"Old Buffalo" Presbyterian Church

 

"Old Buffalo" Union County's first Church.

The Buffalo Presbyterian congregation was the oldest congregation in Union County, having been founded in 1773. Two buildings have previously occupied the site; a cemetery adjoining the church attests to its early origins. 

The Buffalo Presbyterian Church was the first church established in Buffalo Valley, only five years after the territory was opened to settlement. Scots-Irish Presbyterians first met in the countryside where the Old Buffalo Church would later be built. 

In c. 1784, Edward and Joseph Shippen gave 5 acres to the

Presbyterian congregation on which to build a meetinghouse and burial place-at what is

now the intersection of Buffalo Road/Route 192, and Buffalo Cross Road.

The first meetinghouse was a log structure with 3 doors and 9 windows: one

window located behind the pulpit plus 2 on each side, front and back. 

In 1791, thirty-six pews were rented, for 1 pound 9 shillings, up to 3 pounds, 5 shillings, and occupied by 83 members.

In 1816, a stone church replaced the log structure. The building was 52 feet by 40

feet, containing 4 rows of seats and the pulpit. Jacob Hartman did all the carpentry work

and painting for $625, and William McLaughlin did the masonry work for 75 cents per

perch (16.5 feet). The cornerstone was laid July 23, 1816 and the building completed by

December 29, 1816. This stone church stood at the northwest corner of the cemetery

grounds.

In 1846 the present Greek Revival, brick structure was constructed, necessitated

by the early deterioration of the stone church when its foundation became unsound

Stones from the 1816 church were used in the foundation of the brick church and in part

of the cemetery wall.

Ministers serving this congregation included Reverend Hugh Morrison, a native

of Ireland (serving from 1787 until 1801), Thomas Hood (1805-1835), Isaac Grier (1835-

1884), W. K. Foster (1885-1890), E. H. Snook (1891-1899), and M. H. Calkins (1900-

1919).

Interior in the 1960s

By 1823 the Buffalo congregation had grown to 273 members. It was a long ride or walk to Buffalo Crossroads Church for those who came from surrounding areas. The time to develop local churches had come. 

The Buffalo Church planted 5 daughter churches, Mifflinburg in 1818, Laurel Run (later Hartleton) in 1831, Bethel (Later the Washington Church, Allenwood) in 1832, Lewisburg in 1833 and New Berlin in 1842.

 39 members transferred from the Buffalo church to the First Presbyterian church of Lewisburg in 1833, which was to be under the guidance of the Reverend Thomas Hood.

On January 17 1919 the Buffalo Presbyterian congregation, eighteen members in all , was dissolved by the Presbytery of Northumberland. 

An annual Communion Service was held each year, at least through the 1920s:

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A Sesquicentennial was held there On August 30th 1923

The two tablets on the front of the church were unveiled at that event.

On February 14 1975  the the church and grounds were purchased  from the Presbytery by Mrs. Mary Ruhl Maher, Mrs. Ethel D. Ruhl, & Mr George Ruhl.  It appears that they formed an organization named the 1773 Buffalo Church Association.

The church building was sitting empty when the application was made for the National Register.

According to the application for the National Registry, " Reservations in the deed provide that the property will be maintained as an historical site and consistent with its religious heritage and shall not be resold at a profit. "

"The Old Buffalo Presbyterian Church Cemetery Association has maintained the

cemetery since acquiring it from the Northumberland Presbytery in 1975. At the same

time, the 1773 Buffalo Church Association took ownership of the church and grounds,

and is bound by deed to maintain it for religious and historic purposes. "

In 1975 Buffalo Church was included in the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic

Places, and on January 30, 1976, it was enrolled in the National Register of Historic

Places. 

The old oak trees on site were estimated to be over 200 years old.

The building here is the third on the site.

Old Buffalo has been called the “Mother of Churches” because from its

membership the following churches were formed: Mifflinburg Presbyterian in 1819;

Bethel-Washington, Allenwood, in 1831; Laurel Run, later Hartleton, in 1832; Lewisburg

in 1833; and New Berlin in 1841.

"Architecturally, the building is a fine example of vernacular architectural style. It is quiet, dignified, and well-proportioned. The use of classical detail reflects the then-prevalent interest in Greek and Roman architecture. The classical elements are very successfully combined with more local elements such as paneling and sash windows. Like the combination of styles, the combination of materials and colors is pleasing and well-balanced. "

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In July of 1897, the Harrisburg Telegraph & The Lewisburg Journal printed a list of inscriptions of the tombstones in the Buffalo Crossroads Presbyterian Church.

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BUFFALO CROSS ROADS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

By A. STAPLETON.

This church was one of the very first organized in the West Branch Valley and is situated about four miles west of Lewisburg, the county seat of Union county.  Its organziation dates back to 1773.  The worshipers were mostly Scotch Irish who settled this region – Buffalo Valley – and were mainly from Cumberland Valley and the Scotch Irish settlements of Lancaster County.

Among the early members were many who became prominent in the Revolution.  In the ancient graveyard sleep many illustrious heroes, but very few have inscribed headstones.  We subjoin a number of the most notable inscriptions with, comment:

Robert Van Valzah was born April 17, 1764.  Died April 18, 1850,  aged 86 years and 1 day.

Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Robert Van Valzah, Died March 30, 1840, aged 79 years.

Hie Jacet John Linn,  Born April 2nd, 1754. Died March 18, 1809.

Hie Jacet Mrs. Ann Linn,  Relict of John Linn, Born in September 6th, A. D., 1761. Died Sep. 4, A.D. 1841.

Hie Jacet James Flemming, Born June 29, A. D. 1759. Died July 30, 1824.

In memory of David Linn, Born May 28, 1776, and departed this life July 26, 1848, Aged 72 years 1 month and 28 days.

In memory of Margery Linn, Born Dec. 30, 1780, and departed this life Nov. 19, 1865, aged 83 years, 10 months and 19 days.

In memory of Isaiah Linn, Died April, 1809, aged 37 years.

Hie Jacet Mrs. Ann McBeth, Born January 4th. A. D. 1733. Died Feb. 28, 1808.

Note — John Linn was a brother to the noted Dr. William Linn — one of the early Presbyterian divines of Pennsylvania — and was grandfather of the late Hon. J. Merrill Linn, of Lewisburg, and the Hon. John Blair Linn, ex-Secretary of the Commonwealth, of Bellefonte. He came to Buffalo Valley in 1772. Served in the War of the Revolution. Ann McBeth and James Flemming were relatives.

In memory of Dr. Robert Van Valzah. Jr., Born Sept. 11, 1789. Died March 14, 1851, aged 61 years, 6 month, and 3 days.

Nancy, Wife of Dr. Robert Van Valzah, Jr., Born Dec. 24, 1799. Died April 26, 1857, aged 57 years, 4 mo. and 5 days.

Dr. Robert T. Van Valzah, Died October 8th, 1877, aged 32 years.

William Van Valzah, Died Oct. 13, 1859, aged 48 years, 5 mo. and 19 days.

Sarah Van Valzah, Died November 16, 1862, aged 45 years, 6 mo. and 8 days.

Note — Dr. Robert Van Valzah, Sr. came to the valley Van from Croton, New York, in 1786. He was famous as a physician and had an immense practice. His sons Thomas and Robert also became eminent practitioners; grandsons and great-grandsons perpetuate his fame and success in the same profession.

The above shows a remarkable succession of father, son and grandson of the same name and profession.

George Lashells,  Departed on the 27th May, 1844, Aged 88 years, 1 mo and 3 days.

Sarah, Consort of George Lashells, Died July 7, 1834, Aged 58 years and 3 days.

Jacob Lashell, Died April 3, 1847, Aged 55 years, 7 mo. and 16 days.

In. memory of Lydia, Wife of George Lashell, Jr., who Died March 30, 1837, Aged 40 years, 5 mo. and 29 days.

John Lashells, was born Sep. 13, 1789, Died May 18, 1847, Aged 59 years, 8 mo. and 5 days.

Sacred To the memory of Martha, Wife of John Lashells, who was born on the 2nd December, 1789,

and died on the 12 Oct., 1837.

Ralph Lashells, Late of Gettysburg, who died at his brother’s, in New Berlin, on the 20th July, 1821, Aged 39 years, 1 mo. and 22 days.

George W., Son of J. J. and H. R. Lashells, was killed at the first battle of Fredericksburg, December 4th, 1862, Aged 18 years, 2 mo. and 19 days.

Note — The Lashells were evidently of French extraction. They came near the beginning of the century to the valley from Adams county, and were for many years a prominent family, but very few now remain. John Lashells (as above) was one of the first members of the Union county bar, and was an eminent lawyer.

SOURCE:  Page(s)102-104  Notes and Queries: Historical, Biographical and Genealogical, Relating Chiefly to Interior Pennsylvania By William Henry Egle, Pennsylvania State Library; Harrisburg publishing company, 1898 

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Organized 1773

First building erected 1775

Second building erected 1816

Present building erected 1846

Pastors

1773-1787 - Supplies

1787-1801 - Rev. Hugh Morrison

1801-1805 - Supplies

1805-1835 - Rev Chas. Hood

1835-1884 - Rev. Isaac Grier D.D.

1885-1890 - Rev Wm.K. Foster

1891-1899 - Rev. E.A. Snook

1900-1919 - Rev. M.H. Calkins D.D.

Church dissolved Jan. 27, 1919

Tablet erected Aug. 30, 1923

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READ MORE
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 Old Buffalo Church by the 1773 Buffalo Church Association; 

Linn's Annals of Buffalo Valley; Snyder's Union County,

Pennsylvania: A Celebration of History; Union County Heritage V. II, 1970

https://first-presby.org/index.php/about/history

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PHOTOS FROM 

The Mazeppa Union Church 175th Anniversary

Held at Buffalo Presbyterian Church, 2026

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59 Meeting House Lane, Lewisburg Pa

[On rt 192, near Johnson Mill Road]

John Binn's Engraving Of The Declaration Of Independence

 

Decorative Engraving Of the Declaration Of Independence By John Binns

John Binns lived in Northumberland Pa from 1802 to 1807.  In those 5 years, he was editor of the Republican Argus, participated in a duel in Montandon, and he was married, with Joseph Priestly performing the ceremony.  It was his friend Priestly who encouraged Binns to write his autobiography in his old age.

Binns moved to Philadelphia in 1807, where he published the most popular newspaper of the time, for more than a decade.  During this time, he came up with the idea of making an engraving of the Declaration of Independence, and selling prints of it.

After 9/11, nearly everyone in America was hanging an American flag.  After the War of 1812, it was copies of the Declaration of Independence that were in demand.

"Numerous ceremonial copies of the Declaration of Independence were created in the surge of nationalism following the War of 1812. At that time, most signers had either passed away or were quite elderly, and interest in the Declaration was resurfacing. Three of the more prominent copies included the Tyler engraving, the Binns engraving, and the Stone engraving."

In 1816 the publisher John Binns was first to announce plans to publish a decorative broadside of the Declaration of Independence, to be sold by subscription for $10 each But once he announced his ideas, others rushed to copy it.

The first to complete a design was Benjamin Owen Tyler. According to a blog post in the National Archives, "The two men engaged in a bitter and public competition to be the first to publish and sell their engraving with the official text of the Declaration. Their feud played out in rival newspapers, with Binns accusing Tyler of stealing his idea, plagiarizing his work, and violating the custom of their trade."

"In July 1819, Binns sent an unfinished proof to Thomas Jefferson asking for suggestions on improvement. He also told Jefferson he planned to dedicate his engraving to the people of the United States rather than to any individual connected with the document."

Jefferson, having not seen the proof, thanked Binns and offered no suggestions. 

Binns' project was completed in 1819, by which time four others had already imitated the idea and issued less ornate and less expensive copies, including a pirated copy of the Binns."

Binns’s engraving included a note at the bottom from Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, son of signer—and former President—John Adams. It stated, “I certify, that this is a CORRECT copy of the original Declaration of Independence, deposited at this Department; and that I have compared all the signatures with those of the original, and have found them EXACT IMITATIONS.”

 Binns later said that his publication cost him $9,000, an astonishing amount at that time.  (roughly the equivalent of  $250,000 in 2025)  

Binns engraving exactly copied the signers’ signatures, and  added the seals of the 13 original states along with  portraits of George Washington, John Hancock and Thomas Jefferson.

Binns wanted to have his copy adopted as official, and one was displayed in the House of Representatives. For political reasons—and perhaps because Binns failed to include an engraving of John Adams—John Quincy Adams soon after commissioned William J. Stone to make an exact facsimile (in 1823). Despite the competition Binns’ print remains the best decorative reproduction of the Declaration of Independence.

In September 2020 a framed copy sold for more than $39,000

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John Binns

1772-1860

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John Binns was born in 1772, in Dublin Ireland, the son of an ironmonger. His father died when John was just two years old, leaving  "considerable property." 

John received a good education but, becoming involved in the revolutionary movement in Ireland, was arrested and two years imprisoned. 

"On account of his connection with the schemes of the United Irishmen, the grand just of the county of Warwick found a true bill against him."

At trial, he was acquitted, but when he left for London on February 21 1898, he was arrested and placed in the tower.  Again he was tried, and again acquitted.   Soon after he was once again arrested, this time being held until March of 1801.

 Soon after his release in 1801, he went to Baltimore and in March 1802, he founded the Republican Argus newspaper in Northumberland Pa.  [Unfortunately, all issues from his years as editor appear to have been lost, or mutilated]

In 1805, Binns published an anonymous letter, which Sheriff Samuel Stewart of Lycoming County too offense to.  When Binns refused to divulge the source of the letter to Stewart, Stewart assaulted him.  Binns, an Irishman,  then formally challenged Stewart, a Scotsman,  to a duel.  The men conducted themselves as gentlemen, adhering to the 1755 Irish Duello Code - the 26 commandments to be followed when having a duel.

More about the duel in Montandon, Pa, here:

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-binns-stewart-duel-montandon-1805.html

In March of 1805 Governor Thomas McKean authorized the Northumberland Republican Argus to print Pennsylvania’s laws, and on 22 July 1805, the treasury of Pennsylvania paid Binns for this service. 

In March of 1806 John Binns married Mary Ann Baxter.  Joseph Priestly performed the ceremony.

Not everyone was a fan of Binns - which is not surprising.  Politics were divisive, and contentious.   Those on opposing sides were often not civil.

"As a newspaper editor, Binns played a key role in the emergence of Pennsylvania’s Republican “Quid” faction and the election of Governor Simon Snyder in 1808. Binns was a firm proponent of industrialization, a position that helped shape his political evolution from Jeffersonian Republican to Whig. During the 1820s, Binns bitterly opposed Andrew Jackson, served as a Philadelphia city alderman, and eventually published his autobiography in 1854 "

In March of  1807 (it's amusing how many of this Irishman's important life events occurred in a March) Binns was publishing the Democratic Press, the leading paper of the state, in Philadelphia.  In 1824 he used his paper to oppose the election of General Jackson, supporting John Quincy Adams.  In November of 1829, when Jackson was elected, Binns abandoned his editorial career.  

In 1854, Binns published his autobiography

John Binns, from his 1852 Autobiography

Which he was encouraged to write by his friend Joseph Priestly

"Although circumstances have carried me into crowds, given me strange companions, made me a  fugitive from thief-takers, and the inhabitant of  many prisons, from the Bastile to the Tower of  London, I can assure my female readers that, in  these Recollections, there is nothing to wound their  feelings, or tint their cheeks. " - John Binns

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Binns Time In Gloucester Prison

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Binns was a member of the London Corresponding Society, which had formed in 1792, with the aim of campaigning for parliamentary reform. The leaders of this society, and its most active members, were frequently arrested, interrogated and sometimes put on trial. John Binns had been held in a number of jails, including the Tower of London, several times before being  sent to Gloucester Prison in May 1799.

 In a committee report to parliament in which Binns was named as ‘a person particularly zealous in organizing political associations, in opposition to the government’. Binns was detained on 16 March 1799 and held in Clerkenwell Prison in London until 9 May, when he was sent to Gloucester on the orders of the Duke of Portland, the Secretary of State.

"At one o'clock the same day, a carriage, with two Bow  Street officers, drove into the prison yard. They were  accompanied by a tall, genteel-looking, elderly man. His  name, I afterwards ascertained, was Mason. I knew,  from the silver grayhound suspended at his breast, that he was a king's messenger. He drew from his pocket a slip  of paper, which he courteously handed me to read. It  was a warrant to arrest the body of John Binns, with all  his papers, &c., "upon a charge of high treason;" signed  "Portland;" his Grace, the Duke of Portland, being, at  that time. Secretary of State for the Home Department. "

 As Binns  had not been tried and convicted for committing a crime, he was treated like a prisoner waiting for trial.  "As a man of higher social status", combined with strict orders from  The Duke of Portland that Binns was not allowed to mix with other prisoners, Binn's was given special privilege's, including a dayroom for his sole use. For the next three months, it  was there that  he spent most of time.   He was prohibited from reading any  newspaper, and the warders and officials had strict orders not to talk to him about national or international events, however, he had access to the entire library of the Dean of Glocester, and several of the board of visiting magistrates offered to lend him books as well.  

He also had use of an 'abundantly large' yard, where he exercised for three to four hours a day, and he was  given two plots of ground, on which he cultivated vegetables, for his own use.  He kept two pets, a cat, and a toad.  (Upon his release, he took the cat with him, but set the toad free.)

"It is due not only to my personnel friends, but to many liberal-minded  men to whom I had not the honor to be personally known, to acknowledge  that, from the hour of my arrest to my liberation, every attention  and care was paid to supply not only books, but everything I desired,  which it was the pleasure of the Government to permit to be brought  to me. "

Three months after his arrest, two more members of the  London Corresponding Society joined Binns at the prison, sharing the day room and exercise yard with him.    Binns recalled that they got along well for the first few months,  spending their days using books to learn French and mathematics, and exercising in the yard allocated to them.

In January 1800, the governor noted in his journal that the three State prisoners had been put into separate rooms for fighting. Binns, in his autobiography, recalled that that one morning, he and his companions were exercising in their yard, ‘whipping tops’, when Bone and Keir were summoned to appear before the Board of Magistrate. After about forty-five minutes the men returned, and Binns was sent before the same Board. There he was told that Bone and Keir had claimed that for some time past, two or more evenings a week after the others had  all been locked in their cells, Binns had been taken to the governor’s rooms, where he would spend the evening in company with the governors family, until the outer prison bell was rung, at which time he would be conveyed back to his cell and locked in.

Binns expressed great surprise at the charge, as neither of the two prisoners ‘had ever apprised me of their mean suspicions or petty jealousies, nor warned me that they had, or thought they had, cause of complaint against me.’ He denied their accusation and was then taken back to the yard. 

‘I no sooner found myself in the yard, on my return from the board, and within striking distance of my worthy compeers, than I began thrashing them soundly; while they, to do them justice, “ran and roared” lustily, until the turnkeys came and took them out of the yard into the prison.’

"Binns stated that he never saw then in the jail again, but his memory of the incident may have dimmed over time, as according to the prison journals, they were in the same dayroom until October 1800, when Keir was separated from the others after Bone complained that Keir had prevented him from keeping their room clean."

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https://gloscrimehistory.wordpress.com/tag/john-binns/

https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/exhibitions/artifact/john-binns-engraving-declaration-independence-1819

John Bidwell, “American History in Image and Text” in Proceedings of the American Antiquarian Society, 1988, Vol. 98, pp.247-302 (also issued as a separate pamphlet by AAS), item 5.

John Binns, Recollections of the Life of John Binns: Twenty--nine Years in Europe and Fifty-three in the United States, Written by Himself.... (Phila, 1854), pp.234-7.