the president. The office is almost opposite the court-house on Main street. The wealth and industries represented by this banking company compare with that of any other business association in this section of the State.

The

The Elk County Bank was established August 16, 1874, with Jerome Powell, Dr. C. R. Earley, John G. Hall and C. R. Kline stockholders. office was opened in Hall's brick block, where it has since been conducted. C. R. Kline served as cashier from 1874 to June, 1880, when M. S. Kline succeeded him. In 1877 Dr. Earley retired; in March, 1880, W. H. Hyde purchased an interest, and in January, 1888, Jerome Powell retired, selling his interest to John G. Hall. The same month M. S. Kline and C. H. McCauley entered the partnership, and in May of that year J. S. Hyde became associated with them. In July W. H. Hyde purchased his father's share, and he, with M. S. Kline and Messrs. Hall* and McCauley are present owners. The original capital was $50,000, a sum not since increased, although the present surplus is $24,291.

Hotels.-David Thayer, born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1816, came to Ridgway with his family in 1836 or 1837, and died here in February, 1884. He built the Exchange Hotel at the east end of Clarion bridge, and conducted it for fifteen or twenty years, and carried the mails from Ridgway to Warren. In later years he conducted the Thayer House until 1871, when he sold to Rieley and Brother.

The Hyde House was built in 1858-59, and opened June 10, in the latter year, by Mr. Osgood, who leased it from J. S. Hyde. In 1861 he retired, and the house was conducted for Mr. Hyde some time, when Mrs. Cummins purchased it. She, with H. S. Belknap as manager, carried on the hotel until 1867, when a Mr. Moore, now of Olean, bought her interest. In 1869 Mr. Schram became owner, and with the exception of ten months, in 1883, when Mr. Holly conducted the house, he has managed it successfully down to the present time. Dr. Day, his son-in-law, purchased the house in 1887, but continued Mr. Schram in the management. The east wing of the proposed modern Hyde House was completed in 1888.

The hotels now in the borough of Ridgway are the Thayer House, kept by T. Wingfield; Hyde House, by D. B. Day; Clarion Hotel, by Mary J. Vaughan; Rochester House, by H. H. Deet; Bogert House, by Hugh McGeehin; McFarlin Hotel, by James McFarlin; Broad Street Hotel, by Daniel McGovern; Revere House, by C. W. Barrett, and the Eagle Hotel, by Frank Showers.

Churches.-There are seven church organizations and six church buildings in the borough, as follows: St. Leo's Roman Catholic church, on Depot street, is the finest and most expensive, as the congregation is the largest. Rev. M. Meagher, pastor, resides in a parsonage belonging to the parish, situate on the Brookville road. The German Lutheran church is on South street above

Broad, and has a parsonage upon the same lot. The Methodist Episcopal, Protestant Episcopal and Congregationalist are on Centre, the former having a parsonage on "Zion's Hill," in Souther's addition, while the Episcopal rectory is on a lot adjoining the church lot. The Swedish Congregational church, recently built, is on Broad street opposite Osterhout's tannery, and the Presbyterians occupy a hall, fitted up as a chapel, over Messenger's drug store, corner Main and Mill streets. Ridgway is thus amply provided for the moral, religious and mental instruction of its citizens.

The Methodists organized here about 1833, with Reuben and Mrs. J. A. Aylesworth, Mrs. Gallagher and daughter, Emily, and Lucretia Gillis, mem

* While on a visit to England, Hon. John G. Hall died suddenly in the city of Liverpool, on October 7, 1889.

bers. At that time Revs. Benjamin F. Sedwick and Abner Jackson were preachers; Rev. G. D. Kinnear came in 1834, and Rev. A. Plimpton, in 1835. In February, 1851, Revs. R. Edwards, of Warren, and S. B. Sullivan, of Youngsville, officiated at the Methodist quarterly meeting held at Ridgway Academy. I. Blackford advertised this meeting as early as December, 1850. The Methodist church house was erected in 1873-74, during the pastorate of Rev. W. Martin, at a cost of $8,000, and was dedicated January 31, 1875, by Mr. Ives, of Auburn, N. Y. In 1879 part of this debt was unpaid, and members of the church expressed dissatisfaction. In explaining matters, H. V. Talbot published a statement in August, 1879, in behalf of the trustees, and in 1880 the debt was extinguished during the pastorate of Rev. S. M. Clark. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Ridgway petitioned for incorporation August 2, 1876, through W. H. Osterhout, E. K. Gresh, Jacob McCauley, C. E. Holaday, S. A. Olmstead, Charles Mead and T. S. Hartley. Rev. J. C. McDonald reports

the membership at 120, and the value of property at $10,000.

The old frame Catholic church, now standing on the hill, was not built until 1867-69. The priests of St. Mary's attended this mission [the church was formerly known as the Sacred Heart of Mary] until June, 1874, when Rev. M. Meagher was appointed to the charge, having previously served at Tidioute, and subsequently at Corry. In 1874 the congregation was below the 100 mark, since increased to 500. Among the leading members in 1874 were the Flynns, Mrs. Jackson and family, Fannings, Gilloolys, Maginnis, the Schoenings, Healys, McGeehins, McGloins, Meenans, Hollands, Noons, Williams, Singletons, Dalys, Riellys, Maloneys, Sheehans, McCauleys, O'Neils, Murpheys, Mulqueens, Powers, McGoverns, Hays, Barrys, Mrs. Dickinson and family, Mays, Casserlys and a few others. In 1880 Father Meagher, seeing that the time for building a new house of worship had arrived, looked around for a location. Dr. Charles R. Early donated a lot, 136x227 feet, and on August 12, 1883, the corner-stone of the present building was placed by Bishop Mullen, of Erie, and dedicated September 6, 1885, by the same bishop. The church is a solid brick structure with sandstone facings. It cost $15,000, and was built after plans by P. C. Kieley under the direct superintendence of the pastor. This large church was almost paid for at the date of dedication. Father Meagher attends the people at Carman, Daguscahonda, Vineyard Run, Cameron and other places. The stained glass windows were presented by Hugh McGeehin, James Duffey, Mary E. Maginuis, Matilda L. Schoening, John Williams, J. J. Vaughan, Jeremiah Dennison, Ellen D'Arcy, William Fanning, Susan Campbell, Mrs. D. J. McDonald, John Healy, Jr., J. D. Meenan, John Fanning, Jr., D. Canavan, Patrick Holland, Robert Power, Patrick Ryan, Kate O'Connor, the Sheehan family, the Meisinger family, George Dickinson, Patrick Murphy, J. W. Lahive, Dennis Flynn, Temperance Society and Rosary Society.

Grace Protestant Episcopal Church of Ridgway was incorporated July 6, 1866, on petition of E. Derby, J. G. Hall, H. Souther, C. McVean, A. Willis, J. H. Mays, J. Powell, G. D. Messenger, L. and L. C. Wilmarth, B. F. Ely, J. K. Whitmore and C. V. Gillis.

The Lutheran Church was organized April 14, 1872, with George Walker, Phillip Lesser, Arnold Bruegger, Caspar Bruegger, John Christ and John Wunderlich and their families, members. Rev. J. Brenneman was first pastor, followed by Augustus Schaeffer and Rev. A. R. J. Graepp, the present pastor. The corner-stone of the present church house was placed May 25, 1873, and the building was dedicated in October of that year. The membership is 200. and the value of property $10,000.

The Swedish Church of Ridgway may be said to date back to 1873, when the immigrants of 1870-71 were supplied with a preacher. In 1882 an organization was perfected-Bethlehem congregation. Trouble at once ensued, and in 1884 a number of members withdrew, leaving the remaining ones to purchase a lot on Earley's Hill. Owing to troubles in title, the building there was not completed, but in October, 1887, they purchased a lot in west Ridgeway, and later began building. M. A. Nordstrom was preacher at this time. The Swedish Congregational Church of Ridgway was incorporated November 15, 1886, the trustees being J. E. Swanson, C. M. Johnson, A. Froberg, P. G. Greenwall and W. Johnson. J. E. Lundberg and J. T. Johnson also signed the petition.

The First Congregational Church of Ridgway petitioned for incorporation November 11, 1882. The subscribers named were W. H. Osterhout. E. K. Gresh, W. H. Hyde, D. C. Oyster, Peter Gulnack, T. J. Reese and Jerome Powell. The corner-stone of the Congregational church was placed August 28, 1882, by Rev. A. VanCamp. In June, 1883, the bell presented by J. S. Hyde was placed, and dedicated July 15, 1883. The total cost was about $10,000. The First Presbyterian Church was organized November 9, 1875, with the following-named members: John and Elizabeth Winklebleck, Mrs. R. Lucore, E. J. Miller, Elizabeth McIntosh, Mrs. S. R. Chapin, Mrs. L. A. T. Little and Horace Little, the present clerk. There are thirty-seven members. Rev. T. S. Neglen is pastor.

The Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church was incorporated September 16, 1884, with C. Lindgren, L. Carlberg, A. G. Möller, C. P. Green and John Nelson, subscribers. John Kolmberg was among the trustees.

The First Evangelical Lutheran Church was chartered in May, 1884, with Rev. John Sander, Ferd. Sallach, J. A. Miller, J. Fuhrer, C. Brügger, John Otth, Jr., and John Christ, directors.

Cemetery Association. -The Ridgway Cemetery Association was organized in 1872, and on April 8, a petition for incorporation was signed by the following-named members: R. V. Kime, W. H. Hyde, Jerome Powell, Horace Little, C. R. Earley, George A. Rathbun, H. S. Thayer, J. G. Hall, C. H. McCauley, W. S. Service, G. G. Messenger, G. D. Messenger, James Penfield, D. F. Farrand, L. C. Horton, Rufus Lucore, Edward Souther and Charles Holes. W. S. Hamblen was one of the trustees.

Schools.*—The first school was opened in Gallagher's log house (near the central graded township school building), in 1826, by Hannah Gilbert and attended by the children of the three families then residing there. Subsequently Ann Berry and Betsy Hyatt taught in the “Old Red House," a dwelling. In 1834 a house for common-school purposes was erected near the Dickinson dwelling by Messrs. Crow, Thayer, Gallagher, Dickinson, Cobb and Cady, directors, and Betsy Hyatt installed. She was succeeded by Mr. Barnutz in 1835. A second building was erected close by in 1838, intended for a graded school, and came down to our own day. In 1870, a $7,000-school building was erected this side of the Clarion, and opened with L. D. Rockwell, principal, and Addie P. Taylor, assistant.

In 1874 three teachers were employed in the Ridgway schools. In 1885-86 a wing as large as the main building was erected, and in 1887 the pupils residing outside the borough were excluded. This necessitated the building of another school house on the G. G. Messenger lot, Mill street, which was com

Ridgway received $94 toward the old school-house, built in 1834, over which Barnutz presided in 1835; the Ridgway and Warren Turnpike Company received $10,000, a share in the annual distribution of $100,000 of the bank fund, together with moneys subscribed for other purposes. All this came from the $2,500,000 relief note issue.

pleted in October, 1887, and opened by W. H. Devereaux, principal, assisted by B. E. Wilcox and Maggie Reese. In 1888 Prof. Kline was principal, and in 1889 Prof. Devereaux was re-appointed. C. J. Swift was principal of the borough schools at this time with Misses Little, Kime, O'Connor, Ross and Thompson, assistants. In April, 1889, the largest class ever graduated at Ridgway, comprised Franklin Lesser, Amos Williams, Frank McFarlin, Henry Willard, John Flynn, Lynne Hamblen, Heber McDonnald, Maud Thompson, Josephine Scribner, Mary Mulqueen, Mina VanAken, May Noon, Alice. Schirk, Mary Logan, Willa Webb, Viola Metts, Eva Irwin, Louie Little.

The school buildings are situated at the corner of South and Broad streets, and although built of wood are considered very good. The main part was erected in 1870 by Salyer Jackson, then of this place, built at a cost of $7,000. The first teachers in the building were L. D. Rockwell, now a physician at Union City, Penn., and Miss Addie P. Taylor, who still resides in Ridgway. After Dr. Rockwell came a Prof. Urnholtz as principal. In 1873 and 1874 George R. Dixon was principal, Misses Addie P. Taylor and B. E. Wilcox assistants. In 1874, Miss Garritt (now Mrs. E. T. Grant) also assisted. B. Johnson, J. D. Rishell, C. J. Swift, now county superintendent, and D. C. Murphy, the present principal, followed in succession. The staff of teachers comprises Miss Lizzie Thompson, Miss Maggie Flynn, Miss Maud Nutes, Miss Ada Munro and Mrs. Emma Lane. Mrs. Lane is a graduate of the Mansfield Normal School and has received special training in kindergarten work. She has taught successfully in Wilkesbarre and Galeton, where important positions were held.

J.

The Ridgway Academy was presided over in 1850 by W. H. Neiver.... The convent schools of Ridgway are on Zion Hill, near the old Catholic church.

Societies. Elk Lodge, No. 379, F. & A. M., was constituted under charter January 15, 1867, with the following-named members: G. A. Rathbun, H. A. Thomas, C. R. Earley, Byron F. Ely, D. D. Cook, Henry Souther, Hiram Carman, Isaac Horton, Jr., B. J. Jones, R. I. Robinson, J. L. Brown and W. A. Boyer. The past masters are named as follows: Henry H. Thomas, 1867-69; C. R. Earley, 1868; W. C. Healy, 1870; G. T. Wheeler, 1871; Isaac Horton, Jr., 1872; E. P. Dickinson, 1873; E. J. Miller, 1874; W. H. Schram, 1875; H. Warner, 1876; C. V. Gillis, 1877; W. W. Mattison, 1878; P. R. Smith, 1879; A. B. Wheeler, 1880; H. Carman, 1881; J. M. Schram, 1882; W. F. Mercer, 1883; Dr. Fullerton, 1884; F. C. Ely, 1885; D. D. Cook, 1886; A. B. C. Young, 1887-88, and George R. Dixon, 1889. The secretaries have been Hiram Carman, one year; J. P. Whitmore, three years; G. L. McCracken, two years; D. B. Day, half a year; W. C. Healy, two and onehalf years; E. J. Miller, one year; G. R. Dixon, two years; W. C. Healy, two years; G. R. Dixon, two years; W. C. Healy, in 1887-89. The officers for 1890 are W. S. Horton, W. M.; W. D. Drysdale, S. W.; Delos Dolliver, J. W.; George R. Dixon, chaplain; B. F. Ely, treasurer (over twenty-one years); W. C. Healy, secretary.

Elk Chapter, No. 230, R. A. M., was chartered September 13, 1870, with C. R. Earley, H. P.; G. T. Wheeler, K.; C. V. Gillis, S.; D. D. Cook, T., and William C. Healy, secretary. The past high priests are named as follows: Dr. C. R. Earley, 1870; Gilman T. Wheeler, 1871 and 1877; C. V. Gillis, 1872; W. S. Service, 1873; Rufus Lucore, 1874; W. H. Schram, 1875-76; John W. Morgester, 1878; Nathaniel T. Cummings, 1879-81; Amos B. Wheeler, 1882; Eugene J. Miller, 1883-84; Jas. B. Wicks, 1885; Daniel D. Cook, 1886; Wilbur F. Mercer, 1887; John M. Schram, 1889. The chapter uses the Masonic hall meeting, but as an organization has no share in ownership.