Spring Garden Street Churchman Buildings (Photo by Richard F. Hope)

North 4th Street Churchman Buildings (Photo by Richard F. Hope)

Churchman Business College Buildings (355 Spring Garden Street)

Includes, at the corner, a 2-1/2 story colonial German-style1 brick house with dormers and asymmetrical entrance at 101-03 North 4th Street;2 surrounded by a modern, rectangular 2-story brick building in “Art Deco” style3 with frontage at both 105-07 North Fourth Street4 and 355 Spring Garden Street.5

This property appears to be substantially the western half of original Town Lot No.157, as surveyed by William Parsons when Easton was established in 1752. The modern property lot has very nearly the same 60’ frontage on North 4th Street as the original Lot No.157, although the modern property only extends some 115’ along Spring Garden Street (instead of the entire 240’ length of the square).6 The Lot was informally occupied by Andrew Kachlein, and a house built on it before 1779.7 The Lot was formally sold by the Penn Family to Andrew Kachlein in 1789.8

Andrew Kachlein’s father was Peter Kachlein9 (name also spelled Kachline, Kichline, Kichlein, Kechline, Keechline,10 and other variations), a prominent Easton citizen. He was the Colonel of the “Flying Camp” troops sent to aid General Washington, and was wounded and captured at the Battle of Brooklyn (Long Island) in 1776 where his troops initially stood off their regular British Army opponents and killed

1 But see City of Easton, Pennsylvania Historic Resource Survey Form, Attachment: Building Description Survey Area 1 Zone A (City Council Resolution approved 12 May 1982)(“Federal” style built c.1820 - 1850).

2 See City of Easton, Pennsylvania Historic Resource Survey Form, Attachment: Building Description Survey Area 1 Zone A (City Council Resolution approved 12 May 1982)(101-03 North 4th Street).

3 City of Easton, Pennsylvania Historic Resource Survey Form, Attachment: Building Description Survey Area 1 Zone A (City Council Resolution approved 12 May 1982).

4 See City of Easton, Pennsylvania Historic Resource Survey Form, Attachment: Building Description Survey Area 1 Zone A (City Council Resolution approved 12 May 1982)(105-07 North 4th Street).

5 Northampton County Tax Records, www.ncpub.org (355 Spring Garden Street); City of Easton, Pennsylvania Historic Resource Survey Form, Attachment: Building Description Survey Area 1 Zone A (City Council Resolution approved 12 May 1982)(355 and 357 Spring Garden Street).

6 Compare A.D. Chidsey, Jr., The Penn Patents in the Forks of the Delaware Plan of Easton, Map 2 (Vol. II of Publications of the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society 1937) with Northampton County Tax Records map, www.ncpub.org. The original Lots had a 60’ frontage along North 4th (Hamilton) Street at this point. Lot No.157 was at the corner – and today’s corner lot has a frontage of 59.83’ according to the tax records.

7 Charles de Krafft, Map of Easton Original Town Lots (from the collection of Luigi “Lou” Ferone (“Mr. Easton”) auctioned 27 Feb. 2010, said to have been used by the Penn clerks for notations to keep track of the town lots c.1779-1801).

8 Deed, John Penn the Younger and John Penn the Elder to Andrew Kachlein, G1 362 (11 Nov. 1789)(sale price £46 17s 3d “in Specie” for original town Lot No.157); Compare A.D. Chidsey, Jr., The Penn Patents in the Forks of the Delaware Plan of Easton, Map 2 (Vol. II of Publications of the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society 1937)(Andrew Machline – evidently a misreading of the handwriting for Andrew Kachline).

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the opposing British General Grant.11 He later became the first Burgess of Easton when it was made a borough in 1789.12 His son Andrew inherited his father’s mill, and sold it to the Butz Family.13 He sold Lot No.157 at the corner of Spring Garden and Hamilton (later 4th) Streets to Philip Schitz in 1791.14

In 1797, Schitz also purchased the next Lot (No.156) to the North along Hamilton Street.15 Schitz then sold both Lots to Daniel Wagener and John Herster in 1800,16 who in 1801 resold them for £ 468 and 13 shillings to innkeeper Jacob Opp [Sr.].17 Opp was the successful Revolutionary War era keeper of the colonial inn at the NE corner of Northampton and Hamilton (now 4th) Street, forerunner of today’s Hotel Lafayette.18

Fractured Property Interests

Jacob Opp (Sr.) died on 16 April 1805.19 He left no will to divide his property among his widow (Anna Maria) and four surviving daughters. Instead of giving each daughter an equal fractional interest in all of the extensive real estate parcels that had been owned by their father, it was (wisely!) decided instead to “partition” the property, by splitting it up and giving each daughter the entire ownership of her own separate real estate. The various real estate parcels in the estate were divided into four “Portions”; each “Portion” was assigned a money value in the Orphan’s Court “partition” proceeding. Each “Portion” was then accepted from the estate, at the assigned valuation, by one of the four daughters (or, in three cases, by her husband acting in her behalf). In these proceedings, the NE corner property on Spring Garden and Hamilton Streets (Lot No.157) was part of “Portion No.3”, which was accepted by Jacob Opp’s unmarried daughter Mary Opp. The property included a “Tenement” (i.e. a house) already at this time.20

15 Deed, Abraham (Sophia) Sellers to Philip Shitz, F2 489 (7 July 1797); accord, Deed, Daniel (Eve) Wagener and John (Margaret) Herster to Jacob Opp [Sr.], G2 2 (20 Jan. 1801)(recitals).

16 Deed, Philip (Elizabeth) Shitz/Schitz to Daniel Wagener and John Herster, F2 490 (26 Mar. 1800); accord, Deed, Daniel (Eve) Wagener and John (Margaret) Herster to Jacob Opp [Sr.], G2 2 (20 Jan. 1801)(recitals).

17 Deed, Daniel (Eve) Wagener and John (Margaret) Herster to Jacob Opp [Sr.], G2 2 (20 Jan. 1801).

18 See separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Hotel Lafayette at 11 North 4th Street.

19 Henry F. Marx (compiler), I Marriages and Deaths Northampton County 1799 – 1851 Newspaper Extracts 20 (Easton Area Public Library 1929)(based upon an article in the AMERICAN EAGLE newspaper of 20 April 1805). He had been born in Germany on 24 Dec. 1740, and immigrated to America “when young”. He left a widow and 4 daughters. His widow, Anna Maria Opp, died on 3 January 1827. Id., vol. IV, p.1329.

20 Estate of Jacob Opp, 7 Orphan’s Court Record 319 (3 June 1805), 7 Orphan’s Court Record 330 (17 Aug. 1805); 8 Orphans Court Record 5 (18 Apr. 1806).

The four “Portions”, and the accepting heirs, were as follows:

Portion No.1: The stone hotel at the corner of Northampton and Hamilton (later, 4th) Streets on a portion of original town Lot No.165, plus original town Lot No.257 on the

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Lot No.156, next door, was part of “Portion No.4”, which was accepted from the estate by Opp’s daughter Catharine and her husband Christian Bixler III.21

1808 is the first year that the Northampton County tax records finally reflect the partition of the corner property to Mary Opp three years before.22 It is likely that either the “Tenement” noted on the property in 1805, or alternatively perhaps an expansion of it in 1808 causing its owner (Mary Opp) to suddenly show up on the tax rolls, was the forerunner of the modern brick house still standing at the corner today.23 The case for a dramatic expansion of the house in 1808 is supported by the fact that in February of that year, Mary Opp’s sister (Elizabeth Horn) and her husband sold Jacob Opp’s old inn at the

North side of Ferry Street, collectively valued at £ 3,555, accepted by daughter Elizabeth and her husband Abraham Horn Jr.

Portion No.2: The remainder of original town Lot No.165 lying behind and East of the stone hotel, plus the right to attach a building (by sinking joists, etc.) to the “Eastern Wall” of the hotel, together with original town Lot No.256 on the North side of Ferry Street, collectively valued at £ 1,055, accepted by daughter Eve and her husband Daniel Wagener.

Portion No.3: Original town Lot No.157 (60’ X 240’) at the NE corner of Hamilton (later 4th) and Spring Garden Streets, plus original town Lot No. 255 at the NW corner of Ferry and Juliana (later 5th) Streets, plus Out Lot No.99, collectively valued at £ 862 10 shillings, accepted by daughter Mary.

Portion No.4: Original town Lot No.156 (20’ X 240’) on the East side of Hamilton (later 4th) Street, plus an unnumbered piece of property along Ferry Street measuring 2 acres and 99 perches, collectively valued at £ 800, accepted by daughter Catharine and her husband Christian Bixler.

Each daughter also had to pay Jacob Opp’s widow interest on her 1/3 dower interest in each of their properties during her lifetime.

9 Rev. Uzal W. Condit, The History of Easton, Penn’a 80-81 (George W. West 1885 / 1889). Condit spells the name “Kichline” in his narrative.

10 See Rev. Uzal W. Condit, The History of Easton, Penn’a 76 (George W. West 1885 / 1889).

11 Thomas J. Kichline (Pres. Kichline Family Association), The Kichlines in America 14 (Paper Read Before Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society 15 Jan. 1920), bound into Historic Pamphlets Marx Room (Easton Area Public Library) call number H973 H673C v.5; Article, “Johann Peter Kichline”, in Kachline Family website, www.kichline.com/genealogy/ and www.kichline.com/genealogy/kichpete.htm (accessed 24 May 2011); accord, Henry Martyn Kieffer, Some of the First Settlers of “The Forks of the Delaware” and Their Descendants 68-69 (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. 1973) (Records of the First Reformed Church of Easton, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. 1973; Easton Area Public Library Marx Room Reference “Ks”); John Joseph Stout, “The German Press in Pennsylvania and the American Revolution”, in 54 Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography 1935 (1933); 46 DAR Lineage Book at 354-55.

12 Thomas J. Kichline, The Kichlines in America 16-18, 22 (1926)(available online on Heritage Quest); accord, Rev. Uzal W. Condit, The History of Easton, Penn’a 76-77 (George W. West 1885 / 1889). He became Burgess on 23 September 1789, and died on 27 November of that year. Kichline, The Kichlines in America, supra at 22.

13 Rev. Uzal W. Condit, The History of Easton, Penn’a 80-81 (George W. West 1885 / 1889).

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corner of 4th and Northampton Streets (the forerunner of the Hotel Lafayette),24 leading to its operation by the Butz Family.25 If the unmarried daughter, Maria Opp, had previously been living with her parents in the inn, then the sale of the inn would have left her without a residence, and a need to move to the property she obtained under her father’s will.

In either case – whether the brick house was actually constructed in 1808, or before 1805 – the house must have been one of the earliest brick buildings in Easton. The very first brick house in town (Cudjo House) had only been built in 1792.26 The

14 Deed, Andrew (Elizabeth) kachline to Philip Schitz, G1 520 (25 Apr. 1791). 21 Estate of Jacob Opp, 7 Orphan’s Court Record 319 (3 June 1805), 7 Orphan’s Court

Record 330 (17 Aug. 1805); 8 Orphans Court Record 5 (18 Apr. 1806). 22 See footnoted discussion above for tax years 1806 and 1807, when Mary Opp does not

appear by name. 23 A review of Northampton County tax records backwards from 1826 (when we know the

corner house existed) suggests that it had existed there since at least 1807, and may possibly be the “Tenement” mentioned in 1805. This reasoning is as follows:

It is otherwise established (see below) that in 1826, Dr. Vanderveer started his preparatory school in the house at the corner (see below). In that year, the Northampton County Tax Records appear to have taxed the property to the lead owner, Anna Maria Opp. (Her daughters also each owned a 1/3 share in the property – see below – but the tax records give no indication of this nicety!) Mrs. Opp’s 1826 assessment shows her major asset being a “House and Lot”, valued at $2,375. Although she owned other property, none was identified as (or valued as) a residence, and so the “House and Lot” almost certainly represents the Spring Garden Street property. Moreover, Mrs. Opp died in the following year (1827), and her assessment was crossed off in the tax records. We known that her will (see below) left her 1/3 share in the house to her two other daughters who had ownership interests in the property – thus leaving Eve (Opp) Wagener and Catharine (Opp) Bixler each with a ½ interest in this property. By way of confirmation, the 1827 tax assessment for Christian Bixler (Catharine’s husband) includes an addition of three items at the bottom, indicating they had been “M Opps”. The one of these entries with the principal value was an $1188 assessment for “1/2 H + Lot M Opps”. Doubling that assessment to show the total value of the property gives $2,376 – in other words, the same value (rounded) as the $2,375 that had been included for the “House and Lot” in Anna Maria Opp’s assessment in the prior year.

Looking backwards in time at the assessments for this “House and Lot”, its valuation had gradually coasted downwards over the years from a valuation in 1817 of $4,500. That was the earliest year when property values were separately stated in the Easton records. In that year, Mrs. Opp’s total taxable valuation was $5,730 (thus making this house and lot at $4,500 the overwhelmingly major asset); her total tax bill was $3.44.

In earlier years, the tax records only record the name of the owner and the total tax owed. In 1816, “Anna Mariah Opp” owed $3.53 in tax. Since this is substantially the same total tax bill as in 1817, it suggests that no major changes had been made in Mrs. Opp’s major asset: the “House and Lot”. (“Anna Mariah Opp’s” County tax bill for 1815 and 1814 were $2.43 and $4.85 respectively: probably not indicating any major change in property ownership.)

In 1813, the owner was listed as “Mary Opp”, almost certainly reflecting ownership by Anna Maria and Jacob Opp’s daughter, Mary Opp, under the Portion assigned to her in her father’s will. Her total tax was $3.98 – again, not substantially different from what her mother was paying in later years, and again suggesting no major differences in the major “House and Lot” asset. In 1810, “Mariah Opp” paid $3.43 in tax while “Mariah Ann Opp” paid another 48 cents, clearly

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brick construction of Mary Opp’s house can be contrasted with Philip Slough’s stone retirement house built at about the same time (in 1808), just half a block away.27

When Mary Opp died in approximately 1813,28 she left no will, like her father before her.29 This complicated the ownership of her property because the “intestacy” laws awarded equal interests to Mary’s three surviving sisters (Eve Wagener, Catharine Bixler, and Elizabeth Horn).30 Elizabeth Horn’s 1/3 interest was sold to her mother (Jacob Opp’s widow, Anna Maria Opp) in 1818 for $1,680.31 This suggests that the widow Opp had been living in Mary Opp’s house with Mary, and the sisters sought to reflect that fact by arranging for their mother to officially have an ownership interest in the house. Tax records support this impression, because even before the 1818 transfer of any formal ownership, taxes were assessed to “Anna Mariah Opp” in 1814 ($4.85), 1815 ($2.43), and 1816 ($3.53). The start of more detailed tax records in 1817 make clear that Mrs. Opp’s single most important taxable asset was this “House and Lot” (assessed at $4,500 out of her total assets of $5,730, for a tax of $3.44).32 Since the widow Opp was taxed for the property for four years prior to her receiving even a share of formal ownership, she had to have had an identity tying her to that house – at least in the mind of the tax collector, and without any objection from her. The obvious tie to the house would have been it if was her residence, likely with her daughter since the sale of the inn in 1808.

establishing the separate identify of these two ladies.

Continuing backwards in time, in 1808 “Maria Opp” paid $3.55 in tax (again, substantially the same), suggesting that a substantial house (presumably the basis of the modern one) was in place by that year.

In 1807, Mary/Maria Opp does not appear in the tax records by name. The only female Opp recorded is “Polly”, who paid 40 cents. In 1806 – the year after the Portions were agreed to, but perhaps before all the land was transferred – the “Opp widow, for the Estate” paid $6.88 in tax. It is possible that these years were simply used to consolidate the estate (passing on the modern house as the “Tenement” noted in 1805; or that the modern house was actually built in 1808, in preparation for receiving Jacob Opp’s widow (Anna Maria Opp) and her daughter Mary as residents (see below).

But see City of Easton, Pennsylvania Historic Resource Survey Form, Attachment: Building Description Survey Area 1 Zone A (City Council Resolution approved 12 May 1982)(built c.1820 – 1850, based apparently upon an assessment of the style as “Federal”).

24 Deed, Abraham (Elizabeth) Horn Jr. to Christian Butz and Jacob Mixsell, B3 455 (22 Feb. 1808).

25 See separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Hotel Lafayette at 11 North 4th Street, and sources cited therein.

26 It is located two blocks away, at 63 Sitgreaves Street behind the Dr. Traill Green House at 222 Spring Garden Street. See Ethan Allen Weaver, “Historical Sketches Relating to Easton and Eastonians No.III”, in Historical Notes First Series 9 (copied in Easton Public Library June 1926)(indicates first brick house in Easton was built by Sitgreaves in 1792 on Sitgreaves Alley to the North of Northampton Street, without identifying Cudjo as the occupant); Ethan Allen Weaver, “The Forks of the Delaware” Illustrated xi (Eschenbach Press 1900)(same).

27 William J. Heller, Historic Easton from the Window of a Trolley-Car 122 (Express Printing Co. and Harmony Press 1911, reprinted 1984); see separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for Slough House at 327 Spring Garden Street.

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Jacob Opp’s widow, Anna Maria Opp, died of cancer in 1827 at age 80, “after a long and severe illness”.33

The Vanderveer School

In approximately 182834 -- i.e. at approximately the time of Mrs. Opp’s final illness and death – Dr. John Vanderveer opened a preparatory school in the corner building that became Mrs. Bixler’s portion.35 His “English and Classical School” began its first year with only 12 scholars.36 This school was said to have been a stepping stone to Lafayette College,37 and was soon the largest in town with 125 pupils. It later moved

33 Henry F. Marx (compiler), I Marriages and Deaths Northampton County 1799 – 1851 Newspaper Extracts 186 (Easton Area Public Library 1929)(Anna Maria Opp died 3 January 1827; from EASTON CENTINEL of Friday, 12 Jan. 1827)); see id. Vol. IV at 1379 (from NORTHAMPTON CORRESPONDENT of Friday, 12 Jan. 1827).

28 Northampton County tax records continue to show her until 1813 (when she owed $3,98 in county tax – a substantial sum for the time). Then, in 1814, she disappears from the tax record, while a $4.85 tax liability suddenly appears for “Anna Mariah Opp”. This was presumably Mary Opp’s mother, Anna Maria Opp (see below). No newspaper articles or church records have as yet been identified that clearly record Mary Opp’s death.

29 See Deed, Abraham (Elizabeth) Horn Jr. to Anna Maria Opp, F4 103 (20 Nov. 1818)(conveying a 1/3 interest granted out of Mary Opp’s estate). She was apparently alive on 12 March 1809, when she apparently served as a baptismal sponsor (together with the pastor of the German Reformed Church) for two nephews, John Jacob Burke (son of Joseph and Susan Burke) and Edmund Burke Meixsell (son of Philip and Maria Meixsell). See Rev. Henry Martyn Kieffer, Some of the First Settlers of “The Forks of the Delaware” and Their Descendants 351 (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. 1973) (Records of the First Reformed Church of Easton, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. 1973; Easton Area Public Library Marx Room Reference “Ks”). Both of the mothers (Susan[na] Burke and Maria [Mary] Meixsell were her nieces, daughters of her sister Eve (Opp) Wagener. See Deed, Jacob Wagener, David D. Wagener, and Mary (Philip) Mixsell, to Susanna Burke, B6 403 (1 Apr. 1836) and discussion below.

30 See Deed of Partition, Christian (Catharine) Bixler and Joseph (Susannah) Burke, B6 555 (29 Dec. 1836)(recitals); see also Release, David (Eve) Wagener and Abraham (Elizabeth) Horn, Heirs of Jacob Opp, to Christian (Catharine) Bixler, Misc. 2 331 (Northampton County Deeds Archives 1 Mar. 1827)(recitals; this release concerns the Bixlers’ payments for Portion No.4, including Lot No.157).

31 Deed, Abraham (Elizabeth) Horn Jr. to Anna Maria Opp, F4 103 (20 Nov. 1818)(also sold the interest in an Out Lot and in original town Lot No.255 at the NW corner of Ferry and Juliana (now 5th ) Streets).

32 The argument that this “House and Lot” existed at least since 1808, and is also the same one at the corner in which Dr. Vanderveer started his school, is set out in a footnote, above.

34 Ethan Allen Weaver, Historical Notes First Series 240 (copied in Easton Public Library June 1936)(transcribed newspaper article that Vanderveer to open in 1828); Charles Stewart, Dr. John Vanderveer and His Methods of Instruction 2 (paper read before Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society 12 Nov. 1908). But see Article, “Easton Public School System Acclaimed for Accomplishments”, EASTON EXPRESS, Saturday, 12 June 1937, Jubilee Section B p.9 (opened in 1826).

35 See Rev. Uzal W. Condit, History of Easton, Penn’a 299-300 (George P. West 1885 / 1889); Article, “Easton Public School System Acclaimed for Accomplishments”, EASTON EXPRESS, Saturday, 12 June 1937, Jubilee Section B p.9; Virginia Williams Bentley,

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to the basement of the old First Presbyterian Church building38 on Bushkill Street, and then to the residence and school that Dr. Vanderveer built next door at the NE corner of Bushkill and Spring Garden Streets. (The approach to the Route 22 bridge over the Delaware River now occupies this space.)39 The Vanderveer school continued until the 1850s, when the “free” (i.e. government funded) high school was opened in Easton.40

Vanderveer’s teaching methods were later described by one of his students, iron wire Charles Stewart, in a paper delivered to the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society in 1908. His classroom – which operated with a morning and afternoon session – was “noisy with study” without the regimentation usual in later schools. Discipline was strict: Vanderveer believed in “strap oil”, and used a “vigorous application of the rod or strap as a corrective, but not as a prophylactic to frighten into submission.” His afternoon sessions sometimes consisted of talks and advice, and he conducted field trips such as a sleigh ride to Allentown, and a snowball attack on a snow fort (defended by himself). He was absolutely independent in his choice of methods. Easton historical Rev. Uzal Condit reported: “He could say to his pupils, ‘If you don’t like the arrangements here, there is the door; you are under no obligations to attend this school. I care not to whom related, or by whom begot, if you don’t want to learn, and if you are unwilling to obey my directions, leave at once.”41

Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church, Easton, Pennsylvania, 1811 – 1961 96 (1961)(available online through Heritage Quest); Charles Stewart, Dr. John Vanderveer and His Methods of Instruction 2 (paper read before Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society 12 Nov. 1908)(“Northeast corner of Fourth and Spring Garden Streets, in the building now owned by the Brainerd Union Church and occupied as their parsonage”); but see S.M. Parkhill, “Educator Was Strict, But Devoted to Pupils – Dr. John Vanderveer’s Lessons Were Preserved by a Former Student”, MORNING CALL, Thurs., 6 Nov. 1997, p.B-4.

36 Charles Stewart, Dr. John Vanderveer and His Methods of Instruction 2 (paper read before Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society 12 Nov. 1908).

37 Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church, Easton, Pennsylvania, 1811 – 1961 96 (1961)(available online through Heritage Quest).

38 Charles Stewart, Dr. John Vanderveer and His Methods of Instruction 2-3 (paper read before Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society 12 Nov. 1908); Rev. Uzal W. Condit, History of Easton, Penn’a 300 (George P. West 1885 / 1889)(1857); see Article, “Easton Public School System Acclaimed for Accomplishments”, EASTON EXPRESS, Saturday, 12 June 1937, Jubilee Section B p.9.

39 Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church, supra at 96; accord, Article, “Easton Public School System Acclaimed for Accomplishments”, EASTON EXPRESS, Saturday, 12 June 1937, Jubilee Section B p.9 (school ultimately moved to its own building); Rev. Uzal W. Condit, History of Easton, Penn’a 300 (George P. West 1885 / 1889)(large house that Vanderveer built at the NE corner of 2nd and Bushkill Streets).

40 Rev. Uzal W. Condit, History of Easton, Penn’a 300 (George P. West 1885 / 1889)(Vanderveer retired in 1857); Article, “Easton Public School System Acclaimed for Accomplishments”, EASTON EXPRESS, Saturday, 12 June 1937, Jubilee Section B p.9 (1854). See generally separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Governor Wolf Building at 45 North Second Street.

41 S.M. Parkhill, “Educator Was Strict, But Devoted to Students – Dr. John Vanderveer’s Lessons Were Preserved by a Former Student”, MORNING CALL, Thurs., 6 No.1997, p.B-4; Charles Stewart, Dr. John Vanderveer and His Methods of Instruction 11 (paper read before

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The Property Is Split

The widow Opp’s will, operating after her death in 1827, somewhat simplified the ownership of the property by leaving her 1/3 share to her two remaining daughters already having interests in the property (Eve Wagener and Catharine Bixler). That meant that each of these two ladies owned a half share. However, Mrs. Wagener complicated matters again by dying in 1833 without a will (like too many of her forebears!), which resulting in passing her half interest to be shared by her husband (Daniel Wagener) and her four children (who were Jacob Wagener, David D. Wagener, Mary Mixsell wife of Philip Mixsell, and Susanna Burke wife of Joseph Burke). All of the children were prominent and well-to-do citizens in Easton. Widower Daniel Wagener was a substantial property owner and mill operator,42 and his sons were wealthy and prominent citizens in their own right.43 Philip Mixsell owned a number of commercial buildings, including a wholesale and retail store, and a residence, on North 4th Street.44

In 1836, these Wagener heirs agreed to divide up the various family properties.45 As part of the general settlement, the heirs made over their various partial interests in the Vanderveer School property to Susanna Burke.46

Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society 12 Nov. 1908). 42 Daniel Wagener (1766 – 1842). He had come to Easton as a boy in 1777, and served as

Associate Judge of the Northampton County Court for 39 years. See Peter Fritts, History of Northampton County 266 (1877, reprint by Higginson Book Company); Rev. Uzal W. Condit, History of Easton, Penn’a 193 (George W. West 1885 / 1889); John Eyerman, Genealogical Studies: The Ancestry of Marguerite and John Eyerman 38-39, 44 (Eschenbach Printing Company 1902).

43 Jacob Wagener owned a number of properties in Easton, including Military Hall. As a young man, Jacob Wagener became a member of the Board of Trustees of Lafayette College. He was a “public-spirited citizen” known for his “culture and learning”, particularly in literature and the sciences of mineralogy and botany. He made specimen collections in both sciences, which he contributed to the College. See separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for Military Hall at 353-55 Northampton Street; Selden Jennings Coffin, The Men of Lafayette, 1826-1893: Lafayette College, Its History, Its Men, Their Record 13 note (Easton, PA: George W. West 1891).

David D[ouglas]. Wagener (1792 – 1860), also built his own mill along the Bushkill near his father’s, and later inherited his father’s Merchant Mill as well. See Peter Fritts, History of Northampton County 266 (1877, reprint by Higginson Book Company); Obituary, “David D. Wagener”, EASTON ARGUS obituary of Thursday, 4 Oct. 1860, p.2, col.5 (age 68). He was later known as one of the three “rich men of Easton”. Article, “Rich Men”, EASTON ARGUS, Thurs., 21 Nov. 1861, p.2, col.3. See generally separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the John O. Wagener Mansion (Pomfret Club) at 33 South 4th Street.

Philip Mixsell 44 See separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Express Building at 30-56 North 4th

Street; Article, “Fire”, THE NORTHAMPTON WHIG, Tues., 19 Apr. 1891, p.3, col.1. 45 Deed, David D. Wagener, Philip (Mary) Mixsell, and Joseph (Susanna) Burke, to Jacob

Wagener, B6 406 (1 Apr. 1836)(recitals concerning the family “Amicable partition”); Deed of Partition, Christian (Catharine) Bixler and Joseph (Susannah) Burke, B6 555 (29 Dec. 1836)(recitals); Deed, Jacob Wagener, Philip (Mary) Mixsell, and Joseph (Susanna) Burke, to David D. Wagener, A7 588 (1 Apr. 1836)(recitals).

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Her husband, Joseph Burke,47 owned the “general merchandise” store and residence next door to Philip Mixsell’s on North 4th Street.48 He had been Chief Burgess of Easton in 1825.49

This 1836 Wagener Family settlement, then, left a single remaining Wagener Family member (Mrs. Burke) with a half interest in the Vanderveer School property, while Catharine Bixler still retained the other half interest. In that same year, these two ladies also reached a settlement in which they split up their property, each taking sole ownership in separate parcels. For her portion, Catharine Bixler took the “Brick Tenement” at the NE corner itself, with 22’ 6” of frontage along Hamilton Street (and 120’ in depth along Spring Garden Street). Mrs. Burke took the other 23’ 6” of frontage along Hamilton Street (thus, in-between Mrs. Bixler’s house at the corner and her Lot No.126 to the North that she obtained from her father, Jacob Opp’s, estate). Mrs. Burke’s parcel was also 120’ in depth, parallel to Spring Garden Street. Both ladies agree to have an alley laid out at the rear (running North from Spring Garden Street) for the convenience of their properties, and also that if Mrs. Burke built on her property she (or her successors) could use the northern wall of Mrs. Bixler’s “Brick Tenement” at the corner as a support. There was no explicit mention of any house then being on Mrs. Burke’s portion of this land, however.50

Property owner Catharine Bixler’s husband, Christian Bixler III, was a Revolutionary War veteran. He came to Easton in approximately 1785 and originally made grandfather clocks, which (when in good condition) are expensive collectors’ items today. He also began selling jewelry, and his store (when passed down through the generations) claims to be the oldest jewelry store in America.51 When he died in 1840,52 and his will left the property on Hamilton (now 4th) Street in trust for life to his daughter, Maria McCullough, and then to her children. That property included both the corner parcel (still containing a “two story brick house” – which could describe the house currently at the corner location), as well as the other parcel farther up 4th Street (viz. Lot No.156), which still had “two houses”.53 Mary McCullough died on 1 May 1857, leaving 6 children.54 The original executor of her will was her brother, Daniel L. Bixler, but he

46 Deed, Jacob Wagener, David D. Wagener, and Mary (Philip) Mixsell, to Susanna Burke, B6 403 (1 Apr. 1836)(each conveying ¼ interest); Deed Poll (endorsement), Daniel Wagener to Susanna Burke, B6 405-06 (7 July 1836)(conveying any rights of curtesy, etc., as widower).

47 They were married on 1 June 1806. Henry Martyn Kieffer, Some of the First Settlers of “The Forks of the Delaware” and Their Descendants 355 (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. 1973) (Records of the First Reformed Church of Easton, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. 1973; Easton Area Public Library Marx Room Reference “Ks”).

48 Article, “Fire”, THE NORTHAMPTON WHIG, Tues., 19 Apr. 1891, p.3, col.1, also quoted in Rev. Edward Reimer (compiler), A Collection of Northampton County, PA Items 170-72 (undated MS in Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library); see separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for 30 North 4th Street.

49 Article, “Chief Executives of Easton Since 1789”, EASTON EXPRESS, Sun., 12 June 1937, Jubilee Section A, p.5, cols. 1-2.

50 Deed of Partition, Christian (Catharine) Bixler and Joseph (Susannah) Burke, B6 555 (29 Dec. 1836). Mrs. Burke also received the land at the NW corner of Spring Garden Street and Bank Alley (now called Bank Street) – that is, the eastern portion of Lot No.157 -- measuring 108’ along Spring Garden Street X 60’ deep along Bank Alley.

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was dismissed from that post later in that year,55 probably because of his personal financial troubles.56 In his place jeweler Eli M. Fox (a partner of Daniel’s brother, William Bixler)57 was appointed as a trustee to sell the property for Mrs. McCullough’s children. The corner property continued to include a “two Story Brick Dwelling House”. In 1866, Fox (as trustee) was able to sell the corner property to John Green.58

John Green was a “gentleman”,59 who had invested in the fledgling iron business in 1835 as a partner in his brother-in-law John Stewart’s rolling mill (later the noted wire factory) in South Easton.60 The mill “was one of the earliest large-scale factories to be built in the Abbott Street Industrial Park” of South Easton,61 along the Lehigh Navigation canal.62 In addition to the mill, by the 1850s John Green’s “buildings . . . covered the half block from Spring Garden to Fourth Streets”.63 His home was located across the street, at the SE corner of Spring Garden and Hamilton Streets.64

The Parsonage at the Corner

Meanwhile, by 1860, the brick building at the NE corner had become the home of Rev. John L. Grant. The house was then numbered 55 North 4th Street.65 Rev. Grant was a Presbyterian clergyman.66 Although Easton records of Rev. Grant are scarce, he did deliver a speech in the summer of 1861 (at the beginning of the Civil War) “in happy humor, patriotism and eloquence” that “held the close attention of the large and enthusiastic crowd.”67 In 1866, Rev. Grant purchased another house (now numbered 244 Spring Garden Street) in 1866.68

Rev. Grant’s wife, Euphemia died in 1868,69 and he moved to Camden N.J. by 1870.70

In 1866 (apparently, when Rev. Grant moved farther down Spring Garden Street), John Green sold the house at the corner of Spring Garden and North 4th Streets to the First Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Easton, for $3,200.71 The money was supplied by a subscription, and the leading donor was John Green himself. The other subscribers were the heirs of a parishioner (R.S. Chidsey), and Dr. John Vanderveer -- the same teacher whose preparatory school had formerly been located in the building (see above).72

Dr. Vanderveer was an influential member of this church, and taught in its Sunday School. Other members of the congregation who were influential in Easton or at Lafayette College included Dr. Traill Green, Washington McCartney, Henry D. Maxwell, and Edward F. Stewart.73 The house at the corner was to be used as a parsonage74 for the pastor, Rev. Cornelius H. Edgar.75 At the time it was acquired, the parsonage was updated for Rev. Edgar, at the cost of parishioner (and Spring Garden Street resident) Dr. Traill Green.76

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Rev. Edgar’s parsonage was numbered 55 North 4th Street prior to 1874.77 It was assigned the address of 103 North 4th Street with the inauguration of the modern street numbering scheme in 1874.78

This church congregation had originally been formed as the Second Presbyterian Church in 1848, in an acrimonious split from the pre-existing Easton Presbyterian congregation.79

In 1851, it had survived only by becoming an affiliate of the Dutch Reformed denomination, building the church building at 5th and Church Streets in the process (now known as the “Rock Church”).80

77 Fitzgerald & Dillon, Easton Directory for 1870-71 40 (Ringwalt & Brown 1870)(Rev. C.H. Edgar, “Pastor Reformed Church”, house at 55 North 4th Street); Jeremiah H. Lant, The Northampton County Directory for 1873 68 (1873)(Rev. C.H. Edgar); see D.G. Beers, Atlas of Northampton County Pennsylvania, Plan of Easton (A. Pomeroy & Co. 1874)(C.H. Edgar).

78 Article, “The New Numbers”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Wed., 26 Nov. 1873, p.3, col.4 (C.H. Edgar); Webb Bros. & Co., Webb’s Easton and Phillipsburg Directory 1875-6 45 (M.J. Riegel 1875)(Rev. Cornelius H. Edgar, D.D., pastor American Reformed Church, 103 North 4th Street).

79 Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church, Easton, Pennsylvania, 1811 – 1961 40-42 (1961).

80 Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church, Easton, Pennsylvania, 1811 – 1961 88-91 (1961); see Leonard S. Buscemi, Sr., The 1992 Easton Calendar unnumbered p.42 (Buscemi Enterprises 1991); Historic Easton, Inc., Annual House Tour Site #12 (18 May 1985).

51 See Bixler’s Jewelers’ Website, www.bixlers.com; Jennifer Heebner, “Preserving History, How Heirs to the 217-Year-Old Bixler’s Jewelers Keep the Past Alive”, Jewelers Circular Keystone (trade publication) 106-09 (Oct. 2002); Easton Is Home, Easton Christmas Book 2005 at 15; Barbara B. Buchholz and Margaret Crane, Corporate Bloodlines: The Future of the Family Firm 80 (Carol Publishing Group 1989); Bixler’s Jewelers’ Website, www.bixlers.com; Scott Hill, A Self Guided Tour . . . Historic Forks of the Delaware 4 (Eagle Scout Project, April 29, 1992)(copies sold by Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society)(locates original store); Ronald W. Wynkoop, The Old Home Town 118 (self published, 1977); Marie and Frank Summa & Leonard S. Buscemi Sr., Images of America: Historic Easton 48 (Arcadia Publishing 2000)(places the opening in 1797, locates original store); Scott Hill, A Self Guided Tour . . . Historic Forks of the Delaware 3 (Eagle Scout Project, April 29, 1992)(copies sold by Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society); John W. Jordan, Edgar Moore Green & George T. Ettinger, I Historic Homes and Institutions and Genealogical and Personal Memoirs of the Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania 110-11 (The Lewis Publishing Co. 1905, reprint by Higginson Book Co.)(store established in 1788, Bixler came to Easton in 1785).

A photo display of one of Bixler’s clocks, made in 1805, is available from the Adams Brown Company of Cranbury, NJ on their website at www.adamsbrown.com/bixler.

Accord, separate www.WalkingEaston.com entries for 24 Centre Square and the Bixler-Nightengale Building at315-21 Northampton Street.

52 See Will of Christian Bixler III, Northampton County File No. 4943, WB6 32 (1840). See also Floyd Smith Bixler, The Vine and Background of Christian Bixler, 3 rd and Some Collateral Branches 15-16, 24, 30 (typed by Edith Jane Stires, undated but text at 15 indicates written in 1930)(copy in Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library); John W. Jordan, Edgar Moore Green & George T. Ettinger, I Historic Homes and Institutions and Genealogical and Personal Memoirs of the Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania 110-11 (The Lewis Publishing Co. 1905, reprint by

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John Green died in 1870.81 His three children (who inherited the bulk of his property)82 gave additional property along Spring Garden Street known as the “Garden Lot” for Rev. Edgar’s congregation to build a new Church next to the parsonage (see below).83 That church is known as the First Presbyterian Church today.84

The Burke Parcel

Meanwhile, Mrs. Burke continued to own the property along Hamilton (now called 4th) Street, as well as her eastern portion of Lot No.157 at the corner of Spring Garden and Bank Alley, that she had acquired in the partition arrangement in 1836. In

Higginson Book Co.). 53 See Estate of Maria McCullough, 22 Orphan’s Court Record at 449 (Northampton

County 27 Jan. 1865)(citing the Will of Christian Bixler proved 4 Feb. 1840, ¶ Third). This specified the “two story brick house” at the corner of Spring Garden and Hamilton Streets, and the “lot and two houses adjoining Christian Flemming on the North and the Property of Joseph Burke on the South” measuring 60’ on Hamilton Street X 240’ deep to Bank Alley. See also Deed, Eli M. Fox, Trustee to sell lands devised by Will of Christian Bixler for the benefit of his daughter Maria McCullough, to John Green, D11 311 (26 June 1866)(recitals).

John C. Flemming was the residence ultimately numbered 117 North 4th Street. See Article, “The New Numbers”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Wed., 26 Nov. 1873, p.3, col.4 (John Flemming); separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for 117019 North 4th Street.

Christian Bixler’s estate documents are found in Northampton County Orphan’s Court File No.4943; the will was recorded in 6 Will Book 32 (1840). Although the Spring Garden Street property originally came to the family through Mrs. Bixler (as a daughter of Jacob Opp – see above), and Mrs. Bixler survived her husband (taking a life estate under the will in property behind the family homestead on Northampton Street), nevertheless Christian Bixler’s will passed the Spring Garden Street corner property to their daughter, Mary McCullough. Evidently, there was simply no objection from Mrs. Bixler. Mrs. Bixler died on 13 July 1856 of dropsy, at age 83. See Parish Records of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Easton, PA, Vol.III (Easton Area Public Library code “CCC”) at 630 (copied by Works Progress Administration personnel in Easton Public Library 1937).

54 Deed, Eli M. Fox, Trustee to sell lands devised by Will of Christian Bixler for the benefit of his daughter Maria McCullough, to John Green, D11 311 (26 June 1866)(recitals).

55 Deed, Eli M. Fox, Trustee to sell lands devised by Will of Christian Bixler for the benefit of his daughter Maria McCullough, to John Green, D11 311 (26 June 1866)(Daniel L. Bixler dismissed as executor on 7 Dec. 1857).

56 He lost his half of the family homestead in a sheriff’s sale in 1852. Notice of Seizure from Daniel L. Bixler and Sheriff’s Sale, Shff 2 141 (19 April 1852); Deed, John Bachman, Sheriff, to John A. Nightengale, F8 138 (27 April 1852); see Mortgage Deed, John F. Magee, Jr., Executor for Elizabeth A. Magee, to Easton National Bank & Trust Co., 571 200 (8 Sept. 1977)(ownership recital for 321 Northampton St. property, dates sheriff’s sale to 1852). The family history of the event is slightly different, but suggests a generally similar story. See Bixler, The Vine and Background of Christian Bixler, 3 rd , supra at 38, 44 (after Daniel moved out in 1854, L.M. Cohen, a Philadelphia merchant, operated hardware store there from 1854-55, and then the property was sold to Nightengale).

57 See Jeremiah H. Lant, The Northampton County Directory for 1873 55, 71 (1873)(alphabetical listings, Bixler and E.M. Fox); Article, “The New Numbers”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Friday, 21 Nov. 1873, p.3. See generally separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Bixler-Nightengale Building at 315-21 Northampton Street, and 32 North 3rd Street (where Fox

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1858, her estate was forced to sell the real estate in order to pay its debts. The two parcels were sold separately. The land along North 4th (formerly called Hamilton) Street was sold to William Johnson for $815.85 Johnson was a “Gardener and Horticulturalist” by trade.86

On the same day, the estate sold the parcel at the corner of Spring Garden Street and Bank Alley for $1,300 to John Green.87 In 1866 (the same year he sold the parsonage to the Church), John Green sold this parcel to Charles Stewart,88 a nephew.89 The Stewart and Green families both participated in the Stewart & Co. iron rolling mills and wire factory in South Easton.90 In 1871, in preparation for the donation to the Church, Charles Stewart sold the parcel

lived). 58 Deed, Eli M. Fox, Trustee to sell lands devised by Will of Christian Bixler for the benefit

of his daughter Maria McCullough, to John Green, D11 311 (26 June 1866)(and recitals). See also 1860 Census, Series 653, Roll 1147, p.272 (John Green, a resident in Easton’s Bushkill Ward, age 53, with $25,000 in real estate, and $8,000 in personal property)

59 See C[harles] Kitchen, A General Directory of the Borough of Easton PA 28 (Cole & Eichman’s Office, 1855)(John Green, gentleman, at 53 North 4th Street).

60 The Hugh Moore Park Industrial Ruins Trail of the Lehigh Canal 7 (First Printing, Sept. 2000). The partners were:

Charles RodenboughJohn StewartJohn Green Jr.John GrayJacob AbleThomas McKeenHopewell Hepburn

Declaration of Trust, Charles Rodenbough and John Stewart, et al., Misc.4 539 (25 Sept. 1837)(Northampton County Deed Records).

John Green Jr. is John Green, son of Benjamin Green, who lived on North 4th Street in Easton, because he later passed that partnership interest along to his four children when he died in 1870. See, e.g., Agreement, John Stewart, Charles Stewart, Edward H. Green, Catherine S. Green, Juliette R. Green, Jane Green, Misc. 15 61 (27 Mar. 1873)(Northampton County Deed Records).

Thomas McKeen refers to Colonel Thomas McKeen. See William J. Heller, II History of Northampton County 242 (American Historical Society 1920). See generally separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for Col. Thomas McKeen Mansion at 231 Spring Garden Street.

61 Lance E. Metz and Donald Sayenga, Capt’ Sherman’s Guide to Hugh Moore Park 33 (Canal History and Technology Press rev. ed. 1998)(Rodenbaugh and Stewart Wire Works “Begun 1837-1838).

62 See D.G. Beers, Atlas of Northampton County Pennsylvania, Borough of South Easton (A. Pomeroy & Co. 1874)(Stewart & Co. Wire Mill, Office Stewart & Co.).

63 Obituary, “Edward F. Stewart”, EASTON EXPRESS, Tues., 25 Feb. 1902, p.5, col.2 (age 82).

64 See See C[harles] Kitchen, A General Directory of the Borough of Easton PA 28 (Cole & Eichman’s Office, 1855)(John Green, gentleman, at 53 North 4th Street, under the street numbering scheme in effect at that time); separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Green Family Homestead at 83 North 4th Street.

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back to John Green’s children.91 It formed the bulk of the “Garden Lot” donated by the children to the Church.92

In 1866, William Johnson sold his land for $1400 to Edward Schindler.93 Easton Atlas of 1874 shows two buildings at this location listed to E[dward] Schindler.94 His address was 59 North 4th Street prior to 1874,95 and he was assigned 105 North 4th Street (for his residence) and No.107 (for his locksmith shop) with the inauguration of the modern street numbering scheme in 1874.96

Edward Schindler remained in residence at 105 Spring Garden Street until he died in 1905, of a heart attack suffered while talking to his wife in the kitchen. (Louisa

65 William H. Boyd, Boyd’s Directory of Reading, Easton, [Etc.] 122 (William H. Boyd 1860)(Rev. John L. Grant at 55 North 4th Street).

66 Compare 1860 Census, Series M653, Roll 1147, p.295 (John L. Grant, clergyman, age 61, in Easton, Pa.) with 1870 Census, Series M593, Roll 856, p.402B (John L. Grant, Presbyterian clergy, age 70, in Camden, N.J.).

67 Rev. Uzal W. Condit, The History of Easton, Penn’a 233 (George W. West 1885 / 1889). 68 Deed, Sabina G. Wolf (Executor and widow of Horace D. Wolf) and George Wolf (son

and heir of Horace D. Wolf), C11 606 (12 Jan. 1866)(sale price $3,200 for “messuage and tenement”); see also Deed of Release, John P. Wolf, et al., Brothers of Horace E. Wolf, to John L. Grant, C11 608 (entered 31 Mar. 1866)(brothers as residuary heirs approved sale of the property by Sabina and George). See generally separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for Ludlow House at 244 Spring Garden Street.

69 Henry F. Marx (compiler), II Marriages and Deaths Northampton County 1852 – 1870 Newspaper Extracts 317 (Easton Area Public Library 1934)(Euphemia Grant, wife of Rev. John L. Grant, died 23 Nov. 1868); Record Book of Brainerd Presbyterian Church of Easton, Pennsylvania 33, 42 (copied in Easton Public Library May 1936)(Euphemia Grant, wife of Rev. John L. Grant, died 30 Nov. 1868).

70 1870 Census, Series M593, Roll 856, p.402B (John L. Grant, Presbyterian clergy, age 70, in Camden, N.J.). He sold the house now numbered 244 Spring Garden Street in 1871. Deed, Rev. John L. Grant to David B. Miller, A13 461 (1 Apr. 1871).

71 Deed, John (Sarah) Green to First Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Easton, D11 662 (26 Feb. 1866 )(sale price $3,200 for “Two story Brick Dwelling house” at the NE corner of Spring Garden and North 4th Streets, on parcel measuring 26’ 6” on North 4th Street X 110’ deep).

Before making the sale, Green obtained releases from the heirs and representatives of the estates of Catharine Bixler and Maria McCullough. Release and Confirmation, Daniel L. Bixler, et al., Heirs and Representative of Catharine Bixler (deceased), to John Green, D11 314 (13 Jan. 1866); Release and Confirmation, Robert M. McCullough, et al., Heirs and Representative of Maria McCullough (deceased), to John Green, D11 317 (12 Jan. 1866).

72 Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church, Easton, Pennsylvania, 1811 – 1961 97-98 (1961).

73 Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church, Easton, Pennsylvania, 1811 – 1961 88-89, 96 (1961).

74 Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church, Easton, Pennsylvania, 1811 – 1961 97 (1961); see Jeremiah H. Lant, The Northampton County Directory for 1873 68 (1873)(Rev. C.H. Edgar); compare D.G. Beers, Atlas of Northampton County Pennsylvania, Plan of Easton (A. Pomeroy & Co. 1874)(C.H. Edgar in property at the NE corner).

15

Schindler was actually his third wife.) Schindler had immigrated from Germany to America in 1854, and on to Easton “about a year later”. His obituary referred to him as “the old locksmith”.97 His will was probated in the year that he died (1905).98 In it, the North 4th Street property was given by will to his wife, Louisa, who sold it in 1914.99 In 1922, the property was sold to the Presbyterian Church. At that time it had been assigned the addresses of both 103 and 105 North 4th Street,100 apparently still reflecting the two Schindler buildings shown in the 1874 Atlas (see above).

Churchman Business School

75 He was pastor from 1853 until 1882. Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church, Easton, Pennsylvania, 1811 – 1961 94-95, 100 (1961); see also Jeremiah H. Lant, The Northampton County Directory for 1873 154 (1873)(Rev. Dr. Edgar, pastor of American Reformed Church on Spring Garden Street below 4th Street); compare Leonard S. Buscemi, Sr., The 1992 Easton Calendar unnumbered p.42 (Buscemi Enterprises 1991)(Reformed Protestant Dutch Church was later renamed the First Reformed Church and then the American Reformed Church, before resuming an even earlier designation as the Second Presbyterian Church).

76 Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church, Easton, Pennsylvania, 1811 – 1961 98 (1961).

The house at 103 North 4th Street was occupied in 1890 by the Pastor, Rev. T.F. Lee. Census Directory of Northampton County, Eleventh U.S. Census, 1890 (Joseph H. Werner, assisted by Geo. W. West 1891), J-POHL transcribed online at www.bethlehempaonline.com/beth1890/eastonjtop.html; see Rev. Uzal W. Condit, The History of Easton, Penn’a 300 (George W. West 1885 / 1889)(parsonage). The 1890 City Directory also shows that Rev. Lee’s parsonage was also home to Timothy J. Lee, a carriagebody maker (presumably Rev. Lee’s son), and his family.

81 Specifically, on 23 February 1870. Henry F. Marx (compiler), II Marriages and Deaths Northampton County 1852 – 1870 Newspaper Extracts 317 (Easton Area Public Library 1934)(John Green died in Easton on 23 Feb. 1870, at age 62, based on an article in the ARGUS); Agreement, John Stewart, Charles Stewart, Edward H. Green, Catherine S. Green, Juliette R. Green, and Jane Green, Misc.15 61 (27 Mar. 1873, filed in Northampton County Deeds Office)(recitals); see Deed, Traill Green, Charles Stewart, and Edward H. Green, Executors of the Will of John Green, to Jane Green, H12 469 (16 Apr. 1870)(conveying property now listed as 111-13 North 4th Street).

This is not the same person as John Green Sr., who died on 9 March 1854. See id.; see generally separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Moser Building at 101 Northampton Street.

82 See separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Green Family Homestead at 83 North 4th Street, and sources cited therein.

83 Compare Deed, Edward H. (Carolina S.) Green, Catherarina S. Green, Juliette R. Green, and Jane Green, to Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Easton, E13 195 (16 June 1871)(sale price: the grantors’ “love and affection” plus $1; lot size, 114’ X 120’) with Historic Easton, Inc., Annual House Tour Site #12 (18 May 1985); Leonard S. Buscemi, Sr., The 1992 Easton Calendar unnumbered p.42 (Buscemi Enterprises 1991); see Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church, Easton, Pennsylvania, 1811 – 1961 98 (1961).

84 E.g., ); Leonard S. Buscemi, Sr., The 1992 Easton Calendar unnumbered p.42 (Buscemi Enterprises 1991).

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William E. Churchman was originally the Principal of the Shorthand Department (1901-07) and later the Manager (1907-11) of The Easton School of Business on the second floor of 22-24 Centre Square.101 In 1911, Churchman opened his own new business school in the Northampton National Bank Building in partnership (until 1915) with Russell E. Eckert.102 It ultimately achieved a reputation as “one of the oldest traditional Business Schools in North America.”103

Churchman came to Easton in 1900, and from 1901 until 1907 was the principal of the short hand department of the Easton Business College104 then located in Centre Square.105 He became the “first Gregg shorthand teacher in this section” (replacing the prior Pittman system), and also introduced touch typing to the area.106 He became Manager of the school from 1907 until 1911,107 but then quit to open his own, competing

85 Deed, John J. Burke, Executor of the Will of Susannah Burke, to William Johnson, F9 650 (23 Nov. 1858)(estate allowed to sell land to pay debts; parcel measuring 33’ 6” on North 4th Street X 120’ deep sold for $815).

86 See Deed, William Johnson to Edward Schindler, E11 79 (9 Mar. 1866)(recital). 87 Deed, John J. Burke, Executor of the Will of Susannah Burke, to John Green, F9 648 (23

Nov. 1858)(sale price $1,300 for property at NW corner of Spring Garden Street and Bank Alley measuring 108’ X 60’).

88 Deed, John (Sara L.) Green to Charles Stewart, C11 552 (2 Oct. 1866). 89 John Green’s sister, Elizabeth, was married to John Stewart, the industrialist who built

the iron rolling mill and wife factory in South Easton. Charles Stewart was one of John Stewart’s sons, who was intimately involved in that factory. See generally separate www.WalkingEaston.com entries for 133-37 North 2nd Street and the Charles Stewart House at 123 North 2nd Street, and sources cited therein.

90 See separate www.WalkingEaston.com entries for 133 and 123 North 2nd Street (regarding the Stewarts) and 83 North 4th Street (regarding the Greens).

91 Deed, Charles (Anna E.) Stewart to Edward H. Stewart, et al., C13 667 (29 Mar. 1870)(sale price $12,000 for a “lot or piece of ground” 108’ on Spring Garden Street X 120’ to Bank Alley; with a 12’ private alley along the western side).

92 See Deed, Edward H. (Carolina S.) Green, Catherarina S. Green, Juliette R. Green, and Jane Green, to Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Easton, E13 195 (16 June 1871)(sale price: the grantors’ “love and affection” plus $1; lot size, 114’ X 120’).

Additional 6’ strips of the donated land were also taken from the back end of lots on North 4th Street that Juliette and Jane Green had acquired from their father’s estate, after he died in 1870. See separate www.WalkingEaston.com entries for 109 North 4th Street, and 111 North 4th Street.

In addition, the donation deed also recites that a small additional portion of land was acquired from Edward Schindler, the property owner to the West, who agreed to reduce the 12’ alley to 6’, in exchange for $3,000. Deed, Edward (Sophia) Shindler to Edward H. Green, et al., C13 668 (9 May 1871).

93 Deed, William Johnson to Edward Schindler, E11 79 (9 Mar. 1866). 94 D.G. Beers, Atlas of Northampton County Pennsylvania, Plan of Easton (A. Pomeroy &

Co. 1874); accord, 1880 Census, Series T9, Roll 1161, p.412C (Edward Schindler at 105 North 4th

Street). See also Deed, Traill Green, Charles Stewart and Edward H. Green, Executors of Will of John Green, to Julietta R. Green, H12 467 (16 Apr. 1870)(regarding transfer of what became the Keller Town House property at 109 North 4th Street; reciting that the property to the South was occupied by Edward Schindler).

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Churchman Business College on 5 July 1911 in the Northampton National Bank Building (at the SE corner of 4th and Northampton Streets). In 1919, the Churchman Business College moved to the Smith Building at the NE corner of South 4th and Pine Streets.108

In 1936, Churchman purchased the “historic parsonage and grounds” from the Presbyterian Church on Spring Garden Street were sold to William Churchman for the college.109 The “upstairs” of the parsonage (“manse”) was used for apartments, the ground floor leased to various businesses over the years (including the Crowder Electric Company and the visiting Nurse Association), while a new Churchman Business College building was constructed in what had been the “manse garden”.110 The new building

95 Jeremiah H. Lant, The Northampton County Directory for 1873 111 (1873)(Edward Schindler, locksmith, at 59 North 4th Street).

96 Article, “The New Numbers”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Wed., 26 Nov. 1873, p.3, col.4.

97 Obituary, “Edward Schindler”, EASTON EXPRESS, Tues., 30 May 1905, p.5, col.1. See generally Census Directory of Northampton County, Eleventh U.S. Census, 1890 (Joseph H. Werner, assisted by Geo. W. West 1891), Q-Z transcribed online at www.bethlehempaonline.com/beth1890/eastonqtos.html (locksmith Edward Schindler and Lussette Schindler at 105 North 4th Street).

98 Obituary, EASTON EXPRESS, 30 May 1905, p.5; Deed, Louisa Schindler to E. Henry Wagner and Ida Selma Richter, G41 82 (4 Apr. 1914)(recital that Edward Schindler’s will was probated 7 June 1905).

99 Deed, Louisa Schindler to E. Henry Wagner and Ida Selma Richter, G41 82 (4 Apr. 1914). Two months later, Henry Wagner sold his half interest to Ida Selma Richter. Deed, E. Henry (Clara) Wagner to Ida Selma Richter, H41 292 (3 June 1914)(half interest).

100 Deed, Ida Selma (E. Paul) Richter to Brainerd Union Presbyterian Church, G49 393 (9 June 1922)(103 and 105 North 4th Street, on property measuring 33’ 6” X 120’). The purchaser is yet another successor name to the church that built the Second Presbyterian Church, discussed above. See, e.g., Leonard S. Buscemi, Sr., The 1992 Easton Calendar unnumbered p.42 (Buscemi Enterprises 1991).

101 George L. Seibel, Men of Easton and Phillipsburg (1920)(alphabetical listing). See also Charles M. Barnard (compiler), West’s Directory for City of Easton 1910 (The West Job Printing House 1910)(alphabetical listing for William E. Churchman, Manager, Easton School of Business located in the Jones Building, 22-24 Centre Square). See also Leonard S. Buscemi, Sr., The 1995 Easton-Phillipsburg Calendar unnumbered p.1 (Buscemi Enterprises 1994).

102 Sue Beyer, “All business”, EXPRESS-TIMES, Sunday, 3 Feb. 1991, p.B-8; Article, “A History of Churchman Business College”, Easton Is Home, Heritage Edition 1998 51 (1998); see George L. Seibel, Men of Easton and Phillipsburg (1920)(alphabetical listing for William Churchman); accord, Charles M. Barnard (compiler), West’s Directory for City of Easton 1912 (The West Job Printing House 1912)(alphabetical listing for Churchman Business College showing William E. Churchman as the co-proprietor with Russell E. Eckert); Easton Directories for 1914 through 1920. See also Easton Is Home, Heritage Edition 13 (2003); Jennifer Heebner, “Preserving History, How Heirs to the 217-Year-Old Bixler’s Jewelers Keep the Past Alive”, Jewelers Circular Keystone (trade publication) 106-09 (Oct. 2002); Easton Area Community Center’s Easton History Club 2005 – 2006 (under direction of Leonard Buscemi, Sr.), A Chronological History of Easton, Pa. & Its Citizens 1700 – Present 21 (2006)(asserts Churchman opened at 355 Spring Garden St. on 4 Sept. 1910).

103 United States Online Degree Association, Churchman Business School, www.online-degree-certificate.com/html/School-List/Churchman-Business-School.html (accessed 19 Mar.

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opened in 1942.111 Today, the loosely L-shaped, modern school building faces Spring Garden Street at one end (between the parsonage and the Presbyterian Church), and Spring Garden Street at the other (apparently replacing the old Schindler buildings), surrounding the old parsonage house at the corner.

William E. Churchman died on 6 July 1944 at age 63. In addition to running his Business College, he had been prominent in the community, becoming a 32nd Degree Mason, and a founding member of the Easton Rotary (later serving terms as President and First Secretary).112 Churchman’s will left the property to his widow, Mary Lettie Churchman.113 In 1957, she transferred title to the College property to a partnership (with

2011). 104 George L. Seibel, Men of Easton and Phillipsburg (1920)(alphabetical listing); see

Obituary, “Churchman Business College Founder Dies – William E. Churchman, 63, Ill Since Last August, Was One of Easton’s Leading Citizens, 32nd Degree Mason and Rotarian”, EASTON EXPRESS, Thurs., 6 July 1944, p.1, cols. 4-5.

105 See separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Jones Building at 24 Centre Square. 106 Obituary, “Churchman Business College Founder Dies – William E. Churchman, 63, Ill

Since Last August, Was One of Easton’s Leading Citizens, 32nd Degree Mason and Rotarian”, EASTON EXPRESS, Thurs., 6 July 1944, p.1, cols. 4-5; see George L. Seibel, Men of Easton and Phillipsburg (1920)(alphabetical listing).

107 George L. Seibel, Men of Easton and Phillipsburg (1920)(alphabetical listing); see Charles M. Barnard (compiler), West’s Directory for City of Easton 1910 (The West Job Printing House 1910)(alphabetical listing for William E. Churchman, Manager, Easton School of Business located in the Jones Building, 22-24 Centre Square); Obituary, “Churchman Business College Founder Dies – William E. Churchman, 63, Ill Since Last August, Was One of Easton’s Leading Citizens, 32nd Degree Mason and Rotarian”, EASTON EXPRESS, Thurs., 6 July 1944, p.1, cols. 4-5. See also Leonard S. Buscemi, Sr., The 1995 Easton-Phillipsburg Calendar unnumbered p.1 (Buscemi Enterprises 1994).

108 Article, “A History of Churchman Business College”, Easton Is Home, Heritage Edition 1998 51 (1998); Sue Beyer, “All business”, EXPRESS-TIMES, Sunday, 3 Feb. 1991, p.B-8; see Obituary, “Churchman Business College Founder Dies – William E. Churchman, 63, Ill Since Last August, Was One of Easton’s Leading Citizens, 32nd Degree Mason and Rotarian”, EASTON EXPRESS, Thurs., 6 July 1944, p.1, cols. 4-5; cf. Sue Beyer, “All business”, EXPRESS-TIMES, Sunday, 3 Feb. 1991, p.B-8 (picture of 3-story brick building in 1932 which the story states was “near South Fourth St.”; however, the caption states it was on Spring Garden St. near North 4th St.).

See also Charles M. Barnard (compiler), West’s Directory for City of Easton 1912 (The West Job Printing House 1912)(alphabetical listing for Churchman Business College showing William E. Churchman as the co-proprietor with Russell E. Eckert). Accord, e.g., Easton Directories for 1914 through 1920.

109 Deed, Brainard Union Presbyterian Church of Easton, Pa. to William E. Churchman, D56 623 (5 Apr. 1936)(sale price $29,000 for property at NE corner of 5th and Spring Garden Street measuring 59.80’ on North 4th Street X 115’ on Spring Garden Street).

Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church of Easton, Pennsylvania 1811-1861 139 (1961) maintains that this sale was made in 1926 (ten years yearlier) to William E. Churchman and Russell E. Eckert. This assertion is not borne out in the deed as recorded. As noted above, Eckert had been Churchman’s partner in the school until 1915. In 1941, Eckert’s widow quit claimed any interest she might have in the building to William E. Churchman, apparently clearing any title dispute. Deed, Maria E. Eckert to William E.

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herself as one of the three partners) doing business as the Churchman Business College. The other two partners were Charles W. Churchman Jr. and Clair E. Churchman,114 both sons, who also taught in the Churchman Business College115 -- Charles since 1925. Charles also assumed the Presidency of the College in 1944.116 The boys’ mother died on 11 August 1968 at age 88.117 Her will left the property to the partnership.118 Her sons’s two remaining partnership interests were transferred to Charles W. Churchman, Jr. in the 1970s,119 which is apparently the time that Charles Jr. took over the Presidency of the School. Charles (Jr.) continued as President of the School until 1990; he also taught law, accounting and economics.120

In 2004, after 92 years in business, the Churchman Business College closed “after several years of declining student enrollment”, reportedly while owing the federal

Churchman, G72 42 (1 Oct. 1941). 110 Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church of

Easton, Pennsylvania 1811-1861 139 (1961). Ms. Bentley also described it as standing “in the yard between manse and church.” Id. At 100 n.*.

111 Article, “A History of Churchman Business College”, Easton Is Home, Heritage Edition 1998 51 (1998); Obituary, “Churchman Business College Founder Dies – William E. Churchman, 63, Ill Since Last August, Was One of Easton’s Leading Citizens, 32nd Degree Mason and Rotarian”, EASTON EXPRESS, Thurs., 6 July 1944, p.1, cols. 4-5.

The City Directory for 1942 shows the Churchman Business College at the corner of North 4th and Spring Garden Streets. Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1942-43 86, and Buyer’s Guide 32 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1942). The last prior City Directory in the Marx Room’s collection is from 1937-38, which shows the Churchman Business College at a different location (20-22 South 4th Street). Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1937-38 106 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1937). In 1930 and 1925, it was listed at 16-18 South 4th Street. West’s Easton Pa and Phillipsburg NJ Directory 1930 174 (R.L. Polk & Co. 1930); H.P. Delano (compiler), West’s Directory for City of Easton Pennsylvania 203 (Union Publishing Co. Inc. 1925).

But see City of Easton, Pennsylvania Historic Resource Survey Form, Attachment: Building Description Survey Area 1 Zone A (City Council Resolution approved 12 May 1982)(built c.1925). This was probably based upon the assessment of the architectural style as being “Art Deco”.

112 Obituary, “Churchman Business College Founder Dies – William E. Churchman, 63, Ill Since Last August, Was One of Easton’s Leading Citizens, 32nd Degree Mason and Rotarian”, EASTON EXPRESS, Thurs., 6 July 1944, p.1, cols. 4-5; see Deed, Charles W. Churchman, Jr. to Oscar (Carolina) Perla, 2006-1-163332 (20 Apr. 2006)(recital).

113 Deed, Charles W. Churchman, Jr. to Oscar (Carolina) Perla, 2006-1-163332 (20 Apr. 2006)(recital).

114 Deed, Mary Lettie Churchman to Mary Lettie Churchman, Charles W. Churchman, and Clair E. Churchman, d/b/a Churchman Business College, H99 245 (2 Jan. 1957).

115 Obituary, “Churchman Business College Founder Dies – William E. Churchman, 63, Ill Since Last August, Was One of Easton’s Leading Citizens, 32nd Degree Mason and Rotarian”, EASTON EXPRESS, Thurs., 6 July 1944, p.1, cols. 4-5

116 The 250 th Anniversary Remembrance Book, Forks Township, Northampton County, PA 1754 – 2004: A Celebration 60 (Easton: American Printing Unlimited 2004).

117 Obituary, “Mrs. Churchman, Widow of Founder of Easton College”, EASTON EXPRESS, Mon., 12 Aug. 1968, p.14, col.1; see Deed, Charles W. Churchman, Jr. to Oscar (Carolina) Perla, 2006-1-163332 (20 Apr. 2006)(recital; referred to as Mrs. Lettie Churchman).

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Internal Revenue Service $315,698 and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue $8,771 in back unpaid taxes.121

In 2008, the school building received an “infusion of new investment and new faculty”, but the educators “shift[ed] focus to online education” using a “new data processing center located in California”.122

The building in Easton has remained vacant for seven years. In May 2011, the building re-opened as the Trendz Beauty Academy run by Nicole Oshodi, the owner of Tasola Beauty & Beyond salon and beauty supply store now located in Military Hall at 353 Northampton Street.123

The Old Parsonage(Photo 2009 by Richard F. Hope)

118 Deed, Charles W. Churchman, Jr. to Oscar (Carolina) Perla, 2006-1-163332 (20 Apr. 2006)(recital).

119 Deed, Charles W. (Violet Ethel) Churchman, Sr. to Charles W. Churchman, Jr., 504 384 (16 Dec. 1974(half interest); Deed, Clair E. (Helen) Churchman to Charles W. Churchman, Jr., 594 80 (11 Jan. 1979)(half interest).

120 The 250 th Anniversary Remembrance Book, Forks Township, Northampton County, PA 1754 – 2004: A Celebration 60 (Easton: American Printing Unlimited 2004).

121 Colin McEvoy, “Former Churchman Business School in Easton to become beauty school”, EXPRESS-TIMES, Sat., 19 Mar. 2011.

122 United States Online Degree Association, Churchman Business School, www.online-degree-certificate.com/html/School-List/Churchman-Business-School.html (accessed 19 Mar. 2011).

123 Compare Hollie Cummings, “New to the Easton Area”, EASTON IRREGULAR 46 (Heritage Edition Summer 2011) with Colin McEvoy, “Former Churchman Business School in Easton to become beauty school”, EXPRESS-TIMES, Sat., 19 Mar. 2011; see generally separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for Military Hall at 353-57 Northampton Street.

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