Montour County

Olden Habits and Customs The habits and customs of the last generation, it is true, may have been less refined in some respects, but they were more wholesome and more favorable to longevity. A thousand inventions of the present day, then unknown, invite to ease, indolence, and luxury; but they are at the same time … Read more

Susquehanna Floods   There was an old tradition, or rather a prophecy, among the Indians that roamed about the Susquehanna, that great floods in this river occurred at regular intervals of fourteen years; and this in some degree proved true in the days of our fathers. The first great flood of which we have any … Read more

Fifty Years Ago The recollections of Mr. John Frazer, now of Cincinnati, are so interesting and so admirably detailed, that I copy them entire, exactly as written by himself, as I also copy many other sketches in relation to the olden time. In kindly replying to my request for sketches on various points, historical and … Read more

Union Hall Hotel Union Hall Hotel, near the court-house, was built by Philip Goodman, in 18×8. He had previously kept the “old Pennsylvania House.” His card in the town paper was inserted as follows: “NEW TAVERNPHILIP GOODMANinforms his friends and the public that he has commenced keeping tavern in his new brick house, sign of … Read more

Master Gibson and the Mahoning School. To rescue from oblivion the name and services of Master Gibson, a worthy school-master of the days of yore, is the object of the present chapter. The picturesque eminence, the site of the Grove church and schoolhouse, and the cemetery, comprising in all two acres, was the donation of … Read more

Prominent Men. It is a source of deep regret that no reliable record can be obtained of such prominent men in the past history of Danville, as Reverend John B. Patterson, Doctor Alexander C. Donaldson, Rudolph Sechler, William G. Hurly, and many others. Moreover, what record we have of others is meager and unsatisfactory. From … Read more

Climate and Longevity. In glancing at the climate of Danville and the longevity of its people, I again copy from the memoranda of Mr. J. Frazer. He says, the climate of Danville is exceedingly favorable to the health and longevity of its inhabitants. Epidemics seldom prevail. Its near proximity to 41° north latitude, approximates that … Read more

Mahoning Presbyterian Church. This church was built in 1853, on Mahoning and Ferry streets, the congregation, as before stated, retaining the name and the organization of the original church. The building is handsome and well-arranged. It is surmounted by a steeple containing a bell and a town clock. Some years ago a storm blew down … Read more

Grove Presbyterian Church The Grove Presbyterian, or, as it was originally called, Mahoning Presbyterian Church, is the oldest religious organization in Danville. While this place was still known as “Mahoning Settlement,” Rev. John Bryson was the first Presbyterian minister. He preached at first in Gen. Montgomery’s dwelling house, and when the congregation became too large … Read more

Location. DANVILLE is situated on the right bank of the North Branch of the Susquehanna river, and about eleven miles above its confluence with the West Branch at the town of Northumberland. It is surrounded by the most charming and picturesque scenery, and is nestled in a narrow valley, between Blue Hill and Montour Ridge. … Read more