Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1896-10-08

locust trees. stands the quaint colo
nlal-styled building, which, in the ex-
Governors days was used as a church
and which was built on ground donated
Tor the purpose by him, says Pennsyl-
vania Grit. To these two buildings
cling associations of historic interest
for they figure prominently in a story
that Is quite pathetic. The Governor
Shulze residence" as it Is yet known
to the older generations thereabouts.
Is now the property of Mr.. and Mrs.
Delos s. Mahaffey, Of Williamsport.
Exteriorly the house has been mod
ernized by the addition OF large porti-
cos, but the general appearance OF the
building remains as constructed by
Governor Shulze 65 years ago, when
Al the expiration Of his term as Chief
Executive of Pennsylvania he came to
the West Branch valley to spend the
remainder Of his life. His coming,
however. was far from bringing to him
the contentment anticipated, for finan-
c'al ruin and harassment in few years
maze his existence uncomfortable and
he removed to Lancaster county, where
ne died in 1852. aged II years.
Peeping out from the wealth of trees
that surround it the old Governor
Shulze residence at once appeals to
mind and eye as an object Of more than
usual interest. The house, which is OF
brick. was built under the personal d.
rection Of the Ex-Governor, and under
Its roof have been entertained many
distinguished visitors who called upon
the Governor during the few years that
tickle fortune smiled upon him. The
house was built in 1892 on a tract of
land containing 500 acres, which Gov
ernor Shulze bought from Mr.. John
Cowden. He paid $4,000 for it, and
soon after coming into its possession
he planned and built the mansion. The
house is located about 100 yards south
OF the main road leading to Muncy. and
broad lane runs directly to its doors.
This house was regarded as an elab-
crate Improvement, and for many years
1t was pointed out as being one of the
most aristocratic homes along the river.
Soon after building his mansion the
Ex-Governor conceived the idea of hay
ing a church within a convenient dis
lance OF his home, SO he gave an acre
OF his land and 500 in money toward
union protestant church.
This plot Of ground was located on the
main road. near the intersection of the
lane which communicated with the
Governors residence, and upon it was
bulIt church, which for that time
was considered very commodious and
elaborate structure. This church build
ing, unchanged in a single detail ex-
cept for the different colored paint in
which 1t Is now arrayed, stands to-day
a quaint reminder of the architectural
fanctes OF more than a half century
ago. This structure. for many years,
was known Is the white Church."
because of its color, but for the last
twenty years no church services have
been held therein. The building has
been used as meeting place for the
members OF Fairfield Grange, and it
Is now generally known as Grange hall.
II Is owned by a half-dozen members OF
the Grange. Several years ago 1t was
reprinted and made a dark green, or
olive, color.
As farmer Governor Shulze was a
failure. and as financier he was unfor-
tunate. He was Of kindly DISPOSE
ton. and by endorsing for friends he
soon found himself involved heavily.
Matters went from bad to worse. until
finally his fine farm and elegant home
was sold by the sheriff and 1t passed
into the hands of others. Old, broken
In health and spirit, and without
money. the Ex-Governor moved to
house In the borough of Montoursville.
But he was constantly being harassed
by those whom he owed. and finally.
in 1916, he and his family removed to
Lancaster. The books in the prothono-
ary's office. here in Williamsport, show
many unsatisfied judgments against
lin.