"Old Buffalo" Presbyterian Church

 

"Old Buffalo" Union County's first Church.

The Buffalo Presbyterian congregation was the oldest congregation in Union County, having been founded in 1773. Two buildings have previously occupied the site; a cemetery adjoining the church attests to its early origins. 

The Buffalo Presbyterian Church was the first church established in Buffalo Valley, only five years after the territory was opened to settlement. Scots-Irish Presbyterians first met in the countryside where the Old Buffalo Church would later be built. 

In c. 1784, Edward and Joseph Shippen gave 5 acres to the

Presbyterian congregation on which to build a meetinghouse and burial place-at what is

now the intersection of Buffalo Road/Route 192, and Buffalo Cross Road.

The first meetinghouse was a log structure with 3 doors and 9 windows: one

window located behind the pulpit plus 2 on each side, front and back. 

In 1791, thirty-six pews were rented, for 1 pound 9 shillings, up to 3 pounds, 5 shillings, and occupied by 83 members.

In 1816, a stone church replaced the log structure. The building was 52 feet by 40

feet, containing 4 rows of seats and the pulpit. Jacob Hartman did all the carpentry work

and painting for $625, and William McLaughlin did the masonry work for 75 cents per

perch (16.5 feet). The cornerstone was laid July 23, 1816 and the building completed by

December 29, 1816. This stone church stood at the northwest corner of the cemetery

grounds.

In 1846 the present Greek Revival, brick structure was constructed, necessitated

by the early deterioration of the stone church when its foundation became unsound

Stones from the 1816 church were used in the foundation of the brick church and in part

of the cemetery wall.

Ministers serving this congregation included Reverend Hugh Morrison, a native

of Ireland (serving from 1787 until 1801), Thomas Hood (1805-1835), Isaac Grier (1835-

1884), W. K. Foster (1885-1890), E. H. Snook (1891-1899), and M. H. Calkins (1900-

1919).

Interior in the 1960s

By 1823 the Buffalo congregation had grown to 273 members. It was a long ride or walk to Buffalo Crossroads Church for those who came from surrounding areas. The time to develop local churches had come. 

The Buffalo Church planted 5 daughter churches, Mifflinburg in 1818, Laurel Run (later Hartleton) in 1831, Bethel (Later the Washington Church, Allenwood) in 1832, Lewisburg in 1833 and New Berlin in 1842.

 39 members transferred from the Buffalo church to the First Presbyterian church of Lewisburg in 1833, which was to be under the guidance of the Reverend Thomas Hood.

On January 17 1919 the Buffalo Presbyterian congregation, eighteen members in all , was dissolved by the Presbytery of Northumberland. 

An annual Communion Service was held each year, at least through the 1920s:

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A Sesquicentennial was held there On August 30th 1923

The two tablets on the front of the church were unveiled at that event.

On February 14 1975  the the church and grounds were purchased  from the Presbytery by Mrs. Mary Ruhl Maher, Mrs. Ethel D. Ruhl, & Mr George Ruhl.  It appears that they formed an organization named the 1773 Buffalo Church Association.

The church building was sitting empty when the application was made for the National Register.

According to the application for the National Registry, " Reservations in the deed provide that the property will be maintained as an historical site and consistent with its religious heritage and shall not be resold at a profit. "

"The Old Buffalo Presbyterian Church Cemetery Association has maintained the

cemetery since acquiring it from the Northumberland Presbytery in 1975. At the same

time, the 1773 Buffalo Church Association took ownership of the church and grounds,

and is bound by deed to maintain it for religious and historic purposes. "

In 1975 Buffalo Church was included in the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic

Places, and on January 30, 1976, it was enrolled in the National Register of Historic

Places. 

The old oak trees on site were estimated to be over 200 years old.

The building here is the third on the site.

Old Buffalo has been called the “Mother of Churches” because from its

membership the following churches were formed: Mifflinburg Presbyterian in 1819;

Bethel-Washington, Allenwood, in 1831; Laurel Run, later Hartleton, in 1832; Lewisburg

in 1833; and New Berlin in 1841.

"Architecturally, the building is a fine example of vernacular architectural style. It is quiet, dignified, and well-proportioned. The use of classical detail reflects the then-prevalent interest in Greek and Roman architecture. The classical elements are very successfully combined with more local elements such as paneling and sash windows. Like the combination of styles, the combination of materials and colors is pleasing and well-balanced. "

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In July of 1897, the Harrisburg Telegraph & The Lewisburg Journal printed a list of inscriptions of the tombstones in the Buffalo Crossroads Presbyterian Church.

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BUFFALO CROSS ROADS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

By A. STAPLETON.

This church was one of the very first organized in the West Branch Valley and is situated about four miles west of Lewisburg, the county seat of Union county.  Its organziation dates back to 1773.  The worshipers were mostly Scotch Irish who settled this region – Buffalo Valley – and were mainly from Cumberland Valley and the Scotch Irish settlements of Lancaster County.

Among the early members were many who became prominent in the Revolution.  In the ancient graveyard sleep many illustrious heroes, but very few have inscribed headstones.  We subjoin a number of the most notable inscriptions with, comment:

Robert Van Valzah was born April 17, 1764.  Died April 18, 1850,  aged 86 years and 1 day.

Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Robert Van Valzah, Died March 30, 1840, aged 79 years.

Hie Jacet John Linn,  Born April 2nd, 1754. Died March 18, 1809.

Hie Jacet Mrs. Ann Linn,  Relict of John Linn, Born in September 6th, A. D., 1761. Died Sep. 4, A.D. 1841.

Hie Jacet James Flemming, Born June 29, A. D. 1759. Died July 30, 1824.

In memory of David Linn, Born May 28, 1776, and departed this life July 26, 1848, Aged 72 years 1 month and 28 days.

In memory of Margery Linn, Born Dec. 30, 1780, and departed this life Nov. 19, 1865, aged 83 years, 10 months and 19 days.

In memory of Isaiah Linn, Died April, 1809, aged 37 years.

Hie Jacet Mrs. Ann McBeth, Born January 4th. A. D. 1733. Died Feb. 28, 1808.

Note — John Linn was a brother to the noted Dr. William Linn — one of the early Presbyterian divines of Pennsylvania — and was grandfather of the late Hon. J. Merrill Linn, of Lewisburg, and the Hon. John Blair Linn, ex-Secretary of the Commonwealth, of Bellefonte. He came to Buffalo Valley in 1772. Served in the War of the Revolution. Ann McBeth and James Flemming were relatives.

In memory of Dr. Robert Van Valzah. Jr., Born Sept. 11, 1789. Died March 14, 1851, aged 61 years, 6 month, and 3 days.

Nancy, Wife of Dr. Robert Van Valzah, Jr., Born Dec. 24, 1799. Died April 26, 1857, aged 57 years, 4 mo. and 5 days.

Dr. Robert T. Van Valzah, Died October 8th, 1877, aged 32 years.

William Van Valzah, Died Oct. 13, 1859, aged 48 years, 5 mo. and 19 days.

Sarah Van Valzah, Died November 16, 1862, aged 45 years, 6 mo. and 8 days.

Note — Dr. Robert Van Valzah, Sr. came to the valley Van from Croton, New York, in 1786. He was famous as a physician and had an immense practice. His sons Thomas and Robert also became eminent practitioners; grandsons and great-grandsons perpetuate his fame and success in the same profession.

The above shows a remarkable succession of father, son and grandson of the same name and profession.

George Lashells,  Departed on the 27th May, 1844, Aged 88 years, 1 mo and 3 days.

Sarah, Consort of George Lashells, Died July 7, 1834, Aged 58 years and 3 days.

Jacob Lashell, Died April 3, 1847, Aged 55 years, 7 mo. and 16 days.

In. memory of Lydia, Wife of George Lashell, Jr., who Died March 30, 1837, Aged 40 years, 5 mo. and 29 days.

John Lashells, was born Sep. 13, 1789, Died May 18, 1847, Aged 59 years, 8 mo. and 5 days.

Sacred To the memory of Martha, Wife of John Lashells, who was born on the 2nd December, 1789,

and died on the 12 Oct., 1837.

Ralph Lashells, Late of Gettysburg, who died at his brother’s, in New Berlin, on the 20th July, 1821, Aged 39 years, 1 mo. and 22 days.

George W., Son of J. J. and H. R. Lashells, was killed at the first battle of Fredericksburg, December 4th, 1862, Aged 18 years, 2 mo. and 19 days.

Note — The Lashells were evidently of French extraction. They came near the beginning of the century to the valley from Adams county, and were for many years a prominent family, but very few now remain. John Lashells (as above) was one of the first members of the Union county bar, and was an eminent lawyer.

SOURCE:  Page(s)102-104  Notes and Queries: Historical, Biographical and Genealogical, Relating Chiefly to Interior Pennsylvania By William Henry Egle, Pennsylvania State Library; Harrisburg publishing company, 1898 

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Organized 1773

First building erected 1775

Second building erected 1816

Present building erected 1846

Pastors

1773-1787 - Supplies

1787-1801 - Rev. Hugh Morrison

1801-1805 - Supplies

1805-1835 - Rev Chas. Hood

1835-1884 - Rev. Isaac Grier D.D.

1885-1890 - Rev Wm.K. Foster

1891-1899 - Rev. E.A. Snook

1900-1919 - Rev. M.H. Calkins D.D.

Church dissolved Jan. 27, 1919

Tablet erected Aug. 30, 1923

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READ MORE
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 Old Buffalo Church by the 1773 Buffalo Church Association; 

Linn's Annals of Buffalo Valley; Snyder's Union County,

Pennsylvania: A Celebration of History; Union County Heritage V. II, 1970

https://first-presby.org/index.php/about/history

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PHOTOS FROM 

The Mazeppa Union Church 175th Anniversary

Held at Buffalo Presbyterian Church, 2026

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59 Meeting House Lane, Lewisburg Pa

[On rt 192, near Johnson Mill Road]

The One Room Schoolhouse On Hill School Road, Lewisburg

 I passed this school /home while looking for my great grandmothers homestead.  It's located on Hill School Road, so it may be named the Hill Schoolhouse?  Or it could be Hill School Road simply because there was a school, on a hill.  I do not know.

Mary Belle Lontz wrote about one room schoolhouses, if I remember correctly, there may be a book at the Union County Historical Society with more information.

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An Index of one room school houses in the Susquehanna Valley

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/05/one-room-schoolhouses-index.html

When 4 Lewisburg Inmates Crashed A Garbage Truck Through the Prison Gates & Held My Great Grandmother Hostage

On Saturday morning, August 10th, at 9:30 am,four inmates at the Lewisburg Penitentiary jumped a fence, stole a garbage truck, crashed it through the gates, and drove to a wooded area near my great grandmothers house in Forest Hill area. After driving the truck into the woods, they went to my Grammy Mook's house where they tied everyone up, and stole Uncle Franks car to continue with their escape.  

The inmates, Richard  McCoy Jr, Melvin Walker, Larry  Bagely, and Joseph Havel, were sitting on a bench in the recreation area that morning.  A security guard and an inmate drove a garbage truck into the nearby industrial area.  The area was surrounded by a six foot cyclone fence with 4 strands of barbed wire at the top, separating it from the recreational area.

When the guard got out of the truck to inspect the area, the inmates, armed with knives,  jumped the fence and overpowered the inmate who was driving the truck.
The inmates then commandeered the garbage truck, and crashed it through the gates to make their escape.

Guards in the tower fired seven shots at the truck, but the garbage compacter was 4 foot higher than the cab, and the shots bounced off the compacter.  The guards attempted to chase the truck, but they could not drive the cars over the gates that were now laying on the ground. There was one guard on patrol outside of the gate, but he could not cut them off in time.

The windshield of the truck was broken when it crashed through the first gate, but none of the prisoners were injured.

My great aunt Geraldine Whittle, and her husband Frank, were visiting my great grandmother at her home in Forest Hill Pa.  Grammy Mook, Aunt Geraldine, and Catherine Fladd, my great grandmothers housekeeper, were sitting in the car in the driveway, waiting for Uncle Frank to take them shopping. For some reason I do not quite understand (but do not doubt is accurate) Uncle Frank was siphoning gas from the car to use in the lawnmower, before they left.

Two men in "GI Fatigues" approached Uncle Frank and tole him they wanted to borrow his car, to which he replied "You're kidding." At that point, two additional men appeared, with knives hanging from their belts. Still thinking they were kidding, Uncle Frank asked "What is this?  An initiation for some sorority?"  One of the men laughed.

The four convicts ushered them all into the house, and tied them up.  They asked if there were any guns in the house, and Uncle Frank replied "Why would I have guns when I am from Philadelphia?".  (Uncle Frank and Aunt Geraldine lived in Philadelphia and were only visiting in Forest Hill at the time.)

The convicts chose not to take his word, and made a quick search of the house, before escaping in Uncle Frank's 1970 blue ford.  They drove off towards Stonehaven Road, which was the road they used when they crashed through the gate of the prison.

Uncle Frank had seen the garbage truck pass the house, and had thought it was strange, as it wasn't something normally seen on those back roads.  The truck was found in a heavily wooded area about a fourth of a mile from my great grandmothers home.

My great grandmother, Mary Mook, was quoted in the local newspaper as saying  "They never raised their voices, or said anything nasty.  They were just so nice."  One of the escapees made conversation, telling her that he had three children.  He placed glasses of water on the table for the women, and allowed Uncle Frank to take his heart pill, even offering him water to do so. Although the convicts made no threats of harm, they did say "We don't want to hurt you.  But don't rile us, we're long-termers"  They cut the telephone wires, and took Uncle Frank's wallet, but they returned both his wallet and his money before they left.   "And they didn't even tie us tight!" said Grammy Mook. 

Uncle Frank was able to untie himself before the convicts had left the driveway. 
Aunt Geraldine told Uncle Frank, "You just wait here until they leave!"  But he didn't wait long, he ran to the home of Cleon Snyder, about 1/4 of a mile down Stonehaven rd, to call the state police.
"He didn't even bother to untie us!" laughed Aunt Geraldine.  "We had to unloosen ourselves while he was gone."

The local newspaper reported that there was about $250 worth of camera equipment in the car, some new fishing equipment, and baby gifts to be taken back to Philadelphia, and that there was a wooden carrier strapped to the top of the car.  Uncle Frank's car was recovered by police in New Bern, NC.  All of the personal items were still in the car, untouched.  The car did need some body repairs, and needed a new heater installed, but his insurance paid for all of that.  

This was the first escape from the Pen since the Nolan brothers escape 20 years earlier.  On September 10 1952, two Nolan brothers, accompanied by Elmer Schuer, broke out of the prison, taking a hostage on Penitentiary Road.  The hostage later escaped.  The Nolan brothers stabbed a man at Bucknell University and stole his car, before being killed in a gun battle in New York City.  Schuer surrendered to the NY police. 

On The Run
Although the newspapers reported two other cars were stolen in the area after the escape,  Uncle Franks ford was driven to North Carolina.

Three of the  men robbed a bank at Pollacksville, North Carolina on Tuesday August 13th, 1974, three days after their escape.  The fourth man was driving the get away car.

Havel and Bagley surrendered tonight after a brief gunfight with the police in a wooded area nearby. A hunt continued for the other two. 

Walker and McCoy hid out in  Wolf's Snare section of Virginia Beach, a quiet, middle‐class residential neighborhood, from September to November of 1974.

In early November 1974, FBI agents located Walker and McCoy in a home in Virginia Beach, VA.  The agents watched the house for two days, and when both men left, they stationed agents inside and outside of the cottage to wait for the convicts to return.  When McCoy came to the front door, an agent identified himself, and McCoy went for his gun.  He got one shot off before the agent returned fire and McCoy was killed.


Walker took off when, but agents stopped his car within a few blocks, and arrested him.

The Prisoners

Richard F. McCoy Jr was 32 years old when he escaped.  He was serving a 45 year team for "Air Piracy", and was described as a convicted skyjacker. McCoy gained national notoriety in 1972 when hp hijacked a United Airlines plane, demanded add got $500,000 and then bailed out over Provo, Utah.

McCoy, who grew up in Cove City North Carolina, was a former US Green Beret, and Mormon Sunday School Teacher.  In November, FBI agents tracked McCoy down in Virginia, where McCoy was killed when he shot at agents.

There are many theories about who D.B. Cooper really was - among those theories, is Richard McCoy.

[Above poster is from the Lewisburg Penitentiary Museum]

Melvin Dale Walker, age 35 in 1974, was from Morely Missouri.
Former Ten Most Wanted Fugitive #327: On November 9, 1974: Walker was apprehended in Virginia Beach, Virginia, after entering a house staked out by FBI agents. He attempted to escape by car but was arrested.

Joseph W. Havel, from Philadelphia,  was age 60 at the time of his escape.  He was described by prison guards as a loner, and the guards were most surprised by him being involved in the escape.  Havel was convicted in 1967, one of 4 men involved in the robbery of an armored car.  While serving time for that robbery, he escaped from the state prison, robbed a bank in Reading on March 8 1972, and was caught, convicted, and sentenced to ten years time  at the Lewisburg Pen.

Larry L. Bagley, from Des Moine Iowa,  was age 36 at the time of his escape. He was serving 20 years for bank robbery.

Bagley, Havel, and Walker had all attempted escape before, and had had additional years added to their sentences for their attempts.

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