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Note: Orphan's Court Records: Huntingdon County, Pa Docket C, pg 95 August term, 1821 File L, No. 3 The Petition of Henry Dorsey was read setting forth that Joseph Price died intestate leaving amongst other children, a son named Joshua Price, a minor under the age of fourteen years without any person legally authorized to take charge of his person or education, his mother having left the County. The Petitioner therefore prays the Honourable Court to appoint a suitable person as Guardian of said minor. Whereupon it is considered by the Court and ordered the Doctor John Henderson be appointed Guardian of said minor. Joshua was about 9 1/2 years old at the time. John Henderson appears in the 1830 census living in Union Twp, Huntingdon County, Pa with one minor child between the ages of 15-20 (Joshua would have been 18) and other children ranging in ages of under 5, between 10 and 15, and himself as between 50-60 years of age (birth @ 1755) 2 females between 5-10 years of age, 2 females between 15-20 years of ages and 1 female between 40-50 years of age. Joshua Price appears in the 1840 census in Tell Twp., Huntingdon County, Pa with 1 child under the age of 5, 2 children between 10-15 years of age, and himself between 20-30 years of age. 1 female child under 5, 1 female between the ages of 15-20, and one female between 30-40 years of age. Joshua Price-1842- Supervisor of Tell Twp. Joshua Price-1844-overseer to the poor-Tell Twp. Joshua raised Daughter Rachel's children when she remarried to Swope LISTED AS JOSHUA RISE IN 1880 CENSUS WITH SAMUEL AND ELIZABETH RISE Listed as a carpenter living with son Samuel and wife Elizabeth when 68 years old in 1880 census Birth: Jan. 19, 1812, USA Death: Nov. 19, 1889 Pennsylvania, USA Spouse, Maria Price. Burial:Possumtown cemetery (Shade Gap Shade Gap Huntingdon County Pennsylvania, USA Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania Will Book 12, pages 174-175 Joshua Price, of Dublin Twp. In the name of God, Amen; I, Joshua Price of Dublin Township, Huntingdon County and State of Pennsylvania, being of good health of body and of sound and disposing mind and memory (praised be God for same) and being diserous to settle my worldly affairs, while I have the strength and capacity to do so, do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time made. First: I desire to be buried with as little expence as decency will permit, in the ME Graveyard near Shade Gap, Pa. and that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my decease as conveniently may be. Then I give and bequeth to the children of my deceased daughter Rachel, last intermarried with Allen Swope, the sum of ten dollars, to be equally divided between her children to Solomon Goshorn and the said Allen Swope. Then to my daughter Nancy M. Kissiel, I give and bequeth the lot and improvements on which she now resides, reserving the right to cut a mill race through that part of said lot lying between the public road and mill dam, if the mill should need the dam made further up the creek, also twenty five acres of mountain land. And all the balance of my estate, real, personal or mixed, which I may be possessed of at my decease, I give and bequeth to my sons Samuel H. and William A. Price, to be divided between them as they agree, they being required to pay to the said Nancy M. Kissiel an amount sufficient to make her as equal share with them, including the house and lot mentioned. And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint Samuel H. Price and WIlliam A. Price executors of this my last will and testament set my hand and seal this 22nd of June A.D. 1881. Joshua Price Signed, sealed and published and declared by the said Testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us, who in his presence and at his request, and in the presence of each oher, have subscribed our names as witness thereto. W. C. Swane and H. C. Zeigler This 31st day of January A.D. 1890, before me, Jno S. Bare, Register for the Probate of will and granting Letters of Administration in and for the County of Huntingdon, personally came H. C. Zeigler and W. C. Swan (the latter on September 9, 1890) the subscribing witnesses to the above will and being duly sworn according to law, did depose and say, that they were present and saw and heard Joshua Price, the testator, sign, seal, publish, pronounce and declare the foregoing instrument of writing as and for his will and that at the time of so doin he the said testator was of perfect and sound mind, memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge, observation and belief. Sworn and subscribed before me: Jno. S. Bare, register W. C. Swan, H. C. Zeigler Date of Death: Before me, Register for the probate of Wills and granting letter of administration in and for the said County, personally appeared W. A. Price who, being duly sworn, doth depose and say that Joshua Price, late of Dublin Twpship died on or about the 19th day of November A.D. 1889 at 7 o'clock AM to the best of his knowledge and belief. Sworn and Subscribed this 11th day of December A.D. 1889 Jno. S. Bare Register and Wm. A. Price 12 May 1865: On this 12th day of May, 1865, personally appeared before me, a clerk of a Court Record in and for the County and State aforesaid, Rebecca Mort a resident of Shade Gap in the County of Huntingdon and State of Penna. aged 37 years, who, being duly sworn, makes the following declaration, in order to obtain the pension provided by the act of Congress, approved July 14, 1862. that she is the widow of Levi Mort who was a private in Company C commanded by Capt. Samuel Davis in the 112th Regiment of Pa Heavy Arty in the war of 1861; that her maiden name was Rebecca Matthias and that she was married to said Levi Mort on or about the 13th day of September A.D. 1849, at Dublin township in the county of Huntingdon County and State of Penna.. by Thomas W. Neely Esq. now deceased and that she knows of no record evidence of said marriage. She further declares that said Levi Mort her husband, died in the service of the United States as aforesaid, at Anapolis in the State of Maryland on or about the 13th day of December 1864 of Diarrhea, that the names and ages of his children are as follows, Wm. Harrison Mort, born 18 June 1852, Agnes Mort born 10 Nov. 1864, Sarah Jane Mort born 1st Oct. 1857, John Alexander Mort 7 Jany. 1860 and Margaret Ellen Mort born 9th Nov. 1862. She also declares, that she has remained a widow ever since the death of said Levi Mort and that she has not in any manner been engaged in, or aided or abetted, the rebellion in the United States: and she hereby appoints Col. Francis Jordan as her lawful attorney, and authorizes him to present and prosecute this claim, and to received and receipt for any orders or certificates that may be issued in satisfaction thereof. s/Rebecca [her X mark] Mort. Also personally appeared before me Joshua Price and Ellen Robison residents of Huntingdon County and state of Penna., to me well known as credible persons, who being duly sworn, declare that they were present and saw said Rebecca Mort sign her name to the foregoing declaration, and that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the said applicant, and their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and know that said deceased recognized said applicant as his lawful wife, and that she was so recognized by the community in which they resided; and that they have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. s/Joshua Price, Ellen Robison. Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 12th day of May 1865 and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. s/W. C. Wagoner, Prot. Is this right or did he stay home? Name: Joshua Price Side: Union Regiment State/Origin: Pennsylvania Regiment Name: Batt'n. Pa. Inf. (Col. Litzinger) Regiment Name Expanded: Litzinger's Battalion, Pennsylvania Infantry (Emergency, 1863) Company: E Rank In: Private Rank In Expanded: Private Rank Out: Private Rank Out Expanded: Private Film Number: M554 roll 97 John Henderson Will _______________________________________________________________________ Will Book 5, Pages 88-90 Last Will of John Henderson, M.D., late of the Borough of Huntingdon deceased In the name of God Amen: I, John Henderson, of the Borough & County of Huntingdon & State of Pennsylvania, Doctor of Medicine, making void all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made and to collect as son after my decease as the same cam be effected without subjecting my estate to any avoidable expense, all monies which may be due & owing to me at the time of my decease by hand note or otherwise; and after first paying my funeral expenses and all legal charges against my Estate as follows to wit: Whereas in the education of my Sons. Setting them up in life & afterwards supporting them for at time, I have advanced considerably larger sums of money to some of them than to the others as will appear by "Book of accounts and private memoranda" to which I refer to fix & determine the amounts of the said advancements; and whereas it is my Will & intention that my sons should receive equal portions as nearly as may be of my Estate, taking into view the sums advanced to them respectively as aforesaid. I do order and direct my Executors to pay to my sons, Andres A. & William II. Out of the monies aforesaid and if necessary other monies which may be received by my Executors in the Settlement of my Estate, so much as will make their accounts equal to the sums advanced as aforesaid to my sons Matthew A. & I. Kearsley [?], the whole amount necessary to make such equalization to be paid to my sons Andrews A. Immediately & to William I. In installments of five hundred a year until the whole be paid, and whatever may remain of my personal Estate I direct to be equally divided amongst my four sons. And to my real estate which I hereby classify range & number in parcels proper from their location & situation to be considered valued & taken by my sons in the names hereafter mentioned as district parts or properties. I order & direct my Executors a soon as the above & within arrangements with respect to my personal property be made to employ three respectable & disinterested persons in the neighbourhood of the property, to appraise & set a value on each part or property, separately which appraisement & valuation shall be made in writing. Signed by the said appraisers & filed by my Executors in the office of the Register for the Probate of Wills & granting letters of administration in and for the county of Huntingdon; that is to say: 1st all my "Strong Farm" of one hundred and forty six acres & including six tracts of unseated mountain & timberlands numbered in the "Schedule of the Titles to my real Estate" as Nos. 7,8,9,10,11,12 as by reference to said Schedule will appear: Situate South West of the mouth of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River & containing in the whole Seventeen or eighteen hundred acres more or less. In valuing which the appraisers Shall take into view a first rate water power at the State Dam on said Farm; & the purchased right of a road from the Dam across the Canal Bridge to the ____ pike at the Barn of Mr. Jacob Millers. 2nd as my "Esther Donaldson" Farm on which James Sloan now resides, lying South west of the borough of Huntingdon & including on the North west line fifteen or twenty acres of a Survey in the name of Peter Rist [?]. 3rd area all my real estate in Huntingdon and the the neighbourhood consisting of my dwelling house & the two lots of ground on which it Stands; & lot on the Square back of the new Court house. Lots and adjoining the lot of I. P. Campbell, Esq, as also my meadow lot of Seven areas Situate on Stone Park neat the borough line. 4th on my large Farm of upwards of three hundred acres of limestone land of the first quality, on which John Wagoner now resides & formerly in the tenure of Thomas Patton in Centre County, Pennsylvania. 5th on the Farm adjoining the last mentioned [No. 4] containing one hundred & twenty acres more or less on which Christian Hartswick now resides, a reference to the drafts will show the boundaries of number of acres contained in No. 4 & 5 as above stated. 6th on my property in Lock Haven, Clinton County, Pennsylvania, consisting of a large Brick house Situate on two lots of ground on the bank of the River. Also lot no 57 [?] nearly in their rear on which is erected a large Stable & also my interest in two lots of ground on the Square owned by son, Matthew A. near to the Court House lots. After the appraisement & valuation shall be made as aforesaid & the whole value of the real estate be thus ascertained, and what will be the equal Share of each of my sons therein. It being my intention to divide & apportion the same among my sons equally. It is my will & I do hereby order & direct that my sons shall have the privilege of choosing & taking such part or parcels of my real estate according to the arrangement & classification herein before made as they may respectively desire the said choice to be made by my sons according to Seniority. That is to say, my son, Matthew A. is to have the first choice: my son, Andrew A., the second; my son, I. Kearsley, the third; and my son William I. the fourth & last choice. And it is my will that the parts of my real estate so accepted & taken by my sons respectively in the manner herein direct. Shall be held & pass serving evidence of the choice, so made, by any said sons and & preventing any uncertainty with that they shall execute an agreement designating. Specifically, the choice by them respectively made or shall executer or deliver mutual releases which agreement or release shall be acknowledged & placed before record and if any part of my real estate be not accepted and taken by my sons at the appraisement as aforesaid there & in that case, I hereby order & direct my Executors to sell and dispose of the same either at public or private sale as they shall judge most advantageous to my Estate & for that purpose. I hereby expressly authorize & empower my said Executors to sell & convey the same & make & deliver a Deed or Deeds therefore to the purchaser or purchasers; and the proceeds I order & direct to be so divided amongst my four sons as to equalize their respective claims to be a full share of my whole estate. Lastly, I do hereby make & order George Taylor my Attorney at Law, of the borough of Huntingdon, and my sons, Matthew A. & Andrew A. Henderson, Executors of this my last Will & Testament; and I do hereby order and direct that in order to prevent any sacrifice of any portions of my property and all avoidable expense & confusion to the Administration of my Estate, my said Executors in carrying my views as herein expressed shall be allowed a reasonable time for the performance of their duties, in apposition to any interference by those interested in urging a too hasty settlement of my affairs. In Witness whereof , I, John Henderson, M.D., the Testator, have to this my Will written on one sheet of paper, Set my hand and seal the eighteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty Seven John Henderson [in German] seal Signed, sealed and acknowledged in presence of us John Cresswell, James Steel Huntingdon County P Before me the Subscriber Register for the probate of Will and granting Letters of Administration in and for the county aforesaid personally came John Cresswell & James Steel Esquires who being first duly Sworn according to law did depose and say that they were personally present and did hear Dr. John Henderson the Testator in the within will mentioned, whos name is affixed to the same Signing and Sealing the Same, acknowledge the same in our presence as his signature, and also further heard him publish pronounce and declare the within instrument of writing as and for his last will & Testament and that at the time thereof he was of sound disposing mind & memory to the best of the knowledge & belief of deponents that they Signed their names thereto as witnesses in the presence of each other and in the presence of the Testator and at his request. Sworn & Subscribed the 2nd day of April A.D. 1850 Before M. F. Campbell Reg. James Stell Jn. Cresswell George Taylor, Esq. Dr. Mathew A. Henderson Executors of John Henderson late Of the Borough of Huntingdon Memorandum Letters Testamentary [in Common form] ____ this day granted to Hon. George Taylor and Dr. Marthew A. Henderson on the estate of Dr.John Henderson late of the Borough and County of Huntingdon deceased. Inventory to be exhibited within thirty from this date and a just _______ account calculation and accounting of their administration of Said Estate within one year from the date hereof as when thereunto legally reuied. Given under seal of office this 22nd day of May A.D. 1850 __ F. Campbell, Register Hello, My name is Shari Price, My grandfather Cambridge Walker Price is buried in Possum Town Cemetery. I see we are all looking for the parents of Joshua Price. I found adoption papers at the Huntingdon Court House for Joshua Price from 1821. These papers stated that Joshua was the minor child of Joseph Price deceased, there are other siblings but their names aren't given. Joshua's mother was said to be out of this country, but no name was given. Joshua was the only child under the age of 14 at the time of his father's death. He was adopted by Dr. John Henderson. This seems to be the way death of the father was handled then. The mother gave the minor children to a male. Maria gave her 2 boys to her brother, and did not take them back even after Joshua and her married. There is also documentation of Elizabeth Price giving her minor children to John Blair after the death of her husband Samuel Price. I also found 5 land transaction records on Joshua Price 4-7-1838 Joshua Price from Derry Township purchased 109 acres for the sum of 650.00 in Tell Township. 3-18-1861 Joshua and Maria Price of Cromwell sold 109 acres in Tell Township to Mathias Shoop for 1,500.00 (This is the same land from the first transaction Jacob Hoagie was the original owner and mentioned in both deeds) 3-18-1861 Joshua bought 30 acres and Steam & Water Gristmill from Mathias F. Shoop for the sum of 2,800.00 1864 Joshua Price purchased property from J.A. Shade in Shade Gap. 1871 Joshua Price bought 78 acres in Clay Township and 5 acres in Clear Ridge. . John and Joseph Henderson are buried in St. Mark's Cemetery in Derry Township along with Joseph and Sarah Price. St. Mark's has no record of any Price's there. Their head stones had to be dug out of the ground when my family and I found them. I'm sure there are other Price's there but the stones are completely gone The Henderson Family was from Ireland. On interesting fact I just discovered. My 2nd cousin Larry Price Jr. that I went to High School with, but have not spoken to in years. He now lives in North Carolina and when I called him about a Family reunion in McConnellsburg. Told me he thought the Price's where from Germany. This was because my Uncle Gerald's 1st wife was a Bollinger she died of cancer leaving him with 2 young boys. He married a women from Germany and died of a heart attack shortly after. After Gerald's death no one from the Price side had any contact with Larry Sr. or Kenny. Could this have happened to Joshua? Is this the reason we maybe think he is of Irish decent because he was adopted by an Irish family? Maybe his mother was a Henderson? We all have another relative living in Lewistown named Don Howell who has been researching for many years. He told me he couldn't find any information for Joshua Price coming from Ireland on any ship. I have a theory but need help please. There is a Price family from Maryland including the name Merriman Price that tax records state was in Shirley Township in 1795. Merriman had a brother Mordecia that had a son Joseph born around 1770 that information is very unclear on. There is a Price Cemetery in Three Springs that my family and I maintain that are descends of Merriman Price. Please e-mail me with any information. Shari Price <http://pa-roots.com/pagenweb/> <http://pa-roots.com/pagenweb/> Huntingdon County, PA GenWeb History of Tell Township Coordinators Ken Boonie <mailto:kab9@pennswoods.net> Tell Twp Boroughs & Villages <boroughs.htm> Businesses <business.htm> Cemeteries <cemeteries.htm> Churches <churches.htm> Civic <civic.htm> History <history.htm> Pioneers <pioneers.htm> Records <records.htm> Resources <resources.htm> Schools <schools.htm> Surnames <http://ntweb.kutztown.edu/gifford/huntgenweb/tell.asp> Tell Twp Boroughs & Villages Businesses Cemeteries Churches Civic History Pioneers Records Resources Schools Surnames A description of the township from the History of Huntingdon and Blair Counties, Penna. by J. Simpson Africa published by Louis H. Everts of Philadelphia, PA in 1883. The township information starts on page 364. Geographical and Natural Features This is one of the southeast border townships of Huntingdon County, and was erected from Dublin township in April, 1810, and bounded as follows: On the northeast by Juniata County, on the southeast by Franklin County, on the southwest by Dublin township, and on the northwest by Cromwell and Shirley townships. The surface of the township is very uneven, the summit of the Tuscarora Mountain forming the southeast line between the township and Franklin County. Nearly or quite four hundred rods northwest from Tuscarora Mountain is Hunting Ridge, a limestone formation running parallel with Tuscarora and the entire length of that side of the township. About four hundred and fifty rods northwest from and nearly parallel with Hunting is Big Ridge, a series of limestone elevations running across the township, and still farther northwest and parallel with Big is Pine Ridge, which might better be termed mountain. This, too, extends the entire length of the township, and last, but not least, is Shade Mountain, along the crest of which is the dividing line between Tell, Cromwell, and Shirley townships. These mountains and ridges all run in the same direction, from southwest to northeast, and between these mountains and ridges are several hills or knobs of no very small dimensions, and reach also to a respectable altitude. Between the mountains, ridges, and hills are long, narrow valleys, in which are several very good farms, where large crops of wheat, corn, oats, and potatoes are raised. There are four roads or highways running through as many valleys the entire length of the township, beside several roads passing through the mountain gorges from one valley to another. The principal creek of the township is the Tuscarora. This rises in Dublin township and flows northeasterly along the northwest foot of Hunting Ridge, through the hamlet of Nossville, to the Kern farm, where it breaks through Hunting Ridge in an easterly direction, then flows northeast into Juniata County. Trough Spring Creek rises on the McNeal and Berrier farms in the southerly part of the township, flows northeasterly along the narrow valley between Pine Ridge and Shade Mountain to Silverthorne’s mill at Shade Valley post-office, where it turns easterly, breaks through Pine Ridge, and empties into Tuscarora Creek on the Kern farm, at the foot of Hunting Ridge. Block’s Run rises on the Shoop farm, in the southwest part of the township, flow northeasterly along the valley between Pine and Big Ridge, emptying into Trough Spring Creek a mile east of Shade Valley post-office. George’s Creek rises in the north corner of the township, and flows southeast to Coulter’s old mill-seat, thence easterly into Juniata County. Narrows Creek rises in Franklin County, flowing northwesterly, past Orr’s mill-seat, into the Tuscarora below Blair’s Mills. Three Lick Creek rises in the southwest end of the township, and flows southwest into Dublin township. There are some twenty-five or thirty tributaries of the above-named creeks, but without names. Early Settlers and Old Surveys In the “Land Lien Docket” for Huntingdon County may be found a right granted Feb. 3, 1755, to Barnabas Barnes, for a tract of land in Tell, or what is now Tell township. Just where this tract was located , or whether Mr. Barnes settled on it, we have been unable to ascertain; however, many tracts of land are located by parties who never see the land or know anything of its value only through their agents. Among the pioneer settlers of what is now Tell township we find the following who located here previous to 1800; Samuel McMath came to this township in the year 1780, and located in the valley near the mouth of Trough Spring Branch Creek, where several of his descendants still reside. John McMath, son of Samuel located at the Ridge. Robert Vaughn located some time in 1780 or 1781, on the farm now owned by his son, Robert Vaughn, who is now an old man. He located northwest from what is now Blairs Mills previous to 1790. James Stonkard located near Blairs Mills previous to 1790. The farm is now owned by Mrs. James Orr. Thomas Morrow located here in 1784. He came with his father, Richard Morrow, who was grandfather of J. B. Morrow, son of Thomas, and took up one hundred acres of land, now the property of J. A. Blair. J. B. Morrow is now a resident of the hamlet of Blairs Mills. Robert Stonkard was one of the pioneers of this part of Tell. The property is now owned by G. H. & R. A. Speer. William McMullen located in the north part of Tell in 1786. The tract he located is now owned by J. M. Blair, J. M. Morrison, and Robinson. Isaac Gifford located west of Blairs Mills in 1780. There were also William Gifford and Joseph Gifford. The Gifford tract is still in the Gifford family. Jonathan S. Briggs, John Gilliland, and John Jefferies located in this township in 1790. Among the other early settlers in this neighborhood were Jacob Stong, Adam Stong, Sr., Adam Stong, Jr., Daniel Stong, James Pattison, William Down, Samuel Briggs, John Briggs, and Michael Kern, all of whom were here previous to 1791. The pioneer locator and settler in the Shade Valley, or rather along Trough Spring Creek, southwest of Shade Valley post-office, was Jacob Goshorn, who came here in 1780. This name has been written differently at different periods, first Ganshorn, then Gooshorn, was will be found in early town records, and now Goshorn. He located a large tract along this valley, for nearly or quite three and a half miles by one mile wide. The tract ran nearly a mile northeast of Shade Valley post-office, or Silverthornes Mills. The original tract is owned in part as follows: Samuel Book, three hundred and sixty-eight acres; William P. Goshorn, one hundred and fifty acres; Martin Fleming, eighty acres; Samuel Waters, one hundred and twenty acres; and Robert Goshorn owns a large plantation out of the original tract. Samuel Book located here in 1849. The Quinns and Wagners were also early settlers in this locality. Along farther towards the southwest end of the township we find the families of Felmlee, Shorp, Wilson, Cisney, Waters, Parsons, Chilcote, Bollinger, and others, who located here from 1795 to 1820. Religious From the number of meeting-houses in Tell township used for religious purposes it would naturally be inferred that the spiritual welfare of the inhabitants had not been forgotten, however much it might have been neglected in after-years. For want of proper records we are unable to give date of organization of the societies or churches, names of pioneer members, or date of building the meeting-houses, except in one or two instances, and must content ourselves with giving merely the location of each. One of the United Brethren’s Churches is located opposite the school-house, in the Parsons settlement, south part of the township. Adjoining the church is the burying-ground. Methodist Episcopal Church, located in the hamlet of Nossville, built in 1872. The old Union Church, north of Nossville, built in 1830, has not been occupied for a long time, and is fast going to decay. Mount Zion United Brethren Church, northwest of Blair’s Mills, was built in 1852. W. B. McMullen, James Rhea, and Edward Roles are among its prominent members. There is also a small Methodist Episcopal Church, situate in the extreme north point of the township, the membership of which is nearly or quite all residents of Juniata County. Richvale Methodist Episcopal Church, located on Silverthorn’s Mill, of Shade Valley post-office, in a neat frame building erected in 1874. D. P. Osborn is the superintendent of the Sunday-school connected with this church, and Revs. Dunning and Hamm are the preachers on this circuit. Villages and Hamlets Nossville is a flourishing little hamlet, located about midway between the southwest and northeast end of the township, on the banks of the Tuscarora Creek. There is at this place quite an extensive tannery, built in 1848 or 1849, and now owned and operated by Oswill B. Mosser, who also owns a store in connection with his tannery. There is also a store at this place by William B. Kling. The grist- and saw-mills of Thomas Cisney, located half a mile above the town, were built in 1836 or 1837. There is also at Nossville a blacksmith, shoe-shop, post-office, and Methodist Episcopal Church. David Mosser, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Lehigh County, PA. His ancestors are of German extraction, and settled in the above-named county prior to the Revolutionary War. David, when seventeen years old, entered as an apprentice the tannery of Benjamin Semmel, at Neffville, Lehigh Co., and remained there until 1862, working as a journeyman after having learned his trade. In the last-named year he went to Lehighton and assumed the management of the tannery of Stephen Kissler. This he managed so successfully that when the Kissler Brothers, in 1870, built their large tannery in Lock Haven, he was asked by them to fill the important position of manager thereof, which position he accepted and still retains. It is a very large establishment, and has an average capacity of twelve hundred hides per week. Mr. Mosser married Miss Eliza Houseman, who was born in Lehigh County, and was daughter of Jacob Houseman. Their children are Albert, Oswill B., Elias, Joseph and Martha. Oswill B. was born in Lehigh County on the 28th day of January 1854. When seventeen years old he with his father’s family removed to Lock Haven, where he met, and on the 25th day of March, 1881, married Ms. Alpha Rippy, who was born in Lock Haven, Dec. 29, 1859 and is daughter of Frank and Frances (Strinfellar) Rippy. They have one child, viz., Frank D., born July 1, 1882. When eleven years of age Oswill B. commenced work in the tannery of Stephen Kissler, in which he worked only summers at first and went to school winters. After he was seventeen years old he devoted his entire time to the business, and eventually became skilled in all its branches. In 1848, Col. George Noss built a steam tannery in Nossville, Huntingdon Co., which was operated until 1870, when it was burned down. It was then owned by Messrs. Hense, Reese & Sons, who at once rebuilt it on the foundation of the old one. It was kept in operation until 1878, when it was closed, and remained closed until 1881, when Oswill B. Mosser bought it of Robert Harkison, who has come into possession of it through the Spanogles. It was then in a very dilapidated condition, but has been put in thorough repair, and now gives employment to twenty men, and turns out one hundred and fifty hides per week. Its stock is drawn on wagons to Orbisionia, and from there shipped to all points east and west. Its greatest drawback is the scarcity of bark, which will be obviated upon the completion of railroads now in contemplation. Mr. Mosser is a young man who has made his business a study and loves it, and is now managing his works with skill and marked success. Blair’s Mills is located between the Narrows and Tuscarora Creeks, a short distance above their confluence, and on the northeast border of the township and county. There is at this place a grist- and saw-mill, chop-mill, blacksmith and shoe-shop, and store. The place was settled and the first grist-mill built as early as 1790, and a second mill upon the site of the first, which had been burned, was built as early as 1820, and the present grist-mill built in 1839, upon the site of the two former, by John Blair. He subsequently sold to his son, A. C. Blair, who in 1875 sold the mill to John A. Blair, grandson of John Blair, and is the present owner. The chop- and sumach-mill, built subsequently to the building of the grist-mill, is now owned by J. A. Blair. The saw-mill was built by A. C. Blair, and sold subsequently to J. A. Blair, present owner. The store, which is doing quite an extensive business, has passed under several firm names, as follows: A. C. Blair, A. C. & J. H. Blair, Blair & Morrison, D. H. Morrison, Blair & Morrison, J. A. & J. M. Blair, Blair & Son, and J. M. Blair, the present owner, with J. B. Morrow as clerk. One of the black-smith shops is owned by J. A. Blair, and operated by Henry Knox, blacksmith; and the other is owned by James Gifford, with John Knox as blacksmith. Shade Valley Post-Office – This beautiful little hamlet, nestled down among the hills in what is known as Shade Valley, is also known as familiarly by the names of “Silverthorn’s Mill” and “Richvale” as by the former name. It is also located on the old Jacob Goshorn tract, and surrounded by rich farming and grazing lands; and although far from any railroad or other public improvement, there is a large amount of business done here, and the thrift of the little town is plain to behold in the neat appearance of the town generally. The first grist-mill at this place was built, as near as can be ascertained, one hundred years ago, and on doubt Jacob Goshorn, the then owner of the land, was the prime mover in the work. Two mills have preceded the present grist-mill, which was built in 1865 or 1866 by Richard Silverthorn, and is still owned by the Silverthorn family. The first store at this place was opened in 1865 by William McFeeter, who had been a sutler in the army. He subsequently sold to – Kepler, and Kepler sold to – Parsons, who sold to Messrs. Crawford & McCulloch. The firm-name was again changed to Jones & Birdge, who sold out to – Blair, and in the spring of 1882 H. S. Thompson became propreitor, also postmaster at the Shade Valley post-office. The first blacksmith at this place was a Mr. Stinson, who was succeeded by – Fogle, and he by J. C. Pyle, the present blacksmith. Bollinger Town is one of the smallest hamlets in the township, yet is known throughout this section by this name. It is located at the head-waters of Trough Spring Creek, in Shade Valley. There are at this place two or three dwellings and the remains of a school-house. Educational There are in Tell township eight school-districts, in which were five months’ school taught in 1881, with an average attendance of two hundred scholars during the term. Total tax levied in the township for school purposes during the year, $945.60; State appropriations, $199.92; total expenditures during the year, $1,028.51. There were eight male teachers employed, at $21 each per month. Civil List The following is a list of the principal township officers since its organization: Year Constables Supervisors 1810 James McNeal John Jefferies Andrew Campbell 1811 William Waters Jacob Grier Lawrence McMiller 1812 Jacob Gooshorn 1813 Jacob Crow 1814 Abraham Hagey William Gifford George Magee 1815 Thomas Murphy Samuel McMath John French 1816 David Parsons William Wilson James Campbell 1817 Michael Kern Robert Vaughn Jacob Gooshorn, Jr. 1818 John Parsons John Briggs Jacob Bollinger 1819 John Jeffries Hugh Doran Archibald Stitt 1820 Jacob Gooshorn James Jones John Ward 1821 Samuel Walters James McFaters Frederick Cove 1822 Samuel Walters Thomas Morrow Jacob Gooshorn, Sr. 1823 John McMath Robert Sturkard William Walters 1824 Samuel Walters Jacob Gooshorn Nesbet Jefferies 1825 David Parront David Hockedorn Jacob Wagner 1826 David Parsons Benjamin Briggs Samuel Gooshorn 1827 Philip Walters George Gooshorn John McMath 1828 David Parsons Jacob Heagy David Hockedorn 1829 David Parsons James McNail Samuel Gooshorn 1830 David Parsons John Briggs Isaac Gifford 1831 James Ford James Pattison Abraham Bollinger 1832 David Hockedorn John French William Colter 1833 David Hockedorn John Ward John Jefferies 1834 Nicholas Gooshorn William Wilson John McMath 1835 Nicholas Gooshorn George Gooshorn James James 1836 Samuel Gooshorn John Stinkard Samuel B. McFeeters 1837 Nicholas Gooshorn Robert McFarlan James Ford 1838 James Pattison William Orr John Briggs 1839 James Pattison William Gooshorn Jacob Shoup 1840 James Pattison John McMath Michael Bolinger 1841 James Pattison Jonathan Briggs James Jones 1842 David Parsons James Coulter Joshua Price 1843 David Parsons William McMullin George Wilson 1844 David Parsons George Gooshorn John Snyder 1845 Samuel Gooshorn Jacob Hegie John Jones 1846 Abraham Bollinger John Hegie James Patterson 1847 George May William Morrow David Parsons 1848 George May William Gooshorn William Orr 1849 William Gooshorn Samuel Gooshorn David Hockedorn 1850 William Cawn Robert Morrow James Pattison 1851 William Cawn Samuel Parsons Nicholas Gooshorn 1852 William Cawn John Fultz George Wilson 1853 William Cawn John Sturkard William Clayton 1854 William Cawn John Beaver Thomas Cisney 1855 William Vaughn 1856 Robert Vawn John McMath Samuel Book 1857 Robert Vawn James Pattison 1858 Robert Vawn W. McMullin C. Stohlman 1859 Robert Vawn William Vaughn John Jones 1860 Robert Vawn J. S. Briggs V. Schmittle 1861 Robert B. Jones James Coulter David Reader 1862 William Vawn Benjamin Briggs John Hagie 1863 William Vawn W. Coulter W. Clayton 1864 William Vawn James McNeal Samuel Berger 1865 William Vawn John M. Louden Lewis Evans 1866 William Vawn James Gifford Jackson Briggs 1867 R. B. Jones John Jones Samuel Watters 1868 R. B. Jones J. S. Briggs M. J. Shoop 1869 William Vaughn M. S. Shearer Vos. Schmittel 1870 G. M. Briggs S. Widney S. Book 1871 G. M. Briggs 1872 G. M. Briggs Samuel Watters V. Schmittel 1873 G. M. Briggs A. S. Cisney M. Shearer 1874 J. H. Coulter Robert Parson W. X. Orr 1875 F. S. Briggs R. B. Jones Samuel Briggs 1876 George Smittle George Vaum J. F. Parson 1877 William Wilson Vaughn Jacob Starr David Snyder 1878 George Schmittle W. B. McMullen V. Schmittel 1879 George Schmittle V. Schmittel Joseph Snyder 1880 J. S. Vawnhy M. F. Shoop Michael Shearer 1881 T. J. Love Michael Shearer M. F. Shoop Year Overseers of the Poor 1810 Samuel McMath William Wilson 1811 Samuel Parsons Michael Run 1820 Thompson Manard, Jr. John French 1822 James Campbell John Walters 1825 Robert Blair Robert McFarlan 1826 Abraham Bollinger James Jones 1827 John Wagoner John Jeffries 1828 Nicholas Gooshorn James Jones 1829 James Piper Thomas Orr 1830 David Hockedorn Joseph Parsons 1831 Benjamin Briggs Samuel Parsons 1832 Robert McFarlan William Scott 1833 David Parsons Philip Walters 1834 Samuel Patterson Samuel Parsons 1835 John McMath John French 1836 Peter Kern Jacob Hegie 1837 John Watters William McGee 1838 Benjamin Briggs George Mayhath 1839 1840 Jacob Shoop James Pattison 1841 William McMullin William Hicks 1842 William Clayton William Hicks 1843 William Hicks Frederick Love 1844 Joshua Price M. F. Shoop 1845 John Carl William Clayton 1846 Jacob G. Jones James Jones 1847 J. G. Jones Jacob Gooshorn 1848 Abraham Bollinger Jacob Shoop 1849 David Hockedorn James McNeal 1850 Benjamin Ramsey William Mitchell 1851 Jonathan Briggs Daniel Conn 1852 H. Wilson W. Walters 1853 William Cawn Thomas Loye 1854 Samuel Parsons W. S. Lyons 1855 1856 Alexander Gilliland Samuel Burdge
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