also one of the earlier settlers, having come in previous to 1803. He built a cabin at the foot of the hill near where the present residence of Colonel William H. Shaw is situated. He was accidentally killed on the day that Reynolds' and Townsend's mill was raised, under the following circumstances: It seems he had been to Thomas Hendrickson's distillery, situated near where Mahoningtown now stands, and was returning with a cart and yoke of oxen, and having, among other things, a barrel of whisky in his cart. On the way back, for some reason, the oxen became frightened and ran away, upsetting the cart and throwing Mr. Wilson out, and the barrel of whisky falling upon him killed him instantly.

Mr. Wilson was the father of Captain James Wilson, well and favorably known as an influential citizen of Lawrence county.

Cornelius Hendrickson, as before stated, settled on the west side of the Shenango river. His cabin stood very near where the glass works are now located. His son Daniel lived farther down the river, near where the rail way depot is now, but farther towards the river. The location was washed away in November, 1835, when, during a great flood, the embankment above the State dam was cut through to save the town from impending destruction. The waters swept furiously into the gap and carried away a large tract of land, widening the channel of the river to nearly double its original width.

Cornelius Hedrickson [sic] made claim in 1798 of all the gore known as the "vacancy" lying west of the Shenango river. It contained altogether something over one hundred and seventeen acres of land. He merely squatted on it. He appears to have had a sort of certificate of pre-emption to something over fifty acres of it, issued in 18OO. It is probable that his son Oakey Hendrickson obtained possession of one-half of the whole claim, for we find that in 1818, George McDowell, said to have been a son-in-law of Oakey, and Ebenezer Byers came into possession of it and made an equitable division, and afterwards obtained a patent for the whole. Cornelius Hendrickson was something of a practitioner of medicine, and was popularly known as "Doctor Hendrickson." His practice partook somewhat of the Eclectic school, and more perhaps of the Thomsonian. His remedies were taken largely from among the roots and herbs of the country, and be is described as having been an excellent nurse. No doubt he filled an important position among the rugged settlers of that day, and perhaps accomplished as much good, as many who in the modern day boast a classic and scientific education. He had a good deal of the character of Daniel Boone in his composition, not liking the restraints of civilization, and when New Castle began to assume the appearance of a town, he quietly departed for a newer country in the west.

He is said to have been something of a surgeon, and was wont to catch frogs and experiment upon them in the way of reducing fractures. He had four sons, Oakey Daniel, Thomas and Cornelius, Jr. Whether all these boys came with the old gentleman, we are not certainly informed, but they probably did. Oakey removed about 1820, to Lancaster county, Pa. Daniel was associated with his father in the ferry, which they established on the Shenango when they first arrived in New Castle. He seems to have had charge of it and operated it for some years. He used a "dug out" or large canoe for ferrying passengers and freight, and sometimes made trips down the river. He probably had quite an assortment of canoes and boats which were hired to others when going to Beaver Falls to get their grain ground. Daniel accumulated some property and undertook to enlarge his sphere of usefulness. At one time he entered into a contract to construct a dam on the Neshannock on the site of the old Elliott-Vaneman dam, but before it [p. 20] was completed a sudden flood carried it all away and with it a large share of Hendrickson's hard earnings. He was the father of a numerous family, principally daughters, and many of the most respectable families of the community are connected with the famous squatter family of 1798.

Thomas Hendrickson settled near the present site of Mahoningtown, where he operated a primitive distillery, which business was then as legitimate and respectable as any other avocation. It is also said of Thomas that he was something of a hunter, and could bring in as many wolf-scalps for the bounty as "any other man." He died in Plain Grove township about 1830. Cornelius we have little knowledge of. He emigrated with his father to Ohio, where they both died at an advanced age.

In the hewed-log building erected by Jesse Du Shane in 1806, a little north from Washington street, in the northwest angle of the "Diamond," was opened the second hotel, or rather "tavern," in the place.

As before stated, Joseph T. Boyd kept a store in one room of this building. The hostelrie was called the "New Tavern," and had the first regular tavern sign ever seen in New Castle. It was decorated with seven stars, and surmounted with three wooden figures, dexterously turned in imitation of a pint and half-pint bottle, and a gill measure which stood beside the bottle. It is said that on the day in which this famous sign was raised, the jockeys had a grand horse-race, free to all comers, and the man who came out last treated the crowd.

It was not long before Boyd required more room for his fast-increasing business, and Mr. Du Shane built for his use another log building, west of the corner on Washington street. Here Boyd continued his business until it became too large for the building in which it was located, when he associated himself with John Willson, and the new firm erected a building of logs on the northeast corner of the lot now occupied by the Disciples' Church, where they opened the largest general stock of goods that, up to that time, had ever been seen in New Castle.

When Nicholas Vaneman purchased the grist-mill of John Elliott in the Fall of 1803, he also purchased in connection therewith one hundred acres of land lying between New Castle and Croton. This land may have been purchased originally by Stewart, and he perhaps sold it to Elliott, or Vaneman may have bought of Stewart. Vaneman's mill, after being operated by him for some time, was partially destroyed by one of those floods which, experience proves, the Neshannock knows well how to get up. The dam was almost totally destroyed. A few remains of it were visible more than fifty years after its destruction.

An interesting and tragic incident is connected with Vaneman's misfortune, which is worth preserving. The miller whom Vaneman employed to run his mill was a man named Crane, who was naturally a little anxious about the property. Being on the ground on the day when the great ice-flood came tumbling and rolling down the creek, he was standing near the old-fashioned tub-wheel, and peering into the mill to see what damage had been done when a sudden rush of ice made everything crack around him. Eagerly bending forward and pointing with his finger toward the impending creek, he exclaimed, "The old mill is all gone to h--l!" In his excitement he lost his balance and fell into the wheel, which was in rapid motion, and was killed. His body was soon after recovered and laid out in one corner of the mill, which, after all the apparent danger, was only injured to a small extent.

After his remains were laid out, a watch-dog was placed inside as a guard, the mill was locked, and the corpse left until the next morning. It is said that Vaneman would on no account consent to have the dead body in his dwelling. Crane, it appears, had no relatives, at least not in this portion of the country, and so all that he possessed was buried with him. This consisted of the clothes he wore, a pocket knife, a pipe and tobacco, and a few pieces of silver, amounting to between one and two dollars. His remains were placed in a rough box of oaken boards, and buried on the summit of Shaw's hill.

There was no burial ground at the spot chosen, but as the only burial place was on the west side of the Shenango, and unapproachable by reason of the flood (there being then no bridges over the stream), his remains were interred in the most suitable place they could find, under the circumstances. The place has no stone to mark it, and the locality is known to very few people. This accident occurred, probably, in 1807.

About the year 1808, Vaneman sold his mill, water-power, and land to James Gillespie, and removed to what is now Wayne township, then in Beaver county, and located about a mile east of Chewton, where he built a frame grist and saw-mill, and put a set of carding machines in his grist-mill in addition.

The mills were situated on a small run that discharges into Beaver river. The amount of water was quite insignificant, but there was a fall of some eighteen feet and with an overshot wheel, equal in diameter to the height of the fall, the power was sufficient for his purposes.* Mr. Vaneman died on the 24th of April, 1832. He was of German descent, and was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. He was twice married, and was the father of sixteen children.

*From information furnished buy George Hennon.

FIRST DEATH IN NEW CASTLE.

The first death in New Castle was that of a small girl, the daughter of Wm. McComb, about 1802-3. Her remains were placed in a coffin made of oak boards, which were split from the log as rails are, and, probably, afterwards shaved down to a tolerable even thickness. The boards were fastened together with wooden pins, it being before the days of nails. The coffin was put into John Wilson's ox cart, and taken to the first burying ground in the place, now adjoining the new Greenwood cemetery. The coffin was made by Jesse Du Shane.

The first adult who died in the place was probably the same John Wilson whose cart transported the remains of Mr. McComb's little girl to their last resting-place. As before stated, Mr.Wilson was accidentally killed, by being thrown from his cart, on the day Reynolds & Townsend's mill was raised, in 1803-4.

FIRST POST-OFFICE.

For several years after the first settlement of New Castle, the nearest post-office was at Fort McIntosh on the site of the present town of Beaver. The mails were, most likely, carried on horseback, as is customary in all new countries. The first post-office in the little town was established in the year 1812, under Mr. Madison's administration, and the first Postmaster was Joseph T. Boyd. The office was located in the new log store built by him and John Willson, on the corner of the lot now occupied by the Disciples' Church. Mr. Boyd must have been a very popular man, for he held the office from that date until about 1838, and afterwards for about eighteen months.*

*A list of all the Postmasters at New Castle is given in another place.

EARLY PHYSICIANS.

The first man to whom the title "Doctor" was given, as stated before, was Cornelius Hendrickson, Sr., the grandfather of the present Doctors Wallace. The first regular physician in the town was Dr. John Dickey, who practiced very successfully, commencing, probably, about the year 1810. He lived in a log house which stood in what is now the front yard of Mr. Joseph Justice's residence. The Doctor entered the army early in the war of 1812, and died in the service sometime in 1813.

The log house which he lived in was afterwards used by Joseph Justice, as a shop in his hatting business. A school was taught in it as early as 1813, and it was also frequently used for singing schools.

Next succeeding Dr. Dickey, came Alexander Gillfillan, a regular physician and surgeon. He was a native of Ireland, and most probably Scotch descent, and was born about 1785, so that when he first came to New Castle he was a young man about twenty-eight years of age, and his wife was eighteen. He studied medicine in Washington county, Pa. He afterwards removed to Pittsburgh, and when the war of 1812 broke out, entered the army to practice his profession. He remained in the service until the summer of 1813, when he resigned. It is said that he never received any compensation for his services, and in addition to his time, he spent forty or fifty dollars for medicines for sick soldiers. October 21, 1813, he married Miss Elizabeth Patterson, and settled in New Castle a few weeks subsequently.

The house in which he first lived was of logs, and stood near where Raney and Gordon's mills are now located. He subsequently removed to a small frame house on North Jefferson street, on or near the present site of the United Presbyterian Church.

On the 17th day of June, 1815, the doctor, in company with Joseph Justice, James Dunlap, and perhaps others, was drawing a seine in the waters of the Neshannock creek, near where the Etna Iron Works now are. In some way the doctor got beyond his depth, and being unable to swim, was drowned, notwithstanding every possible effort was made to save him. Mr. Justice came very near losing his own life in attempting to rescue him. His body was recovered in a short time, but too late to be resuscitated. The intelligence of his tragical death plunged the whole community into the most profound grief. He was the only physician in the place, and by his skill and attention to the duties of his profession, and his affable and gentlemanly deportment, had built up a fine and rapidly increasing practice. [p. 21] Every inhabitant felt that he had lost a friend. His widow, now Mrs. Blackburn, is still living near Mt. Jackson, at the ripe age of eighty-two years. She was born near Baltimore, Md., on the 25th day of March, 1795. Her father's name was John Patterson, and her mother's maiden name Mary Clendenin. Her parents were married on the 16th of April, 1793.

Mrs. Gillfillan's first child, James Harvey, was born August 3, 1814. He died of croup, November 22, 1814. Her second and last child was born about five-and-a-half months after the death of her husband. This child, a girl, named Mary A., grew up, and married Samuel R. Vance, with whom she is now living, a little below Mahoningtown. She is the mother of a large number of children, only five of whom are now living--three sons and two daughters.

On the 27th day of December, 1821, Mrs. Gillfillan married Benjamin Blackburn, with whom she lived fifty-five years. Mr. Blackburn died April 20, 1876, aged eighty-five years and six months. Mrs. Blackburn had no children by her second marriage.

The next physician succeeding Doctor Gillfillan, was Doctor Quimby; following him were Doctors Cribble, Stevenson and William Shaw. The latter practiced medicine in New Castle very successfully for many years, and was greatly esteemed for his many social qualities and gentlemanly deportment.

One of the early settlers in New Castle was John Gormly, described by Mr. Penn as a "low, thick set, middle aged man" who had a very large and muscular woman for his wife. He built a cabin of round logs on the southeast corner of Washington street and the "Diamond." He settled about the year 1805, and was a shoemaker by profession. It is related of him that on the day in which his cabin was raised, having gone where his children were piling and burning brush and rubbish, and while engaged in giving orders about the work, his wife came up behind him and lifting him in her brawny arms threw him on a brush pile and told one of the children to bring some fire and they would burn all the trash together. Another anecdote illustrates the love of fun and jokes which prevailed among the people of those times. It was some time in the year 1806; Gormly went into Crawford White's store on North street to make some purchases; among other things he procured some eggs, and for lack of a better place, put them in his hat. Stepping out upon the street with the hat upon his head, he was approached by John Carlysle Stewart, who mashed his hat over his eyes, and then suddenly, before Gormly could wipe the streaming contents of the eggs from his face, disappeared around the corner. Stewart afterwards paid Gormly all damages.

It is related of Stewart that when he was Justice of the Peace, he was out one day with Daniel Hendrickson, when they came suddenly upon a herd of deer. Hendrickson was about to shoot when Stewart exclaimed, "Hold! man, don't shoot! don't you know it is against the law to kill them now; I shall have to fine you if you kill one." Hendrickson lowered his gun with great reluctance, to consider the question, when Stewart said, "give me the gun," and immediately fired and brought down the best deer in the lot, at the same time remarking with a smile, "Dan, if one of those deer happens to run against a stump and break a leg, bring me a hind quarter!"

Tradition also speaks of Wm. Munnel as a curious specimen of humanity. It will be recollected that he was a blacksmith (the flrst in the place), and built a "three-pen" cabin near where the foundry of Shaw, Waddington & Co. now stands. He had his dwelling in one end, his shop in the other, and kept a stallion in the middle. His wife's name was Lena Hendrickson, a daughter of Cornelius Hendrickson, Sr.

Munnel was, or pretended to be, a Christian, and always had family worship. He was also in the habit of indulging in a little profanity now and then, when excited, and it is said he would stop in the midst of a prayer and curse roundly, and then finish his prayer as calmly as if nothing serious had happened.

The early inhabitants were a joke-loving set, and the jokes were of the practical kind. The prominent men did not scruple to borrow wood from a neighbor, (coal was then unknown), and especially if he had it all nicely prepared for the fire. It was also customary to watch whenever a neighbor killed a pig, and if he left it out after dark to go and quietly borrow it. Sometimes the stolen property was returned, but often the loser never saw anything more of it. He took good care, however, to revenge himself upon the luckless neighbor who accidentally left anything exposed, at the first opportunity.

Among the prominent citizens of the early days of New Castle was John Willson, the merchant, and a partner with Joseph T. Boyd. He must not be confounded with the man of the same name who was killed accidentally, as before mentioned. We have no knowledge as to how long he continued in business with Boyd, probably some thirty years; but at all events he was long identified with the business of New Castle. He is described as being a man of imperturbable temper, cool and always self-possessed. He was a very prompt and energetic man in his business, and expected others to be equally prompt with himself. When necessary he would sue a dozen of his debtors at once, as may be seen by reference to the old Justice "dockets" of Arthur Hurry and William Dickson, still preserved in the custody of Alderman Bowman.

He was kind and charitable to the poor, and accommodated many a worthy debtor when in trouble. Mr. Willson was successful in his business transactions, and accumulated a handsome property. He built the brick building on the south side of the "Diamond," now known as the "Wilder House," and also the large brick dwelling situated on the northwest corner of Washington street and the "Diamond." It is said that when he abandoned the mercantile business, instead of selling out at auction he removed what was left of his stock to the upper story of his dwelling, where some of it remained until the day of his death, April 10, 1863.

EARLY JUSTICES.

Arthur Hurry, the second Justice of the Peace in New Castle, was an Irishman by birth, and, like most of his countrymen, was blessed with a voluble tongue. He had a very fair education, but, beyond the fact that he served for several years as a Justice of the Peace, we have little knowledge of him.

William Dickson, the father of Isaac and John Dickson, still residing in New Castle, was the third Justice of the Peace. He was a tanner by trade, and carried on the business for many years.

Mr. Penn, in his history of New Castle, tells a very interesting anecdote of Mr. Dickson's son, Charles, who is now dead. It illustrated the adventures of "our boyhood's days" so aptly, that we give it for the benefit of the rising generation.

The boy had been attending the school taught by Joseph Thornton, who wore the dress so common in the eighteenth century--a cocked hat, knee breeches, ruffled shirt, big shoe buckles, &c. Thornton believed religiously in corporeal punishment, as a necessary portion of school discipline, and on one occasion had administered to young Dickson a pretty severe lesson. Thornton was an Irishman by birth, and very methodical and unrelenting in his management of the youngsters who came to him for instruction. After his punishment, the boy concluded he would run no more risks of a second castigation; so, instead of going to school, he very quietly took refuge, during school hours, in the loft of Isaac Jones' stable. His father, of course, supposed the boy was at school, and the teacher supposed he was kept at home for some good reason. About a week after the lad's disappearance from school, Thornton met his father, and inquired the reason of his long absence. Mr. Dickson replied that the boy had been going regularly to school, as he supposed, but a comparison of notes soon convinced him that his son was playing some game upon both himself and the teacher. He therefore resolved to watch him. Cautiously following the next morning, at the regular school hour, he saw him enter the stable of his neighbor, Jones. Approaching closer, the boy discovered his father, and, just as he was entering on one side, he dexterously slipped out at the other and ran off as fast as his legs could carry him. His father followed until he was out of breath, when he hired another man to undertake his capture, for the consideration of a quart of whisky. The new pursuer now started after the boy, and followed him so closely that he was compelled to seek safety by climbing a tree which stood on the bank of the Shenango, near the west end of North street. The pursuer came up, and ordered the boy to come down, but the boy said he "guessed not," and no threats could move him in the least to quit his perch. An axe was procured, and a pretence made of cutting down the tree, but the truant still held out, and finally made a favorable capitulation, and came down.

It is not recorded whether the man who treed the boy received his whisky or not.

EARLY CHURCHES.

The first church building in New Castle was erected by the Presbyterians, about 1804. Previous to that date the congregation had worshiped in what was called a "tent," which consisted of a board shelter for the preachers, and logs in front for the people to sit upon. Their first church building was of round logs, and stood near the present residence of Mr. John T. Phillips, and not very far from a spring which still bubbles from the hillside. Rev. Alexander Cook was the first pastor ordained and installed, in 1801. The second [p. 22] church building, belonging to the Seceders, was built about 1814, and stood at what was then the head of Beaver street, though the street has since been extended northward, passing directly over the ground occupied by the church and burial ground.

The Methodists were the third congregation to erect a church building in New Castle, which they did about 1815 or 1816, on the ground now occupied by the First M. E. Church, on South Jefferson street. There is some difference of opinion regarding the time this church was erected. Mr. Seth Rigby, now living in Shenango township, says he hewed the logs for it before he entered the army, which he did in 1814. Mr. Joseph Justice says there was no church erected when he left the town in 1815. It is probable that both of the gentlemen are right. Mr. Rigby might have hewed the logs and they may have lain a year or two on the ground before the church was erected.*

*For a particular account of the early churches, see history of the various societies in another part of the work.

The town grew very slowly, and, consequently, the price of real estate kept a corresponding pace. In 1806, eight years after the place was laid out, it is said the best lot in New Castle could have been bought for ten dollars. Alexander Boyles, a blacksmith by trade, did actually purchase the whole square, bounded on the west by Beaver street and on the north by North street, for ten dollars. Boyles built a dwelling near the west side of his land, and a blacksmith shop near the northeast corner. As late as 1825, John Reed sold a lot on Mercer street to Thomas Rigby for thirty dollars.

GILLESPIE'S ADDITION.

In November, 1811, James Gillespie laid out an addition to New Castle, consisting of thirty lots, and bounded by Washington street on the south, by East street on the east, by Apple alley on the west, and extending to the foot of the hill on the north. This addition was probably on land bought of Nicholas Vaneman, and formerly a part of John Carlysle Stewart's original purchase.

The following is a list of the more prominent citizens of New Castle, in 1813. John C. Stewart, Joseph T. Boyd, John Willson, Arthur Chenowith, Jesse Du Shane, Robert Wallace, John Frasier, Burton Rust, Alexander Hawthorne, Michael Carman, James Gillespie, William Dickson, Arthur Hurry, Samuel McCleary, Jas. Dunlap, Dr. Alexander Gillfillan, Crawford White, David White, Philip Painter, Alexander Boyles, Isaac Jones, James M. Cunningham, Daniel Hendrickson, Joseph Thornton, Samuel Parshall, Arthur G. Long, John B. Pearson, John Hull, John Downey, Elijah Farr, Jacob Quest, John Gormly and William Cox. Hon. James McClane and Joseph Justice also settled in New Castle, in 1813.

At that date, there were four mercantile houses in the place, to wit: One owned by Joseph T. Boyd and John Willson, situated on the northeast corner of the lots now occupied by the Disciples' Church; one belonging to Samuel Parshall, situated on the north side of the same lots; one by Arthur G. Long, on the south side of the "Diamond," and one by John B. Pearson, situated on the east side of Jefferson street, not far from the present site of the United Presbyterian Church.

Parshall owned a horse which he called "Brandy," and with which he brought his goods for replenishing his store from time to time, as his stock required.

There were three hotels, or "taverns," as they were then called, in New Castle. One of them was well known as the "Pokeberry Exchange," and stood on the corner of North and Mercer streets. Another was in what is now known as the "Old Stone Corner," on the "Diamond," kept by Arthur Chenowith, and the third was in a log building, situated on or near the present site of Clendenin's block. It was kept by Robert Wallace. Two of these were log buildings, such as may at this day be seen on the borders of civilization in the newer States and territories of the Union.

The trades and occupations of the citizens above enumerated were as follows: William Dickson was a tanner; John C. Stewart a speculator and manufacturer; Samuel McCleary a stone mason; Philip Painter a cabinet- maker; James D. Cunningham a shingle-maker; Alexander Boyles and Elijah Farr, blacksmiths; John Hull a wheelwright; John Gormley and John Downey, shoemakers; Burton Rust a carpenter; Isaac Jones a hatter; Joseph Thornton a teacher; Arthur Hurry a Justice of the Peace; Crawford White a farmer; J. T. Boyd and John Willson, merchants; Jesse DuShane a coach-maker, and Chenowith, Wallace and Hawthorne, "tavern" keepers.

Arthur Chenowith came from Virginia to New Castle about the year 1810. He brought with him the first colored man ever seen in the place, and he was truly a curiosity to the juveniles, many of whom believed he was a white man painted black. He went by sobriquet of "Black Jack." Like all his race, he was intensely religious, and always attended church regularly. He used to seat himself near an open svindow, in the Summer time, in the old log Methodist "meeting house," and sing with his whole soul in the hymn,

"I'm glad dat I am born to die--Glory, Hallelujah!"

Mr. Chenowith lived, for a short time after he came to New Castle, in a log house on the hillside a little distance west of what is now called Shaw's Hill. In 1812 he built the "old stone corner" on Jefferson street and the "Diamond," Samuel McCleary doing the stone-work; which, by-the-by, looks as if it was meant to stay.

Soon after he opened a hotel in his new stone building, and continued to act as landlord until his death, which occurred about 1826. Up to 18l3 there were only a few log cabins in the portion of New Castle lying east of Mercer street. Of these three or four were in the neighborhood of Shaw's Hill, and a few more near Vaneman's grist-mill. East and south of the Neshannock there were no buildings except those of David White and James Squier, who lived about half-a-mile from the "town."

In 1813, the steep river bank on the west side of the Shenango along which there is now a good public road, sometimes called "the Narrows," was so rocky and precipitous that it was hardly passable for pedestrians. A few years later a path was made along which horses could pass, but it was several years before a wagon-road was constructed.

It is said that in the same year there was only a cow-path running from the "Diamond" eastward to the Neshannock, winding among wild crabapple trees and hazel-brush.

The number of buildings in New Castle at that date did not exceed thirty. These were mostly of logs. The first frame-building in the town was erected about 1808, on Mercer street, a short distance north of Washington street. It was boarded on the outside with shaved clapboards. The second frame building was situated near the site of R. M. Allen's present residence. The buildings were mostly log structures as late as 1817. The population in 1813 was probably less than two hundred.

EARLY BRIDGES.

The first bridge over the Neshannock was built in 1814, according to the recollection of Joseph Justice. It was on the site of the present iron structure at the head of Washington street, and was a wooden trestle bridge.

The first bridge over the Shenango was erected in 1815. Mr. Joseph S. White has in his possession five subscription papers, which were circulated among the citizens of New Castle, in December, 1814, for the purpose of raising funds to build the same. Below is a list of the subscribers, and the amounts subscribed.

J. P. Schott, Jr.,     $50     Henry Martin,          $5

John Fulkerson,         30     Michael Carman,         5

Jesse Du Shane,         10     J. T. Boyd,            25

Crawford White,         25     Arthur Chenowith,      15

William Dickson,        10     Henry Warner, Sr.,     10

George Millier,         15     Adam Whiting,           5

Alex. Gillfillan,       10     John McComb,            5

Alexander Boyle,         5     John Patterson,         5

Seth Rigby,              5     James Moorhead,        20

Joseph Cox,              5     William Moorhead,      20

Samuel Eaton,            5     D. C. Carlysle,         4

John C. Stewart,        25     David Warner,           4

Samuel McCleary         10     William Gilson,         3

Robert Wallace,         25     William McMillen,       3

Thomas Pearson,          5     John Johnson,           5

Francis Ward,            5     William Barber,        10

Bevan Pearson,           5     John Whiting,           3

Joseph Marlett,          1     Philip Painter,        12

Alex. Lord,              5     Philip Lamm,            5

Joseph Brown,            5     Thomas Fisher,          5

Arthur Hurry,            1     John Fisher,            1

Jesse Walls,             1     Leonard Sharer,         1

Joseph Justice,          1     Cornelius Hendrickson, 10

Lewis Warner,            1     Thomas Hendrickson,    10

Joseph Kirk,             5     Peter Shoff,           10

Alex. Hawthorne,         4     John Anstant,           3

Peter Besor,             5     Samuel Parshall,       10

[p. 23]

William Hodge,           2     Burton Rust,            5

James Hamilton,         10     Thomas McComb,          5

John Willson,           10     James Hezlep,           2

Robert Semple,           7     William McComb,         1

David White,             5     Talbot Townsend,        1

George Robinson,        10     Michael Book,           5

A. R. Pinkerton,         8     J. S. Alworth,          2

William Graham,          3     David Young,           10

Leonard Dobbin,          5     Samuel Wilson,          2

William Watson,          5     James Daniels,          1

Joshua Chenowith,        5     Daniel Hendrix,         3

George Book,             5     M. A. Calvin,           2

James Fulkerson,        10     Joseph Wilson,          2

Henry Robinson,          5     Henry Whiting,          2

Andrew Kelsaker,         5     Catharine Miller,       6

Joseph Asheton,         10     Walter Oliver,          3

Joseph Thornton,         5     Aaron Hackney,          3

(German name),           5     John B. Pearson,        1

Robert Wallace,          5     R. McDonald,            3

William Parshall,       10     Name unknown,           3

Arthur Chenowith,       25

   Total,                                           $705

What the total cost of the bridge was, we have no means of knowing. It was also a wooden trestle bridge, and perhaps cost about the amount of subscriptions. The bridge was built by a man named Kirk.

From an obituary of Mr. Joseph Thornton Boyd, published in the New Castle Gazette and Democrat, March 13, 1868, we make the following extracts:

"In 1758, Joseph Thornton and family emigrated from the parish of Clonca, County Donegal, Ireland, to this country, and settled in the colony of Delaware. Mr. Thornton was a gentleman of some means, and occupied a prominent position among his neighbors, as well as being a leading member of the Associated Presbyterian Church. Some time after he settled in Delaware, his daughter Martha, a lady of elegant manners and fine educational attainments, married a Mr. Robert Boyd, a surveyor and conveyancer. Mr. Boyd and his wife removed from Delaware to Pennsylvania, and located in Chambersburg, Franklin county, where, on the 26th of April, 1781, they had a son born, whom they named Joseph Thornton. In 1798, after he had left school, he was employed as a clerk in a store kept by a Mr. Maderia, where he remained until the year 1800, when he left the town of his nativity and came to Pittsburgh, where he was engaged as a clerk by a Mr. Calhoun, a dry-goods merchant on Wood street. On the 2d of April, 1802, he left Pittsburgh and went down to Beaver, and stopped with a Mr. Hanna for six months. In the Fall of that year, he came up to New Castle, and, in a letter written to his mother, he speaks of going up to see a new town that had been laid out, which he thought might some day come to something. Not liking the place, however, he went to Greensburgh, and in December, 1803, opened a store in that place, where he remained till November, 1805, when he again came to New Castle. In the Spring of 1806, a man named McDowell brought up the Beaver river a small lot of goods, in a canoe or skiff, to New Castle, but not being able to procure a room, sold his stock to Mr. Boyd; and on the 10th of April, 1806, Mr. Boyd opened a store in a log building in the northwest corner of the "Diamond," which Jesse Du Shane had built for and was then keeping a "tavern" in. He partitioned off a part of his bar-room, and rented it to Mr. Boyd. About this time, a number of new settlers came in and located in the vicinity; so that in a few years he was doing quite a respectable business, and took in as a partner Mr. John Willson, with whom he did a successful business for thirty years. In 1812 the town had grown to such importance that the government established a post-office, and the Hon. Gideon Granger appointed Mr. Boyd postmaster, which office he held until sometime during the administration of President Van Buren, or about twenty-eight years. He also held the office at a subsequent period for about eighteen months. Colonel Boyd was a man possessing many rare and excellent qualities. He was particularly noted for his gentlemanly manners and great goodness of heart, never speaking ill of any one. In his later days he united with the First Presbyterian Church, under the care of Dr. D. X. Junkin. He died in the beginning of March, 1868, aged nearly eighty-seven years. Between the years 1832 and 1838, Colonel Boyd was one of the directors of the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal Company.

About the year 1807 David White, a brother of Crawford White, from Cumberland county, Pa., came to New Castle, and settled on tract, No. 55, lying south of the line between districts one and two of "donation lands." The tract contained about two hundred acres, and included the point of land lying between the Shenango river and Neshannock creek, and adjoining John C. Stewart's land.

Crawford White purchased all the land lying in the point between the streams, amounting to about thirty acres, of his brother, about 1815. He also purchased a strip along the east side of the Neshannock, sufficient to cover the overflow.

On the 17th of July, 1817, a tract, lying east of the original town plat, and including a strip on the east side of the Neshannock, was sold at sheriff's sale for debt. It contained twenty-six acres and twenty-nine perches, and was probably a portion of J. C. Stewart's property. Crawford White and Arthur Chenowith purchased this property in company, and, about 1818, built a brush-dam a few rods above where the canal-dam now is.

The same year White alone, or in company with Chenowith, erected mills on the present site of Raney's mill.

In 1820, Chenowith quit-claimed his interest in all the above described lands to White. The consideration which White and Chenowith paid for the twenty-six acres, was $650.

Crawford White, before his death, sold this property to his son, James D., who rebuilt the mills, and laid out an addition to the town, south of the original plat between the rivers, in 1837. All of James D. White's property remaining at his death, was sold to the Etna Iron Company. The canal dam, when built, flooded the old brush dam.

Mr. Joseph Justice, at this date one of the oldest living citizens of New Castle, first came to the town in 1813. His father, Jacob Justice, was a Revolutionary soldier, who emigrated from Franklin county, Pa., in 1797, intending to settle in what afterwards became Lawrence county, but through fear of trouble with the Indians, and from other considerations, located in Washington county for two years, when he again started with his family and finally located in what is now North Beaver township, Lawrence county, on land which he drew for his services in the Revolution, and remained there until his death, which occurred in 1829.

In 1813, Joseph, then eighteen years of age, came to New Castle to learn the hatter's trade, with Isaac Jones, who had been in the place for some eight or ten years. He worked at the trade about two years, when he left New Castle, and worked in various places as a journeyman, and finally, located in Hookstown, Washington county, where he carried on the business for about two years. In 1819 he again came to New Castle, and has remained here ever since. Mr. Justice has held various offices, and was the third Burgess after the town became a borough, about 1827.

Mr. Justice carried on the business of a hatter for many years, until the business became unprofitable, when he gave it up. The snows of more than eighty winters have whitened his locks, but he is still quite strong and hearty,

James Cunningham, familiarly known as "Uncle Jimmy," was quite an early settler. It is said that he was the first owner of, a frow, a broad axe and an auger in New Castle. He was a shingle-maker by trade, but his calling would not be very profitable in New Castle at the present day. Shingles were made in those days, from sections of trees sawed of the required length, which were split into bolts by the frow, and then into an approximate thickness, and afterwards shaved on a "horse" with a drawing- knife. They were made of pine or any durable timber which had a straight grain and would rive well.

Mr. Cunningham served during the war of 1812. He married, in 1813, Miss Mary A. Cruise, an orphan girl, a native of Delaware, who lived in the family of Cornelius Hendrickson. She often assisted at the ferry kept by Mr. H., crossing in a "dug out," which was propelled by an oar or setting-pole as occasion required. She was remarkably skillful, and often crossed when ice was running in the stream to a dangerous extent. Her performances on the "deep" may have first attracted the admiration of Mr. Cunningham. The new-married couple first lived in a log house, which is still standing (weather-boarded), on the northwest corner of the "Diamond." He paid a rental of one dollar per month. The same building has lately rented for seven dollars per month.

He afterwards built a log cabin of his own on the lot now owned by Webster Justice. In clearing away for the foundation there were found among the bushes growing on the ground a great quantity of flint arrow heads, the remains of a stone chimney, and various other evidences of an Indian encampment or dwelling.

Robert Wallace, the grandfather of R. W. Clendenin, owned, at a very early period in the history of New Castle, nearly all of the square between Mercer street and the "Diamond," on the north side of Washington street, where for many years he kept a hotel. The hotel stood on or near the present site of Bennett's block. It was built of logs. The date of the opening [p. 24] of this hotel or "tavern" is not known, but Dr. Clendenin, of Cincinnati, Ohio, has in his possession a licenses signed by Governor Thomas McKean, and sealed with the seal of Pennsylvania, which was granted to Robert Wallace in 1807, and which authorized him to keep a "tavern" and sell intoxicating liquors so long as he complied with its requirements. It is said that in the rear of this "tavern" there was a large yard, to which those who had any personal difficulties to settle, repaired and stripped to the buff, and then and there took satisfaction in the good old English way by knocking each other down till one of the combatants cried "enough!" when they shook hands, took a drink, and parted "good friends." This practice was quite common in the early days of Western Pennsylvania, as indeed it has been in many other sections of the country. When the town of Barre, Washington county, Vermont, was first settled, two prominent men disputed about the name, and finally settled it by a pugilistic encounter on the hemlock floor of a new barn, in which the man who was first knocked down won, but had to employ a physician to extract the splinters from his posterior after the encounter was over.

AMUSEMENTS.

During the first years of the existence of New Castle, the people, like all other people in the world, whether Christian, Mohammedan, Jew or Pagan, had their various methods of diversion and amusement.

Though they did not approach the dignity of the Olympic games of the Greeks, or the splendors of the Roman amphitheatre, yet they answered the purposes of the pioneers, and broke the monotony of frontier life, and were, no doubt, as heartily enjoyed as the games of the ancients, or the sports of modern days. The amusements consisted of log rollings, raisings, wrestling, leaping, running foot-races, and throwing stones, of various weights.

On the occasion of a log rolling, which consisted of all the men and boys within a radius of five, and sometimes ten miles, getting together and assisting a settler in hauling and rolling the logs together on a newly-cleared piece of ground, for the purpose of burning them, every man carried his own dinner, consisting, generally, of corn bread, bear meat, venison, or wild turkey. After the work was accomplished, and the settler fixed up nicely for a good "burning," the whole party betook themselves to some familiar game, which they pursued until "chore time" admonished them to start each for his cabin, scattered here and there at long intervals in the forest. Many a thrilling adventure with the wild denizens of the forest occurred to them on their homeward paths, when they encountered the prowling bear, the fierce and dangerous panther, or a pack of more dangerous wolves. At log rollings and raisings, the proprietor furnished nothing but whisky, which was then considered an indispensable article, without which no out-door work could be properly done. For the female portion of the community, there were apple-parings, or "bees," quiltings, dances in the rude log-cabins, and corn-huskings.

Frequently a "quilting" was improvised on the same day and at the same place, when the men were having a log-rolling; and, in the evening, after the out-door work was finished, a jolly time was enjoyed around the big old chimney, where an immense fire furnished both heat and light at the same time. In those early days furniture was not as plenty or as costly as at the present day, and frequently it happened that there were more young men and maidens than there were chairs and seats to accommodate. On occasions like these, the young men, in the intervals of the dance, gallantly sat themselves down on the chairs and stools and took each a young lady on his lap, and held her until the next dance was called.

In addition to these amusements, there were rail-splittings and wood-choppings, in which the quantity of sturdy timber reduced to rails and cord wood in a day would astonish the men of the present generation. The sports and employments of those days were calculated to develop a hardy, enduring race both among men and women, and we can see to-day, here and there, a sturdy relic of the good old times lingering among us, far up in the "80s" and "90s," standing like the giant trees of the primeval forest, spared by the destroying hand that has leveled their companions in the dust.

They were a sturdy, rude race and strong,--
Our grandsires and grand-dames of old,--
And they conquered the forest with song,
Though the battle was fierce and long,
And hardships were many and manifold.

For they worked with the vigor of men
Who came to this forest-clad land
To win from each valley and glen,--
Though beaten again and again,--
A home for each heart in the band.

And they conquered: The forest is gone long ago;
The wild beast departed in fear;
The factories smoke in the valley below,
And the thunder of traffic goes to and fro
Where the savage once hunted the deer.

Previous to the war of 1812, the early settlers generally wore hunting-shirts made of deer-skin, or some durable kind of cloth. It had a large cape covering the shoulders, and was variously trimmed with fringe, &c. A belt was generally worn with it around the waist, in which were inserted the hunting-knife and tomahawk, for these articles were quite as commonly carried by the whites as by the Indians. The powder-horn was slung around the shoulder.

WAR OF 1812.

The inhabitants of New Castle were not behind their neighbors in patriotism during the war with Great Britain, in 1812-15. At least two companies were raised in the vicinity, one by Captain John Fisher, and one by Captain James Hamilton, and there were numerous individuals who enlisted or were drafted into other companies. This was then a part of Mercer county, and most of the companies rendezvoused at Mercer. Among the men who went from New Castle, were three sons of Arthur Hurry, Esq., William, Joseph, and James, who went as substitutes for others who were drafted, Alex. Boyles, John Wilkinson, William Rutter and Lot Watson.

Ezekiel Sankey, father of Ezekiel and David Sankey, was also out, and came back with the rank of major. Tom. Kendall went out, with the six- months' men. He cut off his big toe and came home. William Miller went from Union township, or what is now Union, and came home sick, and died. James Culbertson was also out. He had been a captain in the State Militia. Jesse Du Shane was drafted, but excused on account of disability. His son, Joseph T., though but fifteen years of age, tried to go as a substitute for his father; but the old gentleman caught and sent him home with a good whipping. The boy always claimed that he was entitled to a pension, for he suffered more than a great many who went to the field. Richard Johnson was learning the hatter's trade with Isaac Jones. The latter was drafted, and Johnson took his place as a substitute, and was on board Perry's flag ship, the brig Lawrence, at the naval battle on Lake Erie, September 10, 1813. He died in Ohio a few years after the war. John P. Schott was captain in the navy during a part of the war. He came to Mercer county, and settled in what is now Union township, Lawrence county, about 1814, He is well remembered by some of the old settlers, who describe him as dressed in a suit of blue, with gilt buttons, plush vest, and ruffled shirt. He headed the subscription list for a bridge over the Shenango, in December, 1814, with fifty dollars. He lived in this vicinity for several years.

OLD FORTIFICATION.

During the war of 1812 the people all along the frontier became alarmed lest the British and Indians should march into the interior, and many fortifications in the shape of block-houses were erected. The inhabitants of New Castle erected a formidable one of hewed logs on the north side of Washington street, between Mercer street and Apple alley. It was a square structure, and most substantially built by pinning each successive tier of logs to the one below it, so that it would be almost impossible to tear it down. It was built in 1813, and served as a rendezvous until the close of the war. Its dimensions are said to have been about thirty by twenty feet. It was a story-and-a-half high, and had a tier of port holes in the second story. It was long known as the "old fort." Dr. Wm. Shaw occupied it as a dwelling for a number of years subsequent to the war. In 1833 and 1834, it was occupied by Joseph Kissick's family. There are two famous buildings still standing in New Castle, which date back to the time of the war with England. These are the "Old Stone Corner," built by Arthur Chenowith in 1812, and the other the old square frame, one-story structure, on Beaver street, built by Matthew Calvin, in 1815. This last was used as a dwelling by Calvin, who was a school teacher. His school building was nearly opposite the present residence of Joseph Justice, and was a log structure about 18 by 18 feet in dimensions. The old dwelling still contains the immense stone chimney, about four feet square at the top, and filling a large share of the room below with its huge fire-place, though the latter is probably not in use at this time.

The building is some two feet below the street now, and bears the scars of many Winters.

The "old stone corner" is also below about two feet, caused by the slow filling up of the streets. The latter building is still in an excellent, state of preservation, though beaten by the storms of sixty-five winters.

[p. 25]

From 1815 to 1835, New Castle progressed very slowly in population, wealth and business, the total increase in the number of inhabitants being probably not more than one hundred. In 1814 the first bridge was built over the Neshannock, and in 1815 the first one was constructed over the Shenango; both were on Washington street. About 1816 the first Methodist Church was built. It was a small, hewed log structure, with three windows and a door. The door was on the south end, and the windows were distributed one to each of the other three sides. A sort of platform was used in the place of a pulpit. It was at the north end, opposite the entrance. In the place of richly-cushioned pews there were slab seats without backs, and it was heated in cold weather by means of a very primitive arrangement called a "ten-plate" stove. It is said that up to 1815 every piece of timber which was used in buildings in this region was hewed from the forest trees.

The Winter of 1818-19 was unusually severe--the snow falling to a depth of over three feet during a single storm.

MILITARY COMPANIES.

About the year 1820 there was a battalion of five uniformed companies formed in the vicinity of New Castle. James Cubbison was captain of what was called the "Pumpkintown White Coats"; Peter Mershimer was first, and James McClane, now Judge McClane, second lieutenant. The company got their title of "White Coats" from the color of their coats, which were of white flannel.

Captain James Rigby commanded a rifle company, mostly made up from the neighborhood of Mount Jackson, and largely composed of Germans.

The New Castle Guards, the crack company of the battalion, were commanded by Captain Nathaniel McElevy. The first lieutenant was Dr. Eli De Wolf.

Captain Andrew Robinson commanded the Parkstown company, northwest of New Castle, and there was also a uniformed company in the neighbborbood of Eastbrook.

Captain William Young commanded a militia company up the Shenango, above New Castle, and Captain John Budd commanded another company at Eastbrook.

In 1821 Captain James Wilson commanded a militia company in Shenango township. Joseph T. Du Shane was then living in Shenango, and was commisioned first lieutenant of the company, but refused to serve.

The militia system was kept up for a number of years, and the "training" and "general musters" were the great days of the year, when all the valiant soldiers, from far and near, assembled to participate in the dress parade, the wonderful drill, and the "sham fight." When all the inhabitants, without regard to age, sex or religious belief, turned out to have a good time! When gingerbread, and small beer, and whisky were terribly punished, and many a weary soldier laid himself down in the friendly fence corner, to rest after the toils and fatigues of the day. On these occasions the veterans of the war of the Revolution and of 1812 "fought their batties o'er again," and the air was redolent with the smoke from belching cannon, and now and then some man a little top-heavy had his hand, or arm, or perchance his head, blown off amid the general jollification.

Occasionally there were sore heads and blackened eyes, and the excitement in the community was equal to that which followed the defeat of the British at New Orleans, or the more recent battle of Bull Run.

When the day was over, the respective companies took their way to their several neighborhoods, whence they individually dispersed for home. The grand uniform was laid aside, the musket and the sword were hung away upon the hooks, and the community was again quiet, and things went on the even tenor of their way until another year called them again to the "tented field."

Had this militia system been in force at the breaking out of the slave-holders' rebellion, the free States could have put an immense army of tolerably well-disciplined troops in the field at once, and the long and bloody war of five years' duration might possibly have been avoided. The best guarantee of peace at home and abroad is a well-organized militia system, in which every able-bodied man is subject to a certain term of service, and wherein he learns the trade of a soldier, and submits to necessary discipline.

THE BOROUGH OF NEW CASTLE.

It is said by many of the old citizens that the people of New Castle and the region now constituting Lawrence county were working for nearly thirty years for the formation of a new county before they succeeded in their project. As a sort of preliminary step thereto, New Castle was made a borough on the 25th of March, 1825. The petition forwarded to the Legislature for the erection of the borough, it is claimed, contained not only the names of all the legal voters in the place, but also those of nearly all the boys. The people no doubt acted upon the maxim that "all is fair in war," and left no stone unturned which would assist them in the accomplishment of their object. The population of the new borough is not known with any degree of certainty, but it did not exceed three hundred.

The first Burgess elected was Robert McConahy. John Frazier was second, and Joseph Justice, third.

The merchants at that date, as they are remembered by the oldest citizens, were Joseph T. Boyd, John Willson, Samuel McCleary, Alexander McConahy and John B. Pearson. The hatters were Isaac Jones, James Dunlap, William Cox, and Joseph Justice. The blacksmiths were George Myers, John Reed and David Seibert. Joseph Emery and Matthew Justice were carpenters. Thomas Falls and William Dixon, tanners. Michael Carman was a tailor; Nathaniel McElevy a shoemaker; James Lutton a saddler; Eli Rigby a wagon-maker. Mr. McElevy was one of the earliest shoemakers in New Castle, having commenced the business as early as 1810.

RE-SURVEY.-- The town, as originally laid out by J. C. Stewart, was found to be very imperfectly platted, and a re-survey was made by authority of the Burgess and Council, about 1826-7. A committee of three, consisting of Joseph Justice, Joseph Emery and Nathaniel McElevy, was appointed to superintend the survey, which run all the lines over, and established permanent corners, as far as practicable.

David Crawford came to New Castle, from Mercer, in 1825. His widow, who is still living in New Castle, says that the little borough, as seen from a distance, presented the appearance of a large meadow, dotted here and there with sheep-pens. "Mercer looked bad enough, but New Castle looked worse!" Mr. Crawford was a printer by profession. In December, 1826, he commenced the publication of the first paper in New Castle. It was a five-column folio, called the New Castle Register. Subscription price, two dollars per year. It was published in a room on the first floor of a log house, then standing on or near the present site of R. M. Allen's residence. He published the paper about two years, when he returned to Mercer, and remained there until about the year 1831, when he came back to New Castle.

About 1828, John Willson, the merchant, erected the two-story brick building on the "Diamond," now known as the "Wilder House."

A young lady then living in the town, wrote a letter to Robert Reynolds in which she stated that New Castle was improving, for John Willson was building "a great brick house." This is said to have been the second brick house erected in the place.*

*The first was built by Crawford White, about 1814.

Joseph T. Du Shane, Esq., built the American House, on the corner of Washington street and Apple alley, in 1828-9. This property he traded to his father for part money and part land in Beaver county. He removed to the land, but returned in 1829. The old gentleman kept the hotel for about two years, when he rented it to his son-in-law, Andrew Robison, who kept it a year or more, when Mr. Du Shane (Jesse) sold the property to Andrew Lewis, who continued the business very profitably for a number of years, when he sold it to David Harlan. It is now known as the Central Hotel.

Joseph Kissick, from Westmoreland county, Pa., came to New Castle in 1831, and on the 17th of December, in the same year, opened a general store in a small two-story frame building, situated on the present site of Wood's block. He continued to do business in this place until about 1833, when he removed his stock of goods and household furniture to the "Old Fort," before spoken of, which stood near the present site of the First National Bank.

Dr. Charles T. Whippo also made his first visit to New Castle about 1833. He was originally from the State of New York, and was a civil engineer by profession. He had been engaged in various engineering works, in different portions of Pennsylvania, and came here as principal engineer of the Beaver division of the Erie Extension Canal. He settled permanently in New Castle in 1834. The doctor had studied and practiced medicine previous to adopting the profession of engineer. When he settled in New Castle, he was in the neighborhood of fifty years of age. He purchased a large tract of land near the village of Croton, of Moses Crow, and lived on it until the time of his death, which occurred about 1855-6.

Dr. Whippo's residence was outside the borough of New Castle, and hence he never figured in local politics, but he was always a prominent man in the community, and was connected with various enterprises. A short time before his death he was one of the original incorporators of the Bank of New Castle, organized in 1855. He was also President of the Board of Trustees of the New Castle Female Seminary in 1838. The doctor left [p. 26] quite a large amount of property at the time of his death. He never practiced medicine after coming to Western Pennsylvania.

In 1831, Joseph T. Boyd and John Willson, his old partner, were trading--Boyd in the store built by Boyd and Willson, on the lot now enclosed around the Disciples Church, and Willson in the building now called the "Wilder House."

Robert McConahy had a store on the corner, where Cubbisons drug store now stands, and John B. Pearson was trading in the "old stone corner."

Samuel McCleary also kept a store on the northeast corner of Washington and Beaver streets.

There were four hotels or "taverns" in New Castle at that date: one kept by John Shearer, in a two-story frame building, where the Leslie House now stands; one by Jessie Du Shane, in what is now the Central Hotel; one by Alexander Hawthorne, called the "Pokeberry Exchange," on the southwest corner of Mercer and North streets, and one by Andrew Lewis, in a log building on the north side of Washington street, between the "Diamond" and Mercer street. Hotel prices were not extravagant in those days: supper, breakfast and lodging was "three shillings," or thirty-seven and a-half cents, and horse feed "sixpence," or six and a-quarter cents.

The physicians at that time were Dr. A. M. Cowden and Dr. Wm. Shaw. The former lived in a frame dwelling on the east side of Mercer street, near to where Mr. Thomas Pearson now lives, and the latter lived in a story-and- a-half stone house on East street, where the brick residence of James M. Craig, Esq., is now located.

Before we pass from the "olden days" to consider New Castle in its more modern aspect, we will pause and give a brief notice of one of its early settlers. Thomas Falls came here with his parents, Henry and Susan Falls, in 1804. His father located on the tract of "donation lands," number 1951, next east and adjoining Crawford White's tract. At that time there were three or four log cabins where the busy city of New Castle now stands. They were the cabins of John C. Stewart, the original proprietor of the town; Joseph Townsend, Wm. Munnell, and probably John Watson. Mr. Falls remained with his parents until he was of age, when he went to Mercer and learned the tanning business of Jonathan Smith. After serving an apprenticeship of three years he went to Pittsburgh, and worked at his trade one Summer. In the Autumn of 1815, he returned to New Castle on foot, with seventy-six dollars in his pocket, the savings of his Summer's work. With this small sum he founded the tannery which many years afterwards was the property of his son, William Falls. After making the vats himself and getting his tannery ready for business, he went to Mercer on horseback and bought a small quantity of leather, which he carried to Hillsville and placed in a store to be exchanged for hides. These hides he tanned, and thus started a business which grew and prospered in his hands. His manufactured leather was disposed of in his own shop. His lampblack and oil were purchased in Pittsburgh, to which city he made frequent visits on foot. Three years after commencing business for himself, during a portion of which time he kept "bachelor's hall," he married Miss Sarah Wilson, daughter of Adam Wilson, who resided near the Neshannock Church, and began housekeeping in the old John C. Stewart house. Mr. Falls carried on the tanning business until 1851, when he resigned it to his son Wilson.

In 1831, Mr. Falls built the third brick dwelling in New Castle. Thomas Falls was born October 29, 1790, and died October 8, 1865, aged 75 years, nearly.

In 1831 there were three churches in New Castle; the Presbyterian, the Seceder and the Methodist. The first was what is now known as the "old brewery." It stood out of town surrounded by forest trees. The Old Stone Church, still standing on Pittsburgh street, was built by the Seceders in 1831. It was then quite a long distance from the town and stood in the woods. The Methodist Church was on the ground they now occupy, and was built about 1816.*

*See history of the various churches in another part of the work.

The cholera visited New Castle in 1832, but found only two victims. One of them was James Fowler, a laborer on the canal. His home was at Sharon, in Beaver county. He died at the residence of Nathaniel McElevy. The other, James Brown, a resident of New Castle, and a cooper by trade. James D. White laid out a small addition to the town in November of this year, 1832.

The year 1833 was a memorable one in the history of New Castle. Among other improvements was a new bridge over the Shenango river on Washington street. The river at this point was originally much narrower than at present, and the bridge was only about one-half the length of the present beautiful and substantial iron structure. The widening of the river was occasioned by the great flood in November 1835, when, in order to save the town from impending destruction, the embankment was cut on the right bank above the State dam, and the accmulated waters were sent out with terrific force, tearing away a great quantity of land and changing the whole appearance of the river at this point

The Erie Extension Canal was completed from Beaver to New Castle in November, 1833.

The first boat launched at New Castle was the "Rob Roy," built by Dr. Wm Shaw. It was put into the water the same month which witnessed the completion of the canal. It was a sort of flat boat, decked over. A few hours after the "Rob Roy" was in the canal, a second boat, called the "Alpha," was launched by James D. White.

The boats were similar in their construction, being each about forty feet long and eight feet wide.

There was quite a strife as to who should get his boat first into the water but the Doctor won by a few hours. It was late in the season when these boats were put into the canal, and nothing was done until the Spring of 1834 when business fairly commenced on the "raging canawl.[sic]"

Major T. Sankey purchased the "Alpha," and ran it regularly between Beaver and New Castle for about one year. The round trip was frequently accomplished "between sun and sun."

The main business was transporting produce down the canal to Beaver and bringing back merchandise. There were some five or six dams built on the Beaver river, making slack-water navigation, and the channel of the river was largely used in this way instead of a separate canal. There was one dam on the Neshannock, and one on the Shenango, within the borough limits of New Castle, and the canal passed through the southern part of the original town plat, along what is now South street, from one river to the other, a distance of something over one-fourth of a mile. The real prosperity of New Castle dates from the year 1834. There was at this date only a weekly mail between New Castle and Beaver. The route extended from Beaver to the old town of Mercer. Major E. Sankey was the contractor, and during the four years succeeding, the mails became semi-weekly, then tri- weekly, and, finally, daily, so that, since 1838, New Castle has always had at least one daily mail.

In 1834, the old log Methodist Church was replaced by a brick one, but the new church, even as late as 1836, was furnished with slab seats. There appear to have been only two hotels in the town in 1834. These were the, Mansion House, on the site of the present Leslie House, kept by John Shearer, and the old log "tavern," belonging to Robert Wallace, and kept by Andrew Lewis. It was a two-story building, and weather-boarded in front, with boards about fifteen inches in width.

The merchants were Joseph T. Boyd, John Willson, John B. Pearson, Joseph Kissick, Robert McConahy and Robert Crawford.

The physicians were Dr. Wm. Shaw and Dr. Andrews, a native of Massachusett,s. Soon after Dr. G. Barlow came to New Castle, purchased Dr. Andrews' property, married his sister, and opened a drug store on the north side of the "Diamond," near Jefferson street. Dr. Andrews returned with his family to Massachusetts. The "Diamond," in those days, was rough and uneven, and overgrown with hazel bushes, intersected with paths and roadways. On the south side of Washington street, between Mercer street and the Neshannock, there were then only two buildings, one a frame, the other of logs. The same year Robert Reynolds purchased some property on the north side of Pittsburgh street (as it is now called), above where Pearson street intersects with it, and established a tannery, which he operated from about 1836 to 1871.

In 1834, James D. White rebuilt his father's grist-mill, and also erected a saw-mill. These stood where Raney & Gordon's mill now stands, or very near it.

Several important events took place in 1835. On the 19th of May there was a grand military parade and field drill. The drilling took place in a large field, near what is now the public square in West New Castle. There were no buildings in that vicinity then. The day is remembered by the old citizens as having been very cold for the season, snow being seen in the air during the day. Major Joseph Emery was commander-in-chief of all the forces on the ground upon that day. The New Castle Guards were probably the favorite company, They were commanded the year before by Captain William Cox, and he was very likely in command on this occasion.

On the 10th day of August, 1835, the contracts for the construction of the "Cross-cut Canal," from Mahoningtown to Youngstown, Ohio, were let in New Castle, and the town was full of contractors and speculators.

[p. 27]

Major E. Sankey then kept the Mansion House, and Anthony Squiers kept what is now the Central Hotel. There were no meat markets then in the place, and it was almost impossible to get fresh beef, for nobody dreamed of killing in the warm weather. In order to supply his guests with something of a rarity, Major Sankey killed a beef the evening before, John C. Tidball assisting him. After setting aside sufficient for his own use, the major endeavored to sell the remainder, and, failing in this, he found it next to impossible to even give it away.

The great flood, as it is generally called, took place in November of this year. The west end of the canal dam was swept away, and the land below, owned and occupied at one time by Cornelius and Daniel Hendrickson, was also carried away to a great extent, including the site of D. Hendrickson's dwelling. An island was formed where the west end of the old bridge stood, necessitating the erection of an additional bridge over the enlarged channel, which was built in the year 1837.

The dam was rebuilt in 1836. In this latter year, the Erie Extension Canal was located and put under contract, from New Castle to Erie.

West New Castle, sometimes called by the euphonious name of "Mulleintown," was laid out in May, 1836, by Ezekiel Sankey. It was situated on the tract of land known as the "vacancy," lying between the first and second districts of "donation lands." Mr. Sankey had settled in New Castle in 1823, when sixteen years of age. He at first worked on a farm for Samuel McCleary, at six dollars per month. McCleary had a store in New Castle, and paid his help mostly in store goods. Mr. Sankey bought the land upon which he laid out the town (some fifty acres or more), of Ebenezer Byers. The bargain was made for it in 1836, but the deed was not executed until January 13, 1837. It was a portion of the old Cornelius Hendrickson claim of one hundred and seventeen acres.

On the 18th of August, 1836, the first number of the New Castle Intelligencer* made its appearance. It was the second newspaper published in New Castle.

*See article "Newspapers."

In 1836, Joseph T. Boyd was postmaster. Captain D. S. Stone had a warehouse on the canal. Dr. G. Barlow had a drug store on the north side of the "Diamond," west of Jefferson street. He resided on the southwest corner of Washington and Beaver streets. Wm. Cox had a hat and cap store on Washington street, opposite the present site of the Disciples' Church. S. W. Mitchell was running a cabinet shop. J. Emery and J. Mitchell had a cabinet shop on the north side of the "Diamond," east of the "old stone corner." Wm. Dickson had a saddlery and harness shop on the southeast corner of Washington street and the "Diamond," where Patterson's Bank now stands.

R. W. Cunningham & Co. kept a store on the northeast corner of the "Diamond," and paid cash for wheat. Peter Duff had a general store on the south side of the "Diamond," and Robert Cochran also had a store on the south side, near the present site of the Cochran House. John E. Pearson was trading at the "old stone corner." Jacob Quest served as a clerk in this store from 1833 to 1840. Mr. Pearson, besides doing a mercantile business, also dealt in horses, cattle, and hogs.

Joshua Logan, who was then President of the Borough Council, had a shop on the northwest corner of Jefferson street and the "Diamond." J. N. Euwer was then Clerk of the Borough Council. W. B. Osmon, who had been a sea captain, was keeping a store near the present site of the Leslie House. T. R. George had a store near the east end of Washington street. Wm. B. Miller had a shoe store on the northeast corner of Washington street and Apple alley, near Anthony Squiers' Hotel. White McMillen was in the hatting business on Jefferson street, south of the "Diamond." George King had a wagon shop on Jefferson street, south of the canal. Dr. W. D. Grier, a new name among the physicians, had an office one door east of the "stone corner." He also kept a drug store, or apothecary's shop.

In 1836, there were no buildings of any consequence in what is now called West New Castle, and none south of the Presbyterian Church in the town proper.

In 1836, James R. Wilson appears to have been principal of an institution called the "New Castle Academy;" though where it was located or how long it flourished, the chronicles say not.

FIRE COMPANY.

The first fire company was organized in New Castle, on the 29th of September, 1836, at a meeting held at the tavern of Andrew Lewis. Joseph T. Boyd was elected President; Wm. Dickson, Captain; and R. W. Cunningham, First Lieutenant.*

*See History of Fire Department.

MAIL FACILITIES.

In the Autumn of 1836, the mail arrangements were as follows:

ARRIVALS.

From Beaver-- Mondays and Thursdays, at 11 A. M.
From Mercer-- Tuesdays and Fridays, at 11 A. M.
From Zelienople-- Thursdays at noon.
From Poland, Ohio-- Fridays, at 10 A. M.
From New Bedford-- Fridays, at 11 A. M.

DEPARTURES.

For Beaver-- Tuesdays and Fridays, at noon.
For Mercer-- Mondays and Thursdays, at noon.
For Zelienople-- Thursdays, at 1 P. M.
For Poland-- Thursdays, at 1 P. M.
For New Bedford-- Fridays, at 1 P. M.

JOSEPH T. BOYD, P. M.

In 1837, another newspaper made its appearance--the Western Senfinel, a Whig paper. The first paper was issued in August. It was a small folio, with six columns to the page, and was edited bv O. C. Lockhart, who is now residing on a farm near Pulaski, in this county.

The western half of the bridge over the Shenango, made necessary by the flood of November, 1835, was completed during the Summer of 1837. During this year, also, James D. White laid out an addition to New Castle, lying between the two rivers, and south of the old county line.

The history of the iron manufactures of New Castle commences in 1838. The original of the Etna Iron Works was erected in that year, by James D. White. Shubael Wilder superintended the construction of the nail factory, and James H. Brown, now of Youngstown, Ohio, that of the rolling mill.

Mr. Wilder is a native of Plymouth county, Mass. He had emigrated from his native State to Harrisburg, Pa., in 1836, where he was engaged in the erection, or contemplated erection of iron works. At Harrisburg he, met Mr. James D. White, who induced him to accompany him to New Castle, where he took charge of the erection of a Nail factory, as before stated.

The Western Sentinel, established in August, 1837, was short-lived. It suspended publication in December, 1838.

The iron works were put into operation in April, 1839. Mr. White, who was chiefly instrumental in getting them into successful operation, lost his health, and went to the West Indies, thinking the climate would benefit him, but after a short time, during which he seemed to be a little better, he grew rapidly worse, and died at St. Croix, in February, 1840.

From December, 1838, to August, 1839, there was no paper published in New Castle, but since the 14th of August, 1839, the place has never been without a local paper. At the date last mentioned, the Mercer and Beaver Democrat was first issued. It was a four-page five-column sheet, and supported the principles of the Whig party. It was at first owned by John Speer, and afterwards by John B. Early.

In 1839. Major E. Sankey commenced the erection of the first building of any importance in West New Castle. It was a large one-story frame building, with wooden pillars in front, and is still standing on the west side of Front street. It is now used as a tenement house and is frequently occupied by a number of families at once. It was not completed until late in the Fall of 1840. On the occasion of the great Whig mass meeting held in New Castle during the Presidential campaign of that year, the speakers addressed the people from the portico of this building, which was then not quite completed.

When it was finished, Mr. Sankey occupied it as a family dwelling for eighteen years.

In 1840, New Castle contained, according to the United States census of that year, 611 inhabitants, or about one-eighteenth part as many as it now contains.

During this year the Erie Extension Canal was completed as far north as Greenville, in Mercer county.

Among the merchants in New Castle, in 1840, were W. Watson, T. McCleary, William Moore, J. T. Boyd and Joseph Kissick.

The Mercer and Beaver Democrat was suspended soon after the Presidential election.

The first number of the New Castle Gazette, a whig paper, was issued on Friday, October 8, 1841, by Colonel William H. Shaw, who continued its publication until 1864, a period of twenty-three years.*

*See article on "Newspapers."

New Castle continued in next section.

From the 1770 - 1877 History of Lawrence County by S. W. and P. A. DURANT.

Explanation and Caution | Abbreviations | Lawrence Co. Maps | 1877 Portraits
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Updated: 28 Dec 2000, 17:40

HISTORY OF NEW CASTLE. [Cont'd]

[p. 28] The following "Directory of New Castle," which was published in 1841 is believed to have been the first directory of New Castle that was ever published, and, as it is comparatively short, we reproduce it entire:

"New Castle is located at the junction of the Shenango and Neshannock branches of the Big Beaver, 24 miles from its confluence with the Ohio, and contains four houses of public worship, three Sunday-schools, one rolling-mill, one nail-factory, one flour-mill, one lumber-mill, and one about being built, one woolen manufactory, one air foundry, one cupola-foundry driven by steam power, eight dry-goods stores, two groceries, one hardware store, two drug stores, four hotels, one female seminary, three day schools, one writing school, and mechanical shops of all descriptions.

"The situation of the country around is well adapted for the growth of wool and wheat; it is very healthy, and the beauty of the surrounding scenery has met with the highest praise from all who have visited there.

"The Pennsylvania canal, connecting Lake Erie with the Ohio river, passes through the town, and opens another channel for the rich productions of the neighborhood.

"Iron ore is found in considerable abundance for many miles around, on the Big Run, only l¼ miles from town. The veins are of considerable thickness. Bituminous coal, for coke or fuel, is procured with but little labor, some veins being from four to six feet thick. Fire-clay is also found in abundance.

"A considerable quantity of good quartz is found near at hand, and, taken in connection with the abundance of coal, it would fully justify the investinent of capital for the manufacture of glass.

"The water-power is sufficient, if put into use, to make this a large manufacturing town. There are permanent dams across the Neshannock and Shenango, twenty feet high, built by the State, connecting them by canal and guard-lock. Since our last, there have been two churches erected, which show that the inhabitants are working for their spiritual as well as their worldly good--fully aware that without the former the blessings of the latter would be unenjoyed.

"Amount of surplus produce shipped from New Castle, Pa., from September, 1840, up to the 15th of June, 1841, as follows: Wheat, 71,900 bushels; flour, 9,231 barrels; bacon, 143,000 pounds; wool, 23,600 pounds; whisky, 360 barrels.

"There has also been shipped, in small quantities, by the farmers, 2,000 barrels of flour. The estimate above has been obtained from the most authentic source, and falls short, if any way, of the full amount shipped.

"DIRECTORY OF NEW CASTLE, MERCER COUNTY, PA.

Alexander Samuel, carpenter.
Baker J., cooper.
Bell E., cooper.
Barlow G., physician and druggist.
Barber W. L., baker.
Bennett S., copper, tin and sheet-iron worker.
Bushnell Rev. W., Presbyterian clergyman.
Boyd J. T., merchant.
Brown Joseph, iron roller.
Bottle W. H., nail cutter.
Carpenter Wm., Justice of the Peace.
Carpenter Mrs. R. J., milliner.
Christy S., Indian King hotel.
Clark Wm., tanner.
Clancy Lewis, blacksmith.
Crawford & Ritter, saw and flouring mill and woolen factory.
Crawford J. M. & Co., manufacturers of iron and nails.
Cunningham R. W., merchant and foundry owner.
Crips L. V;, boot and shoe maker.
Craven R., bricklayer.
Cochran R., merchant.
Cowden A. M., physician.
Cypher Philip, stone mason.
Cost John, Wagoner.
Dinsmore J., wagon maker.
Dinsmore Wm., carpenter.
Dickson Wm., saddler.

Dickson J., tanner.
Dickson Samuel, fireman.
Edwards John, refiner.
Emery John B., smith.
Emery J., canal contractor.
Emery E., canal contractor.
Evans Wm., boot and shoe maker.
Euwer S. C. & Co., merchants.
Farley & White, steam foundry.
Falls Thomas, tanner and farmer.
Fulkerson J. C., cabinet maker.
Flinn Walter, machine smith.
Falls Henry, constable.
Frazier John, carpenter.
Gibson Joseph, stone cutter.
Graham John, nail cutter.
Galbreth E., gentleman.
Hadson G. E., tailor.
Higgs Jos. R., puddler.
Heffner S., clerk.
Hadson W. G., tailor.
Hewitt Rev. J. J., Episcopal clergyman.
Higgs Joseph, bloom heater.
Hogg Wm., puddler.
Higgs Thomas, puddler.
Justice T., hatter.
Keck A., clerk.
Keefer John, painter.
Kelly Silas, blacksmith.
Kissick J., merchant.
Kerr Samuel, canal supervisor.
Latimer James, miller.
Lewis A., gentleman.
Lint J., carpenter.
Love J. B., Hatter.
M'Connell J. E., blacksmith.
M'Cleary Thomas, cooper.
M'Cleary S., painter.
M'Guffin R., cabinet maker.
M'Millan Wm., canal-boat captain.
Miller Wm. B., boot and shoe maker.
M'Millen White, merchant and hatter.
M'Connell D., blacksmith.

M'Guffin L. L., attorney-at-law.
M'Conahy J., blacksmith.
Morehead John, hatter.
Mitchell S. W., cabinet maker.
Morgan G. C., tailor.
Moore Wm., merchant.
Moore H. S., carpenter.
Morehead H. H., plasterer.
Mitchell James, chair maker.
Maxim Marcus, nail cutter.
M'Laughlin J., carpenter.
McMillen James, hatter.
McKee James, carpenter.
Newton Chester, sawyer.
O'Brien Edward, moulder.
Pearson J. B., merchant.
Perry Elias, drum maker.
Pollock J., physician.
Pollock S., gunsmith.
Pearson Samuel, cooper.
Poak Samuel, Wagoner.
Painter Thomas, cabinet maker.
Pollock John, captain of the canal-boat "Citizen."
Quest J. S., clerk.
Reynolds J., justice of the peace.
Read J., blacksmith.
Rhodes J. H., carpenter.
Rigby E., wagon maker.
Robison A., Union hotel.
Rubicon J., cooper.
Rigby Thomas, silversmith.

Reynolds William, clerk.
Ridel S., canal contractor.
Riter George R., smith.
Reynolds Robert, tanner.
Reynolds W. H., tinner.
Sankey E., gentleman.
Seek R. A., saddler.
Shaw W. H., clerk.
Swift Hiram, clerk.
Steen John, brick moulder.
Swift Samuel, chair maker.
Shaw W., physician.
Shoaff J., carpenter.
Shaffer D., butcher.
Semple A. C., carpenter.
Speise, Messimer & Co., merchants.
Speise S., carpenter.
Stewart R. W., farmer.
Stone D. S., Eagle house.
Swift S. W. grocer and confectioner.
Swift N. P., carpenter.
Stambaugh J., cabinet maker.
Scroggs, cabinet maker.
Sempel John, carpenter.
Tidball D. Jr., postmaster and tailor.
Tidball J. Sr., street commissioner.
Tidball J. Jr., carpenter.
Vogan John, blacksmith.
Varce Rev. D. W., Methodist Episcopal clergyman.
Wallace Robert, Red Lion hotel.
Watson Wm., grocery and druggist.
Whippo C. T., physician.
Willson J., merchant.
Wilson John, gentleman.
Williams Henry, shovel maker.
Wilder Shubael, master nailer.
Watson Jas., mason and bricklayer.
White Crawford, farmer.
Wilson J., chair maker.
White Josiah C., merchant.
Wallace James, carpenter.
Young O., school teacher.
Young Robert, saddler.

"There are in New Castle three meeting-houses--one Seceder, one Episcopal Methodist, one Presbyterian. There is also an organized Protestant Methodist Church and three Sabbath-schools.

"There is in New Castle one rolling mill, one nail factory that can manufacture ten tons of iron and three tons of nails per day; one flour mill with four pairs of burrs; one lumber mill with two saws; also one lumber mill, building, to go by steam; one woolen manufactory; one air foundry; one cupola foundry, driven by steam power; eight dry good stores; two groceries; one hardware store; two drug shops; four taverns; three tanneries; five cooper shops; five cabinet shops; six smith shops; one gun shop; one tin and copper shop; two wagon shops; four tailor shops; four forwarding warehouses; three hatter shops; four shoemaker shops; two saddler shops; one female seminary; three day schools; one writing school; one shovel factory; one refinery; six coal banks; an abundance of iron ore; one water power on Neshannock, in New Castle, with twenty-four feet head and fall.

The hotels, four in number, were located as follows: The "Globe Hotel," kept by Daniel S. Stone, was located where Knox's grocery store now stands. At a later date it was called the "Eagle Hotel." Still later it was occupied by a Mrs. Shannon, who came from Mercer, and who changed its name to the "Washington House." The "Red Lion Hotel" occupied the site of the "Central Hotel" of the present day, and was substantially the same building. The "Union Hotel," kept by Andrew Robinson, is still standing on the east side north of Mercer street, the first frame building north from Washington street. In 1843, Robinson was succeeded by Samuel Christy, who put up in front of the house the sign of the "Indian Chief," and called the house the "Indian Chief Hotel."

For some time prior to 1843, the hotel which stood on the site of the present "Leslie House," was kept by Samuel Christy, and was also called the "Indian Chief Hotel." When Mr. Christy moved into the "Union Hotel" [p. 29] he took his Indian sign and the name of his hotel with him. The sign was a large one, with a life-size figure of an Indian chief painted on each side, and swinging in a frame. In the Spring of 1843 Mr. Leslie took charge of the original "Indian Chief Hotel," and changed its name to the "Mansion House."

The first Lyceum of which there is any record, was organized in New Castle in the Autumn of 1841.

In 1843, only two attorneys advertised in the papers. At that time John Cox kept the "Red Lion" Hotel, and J. Leslie, the Mansion House.

A new physician, a Dr. Gemmil, was running the drug store, formerly owned by Dr. G. Barlow. Dr. Barlow is said to have had the first piano in New Castle. R. B. McComb had a cabinet wareroom on the northwest corner of the "Diamond." In 1844 he removed his business to the east end of Washington street, near the bridge.

In 1843, Wilson Mitchell was Burgess, and Thomas Falls President of the Town Council.

The first barber who succeeded in making a living in New Castle is said to have been Thomas D. Berry, a colored man, who opened a "Tensorial Bazaar" a few doors west of the Mansion House, in 1844. The attorneys in New Castle, at that date, appear to have been L. L. McGuffin, J. K. Boyd and A. M. Burns.

The first Democratic newspaper published in New Castle was issued by Geo. F. Humes and J. N. Hallowell, July 13th, 1844. It was a four-page paper, with five wide columns to the page. It was called the New Castle Democrat, and was published for about one year.

The Fourth of July, 1844, was celebrated by the people of New Castle with a grand Temperance Convention and soldiers' parade, which was largely attended by people from all parts of the country.

According to the local papers, the Erie Extension Canal was completed from New Castle to Erie, in February, 1845, and boats commenced running through its entire length the following Spring.

In the New Castle Gazette for 1845, several new names appear among the business men. Among them were Dr. E. Murray, the "Reformed Botanico Medical Physician," and Dr. L. Northup. T. A. Rinehart also kept a drug store.

The first account of a musical organization in New Castle, appeared in March, of this year. On the 20th of that month a concert was given at the M. E. Church by the Amateur Musical Society. About this date, the Baltimore & Ohio Railway Company were endeavoring to get the right of way for their road through Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, as a matter of course, opposed it, and the people of the southern and western portions of the State were more or less interested for or against it. A great mass meeting was held in New Castle on the 28th of March, 1846, attended by people from Mercer and Beaver counties, and the feeling was very strongly in favor of giving the company the right of way. The attorneys in New Castle, in 1846, were L. L. McGuffin, J. K. Boyd, A. M. Burns, G. A. Scroggs, and David C. Cossitt.

James Dickson was, Justice of the Peace in 1846, and had his office in the southeast corner of the "Diamond," in Wm. Dickson's saddle shop.

John and Joseph Douthett, brothers, were teaching a select school in the "new brick school-house."

They called it the "New Castle Institute." The new school building was probably the one now occupied by Max Cosel as a residence. The New Castle Seminary was taught by Mr. and Mrs. Mason Bartlett.

The first market in New Castle was held in May, 1846. The first market house was built in the Summer of 1846. It was of brick, 70 by 30 feet in dimensions, and stood near the center of the "Diamond," with its west end on a line with the east side of Jefferson street. Mr. D. Tidball, Jr., was the contractor. The market days were Wednesdays and Saturdays. On the 25th of July, 1846, a public meeting was held to consider the subject of building a new bridge over the Neshannock, at the east end of Washington street.

The first bridge was erected at that point in 1814, but whether the structure was standing in 1846 we have not learned. A new bridge was finally built and completed in August, 1847. The architect was Joseph Emery.

Many improvements were made during the season of 1846. R. W. Cunningham erected a large cupola foundry, with steam engine attached, which was put in operation about the 20th of July. Crawford & Co. built a new nail factory, which also went into operation in July. Brown & Higgs erected a rolling mill, which went into operation about the same date.

During the first three days of September, of this year, the annual encampment of the Mercer county soldiers was held in New Castle.

Among the organizations present were the New Castle Battalion, the Mt. Jackson and Marion Blues, both of Mt. Jackson, the Mahoning Rangers, and the Tamarack Invincibles. Music was, in part, furnished by the New Castle Brass Band.

During the boating season of 1846, the New Castle and Beaver packet, "General Mercer," McMillen, master, ran regularly between the points named, arriving at New Castle every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday morning, at six o'clock, and departed at 8 P.M. on the same days.

R. W. Cunningham was the agent at New Castle. The "Orizaba Iron Works," located on the present site of the Shenango Iron Works, were erected by Joseph H. Brown, Joseph Higgs and Edward Thomas, and put in operation in 1846.*

*See Article, "Shenango Iron Works."

In 1847, the linseed oil business was very promising, and Grisnold's mill was so successful that others entered into the business.*

*See "Oil Mills."

During the year 1847 there was a famine in Ireland, and sympathy and aid in various forms was generously extended to the distressed inhabitants from many parts of the United States. The ladies of New Castle assembled together at the M. E. Church, on the evening of April 14th, 1847, and manufactured between seven and eight hundred two-bushel sacks.

These were filled with corn by the people of New Castle and vicinity, and, altogether, about fifteen hundred sacks, containing three thousand bushels of corn, were forwarded to the starving people of Ireland.

A terrible accident occurred at the "Cosalo Iron Works," on the 23d of May, of this year. Joseph B. Williams, a son of Henry Williams, about thirteen years of age, was caught by a shaft which was rapidly revolving in the nail factory, and instantly killed.

FIRST STEPS TOWARD BANKING.

The first notice of an application for a charter for a bank in New Castle, was published in the Democrat, in September, 1839, but nothing further was done about the matter, until July, 1847, when a similar notice was published. The proposed bank was to have a capital of $200,000, but the first actual banking business was transacted about 1855.*

*See sketch of the various Banks, elsewhere.

It would appear from old files of newspapers published at New Castle in 1847, that the first daguerreian gallery was established in that year, as the firm of Richmond & Pomeroy were taking pictures in August.

A new military organization, called the New Castle Light Artillery made its first appearance on Saturday, August 21st. Captain G. A. Scroggs was commander.

It is said that the first regular book-store in New Castle, was opened by McDowell & Co., in August of this year. It was on Washington street, opposite the Globe Hotel.

The work of bringing Washington, Jefferson, and Mercer streets to a regular grade, was commenced in September, and continued until some time in November.

On Monday, the 6th day of December, 1847, Captain Jonathan Smith, a Revolutionary soldier, died at the residence of his son-in-law, Joseph T. Du Shane, Esq., who lived at that time in what was Shenango township, but now a part of the city of New Castle.

Captain Smith was a native of Virginia, and served through the entire Revolutionary war. He was in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and Yorktown. At his death he was 92 years and three months old, and was buried with military honors by the New Castle Light Artillery. A large. concourse of people attended his funeral.

In the month of January, 1848, Dr. Warner, of Pittsburgh, removed to New Castle, and commenced the practice of medicine.

The movement for the organization of a new county, began to assume something like tangible shape at this time, and a meeting was held on the 5th of February, for the purpose of discussing the question, and taking the necessary steps to accomplish the desired object. The project had been advocated for some thirty years, and never abandoned.

During the Winter of 1847-8, there was a society called the "New Castle Liberty Association," of which A. M. Burns, Esq., and John McConahy were active members.

About the lst of May, 1848, the New Castle Light Artillery paraded the streets, headed by a martial band composed of "fourteen boys richly dressed." The boys had been thoroughly drilled by Major William W. Taylor, and made a fine appearance. The company was commanded by Captain W. C. Richards.

[p. 30]

On the afternoon of the 6th of May, a violent hail storm passed over New Castle, doing a large amount of damage to glass and the roofs of building killing one horse within the city limits, or near by. Hail fell measuring from eleven to twelve inches in circumference, and weighing from eight to sixteen ounces, and one piece was reported to have been eighteen inches around, and to have weighed one pound and a quarter!

A great fire occurred in New Castle on Sunday morning, July 23, 1848, by which the main building of McCormick, Peebles, Brown & Co.'s iron works was destroyed, involving a loss of some $30,000, and throwing a large number of men out of employment. The buildings destroyed included the rolling mill and nail factory, and a large amount of iron, nails, &c. The works were immediately rebuilt.

In August of this year, the New Castle Female Seminary appears to have been under the direction of Prof. Warren H. Marsh.

On the 31st of August, Richard Evans, an employee at one of the rolling mills, died of excessive drinking. He was buried by the borough authorities, in a plain pine box. Some parties made quite a stir over the matter, and his remains were finally disinterred, and an inquest held over them, and again interred in a more pretentious coffin. A few nights afterwards, some mischievious persons removed the pine box, in which Evans had been at first interred, to the eastern end of the market house, where they arranged it in a conspicuous position, and put an inscription thereon, stating that it was a patent invention, and designating one of the overseers as the patentee. The Burgess, Thomas Sloan, by authority of the Council, offered a reward of twenty dollars for the arrest and conviction of the parties who had committed the outrage. William Dickson was President of the Town Council, James Dickson, Justice of the Peace, and John Dickson, Constable. The record does not show whether the guilty parties were apprehended and punished or not, but evidently there was considerable excitement for the time being.

The Croton Glass Works were put in operation in September of this year, by Messrs. Morris and Henderson.* In October, a new physician, Dr. F. Taylor, located in New Castle. The canal closed this year, on the 10th of December.

*See Croton Glass Works.

THE NEW COUNTY.

March 20th, 1849, was a joyful day to the people of New Castle, for on that day the new county of Lawrence, for which they had so long been working, was erected, and New Castle became the county seat of one of the most compact and thriving counties in the commonwealth. What Pittsburgh and Allegheny are to Allegheny county, New Castle is to Lawrence county. Here are all the newspapers of the county, all the banking houses and the great bulk of the manufactures, and the city is the nucleus of a system of railways, which give it connection with all parts of the country. But, at the time the new county was erected, New Castle was a town of less than one thousand people, and had but a moiety of its present manufactures and commercial business. No railroads were then in this part of the country. Its only means of communication, besides the common country roads of those days, was the slow, plodding canal.

When the county was organized, the practising attorneys at New Castle appear, from the files of the local papers, to have been L. L. McGuffin, D. B. Kurtz, David C. Cossitt, Jacob K. Boyd, A. W. Rodgers, Craig & Buchanan, and McNeil & Burns. Joseph Emery was, at that time, President of the Town Council, and John Kerr, clerk. It appears that Wm. Talbot and Robert M. Walker were engaged in running a carding mill, in the Summer of 1849, making rolls at four cents per pound.

A new dentist, Dr. R. M. Kennedy, settled in New Castle, in April, and Mrs. Mary Fulkerson opened one of the first millinery shops in the place, on the corner of North and Beaver streets, about the same time.

The 22d of August, 1849, was a great day in New Castle. President Zachary Taylor and Governor Johnston, of Pennsylvania, visited the town, on their way from Beaver to Mercer.

About 5:30 o'clock, in the evening of that day, a signal gun on Shaw's Hill announced their arrival at Lock No. 1. They came up in an Erie express packet. The programme for the occasion appears to have been all arranged previous to their arrival. Colonel Wm. Book was chief marshal, with the following gentlemen as assistants: Wm. P. Reynolds, George W. Crawford, Lot Watson, Jr., D. B. Kurtz, John Moorhead, and Robert Wallace. The procession formed at the lock, in the following order: Committee of reception, on horseback; brass band; martial band; President and Governor, in open carriage, with military escort; President and Governor's suite, in carriages; New Castle and Beaver committee, in carriages; citizens. The procession moved by the following route: From Lock No. 1 to the Neshannock bridge, thence up East street to North street, by North to Jefferson street, by Jefferson to Washington, and east along Washington to the Washington House, situated where Knox's grocery store now stands, then kept by A. T. McKee. On arriving at the Washington House, a reception speech was made and the President welcomed to New Castle by David Craig, Esq., to which the President replied in a brief and appropriate manner.

During the movement of the procession, the artillery fired the regular salute, from Shaw's Hill. The distinguished guests and a large number of prominent citizens partook of supper at half-past seven o'clock.

The next morning the President and Governor visited the rolling mill; blast furnaces, &c. The Sophia furnace was the first the President had ever seen. At nine o'clock A. M., the President gave a reception to the ladies of New Castle, at the Presbyterian Church. At twelve o'clock, noon, the party departed for Mercer, accompanied by a committee of escort from New Castle.

A new paper made its appearance in New Castle in 1849. It was called the Lawrence Journal, and the first issue was on the 26th of May. James M. Kuester was editor and proprietor.* This same year, the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church was built, on Jefferson street. It is still standing, and is now known as the United Presbyterian Church. R. Craven and N. P. McGown were the builders. The building committee were J. Kissick, J. Leslie, and W. R. Dunlap. The first party convention for the nomination of county officers ever held in New Castle, was the convention held by the Whigs, on the 14th of August, 1849. Thomas Pomeroy was president.

*See article on "Newspapers."

Saturday, the lst of September, 1849, the day on which the Act erecting the county of Lawrence went into effect, was celebrated in New Castle by the military and the various bands, who made a grand parade.

The first telegraph office in New Castle was opened in the Summer of 1849. Among those most instrumental in procuring it were the Crawfords and Shubael Wilder. Some time during the season of 1849, A. W. Rodgers, a new attorney, opened an office in New Castle.

This season was remarkable for being cold and excessively dry. It is said that there was frost during every month in the year in some part of Lawrence county. Notwithstanding the unfavorable season, business seems to have, been unusually lively if we may judge by the number of new buildings which were erected in New Castle, there being no less than eighty-eight, and mostly of brick. The first snow of the season fell on the 30th of October.

On Sunday, the 4th of November, a new bell on the Presbyterian Church sent forth its welcome peals over the valley. Whether this was the first church bell in New Castle we do not know.

A lyceum was in existence in December of this year, with Rev. R. A. Browne, D. D., R. B. McComb, D. M. Courtney and John Reynolds, Esqs., among its members.

In 1850 the census gave New Castle borough a population of 1,563 inhabitants, fifty-one of whom were colored.

THE FIRST COURTS.

The first Court of Common Pleas held in New Castle, convened in the M. E. Church on Monday, the 7th of January, 1850. Hon. John Bredin being President Judge, and Jacob Bear, Associate.

The resident attornies of New Castle who were sworn in on that day were: Jonathan Ayres, L. L. McGuffin, J. K. Boyd, D. Craig, D. B. Kurtz, J. J. Hoffman, D. C. Cossitt, John M. Crawford, George W. Watson, J. N. McGuffin, James Pollock.

The attendance at this first court was unusually large and the hotels were crowded.

A new telegraph line from Fredonia, N. Y., was put in operation to New Castle in January, 1850.

Clow's block was finished in March, 1850.

The physicians in New Castle at that date were: J. H. M. Peebles, E. S. Warner, T. L. Hopper, D. D. C. Porter, N. White, Cossitt, Murray and possibly a few others.

A meeting of the veterans of the war of 1812 was held on Saturday, March 16th, at the Associate Reformed Church.

The first daily mail was established on the lst of April of this year, between New Castle and Poland, Ohio, by way of Edenburg, Hillsville and Lowellville. The contractor was James Bannon.

The first county Bible Society mentioned was organized on the 9th of April at the M. E. Church. Among the members were Rev. R. A. Browne, [p. 31] John N. Euwer, Cyrus Clarke, David Sankey, Samuel Van Horn, Joseph Kissick and Joseph Justice.

A new attorney, J. W. Johnston, opened an office in New Castle in May.

COURT HOUSE.

The title to the lot now occupied by the Court House, 300 by 140 feet in dimensions, was made over to the County Commissioners on the 18th of June, 1850. The contract for building a court house and jail was let to Craig & Hamilton. The work was commenced in the Fall of 1850, and completed in 1852. The stone were quarried near by, and when the entire job was finished the total cost, including improvements upon the grounds, amounted to the surprisingly low sum of thirty-two thousand dollars ($32,000).

But in those days everything was cheap. Flour was three dollars per barrel; brick three dollars and forty cents per thousand; common labor from fifty to seventy-five cents a day, and good mechanics' wages from eighty-seven and a-half cents to one dollar and twenty-five cents per day. The cost of the work at the present time would be probably from $50,000 to $75,000.

An academy seems to have been in operation at this time, for we find notices of it in 1849, under the charge of Wm. Pearson, and in 1850, of Rev. R. A. Browne.

The 22d of June appears to have been the day set apart for military drill. In July of this year the Lawrence Guards were organized, and W. W. Taylor was elected Captain; S. M. Wise, first lieutenant; S. Briggs, second lieutenant; T. Wait, third lieutenant; H. Squiers, ensign; C. T. Williams, A. Wait, J. A. Ray and Jacob Moore, sergeants; R. Andrews and John Ray, corporals; James McKean, armorer, and S. Briggs, treasurer.

Towards the last of July, 1850, a meeting of the citizens of New Castle was held at Clow's Hall, for the purpose of making arrangements to pay respect to the memory of the President of the United States, lately deceased--ZACHARY TAYLOR. The meeting was presided over by John Reynolds, Esq. The Vice Presidents were D. M. Courtney and S. Bentley, and William H. Shaw was Secretary. The 10th of September following was appointed as the day on which such public demonstration as was deemed advisable should take place. On the day set there was a great gathering of the people, and all the military of the vicinity held an encampment continuing until the 13th. On Wednesday, the 11th, according to the proper change in the programme, about 5,000 people assembled in Peeble's Grove to hear an address from John Allison, Esq., who also pronounced a suitable eulogy on President Taylor. The encampment was participated in by all the military for many miles around.

The first Democratic convention in Lawrence county was held in New Castle, on the 20th of July of this year. The Whig convention was held on the 5th of August.

During the Summer of 1850, Robert Wallace erected a three-story brick block, adjoining Clow's block on the west. The three-story brick building on the north side of the "Diamond," known as the Gazette building, was also erected the same year.

In the latter part of the year 1850, two new bells were hung in New Castle, one on the market house, and one (weighing 600 pounds) on the Baptist Church.

According to the Lawrence Journal, New Castle contained two foundries, two rolling-mills, two oil-mills, three flouring and grist-mills, three sawmills, one window-glass factory, one steam edge tool factory, one brewery, three tanneries (one run by steam), four hotels, and another large one in course of erection. There were six churches, one lodge, and one encampment of I.O.O.F.; one Masonic lodge, two divisions of the Sons of Temperance, and one Mechanics' Mutual Protection Society. There were also two newspapers; the Gazette, by Shaw & Craig, and the Journal, by Kuester & Telford. One hundred new buildings were erected during this year.

In January, 1851, a new line of daily coaches was established between Beaver and New Castle, by Frederick Haly. They were advertized to make the trip in five hours.

In 1851 two new names appeared in the list of attorneys in New Castle, B. B. Pickett and R. D. Hartshorn.

On the night of January 9th, a large kiln containing 30,000 feet of lumber belonging to Hamilton & Craig, contractors for the public buildings, was totally destroyed by fire.

The subject of paving the streets began to be agitated at this time, and at a meeting of the Council, on the 28th of February, it was resolved that during the coming Summer, Washington, Jefferson, and Mercer streets should be planked.

About this time the subject of a public cemetery, controlled by a corporation, began to be agitated, and a meeting was held at the office of the county commissioners, at which Colonel Wm. Book was made President, and James D.Clarke, Secretary.

Prominent among those who took an active interest in the matter, were Hon. L. L. McGuffin, James Henderson, Jonathan Ayres, Joseph Emery, John Reynolds, Frederick Seifert, R. W. Clendennin, Joseph Kissick, Jos. T. Du Shane, George Robinson, D. B. Kurtz, and R. B. McComb.

The existence of two fine military companies in New Castle had the effect to arouse the military ardor of the younger members of the community, and the result was that three juvenile military companies were organized; one in New Castle proper, another in East New Castle, and a third in West New Castle. A fierce rivalry sprang up among them, and it was found easier to arouse the military spirit than to allay the hot passions engendered by the rivalry. Like the guards of Louis XIV. and Cardinal Richelieu, whenever they met there was a miniature battle, and sore heads and black eyes were staple commodities among the brave warriors of the Shenango valley.

The Waterloo of the campaign occurred on Saturday, the lst of March, at the celebrated "passage of the bridge" on Washington street. The records are silent as to whether Blucher, Wellington or Napoleon gained the victory, but the number of combatants put hors de combat, is said to have been appalling. It was a terrible combination of Sir William Wallace's battle of Cambus Kenneth, Napoleon's terrific passage of the bridge of Lodi, and the celebrated retreat of the ten thousand Greeks under Xenophon, of classic memory, and ought to go down to posterity along with the "Battle of Dorking."

"Is the spot marked by no colossal bust,
Or column, trophied for triumphal show?
None! But the moral's truth tells simpler so!"

Considerable excitement was occasioned about this time by the subject of enlarging the limits of the borough. A public meetin was held some time in March, at which Warren Carpenter was President, and William Watson, Secretary. A committee on resolutions was appointed, consisting of Joseph Justice, Joseph Emery, S. W. Mitchell, Samuel Spiece, Joseph Kissick, and Wm. Moore. After ample discussion a series of resolutions was adopted, opposed to any extension of the limits beyond the Shenango river and Neshannock creek.

The first railway meeting held in New Castle, was on the lst of April, 1851. It was called for the purpose of testing the public sentiment upon the then proposed Erie and Pittsburgh railway.

The officers of the meeting were: President, Henry Pearson; Vice Presidents, R. W. Cunningham, William Dickson, Joseph Emery and Thomas Falls; Secretaries, Alexander Newell and D. C. Cossitt. The speakers were R. B. McComb, Esq., R. W. Cunningham and Joseph Emery.

The flouring-mill, owned by Joseph Kissick, was destroyed by fire on the night of April 1st, 1851. It was a three-story building, of brick, and stood on the present site of Raney & Gordon's mill. The total loss was about thirteen thousand dollars ($13,000). The fire was occasioned by some boys fishing with torches under the mill. The mill was rebuilt by Mr. Kissick, the same season.

During the Summer of 1851, quite a number of improvements were made in New Castle. A new bridge was built over the canal, on Mercer street. R. W. Cunningham erected a new foundry building. The Union school-house, now the First Ward school building, was erected at a cost of seven thousand dollars. The Directors at that time were William Watson, J. W. Johnson A. L. Crawford, William Book, J. N. Euwer and J. S. Quest. The architect was J. U. Bonn. The builders were R. Craven and S. T. Sippy.

The first banking institution* in New Castle, also went into operation in this year. It was a private bank, and was started by Dickson & McClymonds, in May. A railway convention was held on the 25th of June, at which one hundred and fifty delegates were present.

*See "Banking."

Sometime during the Summer of 1851, a colored man, named Frank Jackson, who had resided for some years in New Castle, was induced to accompany a drover, by the name of Charles May, to Richmond, Virginia. Rumors soon after began to be circulated that May had sold Jackson as a slave. Another rumor said he had been arrested as a slave, and possibly sold. (More of this matter hereafter.)

An attempt was made during the Summer of this year, to erect a new borough on the east side of the Neshannock, to be called East New Castle, but the project failed.

The first "Free Soil " convention was held on the 23d of Angust, of this year.

Two elopements occurred during the year from New Castle, which caused considerable excitement for a time. The parties were William Somers and [p. 32] Miss Josephine Pollock, in September, and Charles Sealey, of Allegheny, and Miss Samantha Moore, in November.

A new bridge, known as the "black bridge," was constructed over the Shenango, a few rods above the mouth of the Neshannock, during this season. It has since been replaced by a fine and substantial covered bridge.

In wonderful contrast to the days when King Pack-an-ke was a great ruler over many people, with his capital on the spot where New Castle now stands, it is recorded that, on the 4th of October, 1851, a solitary Indian, with his squaw and two children, passed through New Castle, on his way West!

An Agricultural Society was organized on the 29th of October, with the following officers: President, Thomas Sample; Vice Presidents, Thomas Wilson, Isaac P. Cowden; Secretary, R. B. McComb; Treasurer, William Blanchard; Directors, John K. Swisher, William Porter, Thomas Carnes, Thomas Pearson, Webster Justice and John Simpson.

In October, a new bell, weighing 1,200 pounds, was hung in the Court House. On the 27th of October, the first Teachers' Institute convened in New Castle, continuing several days, and was largely attended.

The latter part of the Winter of 1851-2 was very cold, and bore heavily upon the destitute in New Castle. Labor was scarce, and little money, as a consequence, was in circulation. Matters became so serious that a relief society, consisting of the prominent ladies of the place, was organized, on the 5th of January, 1852, at the Associate Reformed Church. It was called "The New Castle Relief Society." The officers were: President, Mrs. Mary Browne; Secretaries, Mrs. McElevy and Mrs. Ten Broeck; Treasurer, Mrs. Joseph Kissick.

On the 16th of January, a meeting of the Protestant pastors of New Castle was held at the Presbyterian Church, for the purpose of taking steps toward petitioning Congress to prohibit carrying the mails on Sunday.

The subject of railroads seems to have been a very prominent one at this time. On the 4th of February, a meeting was held at the Cochran House in the interests of the Erie and Pittsburgh railroad. Wm. Dickson was President, and John Reynolds, Secretary.

A strike occurred among the nail-cutters in the employ of the Orizaba Iron Works, on the 16th of February, on account of a reduction of wages. This is the first instance of the kind recorded as having occurred in New Castle. It is claimed that New Castle experienced the shock of an earthquake, which was felt on Thursday, April 29th, at about one o'clock in the afternoon. The shock was quite severe, and continued for about ten seconds.

It is recorded that the first organ-grinder ever seen in New Castle made his appearance on the 20th of May, 1852. Whether the inevitable monkey accompanied him to make sport for the youngsters--what province of "sunny Italy" was honored by being his birth-place, and whether his "southern" skin had ever felt the effects of a direct application of the aqueous element, are questions which must forever remain unanswered.

The New Court House was completed on the 28th of June, of this year, at which date the first term of court ever held therein commenced.

The following notice of the new county buildings, appeared about that time in the New Castle Gazette:

"It will stand for ages as a monument of youthful vigor and taste. For a century to come our citizens will be contented with their public buildings, nor desire to tear them down to erect more splendid ones." The probabilities now (1877), are, after a lapse of twenty-five years, that long before the century, spoken of by the Gazette, shall have expired, these buildings will need to be replaced by something more substantial and more commodious.

The 4th of July, 1852, fell on Sunday. The only demonstration of respect for the day was made by the New Castle Band, who proceeded early in the morning, while most of the drowsy citizens were taking their "forty morning winks," to the summit of Shaw's Hill, and discoursed sweet music from the lofty height. The following day was celebrated a la Americaine. A Whig Convention was held in Clow's Hall, and a Sunday-school picnic was held in a grove near town, while a large party, including the band, made an excursion on board a canal-packet, several miles up the Shenango, where they spent the day in pic-nicing and dancing. On the night of July 13th, four prisoners, confined in the county jail, unmindful of their obligations to the laws of the land, were unprincipled enough to break jail and run for liberty. Three of them were recaptured, and the fourth, making a virtue of necessity, came back to his quarters "like a good little man."

A grand firemen's parade took place on Saturday, the 4th of September, followed by a dance at "Kossuth Hall," and a supper at the Cochran House.

The New Castle Female Seminary seems to have finished its course about this time, for we find the property was sold at public sale, on the 7th of September. The completion of the Union School building, now in the First Ward, may have had something to do with the retirement of the seminary from the field. The new school building was completed and occupied on the 4th of October, at which time the Fall term commenced. The teachers were Messrs. Travis and Gantz, and the Misses Townsend and Porter.

The Lawrence County Teachers' Institute was held for two weeks, commencing on the 11th of October. This was, probably, the first county institute ever held in New Castle. The first county Fair was also opened on Tuesday, the 19th of October, and continued two days. The first snow of the season fell on the 9th of November, this year.

On the 25th of November, a sad accident occurred in New Castle. Wm. Locke the court crier, while walking along the canal tow-path, just above Jefferson street bridge, by some means lost his footing, and fell into the canal. Assistance was on hand as soon as possible, and he was taken out in a very short time, but life was extinct.

New Castle is entitled to an original item, so far as we know, nothing of the kind having ever been projected elsewhere. On the 13th of December, a drove of turkeys, numbering five hundred, was started on foot from New Castle, and driven to Erie, where they, like other high-toned travelers, took the cars for New York, in order to be in season for the Christmas festivities of the metropolis.

On the 15th of December, the dead body of a man was found in the canal, some fifty rods south of the borough limits of New Castle. He was not identified, and whether his death was accidental or otherwise, was not ascertained.

The "Mechanics' Institute" was organized on the 23d of December. Among the prominent gentlemen interested in its organization may be mentioned John Dickson, Dr. Leasure, Colonel Wm. Book, S. Briggs, David Tidball, J. R. Richardson, R. Craven, and John Edwards. A very brilliant cotillion party, consisting of one hundred ladies and gentlemen, assembled at Kossuth Hall, on Christmas Eve, and had a most enjoyable time.

A meeting of the "Mechanics' Institute" was held on the 4th of January, 1853, at which the following-named gentlemen were elected to fill the offices: President, Stillman Briggs; Vice President, Joseph S. White; Secretary, J. Webster Reynolds; Treasurer, Colonel Wm. Book.

In January of this year the Lawrence County Agricultural Society leased from Joseph S. White, for a term of years, four and a half acres of land, lying on the plateau north of the borough, for the purposes of a Fair ground. It was inclosed, and provided with suitable and necessary buildings, and Fairs were held there for several years. The 22d of February was celebrated by the firemen, with a dance at Kossuth Hall, and a grand supper at the Cochran House.

The borough election, held on the 18th of March, resulted in the choice of the following officers: Burgess, Joseph Kissick; Councilmen, James S. Tidball, James McGown, Benjamin Emery, E. S. Clow, G. P. Robinson; Constable, J. B. McKee; School Directors, D. Leasure, R. W. Clendenin, J. N. Euwer; Judge of Election, John MeElevy; Assessor, A. Riddle; Auditors, Captain A. Tyler, D. B. Kurtz, Warren Carpenter; Overseers of Poor, J. W. Cunningham and Wilson Falls.

"Greenwood Cemetery" was greatly improved during this year by a new fence around the grounds, and the planting of a large number of shade and ornamental trees, all under the direction of William McClymonds. The contract for planking Washington street from the Neshannock to the Shenango, with two tracks, each nine feet wide, was awarded to Joseph and David Emery, at one thousand six hundred dollars, ($1,600.) The contract for planking a portion of Jefferson street with a single track was also awarded to the same parties.

A Musical Institute was held in March, under the direction of Professor Blakely, and on the evening of the 29th of the same month a concert was given at the Presbyterian Church by four hundred pupils of Mr. Durston. D. Tidball, Jr. was appointed postmaster some time in April. A plank road was constructed during this season between New Castle and New Wilmington. Another earthquake shock is recorded for the 2d day of May, lasting for some thirty seconds, and so severe as to shake the cases in the Gazette printing-office quite perceptibly.

In 1853 the annual exports comprised the following articles shipped from New Castle: From the Orizaba Iron Works, 7,500 tons iron and nails; from the Cosalo Iron Works, 5,000 tons iron and nails; of glass, 700 tons; oil and oil-cake, 500 tons; 32,000 barrels of flour; 100,000 bushels of grain; 6,000 tons of fire-brick; 1,000,000 feet of timber.

Two boys were drowned in May and June at New Castle, to-wit: a son of Theodore Normandie, on the 20th of May, near the "guard-lock," and a son of Joseph McElevy on the 7th of June, in the Shenango pool.

[p. 33]

The 4th of July this year was celebrated by a pic-nic on the Fair grounds north of the borough, and another pic-nic excursion to the Wertz farm, on board the packet "Ohio," Captain Hoffman.

The Leslie House was erected during the season of 1853. In July of this year a society known as the "Ladies' Lawrence County Association" was formed, with the following officers: President, Mrs. Alexander Crawford; Vice Presidents, Mrs. J. N. Euwer, Mrs. Joseph S. White, Mrs. W. H. Shaw, Mrs. Wm. McClymonds, Mrs. H. Williams, Mrs. James Mitchell and Mrs. J. M. Kuester; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. R. W. Clendenin; Recording Secretaries, Mrs. J. Ayres and Mrs. Wm. H. Reynolds; Treasurer, Mrs. Robert Reynolds.

During this season "circuses" and "shows" were very plenty, no less than four exhibiting between the 12th of July and the 20th of August.

The Lawrence County Teachers' Institute was held during the week commencing August 14th. The public schools opened on the lst of September, under the superintendence of Wm. Travis.

The first noticeable event which occurred in New Castle in 1854, was the burning of a cooper shop belonging to P. McCormick, on the morning of January 7th. The loss was about five hundred dollars ($500).

At a meeting of the New Castle Library Company held on the evening of the 16th of January, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Directors, Joseph Emery, Joseph Justice, John Reynolds, John Reed and Henry Pearson; Librarian, Wm. H. Shaw; Treasurer, Joseph Justice.

At the borough election on the 17th of March of this year, the following officers were elected: Burgess, Wm. Moore; Councilmen, David Emery, Wilson Falls, John S. Pomeroy, Webster Justice, Wm. Book; School Directors, Joseph Justice, Cyrus Clarke; Constable, J. B. McKee; Judge of Election, James R. Wallace; Inspectors, Thomas D. Horner, Alva H. Leslie; Assessor, Daniel McConnell; Auditors, Robert Gilliland, Robert Crawford, John Hoffman; Overseers of Poor, Cyrus Clarke, J. W. Johnston.

The Leslie House was finished and furnished ready for occupation on the 1st of April, 1854. It contained ninety roonis.

On Sunday, the 16th of April, a heavy snowstorm visited this region, continuing for about twenty-four hours. When the storm was over there were seven and a-half inches of snow on the ground, and, had it come in mid-winter, it was the general opinion there would have been eighteen inches.

Several mechanical feats worthy of record were performed in New Castle during this year.

In February, it is said that John L. Emery made two hundred well-finished horse shoes in six hours and eleven minutes; and a few weeks before he set one hundred and twenty shoes in a day, and pointed and clinched the nails.

A wrought-iron spike machine manufactured by Westerman, Richardson, Maxim and Wilder, was finished and shipped to a manufacturing company in Bath, Maine, in the fore-part of March.

In April, a lathe-shear, weighing two and a-half tons, was cast at Quest, Westerman & Co.'s foundry; said to have been the heaviest casting ever made in New Castle up to that time.

Mention has been made in the record for 1851, of a colored man, named Frank Jackson, who accompanied one Charles May to Richmond, Virginia, and was alleged to have been sold into slavery by the latter. From subsequent information it appears that on their arrival at Richmond, May represented Frank as his slave, and before leaving the city sold him to a planter named Scott, from Campbell county, Virginia. Frank ran away from Scott, but was re-captured and sold to a Mr. Deshhazen. Rumors of these transactions had reached New Castle, and in the meantime Judge Reynolds of the latter place and Hon. Wm. Stewart of Mercer, were making every exertion to rescue Jackson from slavery. In June they received intelligence that he was in custody of Campbell Court House, and would be delivered up upon his identity as a freeman being established. To this end George C. Morgan was sent to Virginia to identify Frank, but on his arrival at Campbell Court House, Frank was not there. All that could be learned was that he had been sold and taken farther south. Mr. Morgan returned to New Castle with little hope of ever finding Jackson; but a few months afterwards a lawyer in North Carolina, who had seen and talked with Jackson, wrote a letter to some gentleman in New Castle, inquiring about him. As soon as Jackson's friends heard of this they renewed their efforts to rescue him. The man who owned him stated that if he could prove he was a freeman when he came to Virginia, he would relinquish all claim to him.

Accordingly Mr. Morgan went south a second time for the purpose of identifying him. On his way down Morgan noticed that nearly everybody of respectability had titles, mostly military, scarcely any one ranking below "captain." He took the hint, and on his arrival at the planter's where Jackson was, he introduced himself as Colonel Morgan from Pennsylvania, at the same time stating his business. The planter received the "colonel" very cordially and invited him to stay over night. The hands, with Jackson among them, were all in the field. When they came up in the evening, Morgan pointed out Jackson by a peculiar manner of walking which he had, and when be came up his master pointed him to Mr. Morgan, and asked Frank if he recognized him. Frank looked at him in the dim twilight for a moment and said be did not; whereupon Mr. Morgan called him by name and asked him if he did not remember him. As soon as Frank heard his voice, he ran forward and cried out, "It's George Morgan, the tailor, from New Castle!"

The master was satisfied, and willingly relinquished his claims; but his estimate of "Colonel" Morgan was considerably lessened when he saw the deception which he had practiced, and advised him to take Jackson and leave as soon as possible.

They returned to New Castle, and Jackson remained in or about the place until the rebellion broke out, when he enlisted in the army, from which he was honorably discharged. At last accounts he was living, and had quite a respectable family.

The weather during July of 1854, was exceedingly warm, the thermometer ranging from the 15th to the 20th between 102º and 106º in the shade.

New Castle was favored with the average number of "shows" during this season, including Barnum's colossal museum, menagerie, &c., and Witbeck's and James M. June's circuses.

The Summer of 1854 is remembered for the long drouth which prevailed from the 16th of May to the latter part of August, in consequence of which all the crops were scanty, and farmers were obliged to fatten their hogs on acorns, of which there happened to be plenty. The drouth affected the streams seriously, and the fish in the Shenango river died in great numbers during the latter part of August.

The first Methodist Episcopal Society erected a new church edifice during the Summer and Fall of 1854. It was finished sometime in the Winter of 1855. The contractors and builders were Messrs. Hamilton & Craig.

A grand fair was held in New Castle, commencing on the 5th, and continuing through the 6th and 7th of October.

On the 5th an election for officers of the Lawrence County Agricultural and Horticultural Society was held, and the following gentlemen were chosen for the ensuing year: President, Thomas Pearson; Vice Presidents, Wm. Hamilton and Thomas Cunningham; Treasurer, William McClymonds; Secretary, J. Webster Reynolds; Managers, William Williams and Philip Crowl.

On Friday, the 6th, a team of twelve yoke of oxen attached to a car decorated with evergreens, and occupied by the New Castle Cornet Band, was driven through the principal streets to the fair ground. The car was from Taylor township, and was the handiwork of John Shearer.

A case of cholera is said to have occurred in Croton, on the 7th of October. The victim was George Alberts.

A fire occurred on the 20th of October, destroying a stable belonging to James D. Clarke.

Two cases of wilful or malicious shooting occurred, one on the evening of October 31st, when some boys were wounded in the legs with shot, on the corner of East street, and another on the 22d of November, when Mr. Jacob Wilber was fired at while eating supper.

On the 12th of November a party of fifty-two colored people passed through New Castle, on their way from Virginia to Mercer, where they had concluded to settle. They had formerly been slaves, and had been liberated by the will of their masters. Quite a number of them are still living at and near Mercer, where some of them at one time owned considerable property.

A young man named Frank Luce was instantly killed by the caving in of an ore-bank in which he was working, near Croton, on the 27th of November.

During the months of January and February of 1855, labor was scarce and times very hard, bearing heavily upon the laboring class in New Castle. The necessities and destitution at length became so apparent that steps were taken for their temporary relief. The wealthy ladies of the town organized the "Ladies' Benevolent Association," under whose auspices free soup dinners were furnished the destitute every day for several weeks, at the house of Richard Craven.

The coldest day of the Winter was the 6th of February, the mercury indicating 10º below zero.

The new First Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated on Thursday, March lst. The weather was very cold.

[p. 34]

At the borough election, held on the 16th of March, the following offices were chosen: Burgess, Thomas Pearson; Justices, James Dickson, George C. Morgan; Constable, Uriah Cubbison; Councilmen, David Emery, Wilson Falls, E. C. Cowden, J. W. Squier, William C. Hoffman; Assessor, John Horner; Assistant Assessors, William Shaw, B. C. Emery; Auditors, B. B. Pickett and S. F. Rigby; Overseers of the Poor, J. B. Reynolds, D. Stewart; School Directors, Shubael Wilder, Isaac Dickson; Judge of Elections, John R. Moore; Inspectors, John Shumaker, James Moorhead.

New Castle seems to have been financially in a very healthy condition in 1855, for the bonded debt of the borough is stated at $2,500, and the total indebtedness at $4,206.82.

Navigation opened this Spring on the canal, April 2.

There was a battalion review held in New Castle, on the 14th of May. The organizations which participated were the Ringgold Guards, of Princeton, Captain Hall; the Harlansburg Infantry, Captain Emery; the New Castle Light Artillery, Captain Shaw, and the Lawrence Guards, Captain King.

During the season of 1855, New Castle began to attract attention as a place for Summer resort. The wild and picturesque scenery in many directions around the town is scarcely surpassed in the State, and is well worthy the attention of tourists and pleasure-seekers.

A firemens' parade took place in New Castle on the 16th of June. A grand dinner was given the firemen at the Leslie House by the citizens.

The month of June of this year was remarkable for the quantity of rain which fell. The streams were so swollen that navigation on the canal was interrupted for several weeks, and as a consequence, flour and provisions became very scarce.

The anniversary of the Nation's independence was celebrated in grand style. At a very early hour, the New Castle Light Artillery fired a national salute from Shaw's Hill, and all the bells in town responded merrily. At ten o'clock A. M., the procession formed in the following order: The New Castle Band; the Eagle Fire Company; teachers and scholars of the Union schools; the Lawrence Guards; the Ringgold Guards, of Princeton, Captain Hall; and the Harlansburg Infantry, General McCune. The exercises were in a grove, where addresses were delivered by Dr. John W. Wallace and Rev. R. A. Browne. The school children had a pic-nic and dinner, and there were patriotic toasts, music, and the firing of salutes. After the exercises were over, the soldiers formed and marched to the Cochran House, where about two hundred of them, including several veterans of the war of 1812, partook of a sumptuous dinner, provided by the citizens. The festivities closed with a ball at Kossuth Hall, and another at the Leslie House, the latter given by the Eagle Fire Company. The Lawrence Guards celebrated their fifth anniversary, on the 20th of July, by a parade and drill, and a dance in the evening. A grand military encampment was held at New Castle, commencing on the llth of September, of this year. The following organizations took part in the exercises: Jackson Independent Blues, of Pittsburgh, Captain Alexander Hays; Darlington Artillery, Major W. H. Power; Ringgold Guards, of Princeton, Captain W. G. Hall; Big Beaver Riflemen, Lieutenant Miller; and the New Castle Light Artillery, Captain Wm. H. Shaw. It is very probable that the Lawrence Guards were also present, though they are not mentioned in the newspaper accounts. A serious accident occurred during the festivities. Sergeant Edward Smith, of the artillery, while assisting in firing a salute, had his right arm so badly injured by a premature discharge as to necessitate its amputation. The operation was performed by Dr. Leasure, assisted by Drs. Peebles, Wallace, and Hamilton.

A band of about fifty gipsies honored New Castle with a visit in the Fall of 1855, remaining several weeks encamped in the vicinity. On the 31st of October, they broke camp, and "folding their tents like the Arabs"--did not steal away as silently by any means, for wherever they are they manage to make a full share of noise.

The Winter of 1855-56 was very cold, and the deepest snow known for many years fell in January (12th), about twenty inches. During this month the mercury sunk as low as 25º below zero. On the 3d of February it indicated 32º below, according to accounts, and again, on the 10th of March, 20º below. Notwithstanding the severe cold, Rev. A. G. Kirk, pastor of the Baptist Church, immersed seven converts on the 2d of March.

On the 3d of March, Robert Patterson's soap and candle factory, in West New Castle, was destroyed by fire, involving a loss of about $1,200.

At the borough election, held on the 21st of March, the following officers were elected: Burgess, Stillman Briggs; Councilmen, R. W. Clendenin, H. J. Lewis, John McElevy, John R. Richardson, Robert Crawford; Constable, Uriah Cubbison; School Directors, Rev. G. R. McMillen, Dr. D. Leasure; Overseers of the Poor, L. V. Crips, Dr. A. T. Davis; Auditor, I. N. Dickson; Assessor, J. B. McKee; Judge of Elections, Thomas Rigby; Inspectors, Samuel Spiese and Webster Justice.

It is said of Stillman Briggs, that during his term of office, he only had one criminal case before him, and that he paid the fine and costs and dismissed the prisoner, who was a young man and in the employ of Mr. Briggs at the time.

In April of this year a party of twenty-one persons left New Castle for Kansas. Prominent among them was Dr. Wm. Shaw. The season was very backward in the Spring of 1856. On the 30th of May there was ice and snow, with northwest winds. The "4th" was celebrated this year with a military parade, pic-nics, dances, &c.

On the 16th of July, ex-Governor John Bigler, of California, made a short visit to New Castle, while on his way to visit his mother and sisters in Mercer County.

An immense mass convention was held in New Castle on the 9th of October, by the Republicans; said to have been the largest ever held in the place. It appears that there were by actual count in the procession, 3,154 people, 938 horses, 68 cattle, 93 horsemen, 1,834 flags, banners, &c., 454 vehicles and 7 bands.

The rolling-mills of the "Orizaba Iron Works," were destroyed by fire on the night of the 18th of October, involving a loss of from $5,000 to $7,000, partially covered by insurance. The mills were soon after rebuilt.

GASLIGHT COMPANY.

The New Castle Gaslight Company was incorporated February 11th, 1856. The original incorporators were Dr. Charles T. Whippo, Stephen J. Noble, Theodore F. Hay, Newell White and Ezekiel Sankey. The charter gave the right to supply the borough of New Castle with gas for illuminating purposes for the space of twenty years.

The business houses on Washington street and the "Diamond" were first lighted on the evening of December 8, 1856.

The printers of New Castle celebrated the birthday of Benjamin Franklin, January 17, 1857, on which occasion a grand oyster supper was served.

In February of this year Cassius M. Clay delivered two lectures at the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

The borough election occurred on the 25th of March, when the following officers were elected: Burgess, Alexander Ross; Councilmen, John W. Wallace, James R. Shaw, James McElevy, R. W. Clendenin, Shubael Wilder; Constable, James J. Cook; School Directors, Joseph Justice, John Reynolds; Assessor, Joseph T. Boyd; Overseers of the Poor, L. V. Crips, J. E. McConnell; Judge of Elections, Wm. C. Hoffman; Inspectors, Benjamin F. Emery, Wm. Devlin; Auditor, Thomas Pearson.

On the 26th of March, J. N. Wagonseller, Cashier of the Bank of New Castle, who had absconded with a large sum of money, was brought back to New Castle, having been arrested in Philadelphia. He had a hearing before George C. Morgan, Esq., and was committed for trial in default of bail. At the time of his arrest, $21,500 of New Castle paper was found in his carpetbag. In the course of a few weeks he was liberated on bail, and soon after left the country. At a meeting of the stockholders, held on the lst of May, the Board was reorganized by the election of David Sankey, President, and Cyrus Clarke, Cashier. R. W. Cunningham was elected a director in the place of Wagonseller, and E. W. Stewart in place of Dr. Whippo, who had resigned.

The "glorious Fourth" was duly celebrated in New Castle. Salutes were fired, and all the bells rung before daylight. The Lawrence Guards, under command of Captain J. I. King, had a drill and parade, and there was a pic-nic on Fulkerson's Hill, accompanied with speaking, music and dancing, &c., &c. J. H. Peebles was the orator of the day, and read the Declaration of Independence. The Sabbath-schools had a pic-nic celebration on the bank of the Shenango, above New Castle, at which addresses were delivered by Rev. R. A. Rrowne, Rev. McMillen, John Reynolds, Colonel R. B. McComb and Dr. Leasure. A large share of the excursionists went up and returned on the packet "Indiana," Captain Laughlin.

Considerable improvements were made in New Castle during the Summer of 1857, among which were the building of the Free, now the Second Presbyterian Church, the People's Savings Bank, and a third story on the American House, now the Central Hotel.

In the month of October, of this, year, Dr. William Shaw, formerly a citizen of New Castle, died in Kansas.

The Lawrence county jail seems to have been singularly unfortunate in holding the prisoners confined within its walls. Every few weeks a batch would escape, sometimes by means of wooden keys, ingeniously constructed, [p. 35] and sometimes by other means. In February 1858, four prisoners escaped and on the 6th of March, two more left for parts unknown.

On the llth of February, 1858, an ordinance was passed enlarging the borough limits, by extending the lines on the north some twenty-five or thirty perches.

The first entertainment ever given at "White Hall" was on the 9th of February, when a lecture on "Shakespeare" was delivered by Rev. A. B. Bradford.

This entertainment was followed by a series of vocal and instrumental concerts, continued at intervals of two or three weeks, for several months.

At the borough election, held on the 19th of March, the following officers were elected: Burgess, Alexander Ross; Council, Dickson Watson and Wm. Griffith, for three years; James R. Shaw, and John Vogan, for two years; John S. Pomeroy, and Shubael Wilder, one year. School Directors, Wm. H. Reynolds, Wilson Falls. Constable, James J. Cook. Judge of Elections, James S. Tidball. Inspectors, Oliver G. Hazen, Japaes D. Shoaff. Overseers of the Poor, Thomas Rigby, J. Wesley Squier. Assessor, Joseph T. Boyd. Assistant Assessors, Dr. A. M. Cowden and Joseph S. White. Auditor, R. C. Leslie.

The following description of New Castle, written by Hon. John W. Forney, was published in the Philadelphia Press, of June 5th, 1858:

"New Castle, the county seat of Lawrence county, is situated at the junction of the Shenango and Neshannock rivers, three miles above the junction of the Shenango and Mahoning rivers, constituting the Big Beaver, which makes its confluence with the Ohio river, at Beaver, twenty-eight miles below Pittsburgh. The Erie Canal, from the Ohio river, at Beaver, to the city of Erie, passes up the valley of the Big Beaver and Shenango rivers, through the town of New Castle, and the Cross-cut Canal, from New Castle to Akron, on the Ohio Canal, passes up the valley of the Mahoning, giving a connection by canal with the city of Cleveland. The population of New Castle is about seven thousand.* The manufacture of iron is the principal business, though there are numerous other interests, involving much capital, and the employment of many operatives. There are two new companies, the 'Cosalo' and the 'Orizaba,' engaged in the manufacture of iron. They have all the necessary furnaces, rolling-mills, and nail factories, to contain within their own operations the taking of the ore, coal, and limestone from the neighboring hills, and turning the raw material into every grade of the manufactured article, from railroad iron down to three-penny nails. They give employment to over 500 operatives, upon the product of whose labor subsist directly at least three thousand souls, and indirectly, as many more in the town and surrounding neighborhood. The Orizaba company have not entirely suspended operations, at any time during the past year, and are, at present, in full blast. The Cosalo company is about making a lease to parties that will soon put the works into operation upon an enlarged scale, with a view to rivaling the best mills in the United States. It is here that the 'Croton glass,' an article of window-glass, largely supplied to the West, is manufactured. It is made from the solid rock, and is said to be equal to any manufactured in the State.

*In this estimate, Mr. Forney undoubtedly included all the outlying suburbs; but the estimate was much too high. The U.S. Census, in 1860, gave the borough 1,882, which was about one-half of the whole population of the borough and suburbs.

"There are several large flouring-mills in full successful operation. two large foundries, machine and engine shops, besides many smaller manufactories.

The public schools of the borough accommodate about six hundred pupils in one large three-story brick building, which also contains a high school department. Another school building is in process of erection in East New Castle, lying along side the old borough, that will accommodate about one thousand pupils, that being still less than the number to be provided for, and rendering the erection of ward schoolhouses necessary in the more distant suburbs.

"The whole community is self-sustaining, the agricultural productions of the neighborhood being far more than sufficient to feed all the operatives who turn the minerals into the manufactured article, as well as the whole population besides, and a large surplus of grain is shipped East. The Pittsburgh and New Castle railroad will be completed probably by the 4th of July--positively in August--and then communication by rail will be easy in every direction. The Cleveland and Mahoning Valley railroad, completed from Cleveland to Youngstown, within eighteen miles of New Castle, will rapidly be pushed on to intersect at New Castle, and it is here that the Northwestern railroad, if it should ever be finished, intersects with the Cleveland road. Strong efforts, with every prospect of success, are being made to extend the Pittsburgh and New Castle railroad from New Castle north to the city of Erie; and when all these roads are finished--as they will be--four important railroads will centre at New Castle.

"We were not prepared to see a thriving inland city of seven thousand inhabitants on our visit some months since to the county of Lawrence--a city of broad streets, large brick dwellings, noble school-houses, comfortable residences and immense manufactories. It is beautifully located, reminding one of Pittsburgh, in its abundance of coal and iron, and in its swarthy complexion. Yet it is fresher far than its dusky neighbor. There is an air of health in all natural surroundings. In its romantic streams and the lovely valley in which it lies embosomed, it possesses advantages of which Pittsburgh cannot boast.

"In 1806 New Castle contained but twenty houses, and in 1840 its population was 611. Now it boasts a population of 7,000, and the extraordinary facilities shortly to be extended to its enterprising and thriving people will lead to such a development of its resources as will make it one of the most important towns in the State. It is eighteen miles from the town of Mercer, and is closely connected in domestic commerce and in other respects, with Beaver, Butler, Meadville, Franklin, Erie and other Western Pennsylvania towns. Lawrence, as we have said, was cut out of Mercer and Beaver counties, and both were taken from Allegheny; so indeed were Crawford, parts of Armstrong, Venango, and all of Butler and Erie.

"It may, therefore, be readily imagined that the characteristics of the people of this great tier of counties are nearly the same. They were together in the early struggles of the Revolution; together they struggled into prominence; together they rejoiced over the great men that made Western Pennsylvania, at an early day the seat of intelligence and enterprise. Pittsburgh was their capital, and for many years they were controlled by its example. But the new era established a new order of things. Canals and railroads gave to each county an independent existence, though making all more dependent upon each other. Competition gave to every locality a character of its own, and promoted the general prosperity; and New Castle is a proof that the change was for the better, however considered. It is now one of the most flourishing and beautiful towns in the Union, and when its railroad connections are completed, it will take a fresh start in the race for superiority."

Important improvements were made in New Castle during the Summer of 1858. Among them were the erection of a double-track bridge over the Neshannock creek, on Washington street, at a cost of one thousand nine hundred dollars ($1,900); a new building for the Eagle engine on the northwest corner of Mill street and Market alley, and a new Union school building in East New Castle. The contractor for this building was Richard Craven, and James McGoun had charge of the carpenter work. The cornerstone was laid with appropriate ceremonies, on the 24th of July. Dr. Leasure delivered an address.

The 4th of July fell on Sunday of this year, in consequence both Saturday and Monday were celebrated by the patriotic citizens of New Castle. On Saturday, the scholars of the Sabbath-school connected with the Free Presbyterian Church, had a pic-nic in Pearson's grove. About two hundred children partook of the repast, and the Coal City Cornet Band enlivened the occasion with fine music. Addresses were delivered by Hon. L. L. McGuffin, Dr. D. Leasure and D. Craig, Esq.

On Monday, the 5th, the Sabbath-school of the Union Church, of which Dr. R. A. Browne was pastor, celebrated the day by a pic-nic excursion to Big Run Falls. The Coal City Cornet Band also attended this party, and discoursed excellent music. Mr. M. Gantz read the Declaration of Independence, and addresses were made by Hon. L. L. McGuffin, Dr. Leasure, R. B. McComb and J. P. Blair.

On the same day the M. E. Sunday-schools had a pic-nic in a grove three- fourths of a mile east of New Castle. Ira D. Sankey read the Declaration of Independence, and addresses were delivered by Rev. Thomas Guy, S. Bentley and others.

Early in August, a musical association, called the "Festival Glee Club," was organized, with the following officers: President, Jacob Lower; Vice President, Ferris McMillen; Treasurer, J. T. McMillen; Secretary, G. C. Bowden; Leader, Henry Couch; Piano Player, F. Brevillier; Librarian, John N. Emery. On the 17th of August, a concert was given at White Hall, by the Festival Glee Club and the Coal City Cornet Band.

Pittsburgh street, in East New Castle, was illuminated on the evening of Wednesday, the 25th of August, in celebration of the great event of laying the Atlantic cable. The band furnished music on the joyful occasion.

On the morning of the 19th of October, a destructive fire occurred in New Castle, the total loss being estimated at five thousand dollars ($5,000). Among the sufferers were Andrew Reed, William G. Warnock, R. M. Allen, [p. 36] William H. Reynolds, William Dickson, William Moore, A. H. Leslie, Pardee & Fowler and Girard & Wickman.

Immediately succeeding this fire, there was a lively appreciation of the value of a fire organization, and steps were taken to prepare for future contingencies. The Eagle Engine Company was re-organized, and a new one formed, called the Relief Fire Company. During this season (1858), both the rolling-mills were idle.

In January, 1859, arrangements were made for a course of lectures in White Hall, for the benefit of the Apprentice's Free Library and Reading Rooms. The lecturers and subjects, as announced, were: Dr. Leasure, "Heroes of the American Wilderness;" Rev. R. A. Brown, "Voltaire and his Associates;" Rev. E. E. Swift;" Phrenology;" Samuel S. Elder, Esq., "Florida and the Seminoles;" Rev. A. B. Bradford, "Sir Francis Bacon, his Inductive System of Philosophy, and the World's obligations for it;" Rev. A. G. Kirk, "Washington;" Rev. W. F. Wilson, "America and its Future Contests;" Rev. G. R. McMillen, "Cromwell and his Times;" E. S. Durban, "History' of the Art of Printing." The first lecture, by Dr. Leasure, was delivered on the evening of the llth of January. The celebrated traveler, Bayard Taylor, delivered a lecture, upon the 26th of January, on "Life in the North of Europe."

A serious accident occurred at the Orizaba iron works on the 6th of March, by which three workmen, William Vogan, Archibald Bay and Frederick Bussinger were severely injured. They were at work on the roof, when it gave way, precipitating them to the ground, a distance of thirty feet.

At the borough election, which took place on the 18th of March, the following officers were elected: Burgess, Andrew Lewis; School Directors, Dr. Newell White and Jacob Wilber; Council, Isaac N. Phillips and James Moorhead; Constable, James J. Cook; Overseers of the Poor, Thomas Rigby and S. W. Mitchell; Assessor, Alexander Riddle; Judge of Elections, Samuel Alexander; Inspectors, Joseph B. Reynolds, J. Wesley Squier; Auditor, David Craig.

The last snowstorm of the season occurred on the 22d and 23d of April.

The first wreck on the canal which we find recorded, occurred on the 6th of May. The canal-boat "J. M. Permar," Captain McMillen, struck a snag and sunk near Wampum. Her cargo consisted chiefly of merchandise, for New Castle dealers. Among the losers were Watson & Co., thirteen hogshead of sugar, valued at one thousand dollars; the Croton Glass Company, soda ash to the value of three hundred dollars; Joseph Kissick, flour valued at one hundred and fifty dollars; McCleary & Phillips, groceries, one hundred and fifty dollars; and Tidball & Blevins, groceries of the value of one hundred dollars. Watson & Co.'s sugar was saved. A severe frost occurred on the night of the 4th of June, destroying all garden vegetables, and injuring the crops seriously.

The 4th of July was duly celebrated by firing salutes and ringing bells, by horse-racing, pic-nics, &c.

An accident, which terminated fatally, occurred on the 7th of July. John Steen, Esq., of Bridgewater, Beaver county, accidentally fell down the stairway of Messrs. Johnston & Dana's office, injuring himself so severely as to, cause his death on the 10th. He was about eighty-three years of age. The Lawrence County Agricultural and Horticultural Society seems to have been in a flourishing condition at this date. Their Fairs were generally well attended and profitable. At its annual meeting, in the Fall of 1859, the following officers were elected: President, Dr. D. Leasure; Vice Presidents, Isaac N. Gibson, of Wilmington, and Joseph Cunningham, of Wayne; Managers, E. M. McConnell, of Pollock, and W. C. Harbison, of Shenango; Treasurer, Wm. McClymonds, of Union; Secretary, David Craig of New Castle.

Notwithstanding the great frost of June 4th of this year, it is reported that the crops of garden vegetables were exceedingly fine and abundant.

John G. Saxe, the well-known poet and humorist, lectured in New Castle.

At the borough election on the 16th of March, the following gentlemen were elected to the respective offices named: Burgess, Wm. Moore; Council, Thomas Pearson, J. R. Moore; Justices, David Tidball, J. M. Craig; Constable, James J. Cook; School Directors, David Craig, Edward Thomas; Overseer of the Poor, A. H., Leslie; Assessor, John L. Warnock; Auditor, Robert Boyd; Judge of Elections, B. C. Emery; Inspectors, James R. Shaw, John Dickson.

A thrilling incident occurred on the 10th of May, in New Castle. About 10 o'clock in the forenoon of that day, a span of the tow-path bridge over the Neshannock creek, about seventy feet long, and forming about one-half the total length, fell with a crash into the stream, carrying with it three persons and three horses. The creek was very high at the time. Two of the persons, Mr. Charles McFarland and a boy named Isaac Jones, fell near the shore, and McFarland came out safely, bringing the boy with him.

The other person was a lad about seven years of age, named John, a son of Michael Reynolds. When the bridge gave way, he was riding one of the horses, but in the fall was thrown headlong from the animal, and disappeared below the whirling waters. He quickly arose, however, and though so young, happened to be a good swimmer, and struck out manfully for a piece of the floating timber of the wreck. Seizing it, be floated toward the dam, and plunged over a distance of some twelve feet, while the lookers-on, were horror-struck, and thought the lad was surely drowned. But he appeared again below, and grasping the timber, from which he had been separated in the plunge, floated downstream until the timber struck against the pier of the foot bridge, where it lodged, and he was soon rescued from his perilous position.

The horses were all rescued from the terrible adventure, and the only loss was the value of the timbers washed away.

In the month of June, of this year, Captain Leslie removed to New Brighton, where he took charge of the Huron House.

The Leslie House was closed for repairs, and, when thoroughly renovated and refurnished, was opened to the public in August.

"Wide Awake" clubs were formed in New Castle early in the Presidential campaign of this year, and the streets were frequently enlivened with torch-light processions and music.

A serious accident occurred in the fore part of September. A young lad about ten years old, son of Hugh Mullen, of East New Castle, fell from a wild-cherry tree, a distance of some twenty feet, fracturing both arms, one of them very badly. Erysipelas attacked the right arm, and it became necessary to amputate it. A few weeks later, a second operation became necessary. The boy, however, recovered, after undergoing as severe a trial as can be imagined.

It was during the season of 1860 that the people of the now thriving State of Kansas suffered terribly from famine, caused by excessive drouth, and in common with other portions of the country, New Castle and vicinity responded nobly to the wants of the suffering people. A meeting was held on the evening of the 10th of December, for the purpose of organizing, in order to raise supplies. John Elder was chosen president, and W. H. Shaw and E. S. Durban secretaries; and a committee of five, consisting of the following persons, was appointed to collect subscriptions: J. N. Euwer, Wm. McClymonds, E. S. Durban, O. P. Shiras and G. C. Morgan. R. W. Clendenin was elected treasurer.

The year 1861 opened gloomily to the people of the United States. The dark and threatening clouds of civil war hung heavily in the horizon, the hurried tramp of armed hosts was heard in the Southern portion of the Union, while anxious solicitude shadowed all the hearts of the North people.

New Castle partook of the general feeling, and patriotic meetings were held and expression given to the Union sentiments of the people. On the 22d of February a meeting of citizens who were "friendly to the Union as it is," was called at the Court House. Hon. Thomas Pomeroy was called to the chair, and G. C. Morgan, Joseph Kissick, Jacob VanGorder and William Stunkard were chosen as Vice Presidents, and E. S. Durban, Jacob Haus and J. M. Kuester, Secretaries. A series of resolutions, expressive of great devotion to the Union, was passed unanimously, and the meeting was addressed by R. B. McComb, Rev. R. A. Browne, Hon. D. Agnew, D. Craig and Hon. L. L. McGuffin.

At the borough election, held on the 15th of March, the followig were the names of the officers elected: Burgess, William Moore; Constable, Thomas F. Sankey; Council, Thomas Campbell, Burkhardt Raub; School Directors, Manassa Henlein, Wm. H. Reynolds; Judge of Election, James R. Wallace; Inspectors, Joseph B. Reynolds, John W. Cunningham; Auditor, D. H. Wallace; Assessor, James Henderson; Assistant Assessors, Thomas Falls, Joseph Kissick; Overseer of the Poor, Alexander Ross.

A strong effort was made about this time to secure the location of the New Wilmington College buildings, which had lately been destroyed by fire, at New Castle. A public meeting was held at White Hall, and a committee of five was appointed to solicit subscriptions, which eventually aggregated $7,265. The amount pledged failed, however, to secure the change in the location, and new buildings were erected at New Wilmington.

On the 25th of March, a curious and somewhat ludicrous accident occur. red in New Castle. The store of David Winternitz, near the west end of the Neshannock bridge, on Washington street, was nearly destroyed by the explosion of a can of blasting-powder, which, by some carelessness, was [p. 37] thrown into the stove along with some coal. Three persons were in the store at the time, but strange to say no one was seriously injured. The parties were Mr. D. Winternitz, owner of the establishment; Mr. E. Lepper, a printer from the Courant office, and a little son of Joseph Mcmillan. A lady standing near the door and the little boy both ran away instantly and escaped injury. Dr. Leasure, whose office was nearly opposite, saw the roof of the store lifted into the air, and beheld the windows blown into fragments. He ran across to see what was the cause, and entering the building, found Winternitz staggering about in the dense powder-smoke, completely bewildered, but not much injured. Lepper ran out of the ruins with part of a cabbage-head under his arm, and as he met the doctor, exclaimed: "What the devil does it mean?" When satisfied as to the cause, he remarked that he was bound to have the balance of his cabbage-head, and disappeared in the smoke, The stock was badly damaged, and the building, which was a one-story frame structure, was nearly a complete wreck.

On the morning of the 22d of April, the ladies of East New Castle unfurled the National flag over the Court House, with their own hands. The occasion was enlivened by vocal and instrumental music, and speeches were made by Lewis Taylor and Hon. L. L. McGuffin.

On the same day the national colors were thrown to the breeze from St. Mary's Catholic Church, in West New Castle, amid the cheers and hurrahs of two thousand people. Addresses were made by Lewis Taylor, D. B. Kurtz, R. B. McComb, L. L. McGuffin, D. Craig and Rev. J. B. Williams.

On the 24th of April an immense Union meeting was held on the "Diamond." Hon. Thomas Pomeroy was President, and twenty-eight old soldiers of the war of 1812 were elected Vice Presidents. The Secretaries were E. S. Durban and James M. Kuester. A series of strong resolutions were adopted, and a patriotic song, composed by J. W. Fulkerson, was sung to the famous war-hymn of France, the Marsellaise. Addresses were made by Revs. D. C. Osborne, R. A. Browne, Samuel Bentley, Hon. L. L. McGuffin, a Mr. Weyman, of Pittsburgh, E. S. Durban, Wm. M. Francis and Rev. J. B. Williams.

About this time the Lawrence Guards volunteered for three months. They numbered 167 men, and were officered as follows: Captain, Dr. Daniel Leasure; First Lieutenant, Edward O'Brien; Second Lieutenant, J. J. Cook; Third Lieutenant, John S. King. They were subsequently divided into two companies.

A number of additional companies were soon after raised in and around New Castle. Among these were the German Guards, composed of Germans; St. Mary's, composed of Catholic citizens; the Rifle Guards, commanded by Captain E. B. McComb, and the Silver Grays, consisting of middle-aged men and soldiers of the war of 1812.

In June of this year, the Rev. A. B. Bradford, a citizen of New Castle, was appointed consul to the port of Amoy, China.

The 4th of July, 1861, was celebrated with great eclat in New Castle. The bells were rung early in the morning, and a national salute was fired by the Weyman Grays. The principal feature of the day was a grand military parade, in which the following organizations participated: Washington Guards, Captain James McCune; Slippery Rock Guards, Captain J. H. Cline; Washington Grays, Captain J. H. Rhodes; Union Riflemen, Captain P. S. Morton; Weyman Grays, Captain John Young; Eastbrook Guards, Captain A. Buchanan; Mahoning Guards, Captain Wm. Burns; Pulaski Rifles, Captain W. C. Oliver; Lawrence Grays, Captain J. Davidson; Fayette Union Grays, Captain James Blair; Liberty Guards, Captain O. L. Jackson; Union Cadets, Captain D. M. Cubbison; Zouaves, Captain D. H. Wallace.

These organizations were formed into a regiment, under the command of Colonel Samuel Bentley, with Wm. H. Shaw as lieutenant-colonel, and W.P. Randolph as adjutant.

A neat flag was presented to the Union Cadets by the ladies of New Castle, Dr. R. A. Browne making the presentation speech, which was gallantly responded to by Captain Cubbison,

The Weyman Grays were also presented with a stand of colors by Miss Harriet K. Weyman, daughter of Mr. George Weyman, of Pittsburgh, for whom the company was named. Rev. Mr. Hill, of Pittsburgh, made the presentation speech, and Rev. Osborne, of New Castle, responded. On the 8th of August, the Lawrence Guards, who had been out in the three months' service, returned to New Castle. They had been divided into two companies-- Company H, commanded by Captain Leasure, and Company D, by Captain O'Brien.

Several companies of "Home Guards" met them at the canal landing, and escorted them to the "Diamond," where they were addressed by Rev. D. C. Osborne, after which they were dismissed, and departed for their several homes.

On Saturday evening, the 10th of August, George Painter, a member of the Weyman Greys, while on his way home from Pittsburgh, was thrown from the train and instantly killed.

On the 12th of August, a great storm passed over New Castle, doing considerable damage, particularly along the valley of Big Run. The waters of this stream rose to an unprecedented height, and swept away a part of the old canal aqueduct, the dwelling and stable of Henry Oliphant, a stable belonging to Casper Ott, John Hill's soap factory, the dam on the Run, and part of the saw-mill belonging to Messrs. J. and J. C. White. The ground where Mr. Oliphant's dwelling stood was completely swept away, so that the creek-bed occupied the place. The loss on Mr. Hill's soap factory was estimated at from $1,000 to $1,500.

On the 14th of October, Frederick Seifert, of New Castle, was accidentally shot and killed in camp, at the city of Washington, D. C., being the first man killed from this section.

New Castle furnished her full share of men for the army during the rebellion, and her citizens were ever prompt at their country's call for men and means. Among those who took a prominent part in the ranks of her military men, were Colonel Daniel Leasure, Colonel Edward O'Brien, a hero of the Mexican war, Colonel D. H. Wallace, Colonel O. L. Jackson, Colonel R. B. McComb, and many others. A full roster of the soldiers who went out from New Castle and Lawrence county, will be found in another part of this work. Soldiers' aid societies were organized by the ladies, concerts were given for the benefit of soldiers' wives and orphans, and in many ways those who remained at home contributed generously to the comfort of those "upon the tented field" and in the crowded hospitals at the rear.

At the borough election which took place on the 21st of March, 1862, the following officers were elected : Burgess, Wm. Moore; Council, John W. Cunningham, Ben. C. Emery; Constable, Thomas F. Sanke ; Assessor John Watson; Auditor, S. W. Dana; Overseer of the Poor, S. W. Mitchell; School Directors, Dr. A. H. M. Peebles, for three years; David Tidball, three years; James R. Shaw, one year; Cyrus Clarke, one year; Judge of Elections, J. S. Agnew; Inspectors, Thomas Marshall, Thomas F. Jackson.

In the month of August, two companies of troops, while on their way from New Castle to Harrisburg, were met at the Pittsburgh depot by the mayor of Allegheny, who presented Captain Edward O'Brien, commander of one of the companies, a handsome sword. A few days later, at Harrisburg, Walter Clark, first lieutenant of Captain O'Brien's company, was presented with an elegant sword by his mother. Wm. M. Francis made the presentation speech.

A draft was ordered for this section during this year, and Dr. J. H. M. Peebles was appointed examining surgeon, and Jacob Haus, Esq., draft commissioner.

On the 5th of February, 1863, an interesting party of old people met at the house of Joseph T. Boyd, one of the pioneer merchants of New Castle, who came here and opened a store in a log building, belonging to Jesse Du Shane, in 1806. Mr. Boyd was eighty-two years old at the time of the party, and among his gray-headed compeers were Jesse Du Shane, aged 89 years; George Pearson, 86; Robert McGuffin, 85; and Robert Wallace, 84. Among other guests were E. S. Durban, Esq., Major Shaw and Colonel Leasure.

On the 23d of March, a preliminary meeting for the purpose of forming a "Union League" was called at White Hall. John Ferguson, Esq., was made chairman, and Joseph Kissick, George W. Miller, Robert Cochran, Joseph Justice, Cyrus Clarke, John Moorhead and Samuel Hamilton were chosen vice presidents. E. S. Durban and J. W. Blanchard were secretaries. Hon. David Sankey stated the object of the meeting, and addresses were made by Rev. D. C. Wright and Dr. John W. Wallace. A series of resolutions was unanimously adopted. On Saturday evening, the 28th of March, the League was formally organized with the following officers: President, M. Gantz; Vice Presidents, Wm. Book, George B. Woodworth, Samuel Hamilton, O. G. Hazen, James Ray, John Moorbead; Recording Secretary, Wm. McClymonds; Corresponding Secretary, E. S. Durban; Treasurer, Joseph Kissick; Executive Committee, D. Craig, John McCartney, R. B. McComb, G. W. Miller, Hon. David Sankey and John Ferguson.

This year marks an epoch in the history of New Castle. On the 15th of June the last tie was laid on the Beaver Valley railway, and a connection formed with the Erie and Pittburgh road, giving New Castle the advantage of the greatest of modern inventions--the railway. The Erie and Pittsburgh road was in full running order about the 15th of July following. The Ashtabula, Youngstown and Pittsburgh railway, extending from [p. 38] Youngstown, Ohio, to Mahoningtown in Lawrence county, was put in operation in 1864-65, and the New Castle and Franklin road about 1874. These roads give New Castle direct connections with the Western reserve, in the great State of Ohio, and with the famous oil-regions of Pennsylvania.

The increase of the borough of New Castle from 1850 to 1860, as indicated by the United States census reports, was comparatively slight, being only 262; but the census does not probably show the actual increase, it being largely outside the borough limits, which comprised only a small part of the actual population, to which the old borough is only the nucleus.

New Castle was erected into a borough on the 25th of March, 1825. The first burgess was Robert McConahy; the second, John Frazier, and the third, Joseph Justice. The old records, from 1825 down to 1852, have been lost or destroyed, and we are unable to give the names of most of the burgesses during those years. We give what we have been able to identify:

1836,   Joshua Logan.     1859,        A. Lewis.

1843,   William Mitchell. 1860,        William Moore.

1848,   Thomas Sloan.     1861,        Nathan Morrill.

1852,   J. R. Emery.      1862,        William Moore.

1853,   Joseph Kissick.   1863,        Nathan Morrill.

1854,   William Moore.    1864,        Nathan Morrill.

1855,   Thomas Pearson.   1865,        David Craig.

1856,   Stillman Briggs.  1866,        Nathan Morrill.

1857,   Alexander Ross.   1867,        J. W. Reynolds.

1858,   Alexander Ross.   1868,        J. W. Reynolds.

This brings it down to the date of its erection into a city.

CITY HONORS.

The borough was raised to the dignity of a city February 25th, 1869, and divided into two wards, the first ward including all of the former Pollock township, and the second the whole of what had heretofore been the borough, and considerable territory from Neshannock township.

This enlargement of the limits added greatly to the population, the census of 1870 giving the new city 6,164 inhabitants. What the actual increase for the decade was could not be known without comparing the census of the townships at different periods, but it was probably considerable, as the decade between 1860 and 1870 included a period of great prosperity in all branches of business transacted in New Castle.

The first city election was held on the third Friday of March, 1869. The first Mayor was T. B. Morgan; President of Select Council, R. W. Cunningham; President of Common Council, David Craig; Secretary, John McMichael.

1870.--Mayor, M. B. Welch; City Clerk and Engineer, A. Vandivort.

1871.--Mayor, M. B. Welch; City Clerk and Engineer, A. Vandivort.

1872.--Mayor, William S. Black; City Clerk and Engineer, A. Vandivort.

1873.--Mayor, Thomas McBride; City Clerk and Engineer, H. R. Clark.

1874.--Mayor, Thomas McBride; Clerk and Engineer, H. R. Clark.

1875.--Mayor, Thomas McBride; Clerk and Engineer, Ellis Morrison.

By an Act of Assembly approved May 23, 1874, New Castle was made a city of the third class, (which includes cities having from ten thousand to one hundred thousand inhabitants), and by order of the Court of Quarter Sessions made December 6, 1876, it was divided into four wards.

The following shows the present city government, 1877:

Mayor--John R. Richardson.

Treasurer--James A. Addis.

Comptroller--D. Osborne.

Solicitor--A. L. Hazen.

City Clerk and Engineer--Ellis Morrison.

Assistant Engineer--Will. J. Elder.

Chief of Police--James J. Cook.

Chief Engineer of Fire Department--Geo. C. Hazen.

Poor House Auditor--James, Lutton.

Poor House Directors--John Taylor, W. H. Reynolds, Joseph S. Taylor.

First Ward.--Alderman, J. P. Leslie; Constable, H. H. Shaefer; Assessor, Jacob Wilbur.

Select Council--D. S. Morris, A. Treser.

Common Council--J. A. Hainer, D. H. Wallace, D. Dickey, Thomas Allen.

School Comptroller--Wm. A. Stritmater, J. J. Wallace.

Judge of Elections--T. F. Stryker.

Inspectors of Elections--Hugh G. Gibson, Charles N. Tyler.

Second Ward.--Alderman, Samuel Bowman; Constable, Henry Ross, Assessor, J. W. Reynolds.

Select Council--James M. Mayne, C. C. Sankey.

Common Council--Hugh Flinn, Samuel Dunn, Geo. B. Berger.

School Comptrollers--John S. Taggart, Samuel Bowman.

Judge of Elections--Walter D. Clark.

Inspectors--William Bennett, A. W. Harbison.

Third Ward.--Alderman, Jacob Haus.

Select Council--A. T. McCready, O. H. P. Green.

Common Council--Wm. F. Butz, R. C. McChesney, Joseph Kissick.

School Comptrollers--E. T. Kurtz, Charles Moffatt.

Judge of Elections--George Crow.

Inspectors--Wm. Lonacre, G. W. McCracken.

Assessor--E. M. McConnell.

Constable--Stephen B. Marshall.

Fourth Ward.--Select Council--Cowden Raney, D. C. Irish.

Alderman--J. B. Reynolds.

Common Council--S. M. Young, Elias Long, J. W. Taylor, R. C. Dunlap.

School Comptrollers--F. B. Newlan, Dr. G. W. Veach.

Judge of Elections--Wm. Ashton.

Inspectors--Wm. S. Emery, J. S. Lanning.

Assessor--A. M. Vogan.

Constable--John Marshall.

New Castle continued in next section.

From the 1770 - 1877 History of Lawrence County by S. W. and P. A. DURANT.

Explanation and Caution | Abbreviations | Lawrence Co. Maps | 1877 Portraits
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Table of Contents
Updated: 28 Dec 2000, 17:40

HISTORY OF NEW CASTLE. [Cont'd]

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

[p. 38] It is not known when the first fire company was organized in New Castle, but it was probably nothing more than a bucket company, each member being furnished with a leather bucket, with his name, or the name of the organization marked thereon, which he kept at his house or place of business.

The first fire company in New Castle, of which we have any record, was organized on the 29th of September, 1836, the meeting being held at Andy Lewis' tavern. The following is a complete list of the officers chosen, as the same was published in the New Castle Intelligencer, a few days after the election took place: President, J. T. Boyd; Vice President, Wm. Cox; Secretary, S. C. Euwer; Treasurer, Thos. Painter; Captain, Wm. Dickson; Lieutenant, W. B. Miller; First Engineer, R. W. Cunningham; Second Engineer, James Watson, Jr.; Third Engineer, P. T. Boyd; Fourth Engineer, J. W. Cunningham; Axemen, Thos. Hunter, John M. Semple and E. R. Semple.

The first fire engine brought to New Castle was a small hand engine, which was operated by means of two cranks, one on either side of the wheel, which forced the water through the hose. It was a very imperfect machine, but was, nevertheless, regarded with considerable pride by the people of New Castle.

How long the company, whose officers are named above, continued in existence, we will not undertake to say, but there seems to be no doubt that it was kept up for many years.

Whether the Eagle Fire Company existed prior to 1851, we do not know, but as the constitution of this company was published for the first time in this year, we may, perhaps, safely infer that the company was first organized some time about this period.

The following is a list of officers chosen by the Eagle Fire Company, in April, 1851: President, B. B. Pickett; Vice-President, S. Dunn; Secretary, P. Dunn; Assistant Secretary, John R. Richardson; Treasurer, Wm. Lutton; Captain, P. Miller; Lieutenants: J. McGown, first; S. Dunn, second; Engineers:J. R. Richardson, first; R. Craven, second; W. R. Madge, third; W. G. Scott, fourth; Assistant Engineers: Wm. Love, Wm. Gaston; Hose Directors: D. Diamond, J. S. King, G. Riddle, J. S. Pomeroy, J. R. Emery, Wm. Douds; Assistant Hose Directors: D. Craig, R. P. Marshall, J. R. Moore, J. Crips, J. A. Addis, J. H. Emery, R. Emery, J. Pile, H. Stanson, H. Hall, G. V. Boyles, Wm. Emery, Wm. Lutton, U. Cubbison; Hose Engineers, J. B. Du Shane, J. H. Orr; Ladder Men, B. B. Pickett, J. B McKee, G. Moore, R. Wright; Hook Men, J. B. Moore, John H. Spencer; Axe Men, D. Stewart, Sr., S. Bussinger.

In the early part of the year 1851, the meetings of the Eagle Company were held in the Northeast Ward school house, a brick structure on North street, now occupied, we believe, as a residence, by Max Cosel. At most of these meetings, B. B. Pickett, presided, and Patrick Dunn acted as Secretary. The first engine purchased by the Council, for the Eagle Fire Compuny, arrived at New Castle on Saturday, the 30th of August, 1851. The Gazette, of that time, described the new engine as "a beautiful piece of mechanism."

On Saturday, the 4th of September, 1852, there was a grand firemen's parade, which was followed by a dinner at the Cochran House. The following graphic description of the parade, is from a copy of the New Castle Gazette, published on the Thursday following the grand demonstration.

[p. 39]

"On Saturday last, dressed in elegant and appropriate uniform, according to the latest city style, the Eagle Fire Company made their first public display. It was certainly a grand demonstration, and called forth the universal admiration and applause of our citizens. The procession formed at one o'clock, on the "Diamond," at the engine house, headed by two Marshals, Messrs. Joseph Kissick and P. Dunn, on horse back. Next, the New Castle Brass Band, in their carriage, drawn by four horses. Next, the engine, drawn by four horses, and beautifully decorated with flowers and evergreens, and attended by its appropriate officers. Next, and lastly, came in proper order the hose reel, also decorated and drawn by the whole company, in double file. All being ready, the procession commenced its march to the music of the band. After having proceeded as far as the Cochran House, a delegation of ladies appeared upon the balcony, when it was announced that they were about to present the company with a beautiful wreath of flowers and evergreens, as a token of respect to the company, for their philanthropic enterprise. B. B. Pickett, Esq., being delegated by the committee of arrangements to receive the same, on behalf of the company, made some beautiful and appropriate remarks, which were received by cheers and the waving of handkerchiefs by the assembled multitude. The procession then proceeded up Washington street, though often agreeably interrupted on their way by the presentation of wreaths, and other tokens by the ladies, which were presented and received amidst the manifestation of much enthusiasm, after having marched through the principal streets of our town, amid demonstrations of applause. At 4 o'clock they returned to the Cochran House, where dinner had been prepared, by order of the committee of arrangements. The Town Council and other guests were present, by invitation from the company. After dinner, the company formed in front of the house, when James D. Clark made an appropriate speech on behalf of the citizens of the company--expressing admiration for their neat appearance and display, and satisfaction for the appropriate and thorough manner in which they had acquitted themselves as an efficient fire company, for the protection of the property, the homes, end the lives of the citizens of New Castle and vicinity. This was eloquently responded to by R. B. McComb, Esq., on behalf of the company. Thus ended the proceedings of the day."

The following historical item will serve to illustrate what the engine, belonging to the Eagle Company, in February, 1852, was capable of doing in the way of throwing water: "On Thursday, the 26th of February, 1852, the Eagle engine was stationed at the canal, and hose carried to the north side of the "Diamond," a distance of five hundred feet. We are informed that a strong stream was thrown over the Gazette building."

At that time John R. Moore was president of the company, James Moorhead, secretary, and John R. Richardson, captain.

On Tuesday evening, the 26th of February, 1856, a supper for the benefit of the Eagle Fire Company was given at the Leslie House. More than ne hundred persons, besides firemen, partook of the luxurious repast. The supper was followed by a dauce.

On Monday evening, the 25th of October, 1858, a meeting was held at the Eagle engine house, at which the Eagle Company was re-organized. The following is a list of the officers then chosen: President, Dr. D. Tidball; Vice President, Thomas Marshall; Secretary, James Dickson, Esq.; Assistant Secretary, Jas. M. Craig; Treasurer, James McGown; Captain, John W. Taylor; First Lieutenant, David Douds; Second Lieutenant, Jas. Cunningham; First Engineer, John Hinkson ; Second Engineer, John Davis; Third Engineer, John Vogan; Fourth Engineer, James A. Addis; Assistant Engineers, John Sheler, Thomas Van Fossen; Hose Engineers, James McGown, Thomas Marshall; Hose Directors, Richard Craven, James M. Craig, Andrew J. Baughman, Parker R. Branch, David Emery, Captain Hugh Steen; Assistant Hose Directors, Jas. R. Shaw, Nicholas Hinkson, David Norris; William Powell, George Dull, Enoch Hinkson, Wm. G. Warnock, Gilman Branch, Porter Smith, J. W. Squier, James R. Snowden, Wm. S. Lock, John Cooper, George Martin; Axemen, John R. Moore, Andrew E. Reed; Laddermen, James D. Shoaff, Hiram Hartsuff, G. W. Miller, W. G. Clarke; Hookmen, James S. Tidball, James A. Stephenson.

On Tuesday evening, the 2d of November, 1858, a new fire company was organized under the name and title of "The Relief Fire Company," The following officers were elected to serve during the ensuing year; President, D. S. Morris; Vice President, H. J. Levis; Secretary, Crawford W. Stewart; Assistant Secretary, Noble Holton; Treasurer, O. G. Hazen; Captain, John R. Richardson; Lieutenants: John S. King, first; Chester L. White, second; Engineers: Wilkes Waddington, first; Wm. Emery, second; John R. Pattison, third; James W. Trimble, fourth; Hose Directors: John Young, Jr., first; David Allen, second; Wm. S. Emery, third; James W. Scott, fourth; Harvy L. Mell, fifth; Wm. C. Christy, sixth; Assistant Hose Directors: David Gill, first; John N. Emery, second; Henry Ferguson, third; Maurice Cox, fourth; Milo White, fifth; Samuel C. Nicklin, sixth. Hose Engineers: Wm. Vogan, first; Albert Cox, second; Laddermen, Walter D. Clarke, Samuel Cook, W. Perry Book, R. Randolph; Hookmen, R. B. McComb, James Hoover; Axemen, John S. Wallace, Charles P. McKillip.

Notwithstanding the Girard Insurance Company, of Philadelphia, donated this company the sum of fifty dollars towards procuring a new engine, the latter was never procured, and on this account the company ceased to exist.

Although there has been a fire company in New Castle known as the Eagle Fire Company, nearly ever since the year 1836, the present Eagle Fire Company may be said to date its existence from the 16th of November, 1871, at which time a meeting was held at White Hall that resulted in the organization of a fire company. The following is a complete list of the officers then elected: Captain, John Young; First Lieutenant, Thos. Marshall; Second Lieutenant, Wm. P. Morrison; First Engineer, D. D. Douds; Second Engineer, Henry Hartsuff; First Hose Director, D. M. Cubbison; Second Hose Director, H. W. Squier. This meeting was presided over by Colonel D. H. Wallace. John A. Porter served as Secretary.

At a meeting held on the 3d of February, 1872, a new set of officers was elected.

What is now known as the new constitution of this company seems to have gone into operation about the 1st of October, 1873, about the time that the Eagle steam fire engine arrived.

The following is a list of the first officers under the new constitution, which were elected at a meeting held on the 30th of September, 1873: President, Joseph Kissick; Vice President, D. H. Wallace; Treasurer, Wm. H. Reynolds; Secretary, H. E. Woodworth; Captain, John Young; First Lieutenant, W. P. Morrison; Second Lieutenant, Perry Douds; First Hose Director, H. W. Squier; Second Hose Director, Noble Holton; Third Hose Director, W. W. Cubbison; Fourth Hose Director, W. C. Robinson; First Pipeman, H. P. Stockman; Second Pipeman, Jos. B. McCleary; Third Pipeman, George Caswell; Fourth Pipeman, E. P. Dickson; First Axeman, C. W. Sankey; Second Axeman, J. S. McCaslin; First Engineer, D. D. Douds; Second Engineer, J. W. Bryson. At this time the Eagle Company contained about sixty members, but the present number will probably not exceed forty.

For several months the Eagle steam fire engine, though it weighs fifty-three hundred pounds, was drawn to fires by hand, but in January, 1874, the Councils purchased a team of horses for the use of the fire department. The purchase price of this team was $500. On the same day Frank Miller was made driver, which position he has filled very acceptably from that time to the present.

Some time in the Autumn of 1873, a hook-and-ladder company was organized which was known as the Rescue Hook-and-Ladder Company. Its membership numbered about thirty-five strong, able-bodied young men, but the truck and ladders assigned to them were so cumbersome and unwieldy as to make it anything but a pleasant task to use them. The consequence was that the company gradually diminished in numbers until at length it was disbanded. We have made some effort to obtain the date of its organization, the name of its officers and the exact number of its original members, but all to no purpose. Some time last Spring a new company was organized in what is known as the Fourth Ward. This company contains about sixty members, all strong and vigorous young men who are inured to hard labor and not a few of whom have seen considerable service in battling the fiery fiend. This company has charge of the hook-and-ladder truck formerly belonging to the old Rescue Company, and is also called the Rescue Hook-and-Ladder Company.

The, Neshannock Fire Company which at present contains about sixty members, was organized on the 26th of September, 1873. Its original members numbered forty-four. The following is a list of the officers chosen at the time of its organization:

President, Hugh Flinn; Secretary, C. C. Agnew; Treasurer, D. F. Watson; Foreman, Hugh Flinn; First assistant, W. L. Clark; Second Assistant, D. W. Watson.

The company now known as the Vigilant Fire Company was organized on on the 12th of December, 1873, at which time it contained forty-seven members. At first it was called the Amoskeag Fire Company, from the fact that there was a purpose on the part of its members to procure an Amoskeag fire engine. After a time, however, this purpose was abandoned, and it was resolved to procure a hook-and-ladder company with Babcock Extinguishers. The original members of the Amoskeag Company were only four in number. [p. 40] These were: President, Thos. McBride; Vice President, Thos. Marshall; Secretary, A. M. Coulter; Treasurer, D. M. Cubbison.

At a meeting held on the 11th of February, 1874, the company assumed the name of the Vigilant Fire Company and adopted the motto, "We strive to save." At a subsequent meeting held on the 18th of March, 1874, the following list of officers was elected: President, Thomas Marshall; Vice President, Thomas McBride; Secretary, L. D. Durban; Treasurer, C. W. Watson; Trustees, George B. Berger, H. W. Squier and Milton Love; Foreman, D. M. Cubbison; First Assistant Foreman, H. W. Squier; Second Assistant Foreman, James Hale; Captain of Axe, M. Hannon; Captain of Extinguishers, W. W. Cubbison; Marshal, Wm. H. Wilson. The hook-and-ladder truck, with the extinguishers, arrived in New Castle in April 1874.

By way of writing an appendix to what has already been said concerning the first fire company in New Castle we desire to remark that this company was called the Eagle Company, and that the office of engineer which was held by R. W. Cunningham corresponds to the office now known as Foreman. The hat and bugle then used by Mr. Cunningham are now in the possession of D. M. Cubbison.

The present fire department consists of the following organizations and apparatus:

Chief Engineer, George C. Hagan.
First Assistant, W. Howard.
Second Assistant, Joseph Stritmater.

Eagle Fire Company, No. 1. (Steamer).--Foreman, A. S. Love; First Assistant, J. C. Edmonds; Second Assistant, S. B. Marshall; First Engineer, William J. Hill; Second, W. W. Waddington; Third, J. Camp; Driver, Frank Miller, and fifty men.

Neshannock Fire Company No. 1. (Hand Engine).--Foreman, Samuel Taggart; First Assistant, N. Barnett; Second Assistant, C. Wallace, and a complement of fifty men.

Rescue Hook-and-Ladder Company.--Foreman, William C. Howard; First Assistant, Harry Davy; Second Assistant, Jeremiah Robinson, and a force of sixty men.

Vigilant Hook-and-Ladder Company.--Foreman, D. M. Cubbison; First Assistant, Milton Love; Second Assistant, E. Durban, with thirty-five men.

FIRE POLICE.

Captain, C. W. Watson; First Lieutenant, P. Gaston; Second Lieutenant, John Linn, with a force of twenty-four men.

Apparatus.--One steamer of the "Button" pattern, costing $3,500; one hand engine of the same pattern; one hose carriage and four hose reels with 3,500 feet of hose; two hook-and-ladder and one police trucks with necessary apparatus.

The Fire Department is in excellent condition and very efficient in the discharge of its duties.

CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT.

This department consists of one chief of police and three patrolmen: Chief, J. J. Cook; Patrolmen, D. A. Frew, S. R. Kelly, J. B. White.

The Police Department occupies rooms in the basement story of the new city building, corner of Washington and East streets. The office-room is comfortably and neatly fitted up, and adjoining are the cells for prisoners consisting of three separate apartments, built very strong and lined inside with boiler iron, with a heavy open iron grating in front along the corridor. They are clean, and well lighted and ventilated. For basement rooms these are exceedingly dry and comfortable.

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS.

Delta, H. R. A., Chapter 170.
Mahoning Lodge, No. 243, A. Y. M.
Lawrence Encampment, No. 86, I. O. O. F.
Shenango Lodge, No. 195, I. O. O. F.
Coal City Lodge, No. 671, I. O. O. F.
Friendship Lodge, No. 9, A. O. U. W.
Marietta Lodge, No. 237, K. of P.
Coal City Council, No. 226, O. U. A. M.
New Castle Lodge, No. 82, A. P. A.
Washington Camp, No..200, P. O. S. of A.
Neshannock Base Ball Club.

CITY HALL.

This fine building, located on the northwest corner of Washington and East streets, was commenced in June, 1875. The lot, 68 by 180 feet in dimensions, was purchased of Jesse Moore for fifteen thousand dollars, ($15,000).

The original contract price for the construction of the building, was about thirty-one thousand dollars, ($31,000). The contractors were Vogan & Preston. Before being completed, the building was burned June 7th and 8th, 1876. The amount expended to that date was about twenty-four thousand dollars, ($24,000). There was no insurance. The building has been rebuilt at an additional cost of fifteen thousand dollars, ($15,000).

It is constructed of red pressed brick, with galvanized iron trimmings, and is three full stories and basement in height. The whole of the first floor will be occupied by the Mayor's and Treasurer's office, and the Fire Department. The second floor will be occupied by the two councils, committee rooms, and audience chamber.

The third story will be principally occupied by the "Lawrence Guards" as an armory, and the basement by the Police Department and storage rooms. The completed building is a fine substantial addition to the numerous stately blocks which adorn Washington street, and worthy the enterprising young city in which it is located. It is fully insured.

OPERA HOUSE.

A stock company, under the title of the "New Castle Hall and Market Company," was chartered March 12, 1866, with a capital of $25,000, and authority to increase to $175,000. The original incorporators were E. J. Agnew, George Pearson, Jr., George Conzette, I. N. Phillips, Paul Butz, Adam Treser, George C. Reis, John Davis, Ezekiel Sankey, Joseph Kissick. Christian Jenkinger, James R. Shaw and A. B. Berger.

The contract for the erection of the buildings was let in May, 1867, to James M. Mayne, at $25,000, but additional work brought the total expenditures up to $38,000. The building was completed in the Autumn of 1867. It is situated on Mercer street, and is sixty-four feet front by one hundred and thirty-four feet deep. It contains on the first floor a market house and two store rooms. The market house is filled up with twelve butcher's stalls, and between thirty and forty stalls for hucksters. The opera house occupies the upper portion of the building, and is finely fitted up with a roomy and convenient stage, proscenium boxes, gallery, &c., and has ample accommodations for an audience of one thousand. It is in contemplation to remodel and strengthen the whole structure at an expense of some ten thousand dollars, making it one of the finest houses to be found in any city of equal population in the country. The best traveling troupes always visit New Castle, and the entertainments given are equal in every respect to those of a similar character in the large cities.

The present number of stockholders is sixty. The officers are: Joseph Kissick, president; D. H. Wallace, treasurer; R. M. Allen, Sr., manager; Adam Treser, William H. Reynolds, Charles Duffy, R. M. Allen, Jr., directors.

ST. MARY'S CORNET BAND.

This excellent band was organized about 1871-2, among the members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. The company owns about thirty instruments, of which twelve are at present in use. The leader is Martin Glenn.

New Castle has been favored with organizations of this kind for many years, and has hardly been without good music since the first Band was formed.

POSTMASTERS.

The first citizen to fill the honorable position of Postmaster in New Castle, was Joseph Thornton Boyd, who (according to an obituary notice published in the New Castle Gazette and Democrat, in March, 1868,) was appointed in 1812, under Mr. Madison's administration and continued to fill the office for twenty-six consecutive years, up to 1838. Following him have been:

R. W. Stewart, about eighteen months.
David Tidball, about eight months.
Joseph T. Boyd, again, about eighteen months.
David Tidball, again, about six months.
David Schaffer, about three years, during a portion of Tyler's and Polk's administrations.
William H. Reynolds, a few months.
William H. Shaw, under Taylor's and Fillmore's administrations.
David Tidball, under Pierce's administration.
Alexander Newell, under Buchanan's administration.
A. H. Leslie, a few months, under Buchanan.

[p. 41]

David Emery, under Lincoln and Johnson, until 1867, when the office was taken possession of by a special government agent and correspondent of the New York Tribune, appointed by President Johnson in May, 1867 This agent occupied the position until August 5th, 1867, when David Tidball was again appointed, and has been continued to the present time (February, 1877).

BANKS.

The first banking institution in New Castle was a private bank, opened by William Dickson and William McClymonds, about the year 1851. It continued in business until December, 1854, when it became so much involved as to oblige it to wind up its affairs.

The Bank of New Castle was organized in 1855. The Act of incorporation was dated March 30th. The original incorporators were A. L. Crawford, R. W. Cunningham, Joseph Kissick, Thomas Wilson, Ezekiel Sankey, Wm. Dickson, John N. Euwer, Cyrus Clarke, Charles T. Whippo, L. L. McGuffin, Thomas Falls, James A. McClaughey, John Ferguson, James Leslie and William H. Reynolds. Its nominal capital was $150,000. This institution was in operation for about two years, with varying fortune, when it suspended, and was reorganized under the name of "Bank of Lawrence County," and did business until 1865, when it took up the State circulation and organized as the "National Bank of Lawrence County," with a capital of $150,000. Its first officers were:, Robert Crawford, president; Cyrus Clarke, cashier. Its circulation is $135,000, and its surplus $110,000. It is doing a general banking and deposit business. Its present officers are: William Patterson, president; Robert Crawford, vice president, and Cyrus Clarke, cashier.

A private bank was organized by Dickson, Watson and Wm. Patterson in 1855, in the room adjoining where it now is. Watson sold out and withdrew in 1858, and Mr. Patterson conducted the business in his own name until about 1872, when the name was changed to "Patterson's Bank," which is the present style of the firm.

The present officers are Wm. Patterson, president; Webster Justice, vice president; W. D. Dickson, cashier; C. W. Watson, assistant cashier.

The house is doing a deposit and discount business, and, probably, equals any other institution in the city in the amount of its transactions.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF NEW CASTLE.

This bank was organized in 1864, with a capital of $150,000. Articles of association were signed October 4, 1864, and the following were the original officers: I. N. Phillips, president; E. I. Agnew, cashier. The surplus fund of the bank is $30,000. The circulation is $135,000.

The present officers are Samuel Foltz, president, J. B. Hardaker, vice president; David Osborne, cashier.

PEOPLE'S SAVING BANK.

This institution was chartered in 1868, with a capital of $100,000, and authority to increase to $500,000. It has, however, never organized under the charter, or, at least, never fully taken advantage of it.

Its first officers were D. H. Wallace, president; R. E. Wallace, cashier; and C. S. Wallace, teller and book-keeper, and this arrangement has not been changed. The house does a regular banking business in connection with the savings department. Their average number of depositors is about fourteen hundred, and their average deposits one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). Mr. D. H. Wallace, the senior member of the firm, was cashier of the Farmers and Mechanics' Savings Bank, before the war of the rebellion. He entered the service in 1861, as lieutenant-colonel of the 76th Pennsylvania Infantry. Since the war, Colonel Wallace has been at different times a director in each of the National banks of the city.

FARMERS AND MECHANICS' BANK.

A bank under the above title was organized as a stock company about 1858, with Wm. Watson, as president, D. H. Wallace, as cashier, and Mannaseh Henlein, as vice president.

When Colonel Wallace entered the army, in 1861, it was merged into a private banking-house by Wm. Watson, who continued business about four years, when it was discontinued.

The banking-house of Foltz & Sons was organized September 23, 1873. The officers, which are the same as at the date of organization, are Samuel Foltz, president; W. S. Foltz, cashier; L. S. Foltz, book-keeper. The senior partner, Samuel Foltz, is also president of the First National Bank. The firm is doing a general banking business.

NEW CASTLE GAS-LIGHT COMPANY.

A company with the above title was chartered by the Legislature on the 1lth day of February, 1856. The original incorporators were Dr. Charles T. Whippo, Stephen J. Noble, Theodore F. Hay, N. White and Ezekiel Sankey. The franchises of the charter included the right to manufacture, and supply the borough of New Castle with gas for illuminating purposes for the period of twenty years. Before the expiration of the time granted, the company became involved, and their rights and property were sold by the sheriff. The purchaser under the sale was Joseph Pennock, of Pittsburgh, who had supplied the company with a large amount of pipe, and was the principal creditor. After his purchase he became a little doubtful as to whether the sale transferred the charter rights and privileges, and soon after sold out to Cyrus Clarke, who disposed of a half interest to David Sankey.

Mr. Sankey soon after went to Harrisburg and procured a new Act of incorporation, or a re-enactment of the former charter, with a new set of incorporators, including Cyrus Clarke, David Sankey, Isaac N. Phillips, and perhaps some others. This company sold to the present one in March, 1875, who are now operating under a capital of fifty thousand dollars, ($50,000).

At present the company have some seven miles of pipe laid, with sixty-four street lamps, and three hundred and thirty-five meters in use.

The average amount of coal consumed annually is over eleven hundred tons. The material used is the well-known Beaver Valley Gas Coal, from the mines at Wampum and Clinton, in Lawrence county.

The works are located, on the northeast corner of South and Shenango streets, near the river. The coke is mostly consumed for heating purposes on the premises, only a small portion being otherwise disposed of.

The price of gas to consumers varies according to amounts used, from two, dollars to two dollars and seventy-five cents per thousand feet.

The present officers of the Company are: President, J. S. Connelly; Treasurer and Secretary, J. B. Finley. The office is at the works.

"LAWRENCE GUARDS."

This fine organization, justly the pride of the citizens of New Castle, is known in military parlance as Company H, 15th regiment of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, and forms a portion of the 7th division of State Militia. The various companies of the 15th regiment are located as follows:

Company A, at Charleston, Mercer county.

Company B, " Meadville, Crawford   "

Company C, " Conneautville         "

Company D, " Franklin, Venango     "

Company E, " Meadville, Crawford   "

Company F, " North Liberty, Mercer "

Company G, " Sharon,         "     "

Company H, " New Castle, Lawrence  "

Company I, " Mercer, Mercer        "

Company K, " Greenville, "         "

The Regimental Staff consists of the following officers: Colonel, P. B. Carpenter, of Conneautville: Lieutenant Colonel, D. M. Cubbison, New Castle; Major, James D. Moore, Mercer; Adjutant, John W. Hurd, Conneautville; Quarter-Master, John I. Gordon, Mercer; Commissary, H. H. Davis, Meadville; Paymaster, J. Bolord, Conneautville; Surgeon, O. Hough, Conneautville; Assistant Surgeons, Salem Heilman, Sharon; G. D. Kughler, Greenville; Chaplain, G. W. Zahniser, Conneautville.

Captain[sic] H was organized January 22d, 1873, by Captain James Hale, as the "Lawrence Guards," and constituted a portion of the 19th division National Guards of Pennsylvania, there being, at that time, twenty divisions in the State. The divisions were remodeled, and consolidated into ten in April, 1874, and the 19th became the 7th. The "Lawrence Guards" took charge of the muskets of the old "Lawrence Guards," which had been disbanded and drilled independently, until April, 1874, when they were assigned to the l5th regiment National Guards of Pennsylvania, as Company H.

The first officers were: Captain, James Hale; First Lieutenant, J. C. McMillen; Second Lieutenant, T. J. Fisher; and Orderly Sergeant, M. L. Reynolds. The company numbered, at its organization, forty officers and men. All the commissioned officers, and a large share of the non-commissioned officers and men, had seen service in the army during the rebellion. The company has performed regular duty with the 15th regiment, at all drills and parades of the division, which has an annual encampment, drill and inspection. The several companies receive five hundred dollars annually from the State. Company H has, at present, sixty officers and men, and stands A No. 1 for soldierly bearing and efficiency, in the report of the [p. 42]Adjutant General of the division. The present officers are James Hale captain; Joseph C. McMillen, first lieutenant, M. L. Reynolds, second lieuenant, and Joseph McElwain, orderly sergeant. The company has one fifer, and one snare drummer. Their armory is in the third story of the city building.

NESHANNOCK RAILROAD, COAL AND ORE CO.

This company was originally chartered in 1868. The incorporators were D. Craig, R. H. Peebles, Joshua Rhodes, A. B. Berger, George Pearson and James Rhodes.

The road was built in 1866 by James Rhodes. The first cost was about one hundred thousand dollars, ($100,000.) The total cost to the present time has been about one hundred and forty thousand dollars, ($140,000.) The company organized with George Pearson as president, James Rhodes, secretary and treasurer, and the balance of the incorporators acting as directors. A new charter was obtained in 1872, and a new company organized under the name of the New Castle Railroad and Mining Company. The new company purchased the interests of the Neshannock Railroad, Coal and Ore Company. The incorporators under the new charter were Geo. Pearson, James Rhodes, George C. Reis, R. H. Peebles, Joshua Rhodes, T. F. Stryker and B. M. Kissinger. The officers under the new organization were Joshua Rhodes, president; James Rhodes, vice president, T. F. Stryker, secretary; Geo. C. Reis, R. H. Peebles, George Pearson, directors. James Rhodes died October 20, 1873,and George Pearson was elected vice president, and B. M. Kissinger, director. With these changes the present officers and directors are the same as the original ones under the new charter. The road was constructed to connect the

NEW CASTLE RAILROAD AND MINING CO.

With the coal and iron-producing district in Neshannock Township, north of New Castle. Coal was mined for domestic purposes as early as 1820, but in very small quantities; the whole product being carried in baskets from the "bank" and hauled in wagons to the few smithies that made use of it. The first organized company was the one above-mentioned, in 1866.

The New Castle R. R. & M. Co. now own about 400 acres of mineral lands in the township, and are taking coal altogether from about 700 acres. A large portion of Neshannock township is underlaid with coal; and it is worked by various parties besides this Company, though mostly in a small way. The total length of track laid, including sidings, is about five miles of 3 feet 6 inch gauge. The company are working at present two shafts. The coal lies about fifty feet below the surface, and the vein is about four feet in thickness. The annual amount produced is 35,000 tons, which is mostly used by the various manufactories in New Castle, the amount shipped to other points being quite small.

Underlying all the coal, at a depth of 75 or 80 feet, is a stratum of iron ore from six to eighteen inches in thickness. It is known generally as the "blue ore." Lying between the upper stratum of coal and iron, at a depth of about 60 feet below the first, is a second stratum of coal some three feet in thickness. This has not been worked to any considerable extent. Lying between these two prominent veins is a thin stratum of very superior coal, but being only about eighteen inches in thickness, it cannot be worked to advantage. The workable coal lies nearly in a horizontal position, with the bottom somewhat undulating, and with a slight declination to the southwest.

The Company's track follows a small creek from the vicinity of their mines down to the Neshannock creek, passing through some wild and romantic scenery as it approaches the latter stream. It crosses the Neshannock on a very substantial iron bridge, of the King pattern, about one-quarter of a mile above the paper mills, and uses the track of the New Castle and Franklin railway, from thence into the city, by putting down an extra rail inside the main track. Their bridge over the Neshannock was considerably damaged by ice the fore part of February last, but was immediately repaired. The Company possesses ample facilities in New Castle for the transaction of an extensive business.

ADDITIONS.

The original town plat of New Castle was laid out by John Carlysle Stewart, in April, 1798.

James Gillespie made an addition in 1811.
James D. White, two additions in 1832 and 1837.
Ezekiel Sankey laid out West New Castle, 1836.
Thomas Falls made an addition at an early date.
John Crawford White, an addition in 1846 or 1847.
Dr. C. T. Whippo, an addition in 1850.
John T. Phillips, an addition in 1867.
Henry F. Falls, an addition in 1867.
David White, or his heirs, an addition, date unknown.
Phillips and DuShane, addition to West New Castle, 1868.

And there have probably been several other additions, but it is difficult finding them, and several have never been placed upon record.

The present area within the city limits will not vary materially from five square miles or 3,200 acres, a large proportion of which is very thickly settled.

The city is romantically and picturesquely situated at the confluence of the Neshannock creek and Shenango river. Big Run, a considerable stream, also discharges its waters into the Shenango within the city limits, and there are a number of smaller streams which also traverse various portions of its territory.

Along the Neshannock creek the bluffs rise very abruptly to the height of a hundred feet or more; in places precipitous, and showing bold and rugged rock escarpments. The scenery along the Neshannock is quite wild and picturesque, and the minor streams present some rare and beautiful retreats; particularly is this the case upon a small creek which discharges into the Neshannock, near the crossing of the Coal railroad, and also on a small run below Croton village; and there is a picturesque gorge or ravine just south of Greenwood Cemetery. Along the Shenango, from about opposite the west end of North street, to a point in the southeastern part of Union township, the hill rises abruptly from the stream, and the sandstone crops. out in perpendicular cliffs. The bluffs are very bold and commanding in the northern part of the city, and afford many fine building sites, which have been greatly improved by the hand of art. On the east side of the Neshannock, from a point near the court house, to the southeastern limits of the city, the hills rise more gradually, attaining a height of about three hundred feet, at the distance of a short mile from the creek. The valley of the Shenango, in the northwestern part, is beautiful; skirted on the west, by a fine level bottom, and on the east overhung by wooded heights. South of Big Run the hills rise grandly to the height of over three hundred feet from the Shenango, and the valley of Big Run opens a charming vista towards the southeast.

In the southern part of the city, a little north of Big Run, is a curious freak of nature, in the form of an oblong hill, lying parallel with the valley of the Run, rising some fifty feet above the level bottom, by which it is surrounded. It is the property of Mr. Thomas W. Phillips, whose residence crowns its summit, embowered amid the foliage of a few primeval forest trees, and a most beautiful arrangement of deciduous and evergreen trees planted and arranged in the most artistic manner. This is one of the very finest residence locations in the city. (See cut.)

The mound itself was undoubtedly formed by the action of counter-currents of swift-flowing waters, in the days when the vast continental glacial system was melting away under the rays of the sun.

From whatever direction New Castle is approached, the views are beautiful, always excepting the murky atmosphere that perpetually overhangs the valley, from its smoking factories.

Including its numerous suburbs, the city contains an estimated population of from 10,000 to 12,000 people. Three lines of railway centre or make connections with New Castle: the Erie and Pittsburgh, the New Castle and Franklin, and the Ashtabula, Youngstown and Pittsburgh. A fourth, called the Pittsburgh, New Castle and Erie railway, is in contemplation, with fair prospects of being put in operation at an early day. The place has been a central business point from the date of its first settlement, as the fact that some sixteen wagon roads converge upon it shows. In the days of the "raging canal," it was a prominent point, many of the boat-builders and owners, as well as "captains" and business managers, being residents.

A large amount of capital, amounting in the aggregate to several million dollars, is invested in extensive and varied manufactures, which give the city its prominence, principal among which are the various and complicated iron industries, the products of which, from pig-iron down through all the multiform variations of "T" rail, bar, and sheet-iron, spikes and nails, mill-gearing, water-wheels, flat, round, plate, band-iron and nail-rods, find their market in all the great centres of trade throughout the land.

Large quantities of flour and feed, paper and sacks, refined oils, woolen goods and yarns, glass, furniture, pottery, carriages, &c., &c., are also manufactured and exported to various points. A very large mercantile business is transacted in New Castle in the various departments of dry goods, groceries, clothing, drugs, paints, oils, medicines, jewelry, hardware, crockery and furniture.

[p. 43]

The number of business houses, including several in Croton and South and West New Castle, is probably not less than two hundred. Washington street and portions of several others of the principal thoroughfares are substantially paved, and the city can boast the possession of a number of very fine and substantial bridges. The iron bridge on Washington street, over the Shenango, erected by the Canton Iron Bridge Company, of Canton, O., is a splendid and most substantial structure. Its total length is about 210 feet and its width 50 feet, with two carriage-ways and sidewalks on either side. It is very firm, the heaviest traffic making no perceptible vibration. It is built upon the arched truss principle, somewhat modified. Another iron bridge spans the Shenango at Grant street, built by T. B. White & Sons, of Beaver Falls. It is about the same length as the Washington street bridge, and appears to be a solid and satisfactory structure. It is similar to the "Howe truss." A fine wooden bridge spans the Shenango at the "point," just above the mouth of the Neshannock, constructed upon the arched truss principle and covered. It is a very substantial work. On the Neshannock there are three iron bridges of the King pattern, built at Cleveland, Ohio, and one wooden foot bridge, the latter opposite the upper portion of the Shenango Iron Works." In addition to these there are four railway bridges within the city limits; two over the Shenango and two over the Neshannock. They are constructed partly of wood and partly of iron.

The water-power within the city is all situated on the Neshannock creek, there being three substantial dams upon the stream; one, the upper one, employed to drive the paper mill; the next below furnishes power for Messrs. Pearson, Clapp & Co.'s grist-mill, and the lower one is mostly used by Raney & Gordon's grist-mill and Messrs. H. Love & Son's woolen-mill. There was formerly a very fair water-power on Big Run, but a flood swept it away and the dam has not since been rebuilt.

The city contains fifteen church edifices, the most conspicuous being that of the Christian denomination, which like the famed St. Stephen's Cathedral at Vienna, dominates all other objects in the city, and is conspicuous for a long distance.

There are within the city twenty-four schools, not including the large and flourishing Catholic denominational school.*

*See article prepared by Prof. Gantz.

The city also contains a flourishing college, three weekly newspapers, and one extensive job printing office, five hotels, gas works, a military company, the "Lawrence Guards," a fine cornet band, an opera and market house, a large number of substantial business buildings, and many fine, tasteful and costly residences. There are about twenty resident clergymen, thirteen practicing physicians, about thirty attornies, five surgeon dentists, an excellent and well-equipped fire department, and a very efficient police force.

The total assessed valuation for 1877, is about $2,500,000, and the number of taxables for 1875, the latest report we have, was 1,751.

THE PRESS.

The first newspaper published in New Castle was the New Castle Register, which made its appearance in December, 1826. The proprietor and publisher was David Crawford, who had formerly lived in the town of Mercer. The paper was a five-column folio, published weekly, at two dollars per annum. The publication office was situated near the west end of North street, on the first floor of a log house standing upon or very near the site of R. M. Allen's present residence. It was printed on a Ramage press, the wood-work of which was made by John B. Emery. Like other presses of the kind, it had a wooden platen with a metal face. The bed was of stone, and is still in existence, serving as a hearthstone in a dwelling in the third ward. The impression was made by turning a screw, which required two pulls for every impression. When operated by a good pressman, it was capable of printing five or six quires per hour. This paper was published about two years, when it was discontinued, and Mr. Crawford returned to Mercer, where he remained until 1831, when he again removed to New Castle.

George P. Shaw, a brother of Colonel Wm. H. Shaw, was editor of the Register.

About eight years after the suspension of the Register, another newspaper was started in New Castle, called the New Castle Intelligencer. It was owned by a joint-stock company, of which Major E. Sankey and Hon. Rob't Stewart were two of the principal stockholders. It was published by John W. Cunningham who resided in New Castle until his death, December l7, 1864.

Mr. Cunningham's widow subsequently married Jacob Quest, who now resides in West New Castle.

The editor of the Intelligencer was a young man named Henry E. Wallace, who came to New Castle in the Summer of 1836, and opened the first law office in the place. Michael Weyand, at present editor and proprietor of the [p. 44] Beaver Times, officiated in the capacity of printer's devil "in the Intelligencer office. The first number of this paper was issued on the 18th of August, 1836. It was a five-column folio, printed on imperial paper. The publication office was situated on the northeast corner of Washington and Beaver streets, over T. McCleary & Co.'s store. It was published for about two years, when it was discontinued. It is quite probable that the press and type were afterwards used in printing the Western Sentinel and the Mercer and Beaver Democrat. After the suspension of the paper, Mr. Wallace removed to Philadelphia, where he became a prominent attorney, and was for many years editor of the Legal Intelligencer.

The Western Sentinel was first issued in August, 1837, and was published until December, 1838, a period of about sixteen months, when it was discontinued. It was a small four-page sheet, with six columns to the page, and was edited by Mr. O. C. Lockhart, an elderly gentleman, now residing on his farm near the town of Pulaski, in this county. The Sentinel was Whig in politics.

From December, 1838, to August, 1839, there was no paper published in New Castle, but since the latter date the town has never been without a local paper.

The first number of the Mercer and Beaver Democrat was issued on Wednesday, August 14, 1839. It was a five-column folio sheet, and, notwithstanding its name, adhered to the political doctrines of the Whig party. The subscription price was two dollars per annum.

The original proprietor of the paper was a man named John Speer, who subsequently disposed of his interest in the paper to John B. Early, and removed to Arkansas. Mr. O. C. Lockhart, before mentioned, worked as compositor on the Democrat. One of the principal writers connected with the paper, was "Zip" Allison, who had formerly lived in Beaver. He was said to have been a young man of ability and an excellent writer, but, unfortunately, under the influence of that demon which ruins so many promising intellects--strong drink. On religious subjects he was called a "free-thinker."

Soon after the, political campaign of 1840 was over, the Democrat was discontinued, about sixty numbers in all having been issued. It is stated in Mr. Penn's history of the newspapers of New Castle, that Wm. D. C. Greene, one of the editors of the Democrat, executed a will wherein he bequeathed his library to Geo. D. Prentice, of the Louisville (Ky.) Journal, and then committed suicide by taking a dose of laudanum.

The Mercer and Beaver Democrat was succeeded by the New Castle Gazette, the first number of which appeared on the 15th of October, 1841. It was published by H. A. McCullough and Wm. H. Shaw. The office was on the northeast corner of Washington and Mill streets. It was a four-page paper, with five wide columns to the page, and was published at two dollars per year.

About two months after the paper was started, McCullough sold his interest to John S. Winter. Shaw and Winter published the paper about one year, when Winter disposed of his interest to Shaw, and returned to his father (Dr. John Winter), of Sharon.

As a sample of a printer's experience, it is said that Winter received as his share of the proceeds only two dollars, and that was his father's subscription to the paper. Mr. Shaw published the paper until 1845, when he sold an interest in it to Alexander Cameron. About this time the paper was changed to a six-column sheet, and also received a new head. The firm name was W. H. Shaw & A. Cameron. In the Spring of 1846, the firm name was changed to Cameron & Shaw. In the Summer or Autumn of 1846, Mr. Cameron sold his interest to Geo. P. Shaw, a brother of Wm. H. Shaw, and the firm became W. H. & G. P. Shaw, and continued until 1858, when Geo. P. Shaw sold his interest to his brother, and retired. On the 23d of August, 1849, the paper appeared in an entire new dress, and enlarged in size to seven wide columns. About this time the publication office was removed to Crawford & Co.'s new building, on the southwest corner of Jefferson street and the "Diamond." David Craig, who had been associated with the Shaw brothers in the publication of the Gazette, severed his connection with the paper, in October, 1851.

On the lst of July, 1852, the Gazette appeared in mourning for the death of Henry Clay. On the 24th of August, 1854, it appeared, for the second time, in an entire new dress, and the paper kept on the "even tenor of its way" until the 7th of August, 1862, when it suddenly suspended publication, in consequence of its editor, Colonel William H. Shaw, having entered the army.

The paper was revived on the 18th of May, 1864, and again appeared in a new dress. lt was published as a Republican paper until about the middle of September, of that year, when it was sold to a Democratic joint-stock [p. 44] company, for $1,500. Among the principal stockholders were David Morris, S. W. Dana, D. M. Courtney and Lewis Taylor. Under the new management, the Gazette was edited by D. S. Morris, until William S. Black, from Philadelphia, took charge of it, in March, 1865.

Thomas J. McCleary was the first foreman in the mechanical department, and his brother, Joseph, succeeded him, and continued in the capacity until the publication of the paper was discontinued.

Mr. T. Burton was associated with Mr. Black in the publication of the paper from the 1st of January, 1867, until November of that year. During the years 1868 and 1869, R. Gregor McGregor was employed at intervals in connection with the editorial department. He was succeeded by John F. Brown, who worked on the paper until July 15th, 1872, when George W. Penn became connected with the editorial department, in which capacity he remained until the paper was discontinued, which occurred on the 10th of September, 1875.

The Gazette was published, altogether, about thirty-four years. It began as a Whig organ, and when the Republican party was formed, in 1856, it followed its fortunes until September, 1864, when it hoisted Democratic colors. It first appeared as a five-column paper, and was subsequently enlarged, at different periods, until, at the time of its demise, it was an eight-column paper.

A paper, called the Jersonian Herald, was started in New Castle sometime during the administration of President Tyler, and continued for about one year. It was published by Ephraim Galbraith. The office was in a two-story frame building, on the north side of the "Diamond," the same now occupied by George T. Wilson's tin store. One account, by Mr. McConnell, himself a printer, is that the Herald only existed for about six weeks, and was published in 1841.

The first number of the New Castle Democrat was issued on Saturday, July 13th, 1844. This paper continued about one year. The publishers were George T. Humes and John N. Hallowell. It was a folio paper, with four columns to the page. The subscription price was two dollars per annum. It is related of Mr. Humes, that his patronage was so indifferent that he was often forced to borrow money to pay for letters at the post-office, letters in those days being paid or unpaid at the option of the writer. It is also said, as illustrating both the stringency of the times and the determination of the publisher, that more than once he carried a bundle of blank paper from New Brighton to New Castle, a distance of twenty miles.

After his experiment had become a failure, he was seen leaving New Castle with his elbows and knees looking out through a ragged coat and a pair of torn pantaloons, and it was cold weather, in the latter part of the Fall, at that. Afterwards, through the influence of D. M. Courtney, he secured a clerkship in the House of Representatives of the Pennsylvania Legislature. He had been a publisher at Franklin, Pa., previous to his coming to New Castle, and Mr. E. S. Durban was one of his employees. It is said in all his after life he could not look back upon his New Castle experience without a shudder.

The first number of the Lawrence Journal was issued on the 23d of May, 1849. It was published by James M. Kuester, who is said at this time to be keeping a tobacco store in Denver, Colorado. The Journal was a four-page paper, with six columns to the page. It seems to have been a double-barreled organ, throwing both Democratic and "Free Soil" projectiles at the same time. The Democratic department was edited by Mr. Kuester, and the Free Soil by Drs. Joseph Pollock and Charles T. Whippo. During the first twenty years of its existence, the office was in the second story of the brick building on the southeast corner of Washington street and the "Diamond," now occupied by Patterson's Bank.

About the first of April, 1858, Mr. G. D. Kuester became associated with his father in the publication of the Journal. About September 1st, 1861, the publication was suspended, but was resumed early in January, 1862, under the editorial control of G. D. Kuester. Blank paper then cost printers twenty-four dollars, per bundle.

Hon. David Sankey purchased the Journal in the Spring of 1867. Under Mr. Sankey's management, Mr. R. G. Dill was at one time editor, and subsequently O. P. Wharton was both publisher and editor, but during Wharton's connection with the paper, most of the leading political articles were written by Mr. Sankey.

For a short time during 1873, the Journal was edited by G. D. Kuester, as an independent Republican paper.

Mr. J. M. Keuster,[sic] the founder of the Journal, began his editorial life at the head of a German paper published in Lewisburg, Pa. Subsequently he published the Times at New Berlin, Union county, Pa. In 1837, he was editor and publisher of the Western Press, at Mercer, Pa. In 1843, he commenced the publication of the Erie Observer. In 1844, he was editor of the Pittsburgh Chronicle.

About the year 1853, Wm. Blanchard, from Washington, D. C., came to New Castle and started a Free Soil paper, called the Promulgator. It was a seven-column folio, and was printed on a Northrop press, which was the first power-press ever seen in New Castle. In about three months from the first issue, Mr. Blanchard disposed of his interest to Wm. F. Clark, of Mercer, Pa., who changed its name to the Promulgator and Freeman. Still later he again changed its name to the American Freeman. As its name would indicate, it was an anti-slavery paper. Mr. Clark was a fluent, forcible writer, and very industrious. In the Spring of 1857, he sold his interest to Mr. E. S. Durban, a native of England, who came to this country in 1830, when only eight years of age. Mr. Durban commenced his career as a printer in 1836, in the office of the Union, at Zanesville, Ohio. In 1843 he removed to Franklin, Pa., where he afterwards married, and in 1845, started a paper called the Advocate and Journal, which he published until 1852. (The paper is now the Venango Citizen.) Upon taking charge of the American Freeman, on the lst of May, 1857, he changed its name to the New Castle Courant. It was at first a seven-column folio, but after the close of the war it was enlarged to an eight-column paper. Recently it has been changed into an eight-column quarto. The first job power-presses were introduced into New Castle by Mr. Durban.

A new paper, called by the euphonious name of the Dew Drop, was commenced on the 3d of February, 1855. It was published by O. O. Sutherland and J. H. Gilliland, in the Gazette office. It was a weekly, four page paper, and the subscription price was twenty-five cents for three months. It was intended for a humorous publication, but got into trouble on account of the too free use of some citizen's name, and was soon after discontinued.

Some time during the year 1856, another paper, called the Coal-City Item, was started, and continued for about two or three years. J. S. Jennings was editor, and M. B. Glenn, associate editor.

The publication office was on the southeast corner of Washington and Mill streets, over Henderson's store. Some authority claims that John Fairman was at first connected with this paper.

The Coal-City Chronicle, a small, six-column folio, was established in 1860, by J. W. Vincent, George Leasure, and Oscar Sutherland.

J. W. Vincent was editor, and the contributing editors were D. Leasure, M.D., D. Craig, Esq., and Professor G. C. Vincent; the former two of New Castle, and the latter of New Wilmington.

About the 1st of March, 1861, J. W. Vincent severed his connection with the paper, and soon after entered the army, and was commissioned a lieutenant. He was married in the latter part of 1861, and died in the service in February, 1862. His remains were brought home, and interred at New Wilmington. George Leasure and Oscar Sutherland volunteered at the same time, and the paper was discontinued.

The first agricultural paper in New Castle is said to have been published by a man named Hawthorne, but there appears to be no data now in existence, from which a history of it can be written.

In the month of December, 1860, G. D. Kuester issued the prospectus of a monthly agricultural paper, to be called the Lawrence Farmer. This programme was never carried out, but some time in 1867 a paper made its appearance, under the name of the Pennsylvania Farm Journal. It was a thirty-two page paper, with two columns to the page. In the Winter of 1867-8, it was consolidated with the National Agriculturist, of Pittsburgh, and its publication at New Castle discontinued.

In May, 1862, a small four-page monthly paper called The Thorn, was started in New Castle. It was mostly devoted to military matters, and was not continued for any considerable time.

On the 5th of December, 1867, the first number of the Champion, a small six-column folio, and Democratic in politics, made its appearance. It was edited by Mr. T. Burton, the present local editor of the Courant. It was a campaign sheet, and was discontinued soon after the Presidential election.

The Soldiers' Bulletin, a small campaign paper, was published in New Castle during the Autumn of 1869, the first number being issued on the 7th of August. It was published for about ten weeks, by an executive committee, of whom the most active members were Captain R. G. Dill and George E. Treadwell.

The first issue of the Lawrence Guardian made its appearance on the 9th of August, 1870, under the proprietorship of Captain R. G. Dill, William Platt and George E. Treadwell. It was a seven-column folio, printed on new type, and presented a neat typographical appearance. The subscription price was two dollars per annum.

[p. 45]

About the 1st of January, 1872, Captain Dill severed his connection with the paper, and some three months later, William Platt, who had become sole proprietor, sold to G. W. McCracken & Co. Mr. McCracken assumed the editorial control, and George R. Graham was assigned the foremanship of the mechanical department. Under the new management, the Guardian began to prosper, and its circulation rose rapidly from eight hundred to fifteen hundred subscribers, and subsequently to over two thousand. In August, 1871, it was enlarged to an eight-column paper, and in August, 1873, to nine columns. It is now printed on a power press.

The first regular local editor was Mr. T. Burton, in the Summer of 1875. George W. Penn occupied the position from the 13th of September, 1875, until the 1st of June, 1876, at which time he became editor and manager of the Paragraph. He was succeeded on the Guardian by George W. Shaw, a son of Colonel William H. Shaw, who edited the New Castle Gazette for more than twenty years.

The first number of the New Castle Signal appeared on the 15th of January, 1875, and the last number on the 4th of February, 1876, soon after the death of William H. Gault, who was founder and editor of the paper. It was in the quarto form, with five columns to the page. During the first few months of its existence, O. P. Wharton and George W. Shaw were associated with Mr. Gault as assistant editors, and it was one of the most lively and interesting papers ever published in New Castle.

The United Workman, a paper published in the interest of the Order of United Workmen, made its appearance in December, 1875. It was a sixteen-page paper, with three wide columns to the page, and was edited by Wm. S. Black and Joseph Moorhead. It was only published for a few months, the support given not being sufficient to warrant its continuance.

The New Era, a prohibition paper, the first ever published in New Castle, made its appearance on the 21st of September, 1875. It was an eight-column folio. Its original proprietor was James K. Frew, of New Lisbon, Ohio, and its editor was James A. Gardner. Mr. Frew subsequently disposed of his interest to Mr. Gardner, who continued its, publication until the latter part of February, 1875, when he sold the material to T. Burton, who began the publication of the Paragraph, March 3d, 1876.

The first number of the Public Spirit was issued on the 4th of July, 1876. It was a weekly paper, being the first of the kind in New Castle, and was published by Wm. S. Black and Joseph Moorhead. It was a five-column folio and began as an independent paper, politically, but afterwards espoused the principles of the greenback element. It was well edited, but, after a publication of about four months, was forced to succumb, for lack of support. The foregoing list comprises all the papers that have at any time, so far as known, been published in New Castle.

At the present writing (March, 1877), there are three weekly papers published in New Castle, to wit: The Lawrence Guardian, edited by Geo. W. McCracken, the New Castle Courant, edited by E. S. Durban; and the Lawrence Paragraph, published by Penn and Stone, Geo. W. Penn, editor--the former two, Republican; the last-named, Democratic, politically.

New Castle monopolizes the newspaper business of the county, there being no publication, of any description, we believe, outside its limits. There is, perhaps, no pursuit which so well illustrates the ups and downs of life as the calling of a printer. Though named the "Art Preservation of Arts," yet its votaries sometime find themselves unable to preserve even the appearance of gentility; and the journeyman printer has been, from the days of Franklin to the present time, the most remarkable specimen of the genus homo known to traveling professionals. The printer's experience is a ladder, with its foot in the substratum of society, it may be, but whose topmost round, like the one in the Patriarch's vision, reaches to heaven. An intelligent, independent press is one of the main-stays of a Democratic form of government, and so long as it is conducted upon those principles which look solely to the good of the whole people, the country is safe, and a "free government shall not perish from the earth." Beside the regular newspaper offices, there is quite an extensive job printing establishment on Washington street, of which Messrs. Thomas & Miller are proprietors.

EARLY MANUFACTURES.

Probably the first grist-mill in or near New Castle, was the one erected by John Elliott on the Neshannock creek, about east from where the Episcopal Church now stands, at the foot of Shaw's hill. It was constructed of logs, and was no doubt a primitive affair. It is said to have been erected about the year 1800. It was soon after partially destroyed, and was rebuilt and refitted in 1803 by Nicholas Vaneman. It contained one set of "Laurel Hill stones," and just sufficient machinery to put them in motion. At that early day there was very little grain to grind, the first being corn, which of course was not bolted. When the settlers began to raise wheat it became necessary to have a bolt, which Vaneman procured and put in operation. It seems to have been worked by turning a crank by hand, probably because there was not sufficient power in the rude machinery and wheels to run the whole establishment by water.

In 1803 or 1804 John Carlysle Stewart, the original proprietor of the town, in company with James Reynolds, and by one authority, also with Joseph Townsend, built a grist and saw-mill at the head of the narrows on the east side of the Neshannock. These mills were run by the above named firm, or by Stewart & Reynolds, until about 1810-11 when Reynolds sold out either to Stewart or one Wilkins (who became a partner with Stewart), and went up the creek about three miles farther to Eastbrook, where he built another mill. After Reynolds sold out, Stewart, and as some accounts say, the Wilkins above named, took out the machinery and transformed the grist-mill into a forge for the manufacture of hammered iron. The firm carried on the work for two or three years, when finding it unprofitable, they rented the works, about 1814, to a man named Douglass who had a partner--name not known. These men claimed to be practical iron workers, and they operated the forge for a year and a-half or two years when they in turn abandoned it as unprofitable. Not long afterward, about 1816, the Neshannock arose in its dignity and carried away a portion of the works, and successive floods finally swept away the last vestige of the first iron manufactory in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Previous to the erection of the grist-mills before spoken of, all the grain in this region was either floated down the Beaver river to Beaver Falls in canoes and brought back in the same way, or taken on horseback to one Allen's mill on the Slippery Rock creek, near the south eastern border of the county. In those primitive times such things as elevators for handling grain had not been thought of, much less put in operation. The farmer drove his team to the door, and the miller took the grist on his back and carried it into the mill, and in the same laborious manner loaded it up for the customer when the grinding was done. A grist-mill was built as early as 1811, by David White, a brother of Crawford White, in the south central part of the town, lying east of the Neshannock creek. It was erected near the foot of the hill on the little run coming down from the east, which even in that early day had only a moiety of water in its channel. It was built principally for the purpose of grinding grain for his distillery.

The distillery was erected at the same time, and the two were run together until about 1814 or 1815.

DISTILLERIES.

Crawford White also had a small distillery, erected about 1810-11, very near where J. T. Phillips' dwelling now stands. He used the water from the spring on Mr. White's premises. This distillery was run until about 1813. Another distillery was owned by William Moorhead, and built about the same time as the others, on his farm a mile below New Castle, and now in Taylor township.

In those days whisky was almost the only commodity which would bring at all times ready money, and there were a large number of distilleries, on a small scale, in operation in various parts of the country. The whisky made in the vicinity of New Castle was mostly consumed in the neighborhood. It was considered a legitimate and honorable business, and was perhaps more lucrative than any other pursuit. At one time, according to Joseph Justice's recollection, there were no less than sixteen distilleries in North Beaver township.

TANNERIES.

According to some authorities, Joseph Townsend, Jr. started the first tannery establishment in New Castle as early as 1805. In 1808 it became the property of William Dickson, who had emigrated from near Chambersburg Pa., and settled in New Castle that year. The tannery stood on land now owned by Isaac Dickson, a few rods south of his present residence. Mr. Dickson operated it until about the time of his death, in 1831. His son Isaac continued the business until 1866, when it had become unprofitable, and was abandoned. These works contained twenty-one vats, and manufactured annually about one thousand pieces of leather of various kinds.

In 1857 Mr. Dickson opened a leather store in connection with his tannery, and continued it until the tannery was abandoned, when he engaged in the hardware business.

The second tannery in the place was put in operation by John Tidball, father of the present postmaster, about 1820. It stood in what was for a long time known as "Reynoldstown," on the Pittsburgh road, near the court house. About 1840, he sold the property to Robert Reynolds, who continued the business until about 1868-69.

[p. 46]

The third one was put in operation by Thomas Falls somewhere between the years 1820 and 1825, on a lot lying east of Mr. Dickson, near Mercer street. Mr. Falls continued the busines until the time of his death, 1862-63. After his death his son, Wilson Falls, continued it until about 1870, when it was abandoned.

William Moore established a small tannery in what is called West New Castle, about 1850. He carried on the business for a few years, when he removed to the West, but after an absence of some ten years returned to New Castle, where he still resides.

Robert Patterson established another small tanning establishment in South New Castle, about 1852-53, and operated it until 1873-74, when it was discontinued.

In the early days of Western Pennsylvania, the tanning business was carried on by numerous small establishments, located in nearly every town and hamlet in the country. Sometimes there were four or five in operation at the same time in a small town, and often the business was to be found away from the towns, at cross-roads, or upon some farmer's premises.

When the business was first started in this region, oak bark was used exclusively, but at a later period hemlock bark largely took its place, though oak was still used to some extent. The oak bark was obtained in the neighborhood of each tannery, but the hemlock was brought from Crawford and Erie counties. Hemlock was not much used until after the completion of the canal, when it was brought down in boats.

The market was principally domestic, though eventually considerable stock was shipped to Pittsburgh.

MANUFACTURE OF HATS.

Isaac Jones was probably the first to commence the manufacture of Hats in New Castle. He opened a shop about the year 1805, and continued the business until 1816, when he removed to Somerset county, Pa., but returned to New Castle again in 1819, and carried on the business until his death. John and Isaac Townsend opened the second hatters' shop about 1807-8. They were sons of Joseph Townsend, Sr., and learned their trade of their brother-in-law, Thomas Evans, at Sharon, Beaver county, Pa.

Joseph Justice, White McMillen, and perhaps others, learned the trade of Mr. Jones, and afterwards carried on business for themselves.

Mr. Justice opened a shop in 1819, and continued the business until 1851, when he retired.

James Dunlap was another hatter who commenced business about 18l0-ll and continued it until near his death, in 1830. William Cox, who learned the trade of Joseph Justice, opened a shop about 1825, and worked at the business some twelve or fourteen years. He died in the Fall of 1876, in New Castle.

White McMillen commenced business for himself about 1830, on Jefferson street, south of the "Diamond," and continued it for about twenty years. About three years after quitting the business of manufacturing, he opened a hat, cap and fur store, which he has continued to the present time.

In the palmy days of the hatting business, when every town supplied its own neighborhood, all the various branches incident to the trade were carried on, including buying and selling furs, and manufacturing every variety of hats then worn, silk, fur, wool, &c., except those for Summer wear. In good times, Mr. McMillen employed three hands besides himself. The market was principally at home, but during the winter months they sometimes manufactured a stock of wool hats for export to Pittsburgh and other large towns.

LINSEED OIL WORKS.

The first oil-mill in New Castle was put in operation about 1841-42, by E. C. and G. O. Griswold, on ground east of Washington street, near the bank of the Neshannock creek, on lots now owned by White, Reiber, Peebles and Dunn. About 1850-51, the Griswolds, sold to Robert Wallace, who continued the business for some time. The first-named gentlemen took a large share of the machinery to Warren, Ohio, where they established works, which are still carried on by G. O. Griswold. At the time the original mill was built in New Castle, there were no buildings on the block now so solidly built up, and but few on the east side of Washington street. In 1838 the block between Mill and Mercer streets, on the east side of Washington, was fenced with boards and planted to potatoes. There was a small frame building on the northwest corner, occupied by R. W. Stewart as a tailor shop.

Another oil-mill was erected by James Hamilton, about 1842-43, on the east side of the Neshannock, near R. W. Cunningham's foundry. James Hamilton and Alexander Newell operated this mill until about 1846, when J. N. and S. C. Euwer (the latter since dead) purchased a half interest in the concern, and at the same time Mr. Newell retired. Business was continued under the firm name of Euwer, Hamilton & Co., Until about 1856, when the firm purchased an interest in a mill in Allegheny City, and removed most of the machinery. Since that date, the business of manufacturing linseed oil has been abandoned in New Castle.

CARDING WORKS, BASS AND SNARE DRUM MANUFACTORY, &c.

On the ground now occupied by the keg factory attached to the Etna Iron Works, James D. White erected, about 1837, a two-story frame building, which was variously occupied. In the upper story were two carding machines, which were operated by one Benjamin White, a relative. In the, lower story Ezra Perry had an establishment for the manufacture of bass and snare drums. It is said he made the best goods in the market, and they were sold in various places throughout the United States. He carried on the business until about 1841. The carding machines were also running until about the same date.

An addition was made to this building about 1838-39, in which a manufactory of shovels was carried on for J. D. White, or his estate, superintended by one Henry Williams, from Pittsburgh, a practical mechanic. Some time after White's death, the property, was sold to the Crawford brothers, who converted the building into a blast house, for blowing a refinery for smelting iron.

GRIST-MILL, TURNING LATHES, &c.

About the year 1842, after the sale of the White property to the Crawfords, Benjamin White, Henry Williams and William Clark erected a building at the lower end of Mill street, near the Neshannock pool, on the west side of the street. In this building were included a grist-mill, with one run of stone; a carding-mill, with two sets of machinery, transferred from the mill sold to the Crawfords, and two or three turning lathes, for turning out various descriptions of wood work. This establishment was destroyed by fire in the latter part of 1844, and never rebuilt. Williams went into the employ of Crawfords & Co., as engineer in the nail factory, and continued until about 1854, when he removed to Kansas and settled at Lawrence, one of the early settlers.

GRIST AND FLOUR-MILLS.

Among the earlier mills in New Castle were a grist and saw-mill, erected by Crawford White, about 1818. They were both frame buildings, and stood on or near the ground now occupied by Raney's mill. Mr. White died about 1834, and his oldest son, James D., soon after rebuilt the mills. The gristmill was of brick, three stories in height. James D. White, died in 1840, and in 1841 the mills, along with other property, were sold to Crawford brothers and Ritter. In 1844 Joseph Kissick, who had settled here from Westmoreland county in 1831, purchased the property, and soon after raised the upper story from a hip-roof to a full story, and improved the mill to the amount of $5,500. It was destroyed by fire in 1851, and with it 10,000 bushels of wheat. Mr. Kissick's loss was very heavy, but he re-built the mill the same year, and continued the business until 1865, when he sold the property to Mr. Leander Raney, who operated it until 1873, when Mr. William Gordon purchased an interest, and the firm has since been Raney, & Gordon. Considerable additions and improvements were made by Mr. Raney, and the mill is in excellent order, and doing a large business. It contains five run of stone, and has a capacity for grinding about 350 busbels of grain per day. It is doing both merchant and custom work.

Joseph T. Boyd and John Willson built a brush dam and erected a sawmill on the present site of the dam and mill of Pearson, Clapp & Co., at an early day. They afterwards sold to Peebles & McCormick, about 1845 probably, who made preparations to erect iron-works. They collected considerable material on the ground, in the shape of timber, lumber, &c., but finally went into the business with the Orizaba Iron Works Company. They sold the property to Henry Pearson, who built a new dam and grist-mill in 1854, which he operated until 1868, when the mill and waterpower became the property of his sons Henry and Warner Pearson, and his son-in-law, Captain J. M. Clapp, who are the present owners under the firm name of Pearson, Clapp & Co. The mill contains four run of stone, and is doing an extensive business in both merchant and custom-work. The power is a very fine one, with a fall of some eight or ten feet, and the dam and flanking walls are built in a most substantial manner.*

*See Early History of New Castle for additional items.

Henry Pearson purchased the property and water-power where the present paper-mills are now located, about 1830. He built a dam in 1833, and erected a saw-mill in 1834. This property he operated until 1868, when he sold to J. Harvey & Co., who erected paper-mills which are now operated by, Job Harvey and Alfred McKarns.

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SHENANGO IRON WORKS.

The most extensive manufacturing establishment in the county.

In 1845, Joseph H. Brown, Joseph Higgs and Edward Thomas formed a co-partnership, for the purpose of building a mill for the manufacture of iron. The ground was purchased of Isaiah and James White, and buildings erected. During the first year, the company had no boiling furnaces, and purchased their "muck bar of Messrs. Crawford & Co., of the "Cosalo" Iron Works, now the Ætna Iron Works. In 1846, Robert H. Peebles and Pollard McCormick were added to the company, and the firm changed to McCormick, Peebles, Brown & Co., and the works were christened the "Orizaba" Iron Works. The new firm, individually, added to the works a a mill for the manufacture of merchant bar-iron, nails and muck bar. The works were successfully carried on until July, 1847, when they were entirely destroyed by fire. They were rebuilt the same year, and a nail factory, with twenty-four machines, and a keg factory were added.

In 1848, four additional boiling furnaces were put in operation, and a "Burden squeezer" took the place of the trip-hammer In 1850, the firm changed to Peebles & Co., and in 1852, Mr. P. McCormick became the sole proprietor. In 1853, Mr. McCormick erected the "Sophia" furnace, and operated the entire establishment until 1855, when the works became the property of Knapp, Wilkins & Co., who continued the business until 1859. During this period, four additional boiling furnaces and seven nail machines were added to the works. The establishment was idle from 1859 to 1863, and the various buildings and machinery became more or less injured and decayed.

The suspension of such extensive works caused great depression in business and values in and around New Castle, and many people removed to other localities. During these four years of idleness, many efforts were made to dispose of the works, but without effect. The principal reasons operating against a sale were the want of facilities for procuring coal, which had to be hauled a distance of four miles in wagons, and the fact that the only means of shipment was by canal, which was closed for a considerable portion of the year. Finally, in 1863, a sale was affected to Messrs. Reis, Richards,& Berger, gentlemen of means and large practical experience, who at once rebuilt and enlarged the works, and changed the name to Shenango Iron Works. The repairs having been completed, the rolling-mill was put in operation on the 16th of June, 1863; the nail factory, on the 6th of July; and the furnace, on the 24th of October.

During the next year, the New Castle and Beaver Valley railway was put in operation, and soon after it the Erie and Pittsburgh railway.

In July, 1864, Mr. Richards retired from the firm, and Mr. W. H. Brown, of Pittsburgh, took his place, the firm then becoming Reis, Brown & Berger.

In the year 1864, the company purchased the Hanging Rock Iron Works, in Ohio, the machinery of which was brought to New Castle, and a sheet-mill, 113 by 139 feet, erected, in which the sheet-rolls and nail-plate-rolls removed from the rolling-mills were set up. These arrangements greatly increased the facilities of the works. Three extensive fire-brick kilns were also built, having the capacity of 50,000 bricks each. In the Spring of 1865, the firm commenced the manufacture of red brick, not only furnishing for their own use, but for the general market. The Disciples' and Catholic churches were erected of these bricks. In 1868, a large and commodious brick warehouse, for the storage of nails and sheet-iron, was erected.

During the season of 1866, Mr. James Rhodes built a railway from his extensive coal mines, four miles north of New Castle, to the mills. Trestle-work was put up, and tracks laid in such manner as to accommodate each of the furnaces.

In the Spring of 1870, a branch railway was built, connecting the works with both the New Castle and Beaver Valley and the Erie and Pittsburgh rail-ways. The same year many improvements and additions were made; such as new boiling-furnaces, nail-machines, hot-blasts, engines, boilers, engine-houses, &c.

On the 6th of November, 1871, the stave factory connected with the keg works, was destroyed by fire, but was immediately rebuilt. In the Fall of the same year the "Moffatt furnace" was purchased, enlarged and added to the works. The name was changed to "Little Pet."

In 1872, the extensive fire-brick works were erected, having a capacity of 20,000 bricks per week.

In this same year, also, the company purchased all that part of the canal lying between the south line of the city and the Neshannock creek.

The erection of the "Rosena Furnace," 22 by 77 feet, was also commenced about the same date, and rapidly pushed to completion. It was "blown in on the 3d of June, 1873, and has continued in blast till the present time (December, 1876), having in the interval produced about 75,000 tons of metal.

In 1874, the old (stone stack) "Sophia furnace" was entirely remodeled and enlarged, after having been in blast six years upon the same lining.

At present (December, 1876), the "Shenango Iron Works" occupy about twenty acres of ground, located in the Fourth ward of the city of New Castle, and consist of three blast-furnaces, with a capacity for producing 50,000 tons of pig-metal per annum; two rolling-mills, with twenty-seven boiling and eleven heating-furnaces; five trains of rolls; a nail-factory, with fifty-five machines, and a capacity of 10,000 kegs of nails per month; a spike-factory, with three machines; nine steam and three blowing-engines; eleven hot-blasts; eight steam-pumps; twenty steam-boilers; five power, and one steam-shears; a stave and keg manufactory, with a capacity for making 300,000 nail-kegs per annum; two fire-brick yards, with a capacity of 1,000,000 bricks annually; and a red-brick yard, which manufactures yearly several million bricks.

Altogether the firm own and operate about four miles of railway tracks for the delivering of stock and the removal of products. Of the product of pig-iron, about 350 tons per week are worked up in the rolling-mill, and the balance, say 650 tons, is shipped to various points. The nails are sold principally in the west and northwest, and the bar and sheet-iron in all portions of the United States and British provinces.

About 700 men are directly employed, when the works are in full operation. Indirectly about 300 more are employed in mining coal, iron, limestone, &c., making an aggregate of about 1,000 men, representing a population of at least 3,000 people deriving their livelihood from the "Shenango Iron Works."

The establishment is under the, superintendence of Mr. Andrew B. Berger, who, with the assistance of competent and experienced "bosses" and work- men, carries on the immense works without a jar. Mr. Alexander T. McCurdy has charge of the brick manufacturing department, and his thorough experience in that line insures success.

The financial branch of this extensive establishment is conducted by Mr. George C. Reis. This department requires thorough experience and ability, as the simple statement that the pay-roll alone frequently reaches $45,000 per month, amply testifies, without taking into consideration the large sums paid out for stock and material of various kinds-coal, iron, limestone, oil, lumber, &c. Add to these taxes, insurance, &c., &c., and it can be easily seen that great skill and experience and remarkable financial ability are required to successfully conduct the enormous amount of business transacted by a first-class manufactory, like the Shenango Iron Works.

ÆTNA IRONWORKS.

The original of these works consisted of a rolling-mill and nail-factory, built by James D. White, in the Fall of 1838. The contractors who erected these works were James H. Brown, now of the firm of Brown, Bonnell & Co., of Youngstown, Ohio, and Mr. S. Wilder, a gentleman since extensively connected with the manufacturing business of this vicinlty. Brown built the rolling-mill and Wilder the nail-factory. The establishment, when completed, included one train of rolls run by water-power, two heating furnaces and eight nail machines. The nail plates were rolled from blooms manufactured in Juniata county, Pa. there were at that date no blast furnaces in this region. The fuel used was coal from the mines north of New Castle, in Neshannock township. Mr. White operated these works until the Fall of 1839, when his failing health led him to visit St. Thomas, in the West Indies, but without any beneficial results; he died at St. Croix after a short sojourn, and was buried there. After his death the works remained idle until the Autumn of 1840, when Mr. White's administrators leased them to Messrs. Brown, Higgs & Wilder, who operated them for a little more than a year, when they were sold to Crawford Brothers & Ritter. The purchase also included the flour-mill belonging to the estate. The new firm were men of extensive means, but had little experience in practical manufacturing. Messrs. Brown & Wilder, being experienced in the business, a co-partnership was soon after formed between them and the late purchasers, and the firm became Crawfords & Co. This partnership was confined to the iron works, the flouring mill and other manufacturing being run by Crawfords & Ritter. This arrangement was made in the Spring of 1840, and continued until 1848, when Mr. Wilder purchased Brown's interest, the latter gentleman taking an interest in the Shenango Iron Works, then known as the "Orizaba Iron Works." About 1842, the firm had abandoned water-power, mostly, and substituted steam, putting in a fine large engine, which is still in use. In 1846 a new nail-factory of stone and brick was erected, and the number of ma-[p. 48] chines increased from eight to thirty; and the firm also added a bar and guide-mill.

About the year 1845, a charcoal blast-furnace was erected near New Wilmington by Crawford, Powers & Co. The Crawfords subsequently bought out Powers and put it in as stock, and it was operated in connection with the works in New Castle. The firm also purchased the "Mahoning Furnace," at Lowellville, Ohio, built by Wilkinson, Wilkes & Co., of Buffalo, N. Y., about 1847. It is claimed that this furnace was the first to use raw coal for smelting purposes in this region.

In 1850 a chartered stock company was formed under the unique name of the "Cosalo Iron Company," of which A. L. Crawford was president and Wm. P. Reynolds, secretary, (afterwards succeeded by James Crawford).

This firm continued to do business until the latter part of 1857, when the stock company was dissolved. In 1856, the company made a contract with the Cleveland and Columbus railway to furnish ten thousand tons of compound rail, and the Lowellville furnace was purchased with a view to manufacturing the pig-iron for the job. While filling this contract, the nail business was suspended and the machinery was sold to the Sharon Iron Company.

After the completion of this large contract, the company built thirty new nail machines and again commenced the manufacture of nails, spikes, and bar iron, and continued the business until the latter part of 1857 or the beginning of 1858, when, as stated before, the stock company was dissolved, and the works were purchased by the Crawford brothers, including the Lowellville furnace. Mr. Wilder took the New Wilmington furnace, but like all the old charcoal furnaces, it was unprofitable and was abandoned about 1860. Mr. Wilder soon after removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he assisted in the construction of the Otis rolling-mill and forge, known as the "Lake Erie Iron Works, in which he also was a partner. He remained at Cleveland for two years, when he disposed of his interest in the works and returned to New Castle. The Crawford brothers continued until 1864, when they disposed of the works to Dithridge & Co., of Pittsburgh, who re-christened the establishment the "Lawrence Iron Works." In 1872 Dithridge & Co. sold the works to a firm from Syracuse, N. Y., who called them the "Onondaga Iron and Nail Works." During their proprietorship several new nail machines, a number of trains of rolls and a new engine were added, and the factory was also enlarged.

In March, 1874, the works were leased by Kimberly and Carnes, of Sharon, and soon after the two companies were consolidated, and the firm are the present owners.

In this connection it is proper to give some account of the ÆTNA FURNACES. These furnaces, two in number, were erected by the "Lawrence Iron Company" about 1867. Their capacity was about forty tons each per day. They were run by the company until 1872, when Mr. Samuel Kimberly purchased and operated them until the consolidation with the Syracuse Company, since which they have been run in connection with the "Ætna Iron Works."

These works at present consist of two blast furnaces, twenty-one boiling furnaces, five heating furnaces, a muck-bar mill, a nail-plate mill, a merchant-bar mill, a guide mill and fifty-three nail machines, with sufficient rolls for all sizes of iron and nails.

The firm employ in the aggregate, when in full running order, about three hundred hands. The works have a capacity for turning out between ten and eleven thousand kegs of nails and spikes monthly, or about 125,000 kegs annually. They also mauufacture guide and merchant iron in large quantities. The shipping facilities are good, the works being connected with all the railways passing through New Castle, by numerous tracks which have been laid at large expense by the company.

BRADLEY, REIS & CO.

The nucleus of these works was originally put in operation in 1873, under the name of the "New Castle Iron Works," by a stock company, of which R. W. Cunningham was president, and William Patterson, secretary and treasurer.

The project and plan subsequently adopted, were originated by Mr. S. Wilder, who was a heavy stockholder. He also superintended the erection of the buildings, but did not continue very long as a partner, disposing of his stock in the Fall of the same year in which the works were erected. In July, 1875, Messrs. Bradley, Reis & Co., purchased the works, and have since operated them.

In 1876 the firm erected a mill for the manufacture of cold-rolled iron. The works at present consist of one blast furnace, and a plate and sheet-iron mill, with three trains of rolls. The average product of the works is about twenty tons of muck-bar iron per day, which is all manufactured into merchant iron on the premises. The average number of hands employed is about one hundred and fifty.

The works are in fine condition, and thoroughly fitted up for doing extensive and satisfactory work. They are connected by ample tracks, with both lines of railway, and have uncommon facilities for the transaction of a large business.

THE COKING BUSINESS.

A short distance above New Castle, on the Neshannock creek, are extensive coking ovens, numbering, in the aggregate, about eighty, which are owned by a Pittsburgh firm, but, on account of stagnation in business, or for some other cause, they are, at present, not in operation.

NEW CASTLE MANUFACTURING CO.

The original of the present extensive establishment was put in operation about the year 1866, by the same firm that are now running it, as a bolt and nut factory, with Andrew B. Berger as president.

After a short experience, finding the business did not come up to their anticipations, the works were metamorphosed into a foundry and machine shop.

A large foundry building was erected in 1868, the machine shop was enlarged, and most of the nut and bolt machinery taken out, and about 1871 the change had become complete. The works have since been greatly enlarged from time to time, until, at the present time, they are among the most extensive in the country.

The business is mostly confined to the manufacture of machinery for rolling-mills and blast-furnaces. The works have a capacity, when in full running order, for the employment of about seventy men.

The machinery is complete in every respect, and ample for the transaction of a very extensive business.

The market for the manufactures is found principally in the Shenango valley. Good facilities for shipping purposes are afforded by the three railways centering here, with which the works are connected by side tracks and switches.

The present officers of the company are, Andrew B. Berger, president, Geo. L. Reis, secretary and treasurer, and W. H. Harrison, superintendent.

NESHANNOCK IRON COMPANY.

This establishment was put in operation in 1872 by a company consisting of Geo. L. Reis, W. E. Reis, P. L. Kimberly and G. A. Kimberly, for the manufacture of pig-iron exclusively. The capacity of the works, when in full running order, is eighteen thousand tons per annum. Lake Superior ores are exclusively used. The company manufacture a peculiar quality of iron which is shipped to Harrisburg, where it is manufactured into steel rolls. The number of hands employed averages about forty. W. E. Reis, manager.

THE CROWTHER IRON CO.--"CLARA FURNACE."

These works were put in operation in August, 1873, by the same firm who are now operating them. The buildings were erected in June, 1872.

The manufacture is confined to common pig-iron and Bessemer steel metal. The capacity is about the same as that of the Neshannock Iron Company, or eighteen thousand tons per annum. The furnace is sixteen feet "bosh." The Lake Superior ores are used exclusively. About forty hands are employed. The products are marketed at Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Johnstown, Greenville and other points. The standard fuel used is Connellsville coke. L. Raney, manager.

FOUNDRIES AND MACHINE SHOPS.

R. W. Cunningham erected a frame building, and put an iron foundry in operation in 1839, on the ground occupied by the present foundry building of Cunningham & Co. It was quite an extensive establishment from the start, employing from twenty to twenty-five hands. A general foundry business was transacted, and the works turned out large numbers of plows, stoves and a great amount of mill-gearing.

A machine shop was added in 1847. Previous to entering upon the foundry business, Mr. CunuiDgbam had been engaged in the mercantile business in New Castle. He opened a general country store in 1835 on the lot now occupied by Cubbison's drug store. His store building stood a little back from Washington street. Business was carried on, at and near that place, until 1852, when it was consolidated with the foundry on the east side, changing gradually to stoves and hardware.

In addition to his other extensive business operations, Mr. Cunningham also had a warehouse situated on the slackwater of the Neshannock, opposite [p. 49] his foundry, where he did a large Forwarding, COMMiSSiOD, freighting, and general produce business. The grain business in those days was quite extensive, and in the best years (about 1841-42,) as many as one thousand bushel were received daily, and shipped principally to Cleveland, Ohio, by canal.

The firm was R. W. Cunningham up to about 1844, and from that date to 1853, George IV. Jackson, of Pit burgb, had an interest, under the firRI name of R. W. Cunningham & Co. From 1853 to 1865, Mr. Cunningham conducted the entire business in his own name. In the last-named year several of the employees became partners, since which the firm has been Cunningham & Co.

The foundry was rebuilt of brick in 1852, and a brick ware-room was also added at the same time. In connection with the forwarding business, the firm handled large amounts of ground plaster, which was much more extensively used at that time than now by the farmers of Western Pennsylvania. A mill for grinding the raw material was erected by the firm in 1844-45, and from that date the plaster was purchased in the lump by the cargo at Erie, brought to New Castle by canal and manufactured here. The raw material was obtained mostly from Grand river in Canada. This business has been continued to the present time, though the demand has been steadily diminishing for some years.

In 1868 a new machine shop of brick, three stories in height, and 90 by 40 feet in dimensions, was erected and fitted up to accommodate the increasing business of the establishment. The works at present are very complete, and comprise a foundry, a machine shop, plaster mill, warehouse, pattern shop, blacksmith shop, stove-fitting shop, and all the various buildings and appurtenances, required in a first-class establishment.

The aggregate amount of capital invested in real estate, machinery, tools, &c., &c., is about $60,000. The works do a general foundry and finishing business. Among the heavier castings are stoves, mill-gearing for grist and saw-mills; rolls, rolling-mill and hot-blast castings, steam engines, car-wheels, &c., &c. In connection with mill-gearings, the firm make something of a specialty of the celebrated "Bryson Turret Case Turbine Water-wheel," which they claim is the best wheel in use. The works have a capacity for employing sixty hands. The present firm consists of R. W. Cunningham, John H. Hartsuff and J. P. H. Cunningham.

LAWRENCE FOUNDRY AND MACHINE SHOP.

A small foundry was originally started on the ground now occupied by the present extensive works, by Messrs. Pearson, McConnell & Co., in 1848, who carried on a general business for about two years, when the firm was changed to Ouest, McConnell & Co., who operated the establishment until 1855. During their occupancy, the large brick machine-shop, now in use, was built.

In 1855 the firm again changed to Quest, Westerman & Co. This firm carried on business until 1857, when another change took place, and it became Quest, Shaw & Co. This firm continued the business for about ten years, when the name was changed to Quest & Shaw, who continued until 1872, when the name changed to the present firm, Shaw, Waddington & Co.

These works are doing a general business in the foundry and finishing line. The work turned out consists largely of cooking and heating stoves, grate fronts, &c., &c. The amount of capital invested aggregates twenty-five thousand dollars, and in good times and in full running order, from twenty to thirty hands are employed in the varius departments of the establishment. The works are complete in every particular, and thoroughly fitted up and prepared to do the best quality of work in every branch of the business. The annual sales of manufactured work reach twenty-five thousand dollars.

The works are conveniently located, between the old canal and the Neshannock creek.

Steam power is used exclusively.

NEW CASTLE AGRICULTURAL WORKS.

An establishment, under the above name, was put in operation by a stock company, consisting of Luther Woods, the Phillips brothers, John Elder, and A. B. Smith & Son, in 1869-70. The original capital was $40,000. The construction of the works was under the superintendence of Mr. Luther Woods. They were located in Union township, opposite the northwest portion of New Castle.

The entire establishment was fitted up with the latest and most approved machinery, and was very complete, and calculated for an extensive business. The manufacturing business was commenced in the Spring of 1870, and carried on for about two years, with every prospect of ultimate success, when, in the month of February, 1872, the entire works and machinery were destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of about $60,000, on which there was an insurance in various companies of $20,000. The firm manufactured mowing and reaping-machines, and sulky horse-rakes.

The original capital of the coiupany was all absorbed in the buildings and machinery, and the loss fell so heavily upon tlteui, that the works were Dot rebuilt.

During the time of operation, the works consisted of a wood working and fitting shop, a foundry for manufacturing their castings, a large black-smith shop, a warehouse, &c.

Their principal and most reliable market was in this immediate vicinity, but large exportations were made to the Western States. Among the best machines manufactured by the firm was the "Lawrence Mower," invented and patented by, A. B. Smith, of Rochester, Beaver county, Pennsvivania. From thirty to fifty hands were employed.

CARRIAGE WORKS.

The buildings occupied by this establishment on Shenango street, near the river, were erected by Pearson & Co., in 1868. The original design of the firm was to go into the business of manufacturing agricultural implements. The works were operated in accordance with that design some three or four years, when finding the business hardly fulfilling their expectations, the proprietors changed the business to carriage and wagon manufacturing, which was continued until June, 1873, when Mr. T. W. Smith, of Mercer, purchased the tools and stock, and carried on the business for about two years, when he was taken sick and died, and his brother sold the stock and tools to A. R. Hardesty, who is at present conducting the business. The real estate still belongs to Pearson & Co., who lease to Mr. Hardesty. Every description, of work in the line is made, and the works are doing quite an extensive business giving employment, when in full running order, to fifteen hands.

The "hard times" affect this like all the other branches of industry, but with trade in its normal condition, the carriage business ought to be large and profitable in such a city as New Castle.

FURNITURE MANUFACTORY.

The business of manufacturing furniture was started by James Mitchell and Calvin Miller, about 1869, in the building formerly occupied by Euwer's oil works, and continued until the Fall of 1871, when Miller sold out to Mitchell. Mr. Miller died July 7th, 1872. After he sold his interest, Wilson Mitchell, a brother of James, took an interest in the business, under the firm name of Mitchell & Co., which co-partnership continued until the Fall of 1873, or beginning of 1874, when the brothers dissolved and sold out to Samuel Dunn, who took his son into partnership, and has since continued the business under the name of S. Dunn & Son.

The firm manufacture all descriptions of furniture, making a specialty, however, of extension and breakfast-tables. The lumber is purchased principally in Lawrence, Crawford and Mercer counties, and consists of black walnut and cherry mostly. The establishment, when in full running order, employs about seven hands. The power used is steam, exclusively, and a fine engine of 25 horse-power drives all the necessary machinery. The market for their manufactures is principally domestic.

This branch of industry is gradually concentrating in the large cities, like Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Chicago, &c., where all the facilities in the way of large capital, cheap and abundant material, and a steady market, are found par excellence.

Among the manufacturers which formerly flourished in every town throughout the country, were those of furniture, tanning, boot and shoe-making, and hat manufacturing.

EXCHANGE WOOLEN MILL.

This mill was erected by McKarns & Love, about 1866. When first put in operation it contained only one set of machinery, but a second set was soon after added. The firm carried on the business until 1873, when McKarns sold his interest to Love, who took his sons into partnership, and the firm has since been H. Love and Sons. The mill is now what is called a "two-set mill," and is completely fitted up and arranged for doing an extensive business. The firm have a store in connection with the factory, where a fine assortment of their finished goods is kept for the supply of their numerous customers.

The manufactures consist of cassimeres, flannels, blankets and yarns. The stock of wool is altogeth or purchased, in the vicinity, which is well known as a fine sheep-country. An agent is employed a portion of the time, in the country, purchasing wool, for which cash is in part paid and part goods. Con- [p. 50] siderable quantities are also purchased at the mill. The market for manfactured goods is found principally in the adjacent towns and among the farmers.

The firm have about $40,000 invested, including real estate, machinery, stock and goods on hand, and usually employ about twenty-five hands.

The mill is situated on the canal, but steam-power is used in seasons of low water. The full capacity of the works equals the manufacture of from thirty-six to forty thousand pounds of wool per annum.

This is the only woolen mill in New Castle.

NEW CASTLE PAPER AND SACK COMPANY.

In the year 1868 a stone building was erected on Neshannock creek, just within the present limits of the city of New Castle, by Job and Wm. H. Harvey, for the manufacture of sack paper. Job Harvey operated it one year, when he associated, as a partner in the business, Mr. Alfred McKarns. A brick factory, thirty-five by thirty feet, has been erected the past season (1876), and the accommodations and facilities for turning out large quantities of an excellent quality of paper are very complete. Flour-sack paper is the exclusive manufacture, and twelve men are employed in the mill. The daily production, when the works are running, is eighteen hundred pounds, valued at two hundred and fifty dollars. The old rope, used as the material from which to manufacture the paper, is purchased in the oil regions, at a cost of about two and a half cents per pound. Three thousand five hundred pounds of it are consumed daily. The mills do not run constantly through the year. The power used is both water and steam, for the former there being three turbine water-wheels, forty-eight inches in diameter, each driving a rag-engine carrying five hundred pounds of paper. One thirty-two-inch wheel is used for driving the paper-machine. When water is low, two steam engines are used, one for driving the paper-machine, the other for the rag-engines.

The sacks are at this date, December, 1876, manufactured at another establishment in the city, but the presses, type and machinery are soon to be removed to the new brick building, near the paper-mill. The sack factory employs two men and six girls. Two printing-presses are at present in use, one of them a fine Cottrell & Babcock cylinder press.

The bulk of the sack paper manufactured by this mill is shipped to Bloomington, Illinois, where it is subsequently manufactured into sacks. A few rods below this establishment, the Neshannock is spanned by a King iron bridge, erected about 1870.

Previous to that date, there was no bridge, and the stream had to be forded. It was mainly through the efforts of Mr. Harvey, that the new iron structure was built.

This mill is the only one of the kind in the county. Its reputation is excellent, and the quality of its products well known throughout the country.

PLANING MILLS AND LUMBER ESTABLISHMENTS.

The earliest lumber business in New Castle was started by Dr. Pollock and his son-in-law, Joseph S. White, about 1840. The doctor's son Hiram, afterwards purchased his father's interest, and in connection with Mr. White carried on the business for several years. About 1848 White sold to Pollock who continued it until about 1852-53, when he sold out the entire establishment to Messrs. Hamilton, Craig & Co., who continued the business until 1854, when J. M. Craig became sole proprietor and continued until 1868, when the firm became Woodworth, Craig & Co. A large planing-mill was erected in the summer of 1868, and run in connection with a saw-mill owned by Woodworth until 1873, when the new mill was built and the old saw-mill torn down and its machinery removed. On the lst of January, 1874, the firm again changed to H. A. Woodworth and Son. On the lst of April, 1875, J. M. Craig and Joseph S. White purchased the business and operated it under the firm name of J. M. Craig & Co., up to September 15, 1875, when it was again changed to Stevenson, Craig & Co., the present firm. The capital invested is $20,000. The works in busy times employ from twenty-five to thirty hands. At present about fourteen are employed.

The firm keeps constantly on hand an average of 200,000 feet of lumber, and their annual sales reach about $45,000. The market is mostly local.

G. W. Crawford & Son are also doing an extensive business in lumber, doors, sash, blinds and all kinds of building material. The beginning of this establishment was a barrel factory put in operation by Joseph Kissick about 1864. Mr. Kissick sold to Richardson & Gorley in October, 1865. This firm changed the business to a planing-mill, and about three months subsequently Richardson sold out to G. W. Crawford his interest in the business, which was conducted under the firm name of Gorley & Crawford until 1871, when Gorley sold to Crawford, who took his son into partnership and the firm has since been G. W. Crawford & Son.

The original building was a frame, which was destroyed by fire in June, 1873, and replaced by the present brick structure. The establishment is very complete in all its appointments, and prepared to transact every variety of business in its line. The capital employed is about $40,000,and the firm handle annually from two to four million feet of lumber. They employ from twenty to twenty-five hands.

OIL REFINERY.

An extensive oil refinery has lately been put in operation near New Castle. The proprietors, Messrs. B. Tripp, Jr., & Co., of Pittsburgh, purchased three acres of land of Messrs. Harvey & McKarns, near the paper-mills, and erected thereon extensive works for the refining of lubricating and carbon oils, making a specialty of the former. The works will have a capacity for producing about eight hundred barrels of refined oils per week, and will give employment to twelve or fifteen hands. The raw material is procured directly from the oil regions, from whence it is brought over the New Castle and Franklin railway, their works being situated convenient to its track. A portion of the raw oil will probably be brought from the Slippery Rock region in Lawrence county, which produces the best grade of lubricating oil in the State. A cooperage is attached to the establishment, and the company will manufacture their own casks. Their principal office is at 369 Liberty street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

LIMESTONE QUARRIES.

The most extensive quarries of limestone in the vicinity of New Castle are situated about one mile southeast of the court house, on what is known as the Irish Farm, at an elevation of nearly three hundred feet above low water mark in the Shenango river. They were first opened for extensive operations by Messrs. Green & Marquis, in 1866, who worked them for about two years, when the firm changed to Green, Marquis & Co., in 1868. This company worked them until 1873, when the firm name was changed to Green, Marquis & Johnson, who are the present proprietors.

This stone is of two varieties: the upper fourteen feet is all that is considered valuable. This is known as the gray limestone. Below this stratum is one of blue stone, from three to five feet in thickness, which sometimes furnishes a fair quality of building-stone. The workable stone is extensively quarried, the total amount reaching eighty thousand tons per annum. It is used mainly for fluxing purposes in blast-furnaces, and is exported to Sharon, Sharpsville, Middlesex, Erie, Wheatland and other points in Pennsylvania, and also to Mingo Junction and Steubenville, Ohio. This stone averages 90 per cent. carbonate of lime.

Lying immediately under the limestone is a thin stratum of coal, about, one foot in thickness. Sixty feet below this vein of coal, is another, averaging about eighteen inches in thickness, and below this is a bed of fire-clay, twelve feet thick. Sixteen feet below the clay is another vein of coal, about four feet thick. These coal veins are not, however, valuable enough to repay the labor of working them in this immediate vicinity.

The firm of Green, Marquis & Johnson are also extensively engaged in the coal business at Wampum, under the title of Davidson, Green & Co. A narrow-gauge railway runs from the quarries to New Castle.

CROTON GLASS WORKS.

The nucleus of the present extensive establishment was a small manufactory put in operation in September, 1848, by Messrs. Henderson & Morris. The works were commenced in the Fall of 1847. The original works were operated in the primitive way, only one furnace being used for melting and blowing purposes, where two are now used. The works have been confined, since they were first put in operation, exclusively to the manufacture of American window-glass. Messrs. Henderson & Morris carried on the business until July or August, 1851. During this period they made some improvements, and did a good business. The sand-rock was obtained on the premises, and the clay for manufacturing the melting-pots was imported from Germany.

In 1851 a company was organized under the name of the "Croton Glass Company." The original proprietors were stockholders and members of the new company. This company continued the business until about 1860, when it was dissolved, and the works were operated in the interest of the New Castle Savings Bank (which had purchased them), by Crowther, Watson & Co., until 1863, when Mr. A.. Arbogast purchased the property.

Under the supervision of the stock company formed in 1851, the use of the Missouri clay was introduced for certain purposes, though the German clay was considered the only material fit for making the melting-pots.

[p. 51]

Mr. Arbogast operated the works until 1867, when they became the property property of C. Ihmsen & Sons, of Pittsburgh, and the business was carried on by this firm until July, 1868, when Mr. O. C. Ihmsen became sole proprietor, and continued the business until his death, in September, 1869. The business was carried on in his name until January, 1870, when his brother, C. Ihmsen, Jr., leased the works, and operated them until October 28, 1870, when they were totally destroyed by fire. They were rebuilt in the Spring of 1871, by the administrators of the Ihmsen estate, and operated until August, 1875, by C. Ihmsen, Jr., after which they were idle until April 1, 1876, when they were leased by Mr. Forbes Holton, who is now operating them.

The works are quite extensive, and at the present time (December, 1876), about eighty hands are directly and indirectly employed. About 900 boxes of finished window glass, of all sizes, from 6x8 up to 4Ox6O inches, are produced weekly. The market is principally in the Western States, Chicago taking the largest amount of any single point. The works are run continuously for about ten months in the year, or from September to July.

Four ingredients enter into the composition of window-glass, to wit: sand, or ground sand-rock, soda ash, salt and soda. The sand-rock is found on the premises in inexhaustible quantities; the other ingredients are purchased in the market. The beautiful fire-clay, for the manufacture of the melting- pots, flattening and smoothing-stones, &c., is brought from Missouri. Formerly the imported German clay was considered the only available material, but gradually the native product has taken its place, and is now used exclusively. This clay costs about thirty dollars per ton at the works. It requires an immense amount of working and kneading before it is ready for use; and this is done by treading it in a large trough, with the naked feet, adding water as required, until it is of the proper consistency for working into the beautiful pots in which the materials for glass are melted. When the pots become useless, they are broken up, cleaned of the outside glazing which forms upon them in the furnace, ground over and used in manufacturing new pots, so there is but little waste. The whole process of glass manufacture is exceedingly interesting.

UNION GLASS WORKS.

These works, situated on the west side of the Shenango river, in Union township, were erected by a stock company, under articles of association, formed in March, 1866.

Business was commenced in August following.

The sand-rock was procured from quarries situated on the Shenango river, about two miles above the works. Both the German and Missouri clays were used for the various purposes requiring them. The business was carried on until the last of December, 1868, when a large portion, including the buildings for flattening, finishing and packing, the office, &c, were destroyed by fire. Several of the stockholders were operatives, and difficulties sprang up among the interested parties, which eventually caused the abandonment of the business, and the burnt portions have not been rebuilt. The establishment manufactured American window-glass exclusively, during the time it was in operation. The number of hands employed averaged about sixty.

The real estate is now owned by John W. Walter and James Gilmore.

NEW CASTLE POTTERY.

An establishment for the manufacture of stoneware, was originally started about the year 1862, by Messrs. Hill & Harmon, and operated for about seven years, when William Hill became sole proprietor, and has continued the business to the present time. The principal articles manufactured by Mr. Hill, consist of stone crockery, terra-cotta, stone pumps, piping, chimney-tops, flower-pots, &c. The clay is obtained at Croton, near the glass-works. About ten hands are usually employed, and the annual product is equal to about $8,000.

There is a good home market, and considerable quantities are exported to Williamsport, Lock Haven, and other points.

CROTON GARDENS AND NURSERIES.

These gardens are situated in what is called "Croton," a suburb, and portion of the Third ward of New Castle, about one mile from the post-office, in the city.

They were established in October, 1851, by Mr. Paul Butz, who purchased six acres of land, then in poor condition for cultivation, being very rough and full of stumps and underbrush, and garnished with a good supply of bowlder-stone. There was a one-and-a-half story frame dwelling, and an old stable on the premises, at the time of the purchase.

It required several years of hard, unremitting labor, to get the land in passable condition for the purposes Mr. Butz had in view. The first building erected was a small green-house, in 1853, for the cultivation of plants and flowers. Very little taste had been developed, at that day, in the cultivation of flowers among the good people of New Castle and the adjacent region, and the proprietor was obliged at first to keep up his establishment, apparently as much for his own gratification as for the accommodation of the public. Mr. Butz was thoroughly acquainted with the cultivation of plants and flowers, and also an accomplished landscape gardener, before he became a citizen of Lawrence county, having been employed for upwards of fifteen years, in some of the largest horticultural establishments, and botanical gardens of Europe. He soon became known, and his services began to be in demand in the laying out and adorning of private grounds in and around New Castle. He also furnished the first young evergreens, shade-trees, &c.

The season of 1854 was a very dry one, no rain falling between May and October, and this cause proved a serious drawback to his business. The Winter following was very severe, and the fruit in this region suffered greatly.

During the years 1855-56, the market for plants and flowers greatly improved, and in the Spring of 1856 Mr. Butz purchased and added to his place, four more acres of land, like the first, uncultivated and rough. After cleaning it off, and getting it in good order, it was planted entirely to straw-berries and peach trees. The same year he planted a young nursery of evergreens, shade-trees, shrubs, &c., &c. In 1858 he built an addition to, his greenhouse, in order to extend the cultivation of plants, and also added about twenty thousand young stock plants to his nursery, such as evergreens, small fruits, grapes, &c.

The Spring of 1859 opened with flattering prospects for a favorable season, but on the 5th of June this region was visited by a severe frost, which destroyed nearly everything not protected by the greenhouses.

In 1860, another greenhouse was added for the cultivation of bedding plants, and also about 4,000 square feet of glass for hot-beds, and cold pits for forcing early vegetables. On the 5th of June, of this year, the anniversary of the frost, a heavy storm passed over this section, accompanied by a terrible fall of hail-stones, some of them as large as hen's eggs. All the glass in the green-houses and hot-beds was broken, and great damage was done to all kinds of crops, so that the season proved very unprofitable.

The seasons of 1861-62 were exceeding favorable, and the business was very profitable. Crops of all kinds were abundant, and the cultivation of flowers soon began to be a success. In 1863 another large greenhouse was erected where the first one stood, for an increased cultivation of plants, &c. In 1864, Mr. Butz increased his facilities by the purchase of seventeen additional acres of land, which be planted in nursery stock, &c.

In 1866, about 5,000 square feet of glass were added in the way of hot- beds, and cold-frames for forcing early vegetables.

The Spring of 1867 opened with flattering prospects. His sales increased and the market began to extend to the neighboring towns of Sharon, Mercer, Greenville, Beaver Falls, Youngstown, &c., and in all these places the demand has since kept steadily increasing.

In the year 1868, the old dwelling, or a part of it, was removed to the corner of the lot and the present fine residence erected. The arrangement of the lawn was greatly improved by additions and changes.

In 1870, another large green-house was added to those already in use, for the cultivation of bedding plants. Additions were also made during this year to his nursery stock, in the shape of about 40,000 evergreens, shade-trees, shrubs, &c.

In 1872 the business largely increased, and shipments of plants, shrubs, trees, &c., were made to various portions of Pennsylvania and adjoining States. The taste for a fine class of house-plants had by this time created quite an extensive demand, to supply which, in 1873, a large hot-house was erected, and 35,000 stock plants were also added to the nursery.

In 1874 his increasing business compelled him to add two more green-houses; one large one for the cultivation of tropical plants, such as ferns, palms, bananas, pine-apples, &c., and the other a propagating house for plants in general. Both these last are heated with improved hot-water apparatus. During this season large shipments were made to the South and West as far as New Orleans, and even to California, both by mail and express. Mr. B. was also engaged during the season in laying out many fine private grounds, and furnishing them with trees, shrubs, &c.

The Spring of 1876 showed a marked increase in the business, notwithstanding the hard times, and still larger shipments were made to various parts of the United States and the Dominion of Canada. From twelve to fifteen hands were employed through the season at the grounds, and about [p. 52]fifteen traveling agents have also been employed in various parts of the country in soliciting orders. During the present season (1876), two more new greenhouses were added for the cultivation of general bedding plants. At the present time Mr. Butz is growing annually about 60,000 plants, such as roses, green-house, hot-house and bedding plants. His nursery stock of evergreens, shade-trees, ornamental shrubs, grape-vines, &c., is extensive and complete. All these splendid varieties are furnished in large or small quantities to the trade generally throughout the country, put up in the best manner and guaranteed to give entire satisfaction. He also imports largely from Europe all the newest plants and novelties of the day. He also issues annually a large illustrated catalogue, and two wholesale price-lists to dealers, in their season, which are distributed gratuitously.

The great success of these gardens and nurseries is no doubt owing to the thorough skill and knowledge obtained by Mr. Butz, through a long and successful acquaintance with the great horticultural and botanical gardens of Europe.

This knowledge and skill, coupled with untiring industry and energy, have made Mr. Butz many patrons, and his business has become at length permanent and profitable. The firm is Paul Butz & Son.

NEW CASTLE NURSERY.

This establishment was originated and put in operation by D. F. Balph and James F. McConnell, in 1868. Mr. Balph had previously been engaged for a short time in the cultivation of "small fruits" at Hammondton, thirty miles east of Philadelphia; but not finding the business as satisfactory as he had anticipated, he returned to New Castle and arranged a partnership with Mr. McConnell, as above stated. The latter gentleman had been located on the place for some years, and owned about twenty-four acres of land. Mr. Balph purchased an interest in this property. In 1869 a green-house was erected, for forcing vegetables. In the Spring of 1870 Mr. J. R. Balph purchased McConnell's interest, and the two brothers began the cultivation of flowers, fruit and ornamental trees, shrubbery, &c. Additional greenhouses were erected the same year. When the new firm was established in 1870, they purchased twelve acres of land, and in the Autumn of 1873, D. F. Balph purchased four-and-a-quarter additional acres of John Long. The original greenhouses, being only temporary structures, were taken down in 1874, and the present permanent ones erected. These stand on the last purchase of four-and-a-quarter acres, in a fine sheltered location, to which all the necessary buildings, stables, sheds, &c., were removed.

The last purchase includes, also, an extensive deposit of almost pure sand, some fifty feet in depth. An acre of this land is planted in grapes of the hardy varieties. The present grounds include fifteen acres, one-and-a-quarter acres having been sold to Mr. Alexander Balph, father of the two gentlemen constituting the firm, for a residence.

They have now three acres planted in black and red raspberries, and are cultivating, more or less extensively, strawberries, currants, gooseberries, &c., &c., all of choice varieties. In addition they are also growing a variety of fruit and ornamental trees which they furnish at lowest rates to their numerous customers.

There has been a steady increase in the demand for their various productions, although the depression in general business affects them, as it does all other branches of business. Their products are mostly sold in New Castle at the public market, though they ship considerable quantities at times to the various railroad towns in the vicinity and occasionally to Pittsburgh. Quite a large amount of flowers, are disposed of in their season, by agents who take them through the country with teams.

The immediate location of the nursery is a very fine one, and the view from the grounds is hardly surpassed in the neighborhood, overlooking as it does the city of New Castle and the valley of the Shenango. The place is about one mile south from the post-office in New Castle.

Mr. Balph is something of a connoisseur in horticultural matters. He had intended to follow teaching, but was obliged to give up the profession for a part of the time at least on account of his health, which he found was too severely taxed by constant application. The occupation of a horticulturist had always been a favorite one with him, and he entered upon it with the enthusiasm of a veteran.

Mr. Balph was formerly principal of the (old) First Ward Schools, which included the bulk of the scholars in New Castle. He is at present Professor of elocution in the young but flourishing college lately established in the city.

When Mr. Paul Butz commenced the business of horticultural floriculture and landscape gardening in 1851, he labored under the disadvantage of being situated in the midst of a community in which the taste for his profession had never been developed, and this state of society, or rather, this lack of a taste for the beautiful in nature and art continues, though in a less degree, to the present time, and the Balph brothers have been obliged, like Mr. Butz, to cultivate a taste otherwise foreign to the community.

They have been eminently successful, and the return of confidence in business circles, which every one looks forward to, will see them on the high road to success and continued prosperity. There is one very favorable feature in this business: Wherever their products, more particularly flowers, have been once introduced they always find an increasing demand upon a second visit, and thus the business continues to reproduce in an accelerating ratio the demand, when once it is fairly established.

CEMETERIES.

The earliest burying-place in the neighborhood of New Castle (with the exception of a few persons interred in private grounds), was, probably, the old ground adjoining Greenwood Cemetery on the southeast, and at present enclosed within its lines. It was probably laid out or opened for burial purposes, very soon after the country was first settled--possibly, as early as 1800; certainly, within a few years of that date. The original ground, consisting of about a half acre, was purchased by Cornelius Henderson at a very low price. Jesse Du Shane, Jared and Robert Irwin, Frank Ward, and perhaps others, bought out Hendrickson[sic] afterwards, and opened the ground to the public. The Irwins and Ward had relatives buried there.

Somewhere about 1836, another half acre was purchased of James D. White, and added to the original lot. There is no record of the date at which it was first protected by a fence, but it was probably soon after it began to be used. According to Mr. Joseph Justice's recollection, who assisted in the work, it was re-surveyed and a new fence built sometime between 1840 and 1845. This ground was used promiscuously by all classes, and was a common burial-place.

The Methodist denomination had a small burying-ground on lot No. 111, on Jefferson street, which was used as early as 1816, but the title was not made out until the 27th of June, 1820. The society had a log church adjoining, erected about 1816.

The "Seceders," as they were then called, had a burying-place at an early day, and also a small church, at the north side of North Street and facing Beaver street, which then extended no farther north than the limits of the original town-plat, as laid out by Stewart. The extension of Beaver street, at a later date, passed over the spot occupied by the old church, and also across a portion of the burying-ground.

When the "Seceders" abandoned their church and burial-ground, at the head of Beaver street, they built the stone church, still standing on Pittsburgh street, and laid out a small triangular burial-ground adjoining. The church was long since abandoned for religious uses, and has served various purposes since. The burial-ground, we believe, is no longer used for its original purpose.

The old "Seceder" and Methodist burial-grounds, in the original town, have not been used as places of sepulture for many years. A few of the remains in the Methodist ground were taken up and re-interred in the new Greenwood Cemetery.

GREENWOOD CEMETERY.

Ezekiel Sankey was originally the owner of a large share of the land upon which Greenwood Cemetery is located. He and Samuel McCleary owned lands adjoining, and a difficulty arose regarding the boundary line; Mr. Sankey claiming that it was a diagonal line, according to the plat of survey, and Mr. McCleary claiming it to be an east and west line. The matter was finally compromised between them by running an east and west line, which gave McCleary a part of what Mr. Sankey claimed, and also gave Mr. S. about ten acres off the south end of McCleary's lot. This ten acres was the nucleus of the present Greenwood Cemetery.

In the Spring of 1852, Ezekiel Sankey went to Harrisburg, and procured a charter incorporating a cemetery association, with the following-named gentlemen as incorporators: James D. Clarke, Wm. McClymonds, Jacob S. Quest, Joseph Kissick and E. Sankey. The act was passed May 3, 1852. It authorized the purchase of not exceeding twenty-five acres. With this charter Mr. Sankey returned home, and sold the ten acres, and transferred the charter to James D. Clarke, William Dickson and Wm. McClymonds. These parties at once proceeded to purchase additional land, and make improvements. Mr. McClymonds superintended the work of laying out the grounds, and planting the trees and shrubbery. The company, however, never organized properly, and consequently could not make legal titles to the lots. As before stated, the bulk of the land was purchased of Ezekiel [p. 53] Sankey. An additional strip along the south side was subsequently purchased of the Crawford brothers, and also a small triangular strip along the ravine, at the southeast, of Mr. Richard Fulkerson. The amount of land now inclosed is about eighteen acres.

James D. Clarke died on the 2d of December, 1854, and his brother, Cyrus, became administrator for his estate. After his death, McClymonds continued the business until March, 1861. He and Dickson were partners in the banking business. Some time previous to the latter date, Samuel D. Clarke, David Sankey, Joseph Douthett and Cyrus Clarke associated themselves together and purchased the interest of the heirs of James D. Clarke. McClymonds and Dickson became involved, and their interest was eventually sold under execution, and purchased by, David Sankey. The association having now obtained possession of the entire property, and being fearful that they could not properly or legally organize and do business under the old charter, sent Mr. David Sankey to Harrisburg to procure the passage of a new incorporation Act, or a re-enactment of the old one, which he accomplished, the new charter being dated May lst, 1861. Under this authority an association was organized, with David Sankey as president, Joseph Douthett, secretary, and Cyrus Clarke, treasurer. At a subsequent election Mr. Clarke was made secretary and treasurer. Mr. Sankey continued to fill the office of president until September 1875, when he sold his interest to Mr. Clarke, and at the same time the entire property was transferred to C. B. Lower and W. T. Dougherty, who are the officers of the present association, Mr. Lower being president and Mr. Dougherty secretary and treasurer. Mr. R. W. Sankey, son of David Sankey, was superintendent for the greater part of the time up to the transfer of the stock, in 1875.

The situation of this cemetery, and its topographical features, are among the finest in the land. On the east the ground slopes quite abruptly toward the Shenango river, but two natural depressions converge towards the slope, and unite at the bottom, where they form a shallow ravine, and broad roadways follow these to the summit beyond, making all parts of the ground, at present occupied for burial purposes, easily accessible from the main entrance, which is at the northeast corner of the grounds. An immense ravine cuts through the southwestern portion, deepening rapidly as it approaches the river, and affording wild and picturesque scenery all along the southern border of the cemetery.

About midway of the ravine is a beautiful and most picturesque waterfall, where a small stream tumbles over the sandstone strata into the gorge below. The original growth of timber covers the hill in the southwest corner; and throws its sombre shadows over the ravine, with here and there the dark green foliage of the hemlock interspersed.

The grounds are finely and judiciously laid out, and ornamented with a great variety of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. Many fine monuments are scattered through it, and the people are justly entitled to feel a commendable pride in their beautiful cemetery.

The Crawford brothers have a very beautiful private burial-ground adjoining the Greenwood Cemetery on the southeast. It contains about one acre of ground, rising from all sides towards the centre, which overlooks the whole place, and is crowned with a fine and costly monument. It is tastefully laid out, and adorned with shrubbery and flowers. The situation is charmingly picturesque, and from the summit a pleasant view is obtained of the smoky city and the valley of the Shenango.

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES.

The first burying-ground belonging to the Catholics, exclusively, in the vicinity of New Castle, was opened in the year 1852, on the north side of Washington street, in West New Castle. it consisted of about one acre of ground and was used until October, 1873. The first interment in this ground was the remains of Charles Kelly in July, 1852. In October, 1873, a new cemetery was located on the Crawford Keifer farm, where the church purchased sixty acres of land, devoting a portion to cemetery purposes and cultivating the remainder. The location is about a mile and a half from the center of the city, in a high and dry position, the ground being of a light, sandy nature, and well adapted for burial purposes. Most of the remains have been taken from the old ground and re-interred in the new, and the remainder will, eventually, be removed also.

NEGLECTED BURIAL PLACES.

On the brow of the deep ravine south of the residence of Joseph S. White where the gravel bank overhangs the Mercer road, are a few abandoned and dilapidated graves. There are only two headstones (made of the sandstone of this region) remaining. One of them is broken off, and lies on the ground. It bears the following inscription: "In memory of Hannah Robison, who departed this life September 4th, 1830, aged 32 years, 6 months and 19 days." The other stone is still standing, but so close, to the bank that a few years will see it tumbling into the road. It bears the simple initials "B. W." There have evidently been quite a number of interments at this place in an early day.

VILLAGE OF CROTON.

This place was originally settled by William Crow, from Bucks county, Pa., about 1826. Mr. Crow was a soldier during the war of 1812, and his father, Abram Crow, was a soldier in the American army during the Revolution. William Crow had the warrant which his father had drawn for his services in the army, which he located where Croton now stands. His two brothers, George and Moses, settled at Croton about a year later. It is probable that the three brothers divided between them the land located by their father's warrant. The place was for a long time called "Crow-town," in honor of its first settlers. The name was by some means changed to Croton about the time the glass-works were located there in 1847.

William Crow died May 12, 1836.

Moses Crow sold his property lying on the south side of the "Scrub-Grass" road, to Dr. Whippo. Isaac P. Rose purchased a strip, about ten rods in width, of Dr. Whippo, about 1848, and laid it out into lots. It laid along the south side of the "Scrub-Grass" road. Previous to this, in 1837, Samuel Pearson purchased about thirty acres of William Crow's land, and laid out the town on the north side of the road. An addition was made by George Crow on the west side of the village. Dr. Whippo also purchased a strip of George Crow's land, and afterwards sold it to Rose. William Becker laid out a few lots about 1871-72 on the west side of the road leading south from Croton, called Vine street, and lying south of Rose's addition. E. and P. Hoover also made a small addition of lots to the place about 1870-71, on the east side of Vine street.

Among early settlers were Isaac P. Rose, James Vogan, Alexander Roderick and William Bennett.

The place grew slowly until the erection of the glas-works in 1847, when it took a fresh start, enlarged its borders, and began to put on the airs of a town. The first attempt at manufacturing was in the shape of a pottery, put in operation by Isaac Rose on a piece of land purchased of George Crow. Mr. Rose carried on the business for several years. His productions were confined to common earthen-ware. Ferdman Aye, a German, put up a small stone-ware manufactory at an early day, and operated it for some eight or ten years, in the eastern part of the town. Brick were manufactured at quite an early day by William Crow, David Shafer and John Tidball, and later by John Hammett and John G. Ray.

Schools were in operation soon after the settlement was commenced. Among the early teachers were John Tidball, Isaac Rose and Charles Blye.

One of the first trading establishments, in the form of a grocery store, was opened by David Emery as early as 1846. Among the earliest physicians were Doctors Searles and Fish. The glass-works were put in operation by Messrs. Henderson & Morris, in 1847.*

*See sketch of Glass-works, in another place.

Iron ore is quite abundant in the vicinity of Croton. P. & G. Cluse are working a mine or drift, a little northeast of the glass-works. Another drift, between this and the glass-works, is operated by David Hoover.

One of the most interesting localities around Croton, is the nursery and flower-garden of Paul Butz, for a sketch of which see another page.

Croton at present has two religious societies, Methodist and Baptist; one school building, with two schools; three grocery establishments, and about 500 inhabitants.

Stone for building purposes is quite extensively quarried.

CROTON.

The village of Croton, formerly a suburb of New Castle, now forms a part of the city. It lies north east from the Court House, and about a mile distant.

It is situated on high ground, about one-fourth of a mile from the Neshannock creek, and the same distance from the New Castle and Franklin railway, on what is familiarly known as the "Scrub-Grass road." The manufacturing and mining interests of the place give employment to a large number of men, and support a very considerable population. Lying in such close proximity to the busy centre of New Castle, its mercantile business is necessarily limited, and it has no separate post-office. There are many desirable residence localities in its vicinity, and as the city grows and expands its borders, Croton will eventually become a delightful and well-built suburb.

[p. 54]

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

A class of this denomination was organized about 1847-48, in this place, and a church building erected about 1850. Among the prominent members at the date of organization were T. P. Bitner, Isaac Cline, John Rhodes J. C. Young, Daniel Bitner and James Emery, with their families, making quite a congregation.

The first men who preached here, (previous to the erection of a church building), were Reverends Crum and Hubbard. The first preaching was in the school-house. The first regular pastor in charge was Rev. John Graham, who preached for a number of years, and dedicated the new church. This congregation has been generally united in the same charge with other congregations, and the records are scattered in various places, so that no consecutive history of the society can very well be given.

Among the pastors succeeding Mr. Graham, have been Reverends Thompson, Bennett, Merchant , Johnson, Morris, Wick, Ward, Darrow and J. C. Rhodes, the latter being the present pastor. The present number of members is about sixty. The society supports a Sabbath-school, with seven officers and teachers, and from sixty to seventy scholars. The school has a small select library of about one hundred volumes.

FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH.

A society of this denomination was organized in Croton, about 1855. Among those prominently connected with it were Thomas Blake and family, the Carrs, James and Douglass Ray, David and Joshua Pierce, Almond, John and David Miller, and their families. The first preacher was Elder Wm. Ray. Among those who afterwards officiated were Elders Manning, Bumpus, Ring, Morford, Harvey and Clary--the latter has since united with the Methodists, and removed from this part of the country. John Kelty was also an ordained elder at one time, and preached occasionally. In the prosperous days of this society, the congregation was quite large.

The brick church, now standing unoccupied, was erected about 1857-58.

The society is mostly broken up, and moved away from the place, and there has been no regular preaching for several years. Occasional services have been held at intervals.