The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-03-24
Original.
History of Columbia County.
NUMBER XI.
SMALLER TOWNS.
Copyright secured accOr'
NUMBER XI.


1t remains to speak now only of those vii
lagos which lie scattered through the Coun-
ty, and which are always the headquarters
in their neighborhood. OF these there are
quite number, almost every township hav
ing its capitol, which is place of resort for
hearing the news and transacting any little
mercantile dealings which the wives and
daughters of our sturdy farmers find conven-
lent or nescessary. The society of these
places is good kind, amiable and virtuous
The people are intelligent, hospitable and
courteous.
Rupert is in Montour township, two miles
south of Bloomsbury at the crossing of the
Catawissa and the Lackawanna g. Blooms
burg railroads. 1t has fifteen to twenty
dwellings, two taverns, blacksmith shop,
&c; and the railroad depots make it a we'll
known point.
Buckhorn is four miles west Of Blooms
burg. 1t contains about forty dwellings, two
stores, one tavern, blacksmith shop, wheel
wright shop, school house and two houses of
Public Worship. 1t is in Hemlock town
ship.
Jerseytown, twelve miles west from
Bloomsbury, in Madison township, contains
about fifty dwellings, two stores, two taverns,
a tannery, various mechanic shops, and a
house of worship, school house, &C., &c.
Millville is in Greenwood township, and
about three miles north of Jerseytown. 1t
is mainly settled by Quakers. Has some
twenty dwellings, grist mill, blacksmith
shop, tavern, stores, &C., and meeting
house in the vicinity.
Eyer Grove is in Greenwood also, and has
a grst MILL smith shop, store, and about
twelve or fifteen dwellings and denomina-
tional meeting house.
Rohrsburg is in Greenwood and about ten
miles north of Bloomsburg-has two stores,
two taverns, smith and wheel-wright shop,
meeting house, and twenty to thirty dwell
ings 1t was commenced by Frederick Rohr
about the year 1925. Near by is a grist
mill.
Coles Creek, in Sugarloaf township at the
forks of Coles and Fishing Creeks, is a post
town, with store, smith shop, grist mill, St.
Gabriels Episcopal church, and several
dwelling houses, and is in the midst of ro-
mantle scenery.
Benton is situated in the township of the
same name, about sixteen miles north of
Bloomsbury; contains thirty or forty dwell
ings, stores, taverns, shops, two meeting
houses and school house.
Orangevile is in Orange township, six
miles north of Bloomsburg. The original
proprietor was Clemuel &. Ricketts,, who
first established store there about the year
1922. 1t has two UNCONVENTIONAL meeting
houses, an academy, three stores, three tav-
erns, grst mill, tannery, foundry, and about
sixty to seventy dwellings. Mr.. Ricketts,
was a man of taste and culture, and gave to
the little village of his residence quite po-
sition, by the publication of a book of Tray
els in the East, in which he described with
care and accuracy what he saw and heard
and experienced.
Although the first store was opened in Or
angeyille in 1922 the place was settled very
much earlier.
Mr., John McHenry an old and respected
citizen who died in Benton township, March
H. 1868, at the age of so years, 6 months
and days, and who was born at Saltwater
few miles above Oraugeville, in the yeaI
1885, says that at the time of his birth
two or three shanties stood where Orange
vile now stands. Mr.. McHenry was the
first white child born north of Orange on
the famous Fshingcreek; and he spent hi.
whole long life upon its waters. He was q
most successful and accomplished hunter
and killed during his career more than two
thousand deer. He was what was called Q
still hunter. No dogs ever tracked the game
through the forest for him. A nice ear, 9
quick eye and an unerring rifle made success,
certain. Although deer were his principal
sport. yet all kinds of game, especially wild
turkeys, were among those whose chase was
NEST exciting, and whose capture was mos
satisfactory, on account of the delicious fla
yor of the flesh, as well as the skill required
to secure them.
Lightstreet is in Scott township. abou
three miles north Of Bloomsbury. 1t is the
best built and newest of all the Villages
named. 1t has good, large school house
a couple of meeting houses, tannery, tive
stores, smith, tin, stove and furniture shops
and large AMI excellent grist mill, togethe
with about one hundred dwelling houses.