History, Stories & Anecdotes from J. P. Kohler's Early Years In Milton 1855-1870
An Index
James Pollock Kohler, the son of Jonas & Margaret [McCloskey] Kohler, was born in Milton in 1855. Tiring of farm life at a young age, he went to New York, where he worked on the telegraph lines alongside Thomas Edison. He went on to complete law school, and he become quite successful in a variety of occupations.
Although Kohler left the Milton farm he grew up on at a young age to go to New York, he remained fond of his hometown, and was an ardent supporter of the Milton Public Library, regularly sending supplies of books to be added to the shelves there .In 1912, Kohler began subscribing to his hometown newspaper, the Miltonian, and he occasionally wrote letters to the editor. Over several years time, these letters were published as "Reminisces of Milton". The letters are a fascinating look at early Milton, with anecdotes and stories included with the history and location of industries and buildings in the town.
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An Index Of The Reminiscences of Milton
By J.P. Kohler
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SCHOOLS
Published Jun 30th 1921
The schools in early Milton, including the school house on Upper Market, the brick school house on Broadway, the Lancastarian School and the Center Street School. Kohler describes the teachers, the games, and lists the faults of the education at the time.
SWIMMING HOLES
Published July 14 1921
This letter mentions the Bijou movie theater, swimming at Bakers Meadow, the "waterfalls" created by the gristmill, swimming around the logs in the canal ponds, rumors of an alligator, eels, and sand on the island, and much detail about the canal.
INDUSTRIES Part One
Published August 4 1921
the blacksmith, the Shearer and Bostion Pottery Shops, cabinet makers, wood workers, and brick making.
INDUSTRIES Part Two
Published August 25 1921
The Trego and Lawson-Mervine Foundries, Joseph Sassmans Machine Shop Baker & Kemmerer Grist Mills, The Tannery, & The Canal Boat Yards
INDUSTRIES Part Three
Published September 22 1921
Tannery's, shoemakers, and Wilson Fly Net Factory, with a great story about the boys using the leather scraps from the fly-net factory in a "battle" between the "Upper Enders" and "Lower Enders" of Milton. Also a brief mention of Apprenticeship contracts.
AMUSEMENTS Part One
Published October 6 1921
shows, performances, circus, and general entertainment
AMUSEMENTS Part Two
Published January 19 1922
stories of ice skating , sledding, sleighing parties, in all the best locations in Milton.
GAMES & SPORTS
Published August 31 1922
The rise of baseball after the civil war, firecrackers, steam engine displays, the fair, and horse racing.
GAMES & SPORTS Part Two
Published July 27 1922
Marbles, "Mumblypeg", Honey Hunting, Fishing, Pigeon Shoots, and picnic spots
GAMES & SPORTS Part Three
Published September 21 1922
political speeches, Hound And Hare [Hide and Seek] and Halloween antics.
THE POLLOCKS
Published November 16 1922
LITERATURE & A LIBRARY
Published April 5 1923
The literature & culture of the day, what was available in Milton, and what was not.
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JAMES POLLOCK
KOHLER
1855 -- 1941
"HOME, THE SAILOR IS HOME FROM THE SEA,
THE HUNTER IS HOME FROM THE HILLS."
James Pollock Kohler was born in Milton Pa in June of 1855, the son of Jonas Kohler and Martha McCloskey. Martha was cousin to John Cardinal McCloskey, the first American Cardinal.
Kohler was the descendent of three generations of American War Veterans. His father Johnas Kohler served as captain of engineers under General William T. Sherman in the Civil War. His grandfather George Kohler served in the War Of 1812, and his great grandfather George Kohler was one of the Revolutionary troops who fought with the Pennsylvania troops in the battle of Long Island under George Washington."
During his career as a telegrapher, which he began at the age of 15, J.P. Kohler formed a friendship with Thomas Edison. Kohler went on to work as an attorney for the Wells Fargo Express Company, and for a variety of Railroad Companies.
Kohler was an ardent advocate of the single tax, and he wrote a book on taxation titled "Hard Times - The Cause and the Cure". A Wealthy New York banker, George Foster Peabody, who read it four times, paid for one edition of 10,000 copies to be distributed among college students. Several reprint editions can be found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wZ0z13
In 1884, James P. Kohler married Clarisse Rein, the only daughter of Philip Rein of Manhattan.
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