The Oliver H. Reighard Memorial Fountain, in Brandon Park, Williamsport
The O.H. Reighard Memorial Fountain is dedicated in honor of the Oliver H. Reighard, a state legislator who lived at nearby 330 Mulberry St. It was presented to Brandon park in his memory, by his widow, in 1901.
John & Jane (Cummings) Brandon, owned 43 acres at Market & Rural Avenue in Williamsport Pa. When Mrs Brandon died in 1840, her property passed to her brothers, and eventually to the youngest brother, A. Boyd Cummings. Cummings donated the land to the city of Williamsport for a park, with the stipulation that it be named for his sister.
Oliver H. Reighard, a state legislator, lived at nearby 330 Mulberry street, was coincidentally, born the same year that Mrs Brandon had died.
"Oliver attended the Jersey Shore Academy, worked as a printer for nine months but his failing health caused him to discontinue that business. He then entered the law office of Judge James Gamble, and was admitted to the bar in 1863. He sold his father's hotel and moved to Williamsport. He then went to the oilfields of Pennsylvania where he was quite successful but the banks failed and he lost money. In 1865 he moved back to Williamsport and devoted himself to the practice of law. He was married Jan 1 1885 To Lizzie daughter of Judge Gamble and have one son James Gamble Reighard.
During the years in Williamsport he served on the Legislature, had real estate interests , was a director of the Lycoming national Bank, he was president of the Brandon Park Commission, The Savings Institution, the Williamsport Water Company, the director of the Bald Eagle Valley Railroad and the Valentine Iron Company."
History of Lycoming County By Meningess
Reighard, who had been ill for several years, traveled to Philadelphia for treatment in 1896. He died there that December. The fountain in his memory was unveiled on June 26, 1901, and then again at a larger public ceremony in July of 1901.
The Gazette reported "The shower Monday evening came at a most inopportune time and prevented the already large crowd at Brandon Park from being much greater. it also intensified the humidity and added to the discomforts of an already warm evening."
Despite the weather, thousands were at the park that night, to witness the unveiling.
At 7pm the mayor, city officials, speakers and members of council assembled at city hall and "headed by a squad of police and the Repasz band", paraded to the park. Major Kilpatric served as drum major, and Janitor Eckenstine "carried Old Glory at the head of the line."
The rain began before the group arrived at the park.
The program was opened with the Repasz band playing "Gate City", followed by a prayer lead by Rev. Dayton Roberts, pastor of the first Presbyterian church.
While the band played "Battle Of The Waves", Master James Gamble Reighard pulled the cord to unveil the statue.
C. Larue Munson esq then gave a speech on the history of fountains and their importance.
There were then shorter speeches by the Mayor, and John F. Laedlein, the president of the Brandon Park Association.
The Respasz band then gave a concert. "The sweet music held the large crowd and was pleasing to all. What a pity it is that more of such open air concerts are not arranged" reported the gazette.
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From The History of Lycoming County by John F Meginnes
O.H. Reighard, lawyer was born in what is now the 7th Ward Williamsport Pennsylvania the son of Daniel & Elizabeth (Henry) Reighard natives of Dauphin and Lehigh Counties. Daniel was born in 1802 and came with his father to Newberry in 1811. John Reighard died in 1813 leaving a large family. Daniel engaged in farming and served as justice of the peace, he also opened a tannery in the 7th ward. In 1851 he moved to Jersey Shore and engaged in the hotel business, he died there in 1862. His wife was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church. Oliver attended the Jersey Shore Academy, worked as a printer for nine months but his failing health caused him to discontinue that business. He then entered the law office of Judge James Gamble, and was admitted to the bar in 1863. He sold his father's hotel and moved to Williamsport. He then went to the oilfields of Pennsylvania where he was quite successful but the banks failed and he lost money. In 1865 he moved back to Williamsport and devoted himself to the practice of law. He was married Jan 1 1885 To Lizzie daughter of Judge Gamble and have one son James Gamble Reighard.
During the years in Williamsport he served on the Legislature, had real estate interests , was a director of the Lycoming national Bank, he was president of the Brandon Park Commission, The Savings Institution, the Williamsport Water Company, the director of the Bald Eagle Valley Railroad and the Valentine Iron Company.
This is an awesome story on my husband, great, great uncle! Thanks.
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