Centralia, Conynham Township, Columbia County Pa
Stories, Histories, and Photos From The Town Of Centralia
Before an underground mine fire turned it into a ghost town.
Before an underground mine fire turned it into a ghost town.
For each topic below, look for a link to an album, or post, of photos, under the topic.
First named Centreville, "Centralia" was so named by Alexander W. Rea, an engineer for Locust Mountain Colliery, when he laid out the town and streets. He is said to have chosen the name because it was at the center of everything.
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Aerial Views
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Coal & Collieries
Collieries in and immediately around Centralia included:
Coal Ridge
Hazel Dell
Centralia
Continental
Sheriff's Sale ordered at the Locust Mountain Coal and Iron Co. in Columbia County.
Includes sixteen blocks of miner's company owned homes, 1 coal breaker and engine, 16 mine mules and 5 horses, one truck wagon and one old buggy
On September 26th 1913, Thomas Tomasheffski was trapped in a mine at Centralia for 8 days and nights. Not only did he survive, but it was the second time he had been trapped in a mine. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/09/trapped-in-mine-for-second-time-in.html
"The Centralia breaker was burned Sunday October 21 1866, and twice subsequently" - J. H. Battle
The last of the Collieries in the area closed in the 1960s. In a 1961 guide to the County, "The Conyhham-Centralia coal measures are still yielding, but on a reduced scale and largely by open mining"
Between 1860 and 1880, the number of mine workers in the coal region more than doubled. Many of the workers were immigrants, with nearly 1/3rd of them being Roman Catholic and Irish. The majority of the mine owners [and railroad owners] were Scottish, and Anglican.
Mine workers organizations included:
Benevolent Association
Ancient Order Of Hibernians [Roman Catholic]
Molly Maguires [Irish]
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The Railroad
Mile Run Railroad was the first to reach Centralia - completed in 1854. Located east of town, it ran along what was later Big Mine Run Road
In 1865 a branch of the Lehigh Valley Railroad came to Centralia, brining passenger and freight service to and from town.
The tracks for the LVR once ran in the middle of of what would later be Railroad Avenue. The tracks were removed in 1965, and 1966.
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"Conyngham township is, in many respects, unlike any other portion of Columbia county. Geographically, it is isolated. Its people are compelled, in order to reach the county seat, to make a circuitous journey of sixty miles by rail, or resort to the less convenient modes of travel near akin to the stagecoaches of forty years ago." - 1887/8
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" When the Reading road was surveyed, a swamp, overgrown with brush-wood and tall pines, marked the site of the town of Centralia. The land was level, however, a desirable feature as a location for the town. By subsequent drainage, the bogs have entirely disappeared and the place is decidedly healthful." 1887/8
See more Centralia RR Buildings Here:
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Stores & Buildings
The first building on the site of Centralia was Bull's Head Tavern.
"CENTRALIA BOROUGH
situate in Conyngham township south east from Bloomsburg, about twenty miles in the midst of a coal mining district and has within and about it several hundred dwelling houses, a number of stores and hotels, and drinking houses innumerable." - Freeze
Centralia House 1865-1937
"The “Bull’s Head Tavern” was originally a log house and in 1916 it was razed to make way for a store. Patrick Dempsey, a contractor, erected the property which was used as a fruit and seed store and a residence. Mr. William Weidensaul conducted the tavern as a saloon till 1867. He was follwed by James Goldsworthy, and later it became the property of Mr. Andrew Zimbo.
In 1860 Jonathan Hoagland opened the first store opposite the “Bull’s Head Tavern”. two years later he was appointed postmaster. For a few years the village had been know as centerville, but as an office of that name already existed in the State, at the insistence of the postal authorities, Centralia was suggested by Mr. Rae." - Unknown History Of Centralia
Dykes hotel 1910 - First Veterans Facility in Centralia
"In the year 1869 legislature passed ''An act to erect a poor house for Conyngham township and the borough of Centralia, in Columbia county." It was built in Locust Twp.
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Churches
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First United Methodist (1863-1985)
Holy Trinity Episcopal (1866-1966)
Presbyterian (1867-1954)
First English Baptist (1887-1917)
St. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox (1916-1986 )
"Rea, who was Scottish and of Anglican faith donated the land for St Ignatius Catholic Church, but he did not live long enough to see it open. He was one of the early, and most known, murders in the Molly Maguire scandal."
Many of the workers were immigrants, with nearly 1/3rd of them being Roman Catholic and Irish. The majority of the mine owners [and railroad owners] were Scottish, and Anglican.
" It has a beautiful and tasteful place of worship Holy Trinity Church belonging to the Episcopalians also one belonging to the Romanists one to the Presbyterians and one to the Methodists " - Freeze
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Schools
Centralia's Public School was built in 1885. It had no public schools prior to the Public School Law. This first school was destroyed by fire on May 3rd, 1935.
The new Hubert Eicher High School was built in 1937.
Centralia merged with Mt Carmel area School District and the Eicher school was closed. The building was sold to K-9 Furniture World, and razed in 1986.
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Celebrations & Events
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Fires, Floods & Other Disasters
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1866 - I.O.O.F Hall Burnt
1908 - Fire - The fire wiped out an entire block on Locust Avenue, including 42 building. 34 families [150 people] were left homeless
1911 Trolley crash
1918- Influenza epidemic
1935 - School Fire
1948 United Airline Crash Near Centralia
1953 - Legion [Original Rae Home] Destroyed in Fire
1954 - Hurricane Hazel
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Military & Veterans
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Murder & Mayhem
"Rea, who was Scottish and of Anglican faith donated the land for St Ignatius Catholic Church, but he did not live long enough to see it open. He was one of the early, and most known, murders in the Molly Maguire scandal."
May 12 1880 - Curley found guilty of Murder In The Second Degree. (Murder of Gunning, near Centralia)
1896 - William Hepner, proprietor of the Centralia House, was murdered in the tavern
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Centralia & The Molly Maguires
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People & Stories
Witness to McKinley's Assassination, & Molly Maguire Executions
Three of the participants were from Centralia
See the biographies from Battle's history of Columbia & Montour Counties at the bottom of this page
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The Underground Mine Fire
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Maps
"Centreville" = Centralia, on 1863 Map
"The name Centralia was suggested by Mr. Rea. For a few years previous the place had been known as Centreville; the change was made at the instance of the postal authorities, as an office of that name already existed in the state. " - Battle
On the Sanborn Fire Maps, Find Centralia on the Ashland Maps
1891 - Page 11
1902 -
1908 - Pages 12, 14
1913 - Centralia Pages 11-12 Byrnesville Page 10
1921 - Pages 16-20
Bynesville was sort of a suburb of Centralia
"Between Catawissa and Centralia two distinct ranges of mountains bar the way, and upon the farther side of the second we strike
the coal measures of the Schuylkill region, and enter upon a country differing materially from all other parts of the county. "- J.G. Freeze
NEW TOWNSHIP.
In December court, Peter Kline, Esq., Andrew Viadison and Jonathan Fortner, as viewers, made report to divide Locust township in this county, cutting off the Southern end and calling it "CONYNGHAM," after the presiding Judge of our Court.
'The division line begins at a corner of Northumberland county, near the south branch of Roaringcreek, between the Big and Little Mountain, at a path called the Indian or Yarnall Path, and running thence along or near that Path to the top of Little Mountain, and thence along on top of Little Mountain to the township line between Locust and Roaringereek townsbips.
Last week the report was finally confirmed, and the new township has therefore a legal existence. The election for township officers of Conyngham will this spring be held at the usual place of holding the election in Locust, which is at the house of David Reinbold in Numidia.
Locust was heretofore the largest township in the county, having been from 12 to 14 miles in length and from 8 to 10 miles in width. The new township is entirely a coal region, while the part which now remains to be called Locust is a farming district. A number of valuable improvements have been made at the coal openings of Conyngham; and within the past year the property of one Coal Company alone has increased some $40,000 in value. The whole unseated Coal Land of the township has increased some $80,000 in value. Of this unseated land the Locust Mountain Coal & Iron Company own about 4,000 acres, the Coal Run Improvement Company about 1600 acres, and the City of Philadelphia about 3900 acres..
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READ MORE
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Images Of America Series
Centralia, Columbia County Pa
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CENTRALIA BIOGRAPHIES
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Biographies:
In the History Of Columbia County edited by Battle, published in 1887, the biographies for Conynham Twp & The Borough Of Centralia begin on page 428. Those included are:
Black, D. Chatley - Merchant
Billman, George W. - proprietor of the Montana Hotel in Centralia
Brayson, W. - Attorney in Centralia
Curry Daniel F. , Postmaster of Centralia
Days, G.W. - Druggist in Centralia
Ferguson, H. J - Railroad agent, L.V. Railroad
Forner, A.B., - Stoves & Tinware in Centralia
Goodman, William -Mining Co Agent
Gwinner, J.M. - M.D.
Irvin, Thomas - Mercantile Business
Kelly, H.J. - Foreman of Logan Colliery
Murphy, Charles G - Merchant
Reese, Edward -Superintendent of Riley & Co Colliery
Troutman, George - Coal Operator
Williams, John - Mining Inspector Lehigh Valley Coal Co
Williams, Edward -Foreman at Centralia Colliery
COLUMBIA COUNTY, PA BIOGRAPHIES
CONYNGHAM TOWNSHIP
AND BOROUGH OF CENTRALIA
From "The History of Columbia and Mountour Counties"
Battle, 1887
D. CHATLEY BLACK, merchant, Centralia, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, December 4, 1838, son of David and Martha (CHATLEY) BLACK. In 1845 the family came to America and located at Minersville, Schuylkill Co., Penn., where the father was engaged in coal mining, and where the mother died in 1852. In 1861 our subject and his father came to Centralia, and here the latter died June 3, 1873. Our subject then secured a position in the "Hazel Dell" colliery as engineer, which he held until 1870. He then opened a store which he still conducts, handling groceries, flour, feed, etc. He married in Union county, July 15, 1869, Miss Carrie E. DANOWSKY, a native of Allentown, Penn., daughter of Dr. W. F. DANOWSKY of that place, who died there in 1875, and where he held a high rank as a physician. Her mother's maiden name was Carrie BARRENS. She also died at Allentown, in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. BLACK were the parents of seven children, of whom five are living: Carrie, Sallie, Jennie, Addie and Tillie: the deceased are Mattie and Willie. Mr. BLACK owns besides his store building and stock, a one-sixth interest in the Centralia Water Company. He was one of the promoters and builders of the water system, and is justice of the peace of the borough of Centralia, having been elected in 1884. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. BLACK's ancestors on both sides were of Scotch-Irish extraction, and were born in the town of Letterkenny, Ireland, in 1798. They were Presbyterians on both sides, to which church Mr. BLACK and his family belong.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 428)
George W. BILLMAN, proprietor of the Montana Hotel, Centralia, was born in Schuylkill County, Penn., October 8, 1851, son of Charles M. and Christina (GEIST) BILLMAN, natives of Barry Township, Schuylkill Co., Penn., where the former still resides: the latter died there about 1861, and is buried in the Lutheran Cemetery at Kimmels, Schuylkill County. George W. was reared in his native county, and there engaged in farming. In April, 1884, he came to Columbia County and purchased the Montana hotel, at Montana, Penn., which he still conducts. He married, in Schuylkill County, February 14, 1884, Miss Christina Miller, a native of New York City and daughter of Franklin and Catherine MILLER, natives of Germany, former of whom died in New York, and the latter in Ashland, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. BILLMAN have one child, Agnes Florence, born August 20, 1884. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church at Kimmels. In politics Mr. BILLMAN is a Democrat. The above named house was built by a Mr. ROADENBERGER, in the year 1820; of stone, and was kept as a hotel by Mr. ROADENBERGER for a number of years; he was succeeded by a Mr. Joseph MILLER, William HUGHES, Joseph ZIMMERMAN, Isaac BETZ, Jacob ZIMMERMAN, Adam CLAYBERGER, John JONES, Peter HOWER, Samuel LIEBY, William GOODMAN, Samuel LEIBY, Isaac EDWARDS, Daniel E. KELNES, Jonathan FAUST, George W. BILLMAN. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 429)
W. BRYSON, attorney and representative in the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, Centralia, was born at Minersville, Schuylkill Co., Penn., June 13, 1849, a son of John and Catherine (GORRELL) BRYSON. They were both natives of Ireland, and coming to this country, were married in Philadelphia, whence they removed to Minersville, Schuylkill County. The mother died at Harrison, that county, but the father still resides at Philadelphia. Our subject attended the public schools of Schuylkill County, and in 1867 entered the State normal school at Bloomsburg. He also attended Dickinson College at Williamsport, and is a graduate of Prof. A. DAVIS' Commercial College at the latter city. In July, 1863, he moved to Columbia County, located at Centralia and taught school in the adjoining townships. He was afterward employed as bookkeeper in the First National Bank at Ashland, which position he held three years. He then went to Bloomsburg, this county, and commenced reading law with C. R. BUCKALEW & Son, and was admitted to the bar at Bloomsburg in 1875. That year he opened an office in Centralia, where he still has his home. He was nominated by the Democratic party for representative in 1882, and elected to that position in the fall of that year. In the autumn of 1884 he was re-elected to represent the county in the Legislature, and is a member of the present House. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Bloomsburg.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 429)
DANIEL F. CURRY, postmaster, Centralia, was born in Schuylkill County, this State, August 15, 1843, a son of Thomas and Margaret (MORAN) CURRY. His father died in Schuylkill County, October 23, 1857. Daniel F. early engaged in mining and at the age of seventeen years was employed as superintendent of the colliery of HENNETT & OLIVER, Schuylkill County, which position he held until 1864, when he came to Centralia and became foreman of the Continental colliery, operated by Charles GOODRICH & Co. He had charge both inside and out until 1870, when he retired from mining, and embarked in the wholesale liquor business at Centralia, which he carried on about three years, at the end of which time the block in which his store was situated was destroyed by fire. He then started in the hotel business, which he still conducts. He is a Democrat; was appointed postmaster of Centralia January 1, 1886, and has been a member of the borough council, also held other local positions. He was married November 1, 1865, to Miss Mary FARRELL, daughter of Patrick and Elizabeth FARRELL. Mr. and Mrs. CURRY were the parents of ten children, of whom seven are living; Margaret, Annie, Thomas, Mollie, Elizabeth, Daniel and Gertrude. The deceased are Lizzie, Josephine and Michael. Mr. CURRY enlisted in April 1861, in company C, Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, colonel McDOWELL. They were assigned to Gen. HEINTZELMAN's corps, and were in Alexandria at the time of the shooting of Col. ELLSWORTH. Mr. CURRY was mustered out with his regiment at Harrisburg at the expiration of the term of enlistment. At the time of the invasion of Gen. LEE he raised a company in Schuylkill County, and was commissioned first lieutenant by Gov. CURTIN, his commission bearing date June 15, 1863. The company was mustered in Company K, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Regiment, and mustered out later in the year, there being no further need for the number raised at that time.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 429)
G. W. DAVIS, Jr., druggist, P. O. Centralia, was born in Minersville, Schuylkill Co., Penn., September 5, 1855. His parents, George WOOD and Mary E. (EDWARDS) DAVIS, were natives of Wales, and came to this country, the former in the early part of 1854, the latter arriving on the 7th of the following November, on which date they were married in New York. They then moved to Minersville, Schuylkill County, where the father engaged in mining. In 1860 he went to the big mine run, and engaged as contractor in sinking a slope. He returned to Minersville, and later came to Centralia and was one of the contractors for sinking the slope for J. M. FRECK & Co., miners and shippers of coal. He continued to mine coal at that colliery until a spell of idleness, caused by the miners standing out for higher wages, compelled him to engage with R. GORRELL & Co. At the Continental colliery, with six others, he was employed on a slope at night, to avoid stopping the hoisting in the daytime. While returning from work about 1 A.M., they were shot at from an ambush while walking through a cut on the Lehigh Valley Railroad track, the lights on their heads making them easily discernible. Their assailants probably supposed that their victims had intended to take their places. Mr. DAVIS was shot through the lungs and so severely wounded that he never entirely recovered from the effects. Some time after he was engaged with J. P. JONES at the No. 5 tunnel, Lansford, where he remained about two years. An opening then offered to him at his home in Centralia, and he became foreman of the mine of G. M. PREVOST, and after six months went to bear Ridge colliery No. 1, Mahanoy Plain. from there, after three years, he went to Ashland and became foreman of the tunnel colliery. Philadelphia & Reading Coal and Iron Company, and was thus engaged about two years, when he accepted a similar position at the Big Mine Run colliery, J. TAYLOR & Co. While thus engaged, passing through an entry November 7, 1885, a large piece of coal fell from the roof and so injured him that he was confined to bed for three months. He then resumed his duties, but a day's trial compelled him to return to bed, and he died May 31, 1886, and was buried in the Oddfellows cemetery, Centralia. His widow and eleven children still reside here. George W., Jr., commenced the drug business in 1869, and finished his apprenticeship in 1872. In 1874 his father, who was then appointed postmaster, bought a drug store in the postoffice building. George W., Jr., who had been an assistant in the postoffice since 1869, conducted the store and transacted the principal business of the post office. His father was postmaster until December, 1885. Our subject was a member of the borough school board for 1886, succeeding his father. The latter was a member of the I. O. O. F., and highly respected by all who knew him.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 429)
H. J. FERGUSON, railroad agent L. V. Railroad, Centralia, was born in Minersville, Schuylkill Co., Penn., January 1, 1852, to Thomas and Martha (CHRISTOPHER) FERGUSON, natives of Ireland, who came to America in 1842, and located at Pottsville, Penn. From Pottsville they removed to Branch Dale, thence to Minersville, thence to Shenandoah, where the father died in September, 1883, and where the mother still resides. Our subject was educated at Minersville, Fort Carbon and Boylestown, and on going to Shenandoah taught school in the vicinity and afterward in the borough. In 1870 he entered the office of the Lehigh Valley Railroad at Shenandoah, where he was assistant agent under his brother. There he remained about eight years, varying his occupation sometimes by teaching school. In October, 1878, he was appointed by the railroad management as agent at Centralia, which position he has held since that time. The business of the Centralia office, over which he has control, will amount to probably $30,000 per year; this is exclusive of the coal trade, with which this office has nothing to do. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 430)
A. B. FORTNER, stoves and tinware, Centralia, was born in Catawissa, Columbia Co., Penn., July 28, 1843, son of B. P. and Mary (DAVIS) FORTNER. They were both born in Columbia County, the former now living at Catawissa; the latter died there in April, 1884. Our subject was reared in Columbia County, and was employed on the Catawissa Railroad about nine months. In 1863 he was appointed assistant internal revenue assessor for the Thirteenth District. He was engaged in the Government service about one year, and then came to Centralia, and embarked in his present business which he has since followed. He married at Catawissa, in November, 1865, Miss Mary N. DEAN, a native of Columbia County, Penn., and a daughter of Thomas L. DEAN. Her father now resides in Catawissa. Her mother is dead. Mr. and Mrs. FORTNER are the parents of five children, three of whom are living: Elizabeth, Charles and Mary; the deceased are Harry and an infant. Mr. FORTNER is a member of the K. of L. His father was a representative in the Legislature of the State of Pennsylvania at the time of the division of the counties of Columbia and Montour, served one term and also held the position of general internal revenue assessor of the Thirteenth District for about three years. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 430)
WILLIAM GOODMAN, agent of mining companies, P. O. Centralia, was born in Northumberland County, Penn., August 14, 1825, a son of William and Sarah (WETZEL) GOODMAN, natives of Northumberland County where the former died about 1828. When William had reached the age of about five years he moved with his mother to Columbia County, where she died March 15, 1882. William was reared in that county and on the 23d of January, 1845, married Miss Rosanna LEVAN, a native of Columbia County, and a daughter of Daniel, Sr., and Elizabeth (HOUCK) LEVAN. Both died in this county, the former in 1863 and the latter about 1873. Mr. and Mrs. GOODMAN are the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living: Elizabeth, wife of Ira ROADERMEL, residing in Montana; Daniel, married to Harriet PERSON, also residing in Montana; Isaac, married to Amanda MOYER, residing at Girardville, Penn.; Benjamin, married to Mary HARRIS, residing in Conyngham Township; Chrisitana, wife of Jerry GEORGE, residing in Montana; Catherine, wife of Levi GEORGE, in Centralia, and Ira. The deceased are William and Henry Clinton. In 1869 Mr. GOODMAN was given charge of the lands of the coal companies in Conyngham Township by the coal and mining companies, and in 1878 he was given charge of all repairs and buildings on the public roads. Mr. and Mrs. GOODMAN are members of the Presbyterian Church in Locust Township.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 430)
J. M. GWINNER, M. D., Centralia, was born at St. Clair, Schuylkill Co., Penn., natives of Wurtemburg, Germany, died in Schuylkill County, this State, where his widow still resides. Our subject commenced his education in the public schools of St. Clair, finishing at the Palatinate College, this State. After finishing at the Palatinate College, he entered the office of Dr. A. P. CARR, St. Clair, as a student and remained with him until his graduation in medicine. In the fall of 1879 he entered the Pennsylvania University, and graduated from that institution in March, 1881. After graduating he remained in the office of Dr. CARR until October, 1881, when he came to Centralia and entered upon the practice of medicine and surgery, and has since remained here. He was elected coroner of Columbia County at the fall election of 1885, his term commencing January 1, 1886. He has built up a good practice and made an enviable record since becoming a citizen of Centralia. Dr. GWINNER still retains his membership in the Schuylkill Medical Society.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 431)
THOMAS IRVIN, of the firm of Irvin Bros., Centralia, was born in Ireland, June 12, 1844, a son of William and Ann Jane IRVIN. His father died in that country, and in 1861 the family removed to the United States, and located at Christian Hundred, Brandywine Banks, Del. There they resided until coming to Centralia, Penn., about 1863. Thomas worked on the repairs in the mines for about three years and then obtained the position of boss of the loading, at which he was employed a number of years. He then engaged as clerk in the coal company's store and was there employed until 1879, when he and his brother embarked in mercantile business under the firm name of Irvin bros. They carry a general stock of clothing, dry goods, boots and shoes, groceries, flour and feed, and own the building in which the store is kept. Thomas married in 1866, Miss Mary, a native of Schuylkill County, Penn., and a daughter of John and Catherine BRYSON. Mr. and Mrs. IRVIN were the parents of nine children, six living; Robert, Catherine Ann, Thomas, Mary, Eva Lillian and William John. The deceased are John, Jennie and an infant unnamed. In 1861 Mr. IRVIN enlisted in Company B, Fifth Delaware Infantry, Col. McCOMAS, and was assigned to garrison duty at Fort Delaware. He remained in the service nine months and then returned home. Mr. IRVIN is a member of the Joe Hooker Post, G. A. R., at Ashland, and with his family, attends the Protestant Episcopal Church. John IRVIN, brother of Thomas, was born in Ireland, March 8, 1858. He came with his family to Centralia; is a member of the I. O. O. F. at this place. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 431)
H. J. KELLY, foreman of the Logan colliery, Centralia, was born in Monmouthshire, South Wales, June 6, 1884, son of James C. and Elizabeth (JONES) KELLY. In 1863 the family came to America and located in St. Clair, Schuylkill Co., Penn., where our subject went to work in the mines. His father died at St. Clair, December 9, 1884; his mother still resides there. Our subject commenced work in the mines of his native country when he reached the age of eight years, and on arriving at St. Clair became engaged at the Mount Laffee colliery. There he worked until 1864, when he enlisted in Company H, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry; served in Virginia and Maryland, and at the close of the war was mustered out at Harrisburg in July, 1865. He then went back to St. Clair and to the mines, where he remained until 1872, when he went to Mahanoy City and there worked in several of the collieries. In April, 1875, he went to Ashland to take charge of the Bast colliery, Big Mine Run, for the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company. He remained there until 1877, when he took charge of the Richardson colliery for the same company. He was thus engaged for nearly four years, and in 1881, on the opening of the Logan colliery, he came to Centralia to take charge of it, and has held that position since, having under him 400 men and boys. He was married at St. Clair July 30, 1867, to Miss Ann JONES, a native of St. Clair and a daughter of Evan and Celia JONES, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. KELLY are the parents of nine children, eight of whom are now living: Frank, Harry, Elizabeth, Rhoslyn, Ida and Edith (twins), Annie Logan and Celia; the deceased one was named Mary. Mr. KELLY is a member of Minersville Lodge, No. 222, A.,F. & A.M.; is one of the directors of the poor of the Conyngham and Centralia District, having served as such since April, 1884.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 431)
JAMES McBREARTY, engineer, Centralia, was born in Carbon County, Penn., July 18, 1854, to Bernard and Mary (MARTIN) McBREARTY, both natives of Donegal, Ireland, where they were married, and, immigrating to America, settled in Carbon County, after a short stay in New York City. The former died in Boonesboro, Iowa, and the latter at Centralia. James came to Centralia with his parents when he had reached the age of eight years, in 1862, and here has since resided. When a boy he commenced work on a breaker, and afterward as a driver in the mines. He then served as fireman, and in 1871 was appointed engineer at the Centralia colliery. He remained there until 1875, and then engaged in the same capacity at the Continental colliery, where he was employed until 1883. He then obtained a similar position at the Hazel Dell colliery, which he still holds. He married at Centralia, march 28, 1872, Miss Sarah, a native of Schuylkill County, and a daughter of James and Mary (McCARTHY) COLIHAN, residents of Centralia. Mr. and Mrs. McBREARTY are the parents of three children: Mary, John and Bernard. Mr. McBREARTY retired from his position as engineer of the Hazel Dell colliery, and is now devoting himself to his business on Locust Avenue, Centralia, where he has a hotel.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 431)
CHARLES G. MURPHY, merchant, Centralia, was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, January 18, 1844. He is the son of Charles MURPHY and Mary (CORRIGAN) MURPHY. The former was the youngest of four brothers and died in 1879 at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The latter is still living in her native country and is now about eighty years old. Early in 1862 our subject came to this country, and after trying various occupations with indifferent success, finally, in 1864, came to Centralia, Columbia Co., Penn., not knowing a person in the county, worked at the coal mines and labored on the then new branch of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, spending his spare time studying the American system of education. After successfully passing an examination he was appointed to a school in Centralia in January, 1865, which occupation he followed till 1874, when he embarked in mercantile business. This he has followed successfully since. He held a number of important positions, being treasurer of The Citizens Building and Loan Association since 1872; elected justice of the peace, he served for fifteen years, retiring of his own choice; has been school director and secretary of the board since 1876; was twice elected coroner of the county, and in 1886 was elected one of the associate judges of the Twenty-sixth Judicial District. Mr. MURPHY was married to Maggie CURRY in 1869, by whom ten children were born to him, four of whom are living: Mary, Maggie, Josephine and Susan. The family attended the Roman Catholic Church. In politics Mr. MURPHY is a strong Democrat, and frequently represented his county in the State Convention.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 432)
EDWARD REESE, superintendent of the collieries of L. A. Riley & Co., Centralia, was born in South Wales, May 29, 1839, a son of Thomas and Hannah (BULL) REESE. There his father was engaged in mining, and there his mother died. Edward became engaged in the mining industry in his native country, and in 1863 came to America, and located at Wadesville, Penn., in the vicinity of which place, at Ball's Slope, Schuylkill County, he engaged in mining. He remained there but a short time, making his home, however, at Wadesville. After eighteen months he made a trip to Wales, returned in February, 1865, and went to Mount Laffee, Schuylkill Co., Penn., where he worked for three years as a miner. He was then appointed mining foreman and held that position three and one-half years, when he received the appointment of inside boss at Bear Ridge. After four months he returned to Mount Laffee, Beachwood colliery as superintendent, which position he filled about three years, and then took the position of inside foreman at the tunnel colliery at Ashland, Schuylkill County. After two years he went to Mahanoy City, where he was engaged for six months sinking slopes etc., as inside foreman. He then went to Alaska to sink the Mount Carmel shaft in Northumberland County; thence to Ashland to accept the position of assistant mining superintendent of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company. This position he held for about five years, when his abilities were recognized by his promotion to the position of assistant mining inspector by the same company. He had charge of 22 collieries, or all north of the Broad Mountain, and remained in that position until September, 1880, when he was offered and accepted the position of general superintendent of the collieries of L. A. Riley & Co., at and near Centralia, Columbia County. When it became known that Mr. REESE had severed his connection with the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company, a grand reception was gotten up at the Odd Fellows Hall, Ashland, and there on the evening of September 25, 1880, about 400 of the leading people connected with the mining interests assembled to bid him farewell, and which was one of the greatest social gatherings known in the coal regions, on which occasion Mr. REESE was made the recipient of a splendid gold-headed cane. He had charge of the Centralia, Logan and Hazel Dell collieries, Columbia County, and in February, 1886, was made general superintendent of the Park No. 1, Park No. 2 and Park No. 3 collieries of Lentz, Lilly & Co., Schuylkill County. He now has general supervision over works employing 3,000 men and boys. He married in Wales in 1863, Miss Ann LEWIS, and to them have been born the following named children: Thomas, Rachel, James, George, John, Daniel and Edward. Mr. REESE is a member of the Mineral Odd Fellows Lodge at St. Clair; of the Masonic Anthracite Lodge, A.F.&A.M. at St. Clair and Griscom Chapter, R. A. M. at Ashland. He has worked his way up from a poor boy to is present high position in the confidence of two of Pensylvania's great coal mining and shipping firms. His father died at Ashland in 1880.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 432)
GEORGE TROUTMAN, coal operator, Centralia, was born in Schuylkill County, Penn., May 23, 1835, son of Jacob and Rosina (GABELBECKER) TROUTMAN, both natives of Alsace (then in France, now in Germany). The father died in Schuylkill County, and the mother in Columbia County. Mr. TROUTMAN first commenced work in a breaker, in what was then the New Philadelphia colliery, about six miles from Pottsville. He afterward went to work in the mines, and in 1861 was made inside foreman at the Stewartsville colliery, of which he remained in charge about three years, and then went to Girard colliery as foreman about five years, then went to Nevada to try his fortune in the gold fields. Not finding things to his liking there, in the fall of the same year he returned to Pennsylvania and obtained the position of inside foreman in the Girard colliery, Girardville, where he remained for six years. He then came to Centralia and about twelve months was foreman at the "Continental" colliery. He then leased land west of Centralia, and commenced the mining business for himself on a small scale, taking out only the out-crop coal. He continued in this line of mining about three years, gradually increasing operations, and in 1880 formed a partnership with Isaac MAY, Harry MORGAN and James MAY, under the firm name of Isaac MAY & Co. The firm then constructed a breaker and continued operations on an increased scale, in the slope which Mr. TROUTMAN had commenced in 1879. They employ about 400 men and boys, and the out-put in 1885 was 102,000 tons, which was turned out, working on reduced time so that this amount does not represent the full capacity of the colliery. Their principal market is New York, and the works are on the line of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Mr. TROUTMAN was married in Schuylkill county, Penn., September 2, 1856, to Miss Mary Jane QUICK, and they are the parents of twelve children, eleven of whom are living: Maria, Samuel J., Jennie, Laura, George F., Sallie, Edward J., Katie, Grayson, Lucretia and Eva; the deceased one was named Samuel. Mr. TROUTMAN is a member of the A.F.& A. M. at Ashland, and of the I. O. O. F. at Girardville.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 432)
JOHN J. WILLIAMS, mining, inspector of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company, Centralia, was born in Merthyr Tydvil, South Wales, April 22, 1838, son of Jacob and Mary WILLIAMS. In 1841 they immigrated to America, landing in new York on the 4th of July; then came to Pennsylvania and located in the Schuylkill Valley, three or four miles above Fort Carbon, where the father of our subject engaged in the mines. There John J. was reared, and there, at St. Clair, Pottsville and Sanford, they remained until the fall of 1854. Our subject went to Jo Daviess County, Ill., with his parents, and there, in the spring of 1855, his mother died, and the father, who was then temporarily in Pennsylvania, went to Illinois, and, after the funeral of his wife, returned to Pennsylvania and died at Ashland in 1882. Our subject remained in Illinois until the spring of 1857 when he was engaged in farm work, but at the time mentioned he returned to Pennsylvania, and went to work in the Coaldale colliery, at Summit Hill. He was there employed until the winter of 1862-63, when they removed to Ashland, where and in the vicinity he followed mining, at Keystone, Locust Run, Continental, James R. Cleaver's, Preston No. 2 of Girardsville, and Mahanoy Plain, in all thus engaged until 1873. He was then employed by the Reading Coal & Iron Company as mine inspector of the Ashland District, and remained in their employ until December, 1875, when he removed to Centralia and accepted the position of mining inspector for the Lehigh Valley Coal Company which he still holds. He was married at Mahanoy City may 27, 1879, to Mrs. Mary WILLIAMS, a native of Minersville, Penn., and a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth JONES, who are both residents of Mahanoy City. Mr. and Mrs. WILLIAMS have two children: Arthur Lin and Clarence. Mrs. WILLIAMS had one son by her former marriage: Howard WILLIAMS. Mr. WILLIAMS is a member of the Ashland Locust Mountain Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of the Encampment at Ashland. He is also a member of the Ashland Lodge, A.F. & A.M., and a member of the Centralia Borough Council. In politics he is a Republican. The family attend the Presbyterian Church.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 433)
EDWARD WILLIAMS, Jr., foreman Centralia colliery, Centralia, was born in Cornwall, England, August 21, 1849, a son of Edward and Elizabeth (DAWS) WILLIAMS. He commenced to work in the mines in England in an early day, and in 1870 came to America and located at Buffalo, N. Y. After six months he came to Centralia and worked at the Hazel Dell colliery. One year later he worked at the "Excelsior" colliery, Northumberland County, Penn., and after another year returned to Centralia and took charge of the "Continental" colliery, where he remained one and a half years, and in the fall of 1876 accepted a similar position at the Hazel Dell colliery. After eight months there he returned to the "Continental" colliery and remained until taking charge of the "Centralia" and Hazel Dell collieries in September, 1881. He now has charge of both these collieries, which employ about 300 men and boys inside. Mr. WILLIAMS was married at Oakland, now in the borough of Ashland, on the 19th of February, 1874, to Miss Martha D. GOLDSWORTHY, a native of Devonshire, England, and daughter of James and Eliza GOLDSWORTHY, both of whom died in Centralia. Mr. and Mrs. WILLIAMS were the parents of three children, of whom two are living: Martha G. and James G. Mr. WILLIAMS is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Centralia, No. 586.(History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, pg. 433)
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The History of Conynham Twp, and Centralia
From The History Of Columbia & Montour Counties
Edited by J.H. Battle, 1887
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In the development of the natural resources of Conyngham township, the usual order was reversed; capital was invested, and the work resolutely begun without any assurance that the product of the mines would reach a market, except at such expense as to seriously diminish the profit of the enterprise. Until 1865, all coal shipments were made by the Mine-Hill rail-road, and were accompanied with great inconvenience, as it penetrated the township but a short distance. Not until the presence of an almost inexhaustible wealth was practically demonstrated and the future of the region firmly assured, did it receive really adequate facilities for its unrestricted development.
The growth of the towns of this section has been parallel with the growth of the mining industry. Centralia, Locustdale, Montana and Germantown accommodate the population whose steady work and busy thought hew the veins of coal from the dark caverns of the earth, and separate the shining crystals from the worthless conglomerate in the whirring machinery of the breakers above.
When the Reading road was surveyed, a swamp, overgrown with brush-wood and tall pines, marked the site of the town of Centralia. The land was level, however, a desirable feature as a location for the town. By subsequent drainage, the bogs have entirely disappeared and the place is decidedly healthful.
The land was originally surveyed for George Ashton and William Lownes, and subsequently came into possession of the Locust Mountain Coal and Iron Company. The first house was the "Bull's Head," a tavern built by Jonathan Faust in 1841, about a mile from the Red tavern, and on the same Reading road. It intersected the Reading and Sunbury state road about two miles further south. This hotel subsequently passed to Reuben Wasser, but retained its former name throughout its natural life as a stopping place for travelers, and for twelve years comprehended all of Centralia that then existed. Jonathan Faust did not own the land on which his house was built; he did not even buy the lumber, but appropriated it without compunction, and his right of possession was never disputed.
In 1855 Alexander W. Rea, the first engineer and agent of the Locust Mountain Coal and Iron Company, built a cottage above the hotel, and removed thither from Danville. He made surveys for several streets parallel with the Reading road and others crossing it at right angles. On one of the latter a row of houses was built the same year. They wore immediately occupied by employees of the company, but all have since been removed. This was practically the beginning of the town.
In 1860 Jonathan Hoagland opened the first store just opposite the "Bulls Head." Two years later he was appointed first postmaster.
The name Centralia was suggested by Mr. Rea. For a few years previous the place had been known as Centreville; the change was made at the instance of the postal authorities, as an office of that name already existed in the state.
Three years later, in 1865, the Lehigh and Mahanoy rail-road, since known as the Lehigh Valley, was built through the town on what is appropriately known as Rail-Road avenue. With its entrance into the section several new colliries were opened and the town began to grow in size, population and wealth. In this very circumstance, however, there was an element of danger. The influx of people of different nationalities and conflicting creeds threatened to involve the community in disorder and lawlessness, and demanded provision for a more stringent enforcement of the laws. Accordingly, at the February court, 1866, the borough of Centralia was incorporated. James B. Knittle was elected president of the town council ; L. S. Boner, town clerk ; and James Dyke, Chief Burgess of the town, an office which he has held during the stormiest periods of its history. The per-sons thus elected officers of the borough, with other public spirited men, took measures to maintain and improve the state of order, and were, in the main, successful.
An undertaking in which the projectors sought to prevent reckless and improvident expenditure by many of the operatives was the Centralia Mutual Savings Fund Association. It was organized Feb. 2, 1866, with E. S. Betterly, and a board of directors consisting of A. W. Rea, James Dyke, Henry W. Sable, Reuben Wasser, M. M. L' Velle, L. S. Boner, Joseph H. Dawes, Edward Sweet, William James, William Peiffer, J. J. Hoagland, David Camp and John M. Belford. For a time its results were satisfactory and profitable; but it subsequently became involved, and is now being closed by James Dyke. Although apparently a failure, it has certainly accomplished a good work. Many of the homes in Centralia trace their first inception in the minds of the owners to the comfortable sum which had here slowly accumulated.
One of the greatest disadvantages of the location of the town is the absence of an adequate water supply. To supply this want the Centralia Water Company was chartered in 1866. A reservoir was constructed on the side of Locust mountain, and wooden mains were laid to conduct the water to its consumers. In the course of a few years the pipes began to decay ; the expense of removing them and securing others of a more durable character seriously involved the company. Its property was sold on execution of Mayberry Hughes, and was bought by William Brydon Oct. 26, 1876. This transfer closed the first ten years of the company's history, and the result was total failure. From William Brydon, the property passed into possession of A. B. Fortner, Daniel C. Black, Ed-ward Williams, Jr., A. K. Mensch, A. B. Willard and John W. Fortner. In their hands the property has been much improved and pays a fair return.
The water supply of this company is obtained from springs in the vicinity of the town. The exhaustive pumping process necessary to keep the mines free from water threatened to seriously affect their permanency. To meet the increasing need for an absolutely inexhaustible supply of water the Locust Mountain Water Company was chartered October 24. 1881, with a capital stock of fifty-thousand dollars, to which the Lehigh Valley Rail-road Company largely contributed. A large dam was built across Brush valley run and a reservoir on the top of Locust mountain, while three miles of underground mains connect the two. The works were completed two years ago and re-move the possibility of any " water-famine" in the future.
The borough organization, beneficial as it was in every respect, failed to curls the spirit of ruffianism which asserted itself in the years which immediately followed. About the time it was effected, the Mollie Maguire troubles began its Schuylkill county. This organization, one of the most formidable that has ever existed in defiance of law, rapidly extended over a large extent of the adjoining counties.
On the 17th of October, 1868, Alexander W. Rea was murdered on the road leading from Centralia to a colliery of which he was super-intendent. The object ostensibly was to rob him of some hundreds of dol-lars it was supposed he would have with him, as it was pay day. The murderers secured but ten dollars tram his person and made good their escape.
Ten years afterward, Hester, Tully and McHugh were tried and convicted as accessories before the fact. They were hung at Bloomsburg, March 25, 1878.
This murder begins a period in the history of Centralia which had its part in every town in the anthracite region. There was a virtual reign of terror. Sentence of death seemed to be pronounced against every miner-boss who dared perform his duties and oppose the roughs. When the life of Alexander Rea, a man who had been identified with every project to benefit the miners and improve the town, could be sacrificed to the hatred and cupidity of designing villains, all security of life and property seemed to have disappeared. Many of the leading citizens fled. It was not safe to be in the streets after night-fall, and hardly safer to remain indoors. The outrages in Centralia reached a culminating point in 1874, when Michael Lanathan was shot in the streets, and Thomas Dougherty was murdered on his way to work. These tragedies occurred within a month of each other; both were shrouded in mystery, but every circumstance pointed with moral certainty to the " Maguires as the conspirators and perpetrators. With the disclosures of McFarland, the reign of law was once more established and Centralia shared in the feeling of security which soon became general throughout the whole region.
Another phase of the lawlessness of the period was the frequent occurrence of ;incendiary fires. In March, 1872, a destructive fire consumed four blocks on ;the east side of Locust avenue. In the same year a half-square between Centre Railroad streets was reduced to ashes. January 12, 1873, a whole square on the west side of Locust was burned, leaving only three houses on that side of the street. In the four succeeding years, several business houses and private residences wore burned, all of which with one exception were believed to be the work of incendiaries. Centralia has entered upon its period of greatest prosperity within the last /ew years. The discovery and development of rich veins of coal in the im-mediate vicinity give promise of labor for hundreds of men for years to come. It comprises a population of about three-thousand; a number of well established business houses, distributing every commodity within the circle of the needs of any community; five congregations of evangelical Christians, with an equal number of places of worship; a large and substantial school-building; and a number of benevolent and co-operative associations. The religious and social development of the people has made great advances in the past few years, and may be examined in detail. Methodism was introduced into Centralia in January of 1863, and was therefore the first denomination represented in the town. Morris Lewis was ap-pointed leader of a class of eight by Reverend W. M. Showalter, who was then pastor at Ashland. Two years later Reverend N. W. Guire, from the same place, organized the Methodist Episcopal appointment of Centralia, formed a class, and appointed William M. Hoagland, leader. In April of the same year the appointment was connected with the Mt,. Cannel circuit of the East Balti-more Conference. Reverend J. M. Mullen was in charge the three succeeding years. During the summer of 1860 the church edifice was begun by John James and Joseph Steel. Assisted by others favorable to the cause, they excavated the foundation without the expenditure of a single dollar. The corner-:stone was laid in the autumn of 1800, by Reverend W. A. Stephens. In February of the following year, the basement was completed and dedicated by Rev-erend J. B. Riddell. During the pastorate of Reverend J. A. Dixon, the Sun-day-school was organized. In March, 1869, Centralia station was established by the annual conference and C. D. McWilliams, S. R. Nankervis and A. C. Crosthwait successively appointed pastors. In 1871 the audience room was dedicated. Several other appointments were annexed to Centralia about this time. Reverends H. B. Fortner and Samuel Barnes served as pastors until 1873, when Centralia again became a station with Reverend A. H. Mensch as pastor. Being unable to sustain itself, the annual conference of 1874 again connected it with its former circuit. Reverends G. W. Lamed, N. S. Buckingham, G. W. Marshall, T. H. Tubbs, J. P. Benford, R. L. Armstrong and J. S. Buckley have been pastors since then. In 1883 it again became a station, and since then has increased in membership sufficiently to warrant the erection of a new church-building. The next denominations to make their appearance were the Presbyterian and Protestant Episcopal. The former was organized July 31, 1867, by Reverend S. W. Reighart. Reverend L. L. Haughawant became first pastor and ministered to a congregation of eighteen members. A church building was erected at a cost of three thousand dollars. It is an attractive, substantial structure, and has a pleasant location. Reverend J. H. Fleming became pas-tor in 1871, and in 1874 Reverend J. Caldwell, who was succeeded in 1883 by Reverend J. F. Stewart, the present pastor. The Protestant Episcopal church edifice was erected in 1867 at a cost of four-thousand dollars, contributed largely by Robert Gorrell and J. M. Freck. Bishop Stephens, of the diocese of Harrisburg, consecrated it. Reverend M. Washburn was the first rector; he resigned in 1870, when Reverend Charles E. D. Griffith took charge. His successors have been Reverends Robert H. Kline and D. Howard, the present incumbent. The parish of St. Ignatius' Catholic church, Centralia, is in the diocese of Harrisburg. Right Reverend J. F. Shanahan selected the Very Reverend D. J. McDermott to organize it. Before the erection of the see of Harrisburg the Catholic population of Centralia formed part of St. Joseph's congregation at Ashland. Previous to Father McDermott' s advent no public service had been held in the town by a Catholic priest. He arrived in the place April 12, 1869, and the following Sabbath celebrated two masses in a school-house which has since been abandoned as unsafe because it stood on the verge of a "cave. in." The congregation was organized but there was no ecclesiastical property of any kind belonging to the Catholics of Centralia, and there was no money, for the min-ers had been on an eight months' strike and had not yet resumed work. The first property was acquired by the donation of four lots from the Locust Mountain Coal and Iron Company. The corner-stone of the church building was laid by Bishop Shanahan July 18. 18119. It was completed the following November. Father McDermott completed the pastoral residence in the next year. The church edifice, rectory and cemetery cost twenty-two thousand dol-lars. In 1872 the number of souls in the congregation numbered fifteen hundred. In that year Reverend Edward T. Fields became pastor; he remained in charge until his death in 1884, when ho in turn was succeeded by Reverend James I. Russell. the present pastor. He is assisted in the work of the parish by Reverend J. A. O'Brien. During the twelve years of Father Field's pastor-ate his assistants were Fathers Davis, McShane, Kenney, McKenna and Barr. The Baptist denomination has secured a representation. In April, 1880, Reverend B. B. Henchy, of Giardville, organized a congregation of twelve members. A church building will be completed in course of a short time. The new organization has shown an aggressive spirit, and will no doubt have a
prosperous and useful career.
The secret societies represented in Centralia are the Odd-Fellows, Patriotic
Order Sons of America, Miners’ and Laborers’ Amalgamated Association and
Knights of Labor.
Centralia lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 586, was chartered
September 22, 1866, but this charter was burned, and another issued November 25, 1872.
A new hall is in course of erection on Centre strect, above Locust. Its estimated cost is four thousand dollars. It will have two floors, oneof which will be furnished for public entertainments, thus meeting a long-felt want. The present membership is seventy-one. The officers are James Thomas, James Thompson, C. B. Spurr and Seth Thomas.
Camp No. 106, Patriotic Order Sons of America, was organized in 1866 with thirty-six members. Its first officers were J. P. Hoagland, president; C. G. Freck, secretary, and J. F. Scott, treasurer. It was reorganized in 1872, and rechartered February 17, 1883, with twenty-four members. This membership has since increased to sixty.
District 16, of the Miners’ and Laborers’ Amalgamated Association, was organized February 15, 1855, with one-hundred and seventy-five members. The district comprises four branches, and has a membership of about eight-hundred. Assembly 4641, Knights of Labor, was formed December 13 of the same year. April 17, 1856, Assembly 6364 was organized. These two have a combined strength of two hundred and forty members.
The central location of Centralia in the coal-field of the township has caused more than half of it's population to collect within the borough limits or on the land adjoining, thus preventing the growth of other towns in the vicinity. Several small villages have, however, gathered around the collieries at a distance from Centralia. Montana, Germantown and Locustdale were built in the years immediately following the opening of the coal-mines; but, for the reason just given, never approached in point of size their older neighbor, Centralia.
LOCUSTDALE
The village of Locustdale is situated in the adjoining counties of Schuylkill and Northumberland, as well as Columbia. The first buildings were erected in 1856 by George C. Potts and Company, the proprietors of the colliery still known by the name of ita projector. The following year this colliery was first operated, and in 1858 the shipment of coal was begun. The growth of the village was energetically forwarded by J. L. Beadle, the first manager of the colliery. A. S. Morehead, of Pottsville, in 1850 opened the first store. Mrs. Mary Young was the next merchant. The first hotel, however, was built in
1840 by Jacob Brise] before any prospect of a village was apparent.
J. S. Beadle and William Rearsbeck invented a device for the ventilation
of coal-mines, first adopted by the Potts colliery in 1860, but now extensively
used.
MONTANA
The village of Montana was laid out in 1865 by Samuel Seidy. The Reno
colliery, just opened by Morris Robison and Company, gave employment to
many Jaborers, aud the town rapidly expanded to its present proportions. The
Red tavern, a great place of social concourse during the old stage days, has
not outlived its usefulness, but is still fairly patronized. The United Breth-
ren chureh, organized in 1871 by Reverend J. G. Fritz of Mt. Carmel, North-
umnberland county, meets in the school-house. The membership has increased
to thirty-two. A new church-building is now in course of erection.
An enumeration of the villages of the township is manifestly incomplete with-
out mention of *' The Shanties.’’ A straggling collection of dilapidated housesat the site of the old Repellier breakers appropriately bears this name: and about a dozen houses, of more substantial appearance, however, at the opening of an abandoned shaft of the same colliery have been known as Germantown, from the fact of several of the first. families being Germans. The oldest of the shanties was built on a Sunday in the summer of 1854, and the village of Germantown the following year. It now comprises about a dozen houses and a
school building, whose predecessor was one of the first built in Conyngham
township.
The first school-house, however, was situated above Montana, where the
road turns to descend into Bush valley. It was built about the year 1840, but
even then there was hardly population enough to warrant its erection. The
work of education was here pursued under difficulties of which only the pedagogue of that early day can form an idea. Unlike the generality of schools, then as now the attendance was discouragingly small. To the teacher this was a vital consideration, as his salary and the continuance of the school depended on the presence of a certain number of pupils. It is said that one of the first teachers was constrained under these circumstances to sometimes carry
several small children to the school from their homes. It is possible, however, »
that even these difficulties would be an agreeable alternative if presented to
the teachers of the over-crowded schools which have grown from this small
beginning.
The school at Locustdale was opened in 1850, with John Wagner as first
teacher. The year previous, the first school building at Centralia was erected.
It was subsequently engulfed in a ‘‘cave-in’’ of acoal mine. It was in this build-
ing that the Methodist, Catholic and Presbyterian churches were organized.
For ten years it was the only place for public gatherings in the town. The
commodious building which has succeeded it indicates a progressive and liberal spirit among the citizens.
Conyngham township is, in many respects, unlike any other portion of Columbia county. Geographically, it is isolated. Its people are compelled, in order to reach the county seat, to make a circuitous journey of sixty miles by rail, or resort to the less convenient modes of travel near akin to the stagecoaches of forty years ago.
Topographically, it is characterized by the Little and Locust mountains,
two parallel ranges. The crest of the former is 4 natural boundary between it
and the adjoining township of Locust; the southern slope of the latter extends
into Schuylkill county. Between the two, and extending completely across the
township from east to west, is the Brush valley, a deep, dark ravine, whose
almost impenetrable thickets attest the propriety of the name. The Brush val-
ley run rises from a spring on the northern slope of Locust mountain; within
a mile of this, to the south, are the head waters of the Big Mine run. These
streams are branches, respectively, of the Shamokin and Mahanoy creeks,
two of the most important tributaries of the Susquehanna river. Their respective basins are thus determined by Locust mountain. In no other town.
ship of Columbia county is the surface so mountainous and rugged and utterly
unfit for agricultural purposes. Nor bas the mining of coal any where else
become an exclusive industry.
For this reason more than any other there is a marked difference in the
general character of the people. While the Quakers and Germans were
bringing the valleys of Roaring and Fishing creeks under cultivation, the
new settlers hurried over the Locust and Little mountains, relieved when the
bold outline of the latter was behind them against the southern horizon. And
when, a half century later, the population that first developed the resources of these mountains finally began to arrived, it differed in nationality from that which had proceeded it, and passed to the farming region beyond. The history of the people, their churches, their schools, and the town they have built is a history of a rapid growth of population with the successive opening of the different collieries in the region.
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"Centralia Borough, in said township of Conyngliam, was confirmed after a warm contest, at the February court in A. D. 1866. " - J.G. Freeze
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Centralia was first known as the “Bull’s Head”, and the first house in the town on the Catawissa road was built in 1841 by Jonathan Faust, and called the “‘Bull’s Head Tavern”. This Hotel subsequently passed into the hands of Reuben Wasser, but retained it’s former name throughout it’s natural life. It was a stopping place for travelers, and for about 12 years comprised all of Centralia that then existed. Jonathan Faust did not own the land on which the house was built; he did not even buy the lumber but appropriated it without compunction, and his right of possession was never disputed.
The “Bull’s Head Tavern” was originally a log house and in 1916 it was razed to make way for a store. Patrick Dempsey, a contractor, erected the property which was used as a fruit and seed store and a residence. Mr. William Weidensaul conducted the tavern as a saloon till 1867. He was follwed by James Goldsworthy, and later it became the property of Mr. Andrew Zimbo.
In 1860 Jonathan Hoagland opened the first store opposite the “Bull’s Head Tavern”. two years later he was appointed postmaster. for a few years the village had been know as centerville, but as an office of that name already existed in the State, at the insistence of the postal authorities, Centralia was suggested by Mr. Rae.
In 1865, the Lehigh and Mahanoy Railroad Company, later known as the Lehigh Valley, Built a line through the town on what is appropriately known as Railroad St. A freight and passenger station was then built on the Western extremity of Railroad Street. With this new entrance into the town several new collieries were opened and the town began to grow in size, population and wealth.
Increasing lawlessness caused an application to be made for incorporation, and at the February session of Columbia County Court, Bloomsburg, in 1866, the Borough of Centralia was formally chartered. James Dyke was elected first mayor, or chief Burgess as it was then called.
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