CENTENNIAL.
THE
SETTLEMENT, FORMATION AND PROGRESS
OF
DAUPHIN COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA,
FROM 1785 TO 1876.
PREPARl-JD UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF SAID COUNTY,
\i^
•is.
P.Y GEORGE H> MORGAN, of Harrisburg.
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HARRISBURG, PA :
TELEGRAPH STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTING HOUSE.
1877.
THE
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TO THE READIER.
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The Commissioners of Dauphin county lequestcd the * 'Dauphin bounty
Historical Society" to superintend the publication of this Centennial State-
ment, respecting- the settlement and progress of the county from its forma-
tion in 1785 to the year just closing. The committee appointed for the pur-
pose on behalf of the Society, complied with the request of the Commission-
ers and have carefully examined and read the work; in jDortions of it deter-
mining many questions in the orthography of proper names; adding a few in-
cidents, which it was supposed would be interesting; scrutinizing with some
care dates, changing some from those heretofore accepted: in every instance
with the intention to make the work a safe reference. In the style of compo-
sition and arrangement of material, very slight alteration has been made.
Upon perusal the reader will observe that from the necessity of con-
densation and arrangement as to bulk, a detailed history of the county could
not be expected. This work, therefore, does not profess to be that, but the
material brought into form here, and in the very valuable preparation of town-
ship maps up to 1848, their publication in 1864, are acts so commendable an<l
useful, that great praise is due those who conducted the aifairs of the county
in 1848 — in 1864 — in 1876, for the contributions they have made toward a com-
plete history of Dauphin county. The County Commissioners of these dates
were:
*
1848 — John Shell, Jacob D. Hoffman, Henry Pefffr.
1864 — George Garverick, John J. Milleisen, Robert McClure.
1876— Samuel McIlhenny, Eli Swab, Samuel Boyd Martin.
Harrisburg, December 30, 1876.
(
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County,
PRELIMINARY REMARKS.
A stranger who peruses a map of Pennsylvania will see
towards its south-eastern side a darkly-shaded section ex-
tending almost over the entire limits of Dauphin county,
indicating, as he believes, a region of mountains and
rocks. He turns his eye from it satisfied that this is
one of the waste places of the State, affording nothing
pleasant for the residence of men. He examines much
more complacently a map of the coast and the navigable
streams. But let the stranger leave the map and make a
personal inspection ! He will find the mountains which
he anticipated; but he will find streams also. He will
find, too, that some of the first contain inexhaustible beds
of the purest anthracite coal in the world, while the latter
afford water-power for innumerable mills. He will find
the forests also, or the verdant hill-sides where forests have
been. He will see valleys rich in agricultural products ;
thrifty towns and villages, and breathe an atmosphere
of health and buoyancy of which the dwellers In large
cities and on the plains know little. Let him come and
we will show him a yeomanry well fitted to sustain the in-
stitutions of a free country — living, moving men; but
more than this, we will point out to him, where among
these hills were born or reared, or now repose In the
grave, men of whom he has read and heard ; whose
names have gone into their country's history, or who
are now almost everywhere giving an honorable name
to the county of Dauphin, and doing service to our State
and nation.
2
6 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
The extensive and fertile plains of the West may yield
richer harvests than we can reap ; the sunny South may
relieve the planter from the toil experienced by a North-
ern farmer; and the golden regions of California may
sooner fill the pockets with the precious metals — and all
this may stand in strong contrast with our rough hill-
land. But the distinguishing traits of a mountain country
are not there to give sublimity to the landscape, fragrance
and health to the atmosphere, and energy and enterprise
to mind and character.
OUR INDIAN PREDECESSORS.
The Indian tribes who dwelt among the primitive for-
ests of Pennsylvania on the first settlement of Europeans,
called themselves the Leni Lenape, or original people.
This ■ general name comprehended numerous distinct
tribes, all speaking dialects of a common language and
uniting around the same great council fire. Their grand
council house, to use their own expressive figure, ex-
tended from the Hudson river on the northeast, to the
Potomac river on the southwest. Many of the tribes
were directly descended from the common stock; others
having sought their sympathy and protection had been
alloted a section of their territory. The surrounding
tribes, not of their confederacy, nor acknowledging alle-
giance to it, agreed in awarding them the honor of being
grand-fathers — that is the oldest residents in the region.
The Leni Lenape were divided into three principal
divisions — the Unamis, or Turtle tribes, the Unalachtgos,
or Turkeys, and the Monseys or Wolf tribes. The two
former occupied the country along the coast between the
sea and the Kittatinny or Blue mountains, their settle-
ments extending as far east as the Hudson and as far west
as the Potomac. These were generally known among
Historical Sketch of Dmiphin Comity. 7
the whites as the Delaware Indians. The Monseys, or
Wolf tribes, the most active and warlike of the whole, oc-
cupied the mountainous country between the Kittatinny
mountain and the sources of the Susquehanna and the
Delaware rivers, kindling their council fire on the Minni-
sink flats on the Delaware above the Water Gap. A part
of the tribe also dwelt on the Susquehanna "in the Kitta-
tinny and Cumberland valleys," under the more imme-
diate protection of the Susquehanna Indians, and were
called by them nephews, in common with the Mohicans.
But by whatever tribal appellation our Indian prede-
cessors were known, it is certain they found but few spots
in the interior of the county which invited their fixed
abode. Their settlements were chiefly confined to the
alluvial flats along the Susquehanna, below or to some
of the larger islands in that river. There were Indian
villages on Duncan's Island, one on the present site of
Millersburg, one at the mouth of Paxton creek, and
another a short distance north of it. On the Cumberland
county side of the river there was one at the mouth of the
Conedogwinet, another on the high limestone bluff op-
posite Harrisburg, and a third at the mouth of the Yellow
Breeches creek. This latter was a Shawanese town.
It was for many years the fixed landing place of Peter
Chartier, an Indian agent, and an Individual of some
notoriety. He owned at one time six hundred acres
of land bounded by Yellow Breeches creek and the
Susquehanna river, embracing the present site of New
Cumberland. Chartier subsequently removed to the
Allegheny river, about 40 miles above Pittsburg, at what
was called Old Town or Chartier's Old Town. He subse-
quently proved treacherous to the English and joined the
French. The village at Peixtan was visited as early
as 1707 by John Evans, Lieutenant Governor of the
8 Historical Sketch of Daicphiu Comity.
Province, accompanied by Mr. Gray, Messrs. John French,
WilHani Tonge, Michael Bezalllon, and four servants.
Their object, as we learn from the Colonial Records, was
the arrest of Jean Nicole, a French trader, "against whom
great complaints had been made to the Governor." It
was a dangerous enterprise — for Nicole was a favorite
with the young men of the village — and It was only by
strategy that the Governor and his party succeeded in
making the arrest.
The Indian village on Duncan's Island was visited by
the missionary David Brainard as late as 1745, an inter-
esting account of which is given in his published bio-
graphy.
Twenty years ago remains of these villages, in the
shape of stone arrow heads, hatchets, and broken
pieces of pottery were frequently turned up by the
plough-share on Duncan's Island, and on the flat ground
near the mouth of Paxton creek. There are other re-
mains preserved in the archives of the State in the
shape of quit-claim deeds, of the Indians' titles to their
lands. These are signed with uncouth marks, and names
unspeakable, and executed with all the solemnity of legal
form.
This brings us to the purchase, from the Indians, of the
land now comprising the county of Dauphin.
Prior to Penn's arrival, he had instructed William
Markham, his deputy Governor, then in Pennsylvania,
to hold treaties with the Indians to procure their lands
peaceably. Markham, a short time previously held such
a treaty July 15, 1682, for some lands on the Delaware
river. Penn held similar treaties ; and before his return
to England in 1 684 he adopted measures to "purchase the
lands on the Susquehanna from the Five Nations, who
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 9
pretended a right to them, having conquered the people
finally settled there." The Five Nations resided on the
head waters of the Susquehanna.
The three divisions of the Leni Lenape already noticed,
were again divided into various subordinate clans, who as-
sumed names suited to their character or situation. Thus
the tribe who occupied the territory along a greater portion
of the valley of the Susquehanna styled themselves the
"Susquehannas." The next nearest distinctive tribe men-
tioned is that of the "Cones-togas," who occupied the val-
ley south of the Conewago hills. The early settlers and
provincial authorities, however, styled those who dwelt
here simply the "Indians at Paxtang," or "Paxtang In-
lans.
These in part consisted of the Shawanese — a restless
and ferocious tribe who having been threatened with ex-
termination by a more powerful tribe at the South, sought
protection among the friendly nations of the North,
whose language was observed to bear a remarkable affin-
ity to their own. The greater part of them settled on
the Ohio, and the rest on the Susquehanna. Those from
Georgia and Carolina came into the province of Pennsyl-
vania about the year 1689, and settled first by the con-
sent of the Susquehanna Indians and William Penn, on
the flats of Conestoga; but afterwards consented to leave
Conestoga and settled principally in New York ; and
Penn's time being too much engrossed to visit them per-
sonally, he engaged Thomas Dungan, Governor of New
York, to make the purchase of "all that tract of land ly-
. ing on both sides of the river Susquehanna and the lakes
adjacent, in or near the province of Pennsylvania." Dun-
gan effected the purchase and conveyed the same to Wil-
liam Penn, January 13, 1696, in consideration of one
hundred pounds sterling.
lo Historical Sketch of DaiipJiin County.
The above purchase was from Indians who only "pre-
tended" a riLiht to the o-i'ound, and to show how careful
Penn was to do justice in the premises, he made the fol-
lowing treaty with the Indians who occupied the soil :
*' September 13, 1700: Widaij^h and Andaggy-junguah,
kings or sachems of the Susquehanna Indians, and of the
river under that name, and lands lying on both sides
thereof, deed to William Penn for all the said river Sus-
quehanna and all the islands therein, and all the lands
situate, lying and being on both sides of the said river,
and next adjoining the same to the utmost confines of the
lands which are or formerly were, the right of the people
or nation called the Susquehanna Indians, or by what
name soever they luei^e called, as fully and amply as we or
any of our ancestors have, could, might or ought to have
had, held or enjoyed, and also confirm the bargain and
sale of said lands made unto Col. Thomas Dungan, now
Earl of Limerick and formerly Governor of New York,
whose deed of sale to said Gov. Penn we have seen."
The Conestoga Indians, however, would not recognize
the validity of this sale, believing that the Five Nations
had no proper authority to transfer their possessions.
To secure the lands conveyed to him by Dungan, Penn
subsequently entered into articles of agreement with the
Conestoga, Susquehanna and Potomac Indians, and the
Dungan, Widagh and Andaggy-junguah deeds were
confirmed.
Notwithstanding all these sales and transfers, the lands
on the west side of the Susquehanna were still claimed
by the Indians, for the words in the deed of 1 700 were
considered inconsistent with an extensive Western pur-
chase ; beside the Indians of the Five Nations still con-
tinued to claim a right to the river and the adjoining
lands. Finally, the sachems or chiefs with all the others
of the Five Nations met in the summer of 1 736 at a great
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 1 1
council in the country of the Onondagoes In New York,
and appointed a deputation of sachems or chiefs, with
plenary powers to repair to Philadelphia and there among
other things, settle and adjust all demands and claims con-
nected with the Susquehanna and adjoining lands. On
their arrival at Philadelphia they renewed old treaties of
friendship, and on the 1 1 th of October, 1 736^ made a deed
to John, Thomas and Richard Penn, their heirs, successors
and assigns. The deed was signed by twenty-three In-
dian chiefs of the Onondago, Seneca, Oneida and Tus-
carora nations, granting the Penns "all the said river Sus-
quehanna, with the lands lying on both sides thereof to
extend eastward as far as the heads of the branches or
springs which run into the said Susquehanna, and all the
lands lying on the west side of the said river to the set-
ti^ig of the sun, and to extend from the mouth of the said
river northward, up the same to the hills or mountains
called in the language of said nations Tayamentasachta^
and by the Delaware Indians the Kekachtannin hills."
Thus were the claims of the Indians relinquished to the
proprietaries of all the land that lies in the present limits
of Dauphin county, except that portion north of the Kit-
tatinny or Blue mountain, five miles above Harrisburg.
That portion above the Kittatinny mountain was pur-
chased, including a large tract of country, in 1 749.
12 Historical Sketch of Dauphin Comity,
FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY.
The first permanent settlers In the territory now form-
ing the county of Dauphin were Scotch-Irish — an enter-
prising and daring race, who for many years defended
the frontiers against the Indians, and were conspicuous
in many of the sanguinary scenes of border warfare. The
term Scotch-Irish Is used to designate a numerous and
honorable people, who Immigrated to the Province of
Pennsylvania at an early date.
A distinguished jurist of western Pennsylvania, de-
scribes the race, and how this distinctive appellation came
to be applied to this class of early settlers In Pennsyl-
vania :
"The class of people to whom we give the appellative
Scotch-Irish, are very different from the Irish. Neither
are they Gaelic, nor a cross of the two races. Not a drop
of Gaelic or Mllessan blood lurks In their veins. They
are as distinct to-day as they were 250 years ago; hav-
ing maintained their Scotch lineage unalloyed. * * *
As a race, they are only denizens of Ireland, to which
they were transplanted from Scotland. * * * More-
over, the early Scotch colonists were a select stock.
Many of them, though not lords, were lairds, and the
bulk of them were men of grit, enterprize and above the
average Intelligence."
This emigration to Ulster, Ireland, began in 1636, was
continued under the first Charles, 1642 — was increased
In 1662; and under Anne, 1701, the migration to Penn-
sylvania commenced, which In 1729, had grown to such
proportions as to alarm the proprietary officials, partlcu-
Historical Sketch of DaupJiiii Coimty. 13
larly as the emigrants settled on the ''best lands," com-
monly without consulting any of the provincial authorities.
These Scotch-Irish and their descendants gave to the
country some of the best soldiers of the revolution, and
the institutions and industries they brought with them,
are with us until this day.
The first of these that immigrated to this country set-
tled near or about the disputed lines between Pennsylva-
nia and Maryland. Large numbers settled in Donegal
township, Lancaster county, either prior to or soon after
the origination of that township in 1722. Among these
w^ere Semples, Pattersons, Scotts, Mitchells, Hendricks,
Speers, Galbreaths, Andersons, Lowreys, Boyds, Alexan-
ders, Macfarlanes, Pedans, Porters, Sterrits, Kerrs, Works,
Lytles, Whitehills, Campbells, Moors, Smiths, M'Ewens,
Ramsays, Gibsons, Cotters, M'Intyres, Cooks, Howards,
Clarks, M'Clellans, Clendenins, Brackans, Wilsons, Alli-
sons, Halls, Stuarts,' Thompsons, Hughs, Linns, Browns,
Collins, Andrews, Forsters, Banes, M'Conkeys, Caro-
thers, M'Clures, Marchets, Pattons, Potts, Reas, Fultons,
M'Collocks, Brewers, Kellys, and Walkers.*^
From Doneo-al the Scotch-Irish extended their settle-
ments into Paxton, Derry, Londonderry, Lebanon and
Hanover townships, Lancaster county, (now Dauphin
and part of Lebanon.)
It is Impossible to determine with any degree of accu-
racy the name of the first permanent white settler, or the
date of his settlement, in the territory now comprising
Dauphin county. The claims of the Indians were not re-
linquished to the land south of the Blue mountain until
1736; yet it is certain that surveys were actually made by
the Governors of Pennsylvania and Maryland, and settle-
ments made in the Kittatlnny and Cumberland valleys
o
O
14 Historical SkctcJi of Dmtphin Coimty.
as early as 1731. These settlements, however, were
made by permission of the Indians, whom the first set-
tlers conciliated. The credit of being the pioneer settler
is generally awarded to John Harris, a native of York-
shire, England, who in his capacity as an Indian trader is
said to have located on the present site of the city of
Harrlsburg, "about the year i 71 7." His first warrant for
land, however. Is dated January i, 1726. We shall allude
more at length to Mr. Harris in our description of the
city of Harrlsburg.
The permanent settlers, cotemporary with Harris,
were the Chambers family — James, Robert, Joseph and
Benjamin — natives of Antrim, Ireland — who In 1726 took
up land and built a mill at the mouth of Fishing creek,
now known as Fort Hunter. A few years later they re-
moved up the Cumberland valley, and became quite
conspicuous characters in the early annals of that region.
Col. Benjamin Chambers laid out the town of Chambers-
burg.
Perhaps as early a settler as either of those was Peter
Allen, whose house yet stands in excellent preservation,
where It did on the ninth of June, 1729, when the "Town-
ship of Peshtank, Beginning at the mouth of Swatara,
thence up the river to Kohtohtoning [KIttatlnny] hill,
above Peter Allen's, thence Eastward," &c., was formed
by the authorities of Lancaster county. To erect a
stone house In 1876 takes some time. It may therefore
be fairly inferred, that Allen's house must have been
erected before 1729; Its owner probably the first perma-
nent white settler north of Paxton creek — and certainly,
this partiadar house is the oldest building in Dauphin
county,
Historical Sketch of Dauphin Coimty.
15
There appears to have been an extensive body of set-
tlers in parts of the townships of Derry, Hanover and
Paxton in 1726, as Presbyterian churches existed in each
of those townships soon after that period.
The earhest Hst of taxables we have been able to se-
sure is that of 1725 — prior to the formation of Lancaster
county and of the townships of Paxtang and Derry. It
is a portion of Doneg-al township, Chester county. These
names are as follows:
.Tames Letort,
Jonas Daveni)ort,
'George Stewart, Esq.
Rowland Chambers,
John Allison,
Thomas Mitchell,
James Conik,
David M'Cure,
James Smith,
William Brains,
Ephraim INIoor,
Samuel Fulton,
Patrick Campbell,
John Harris,
Thomas Wilkins,
Robert Middleton,
William Wilkins,
James Galbraith,
John Galbraith,
Andrew Galbraith,
John Mitchell,
Richard Allison,.
James Kile,
James Cunningham,
Widow Downing,
James Brownlee,
William Hay,
James Rody,
Hugh White,
Thomas Black,
John Black & Son,
Gordon Howard,
Joseph Work,
Hugh M'Keen,
Alexander Hutchinson,
Michael Kerr, ^
John Taylor,
John Marish,
William Dunlap,
Robert Bohannon,''
AYilliam Mebee,
James Mitchell,
Robert M'Farland,
John Sterratt,
Robert Brown,
Samuel Smith,
Alexander M'Keen,
Robert Monday,
William Bohannou,
Michael Wood,
John Burt,
John Gardner.
Peter Allen,
At the August court, 1729, at Lancaster, James Patter-
son, Edmond Cartlidge, Peter Chartier, John Lawrence,
Jonas Davenport, Oliver Wallis, Patrick Boyd, Lazarus
Lowrey, William Dunlap, William Beswick, John Wilkins,
Thomas Perrin and John Harris, were recommended to
the Governor as fit persons to trade with the Indians.
The following is from the Commissioners' Book of
Lancaster county in the Secretary's office at Harrisburg :
"March 5, 1730. Ordered that Thomas Gardner, con-
stable of Peshtank, be allowed 18 pence. Taxes assessed
in said township for 1736 amounted to ;^22 los. 7d.
i6
Historical Sketch trf DaupJiiu County,
For I 737, ^2 1 2s. lod. Samuel Montgomery was collector
tliat year. For 1739, ^13 5.S. gd. William M'Mullin,
collector. For 1740, ^9 13s. 8d. John Wilson, collector.
"October 30, i 739. The county commissioners agreed
to hold an appeal Janaury 4, i 739-40, at Thomas Lenox's,
In Paxton, for the upper end of Lancaster.
''January 8, i 744. The commissioners held an appeal at
the house of John Harris, In the township of Paxton.
"December 30, 1747. The commissioners again held
an appeal at the house of John Harris."
Some time previous to 1750 the townships of Derry,
Paxton and Hanover, were divided for taxable purposes,
the former into "West End of Derry," and "East End of
Derry;" Paxton into "West Side of Paxton," "South End
of Paxton," and the "Narrows of Paxton;" and Hanover
Into "West End of Hanover" and "East End of Han-
over."
The following Is a list of the taxables and early set-
tlers In these townships In 1750, as taken from the tax
duplicates of that year :•
DERRY— EAST END.
James Semple,
James M'Kee,
Joseph Candor,
Thomas Hall,
James Clark,
Randel Boon,
John Allison,
James Shaw,
Robert Ramsey,
James Russel,
Thomas Bowman,
James Chambers,
Hugh Carrithers,
James Carrithers,
Robert Bratcliey,
Hugh Black,
Thomas Black,
David Black,
Robert Chambers,
James Long,
David Campbell,
James Ireland,
Patrick Down,
John A^anleir,
Robert Carithers,
William Bradin,
Charles Keely,
Arthur Chambers,
John Tice,
John Laird,
David Caldwell,
Andrew Morrison,
John Thompson,
Alexander Robeson,
John Nicom,
John Kerr,
William Blackburn,
Andrew Lockert,
David M'Nair,
James Wiley,
Christian Saddler,
William Mitchell,
Moses Wilson,
Michael Houry,
Moses Patterson,
James Russel,
W^illiam Sterrit,
Robert Armstrong,
John Welsh.
Historical Sketch of DaiLphiii County
17
DERRY— WEST END.
James Galbraitli, Esq.,
James AYilsoii,
James Campbell,
James Walker,
John Walker,
H. Walker,
John M'Cord,
David M'Cord,
William Robeson,
Archibald Walker,
David Tyler,
John Orr,
John Rinagel,
William Wilson,
James Miller,
William Boyd,
Robert Boyd,
John Cosh,
William Sayers,
George Eby,
David Mitchell,
Leonard Devinnie,
John ^kl'Colloch,
Charles Conway,
David Shenk,
David Kleim,
Michael Hoover,
Hounes Palmer,
Henry Peters,
Hans Ketrin,
Charles Clark,
Thomas ]\rackey,
Andrew Moore,
James Foster,
Robert M'Cliire,
Hugh Hall,
Thomas Rutherford,
William Rea,
John M' Queen,
John Rea,
Xiel M'Allister,
Christian Schneider,
iSTeal Dougherty,
Thomas Logan,
George ^Miller,
John M'Allister,
Joseph White,
John M'Clelland,
Robert 3Iurdoc,
Moses Potts,
David Jonson,
Jacob Reif,
Jacob Longnecker,
Andrew Rowan,
Hugh Hayes,
Patrick Hayes,
John Kerr,
Duncan M*Donnell,
Thomas Wilson,
James Wilson,
John Campbell,
Mr. M'Clan,
Mr. Sloan,
John Maben,
Patrick Kelly,
James Duncan,
William Hayes,
John Foster,
Robert Foster,
David Foster,
Wilson Cooper,
John Strean,
John Cochran,
Hans Adam Nei,
Jacob Sailer,
Hugh Miller,
John Godfrey,
Thomas Aiken,
Anthony Hemphill,
Conrad Wisan,
John M'Colloch,
John Gingrich,
William Miller,
John Moor,
John Hays,
William Huston.
PAXTON— WEST SIDE.
William Thorn,
Hugh Montgomery,
Robert Dugan,
Thomas Sturgou,
John .Johnson,
John Harris,
James M'Xight,
James Reed,
James Armstrong,
Robert Chambers,
John Davis,
James Harris,
David Carson,
William M'Calley,
Thomas Simpson,
James Polke,
James Potts,
George Gillespy,
Alexander M'Cay,
John Cavit,
Andrew Caldwell,
John Scott,
Samuel Price,
Patrick Gillespy,
Jeremiah Sturgeon,
Robert Montgomery,
John Caldwell,
Robert Smith,
Samuel Simpson,
Samuel Martin,
Thomas M' Arthur,
James Collier,
Thomas Larner,
Andrew Stuart,
Samuel Campbell,
Alexander Sanders,
Robert Curry,
IMoses Wain,
Joseph Ross,
John Smith,
James Thorn,
AYilliam Armstrong,
i8
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County,
James Tolaiul,
Andrew Stcen,
John Cochran,
Alexander Johnson,
Thomas Forstcr, Esq, ,
James Aiken,
James Alcorn,
Joseph White,
Jolin Neal,
John Dougherty,
George Gabriel,
John Carson,
Samuel Itimter,
John Daily,
William Calhoun,
Thomas M'Cormick,
John Wiggins,
John Wiley,
Andrew Cochran,
Robert Potter,
PAXTON— SOUTH END.
William Kirki^atrick,
Thomas King,
Thomas Meays,
William Steel,
Robert Tyler,
Hugh Stuart,
Peter Fleming,
John Shields,
Kennedy Kanix,
John Gray,
William Harris,
Richard M'Clure,
John Wilson,
Oliver Wiley,
Samuel Galbreath,
Martin Shultz,
David Shields,
Moses Dickey,
H. M' Kinney,
H. Sellers,
Valentine Starn,
Thomas Dugan,
Alexander Brown,
James Lusk,
John Means,
Andrew Hanna,
George Shiets,
Timothy M' Night,
^ William Sharp,
H. M'Elroy,
John Johnson,
Charles Gordon,
John Montgomery,
Timothy Shaw,
Matthew Jordan,
Andrew Huston,
Samuel Words,
John Welsh,
Alexander AVhite,
John Morrow,
James M' Night,
Francis Johnson,
James Wilson,
William Dickey,
Patrick Kinney.
THE "NARROWS" OF PAXTON.
The taxable and early settlers along the Susquehanna
northward, v/ere
John Kelton,
Mr. Murray,
Robert Armstrong,
John Armstrong,
Thomas Gaston,
William Foster,
Thomas Clark,
John M'Kee,
Robert Clark,
Thomas Adams,
Harbert Adams,
John Watt,
George Clark,
James Reed,
James English,
John Given,
James Baskins,
Thomas M'Kee,
Charles Williams,
John Mitchell,_
John Lee, a trader
HANOVER— WEST END.
Joseph Rogers,
Seth Rogers,
Hugh Samuel Sterret,
James M'Creight,
James Beard,
James Riddle,
Thomas MaQuire,
John M'Cord,
Robert Huston,
John Gamble,
William M'Clenahan,
David M'Clennahan, sr.,
Daniel Shaw,
Samuel Stewart, \J
Robert Love,
Historical Sketch of DaupJiin County,
19
Robert Porterfielcl,
Matthew Thornton,
William Rogers,
William Thompson,
Samnel Todd,
George Johnson,
John Brown,
John M'Cavit,
James M'Cavit,
Thomas French,
James French,
James Finney,
Thomas Sharp,
John Sharp,
John Dobbins,
Mr. M'Cowen,
John Hill,
Philip Robeson,
James Brown,
William Er win,
Samuel Barnet,
Alexander Montgomery,
Thomas Bell,
Samuel Robeson,
John Henry,
Thomas M'Clure,
William Barnet,
Andrew Wallace,
Richard Johnston,
Josias Wiley,
John Snodey,
John Cooper,
Thomas Cooper,
Francis M'Clure,
Michael Keal,
H.Hart,'
Robert Humes,
James Robinson,
James Rii)pert,
Mathew Snody,
John M'Cormick,
James Wilson,
John Strean,
Robert Park,
Hugh Wilson,
James Wilson,
Robert Wallace,
Robert Snod grass.
William Laird,
John Hutchinson, -
Samuel Young,
James Finney,
John M'Nealey,
James M'Connel,
Thomas Russell,
Charles M'Clure,
John Wood,
Andrew Wood,
Matthew Tyler,
Andrew Walker,
Robert Martin,
James Wilson,
George Miller,
John Miller,
John M'Clure,
Patrick Gracy,
William Cooper,
Thomas Martin,
John Stuart,
Thomas Robeson,
James Wallace,
Michael Wallace.
HANOVER— EAST END.
Jacob Musser,
Peter Hettrich,
Melchoir Henry,
Thomas Promer,
Henry Bachmar,
Conrad Clatt,
Anthony Rosebaum,
Jacob Mosher,
Esau Ricker,
William Clark,
John Libbins,
John Schwar,
James Young,
John Gilliland,
Peter Hailman,
Widow Work,
Frederick Hoke,
James Sloan,
Widow Gilleland,
Jacob Sope,
Martin Lichty,
Adam Roth,
Ludwig Shits,
John Stewart,
John Forster,
John Andrew,
Walter M'Farland,
Joseph Brechtbill,
William Robinson,
Philip Kolps,
Onwal Jagel,
Thomas Orvil,
Alexander Swan,
Alexander Thompson,
John Graham,
Samuel Ainsworth,
John Martin,
Barnet M' Night,
Widow Brown,
John Humes,
William Woods,
John Porterfield,
Robert Haslet,
John Crawford,
William Watson,
Henry Gantz,
James Greenleaf,
John Craig,
Hugh M'Gowen,
John Dickson,
Joseph Willson,
Adam Miller,
Edward M' Murray,
Jacob M'Cormick,
John Kansey,
James Stewart,
Humphrey Cunningham,
Robert Kirkwood,
James M' Corey,
William Thomson,
20
Historical Sketch of D imp kin County.
John Sops,
Rudolph Hoke,
Joseph Hoof,
Benjamin Clark,
Killian jNIark,
George Tittel,
Isaac Williams^
Adam Clannean,
John Casnet,
James Williams,
Anthony Tittel,
Dennis Keril,
Mathias Boon,
John Sloan,
Daniel Ankel,
William Young,
Abraham Williams,
James Clark,
Andrew M'Keehan,
Tliomas Brewster,
John Tliomson,
James Graham,
John Cunningham,
William Cunningham,
Christopher Sies,
John Myers,
Patrick Brown,
John Andrews,
John Strein,
Antony M'Elrath,
George Shetley,
Walter Bell,
Leonard Long,
Adam M'Neeley,
John M'Clure,
John Henderson,
Thomas Strain,
Matthias Rank,
Jacob Steiner,
William Stoner,
James Tood,
John Young,
James Dixon,
Robert Bryson,
William Bryson,
Daniel Andrew,
David Stevenson,
William Cathcart,
William Crosby,
Benjamin Ainsworth,
Patrick Bo wen,
Adam Harper,
Lazarus Stewart,
Benjamin Wallace.
The above lists represent nearly all the taxable Inhab-
itants residing in the territory now covered by Dauphin
county one hundred and twenty-six years ago. They
were the fathers of our county — the men who climbed
among the hills with their axes to cut away room for cabins
sacred to family prayer and domestic duties; to sow for
the good future to come ; whose children foddered their
cattle In the snows, and built stone fence while the corn was
sprouting In the hills; where the good housewive made
coats, cooked the meals, and in case of necessity, handled
the rifle in defence of her fireside ; these are the men
and women out of whom "we draw our royal lineage."
Historical Sketch of DattpJiin County. 21
THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.
With the exception of occasional personal or individual
disputes, a friendly feeling had existed between the Indi-
ans and the inhabitants of Pennsylvania for a period of
nearly seventy years. In 1753, however, a different spirit
manifested itself in the conduct of some of the Indians in
the western part of the colony. They united themselves
with the French against the English, many of whom, at
the instigation of their new allies, they murdered most
cruelly. The inhabitants of the frontiers were in a panic,
for. the Indians, true to their character, when enemies,
struck wherever an opportunity presented itself, sparing
neither sex nor age.
The settlers in the region now comprising this county,
partook in the prevailing alarm, and sent the following
petition to Governor Hamilton:
"The humble petition of the inhabitants of the town-
ships of Paxton, Derry and Hanover, Lancaster county,
humbly sheweth, that your petitioners being settled on
and near the river Susquehanna, apprehend themselves
in great danger from the French and French Indians, as
it is in their power several times in the year to transport
themselves, with amunition, artillery and every necessary,
down the said river — and their conduct of late to the
neighboring provinces, increases our dread of a speedy
visit from them, as we are as near and convenient as the
provinces already attacked, and are less capable of de-
fending ourselves, as we are unprovided with arms and
amunition, and unable to purchase them. A great num-
ber are warm and active in these parts for the defence
of themselves and country, were they enabled so to do,
22
Historical SketcJi of DaupJiin Coimty.
(although not such a number as would be able to with-
stand the enemy). We, your petitioners, therefore humbly
pray, that your Honor would take our distressed condi-
tion into consideration, and make such provision for us
as may prevent ourselves and families from being de-
stroyed and ruined by such a cruel enemy; and your
petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
Dated July 22, 1754.
Thomas Forster,
James Armstrong,
John Harris,
Thomas Simpson,
Samuel Simpson,
John Carson,
David Shields,
William M' Mullen,
John Coit,
William Armstrong,
James Armstrong,
William Bell,
John Daugherty,
James Atkins,
Andrew Cochran,
James Reed,
Thomas Rutherford,
T. M' Carter,
William Steel,
Samuel Hunter,
Thomas Mays,
James Coler,
Henry Renicks,
Rich. M'Clure,
Thomas Dugan,
John Johnson,
Peter Fleming,
Thomas Sturgeon,
Matthew Taylor,
Jeremiah Sturgeon,
Thomas King,
Robert Smith,
Adam Reed,
John Crawford,
Thomas Crawford,
John M'Clure,
Thomas Hume,
Thomas Steene,
John Hume,
John Craig,
Thomas M'Clure,
William M'Clure,
John Rodgers,
James Peterson,
John Young,
Ez. Sankey,
John Forster,
Mitchell Graham,
James Toalen,
James Galbreath,
James Campbel,
Robert Boyd,
James Chambers,
Robert Armstrong,
John Campbell,
Hugh Black,
Thomas Black.
This petition was read in Council 6th August, 1754.
Shortly after the defeat of Gen. Braddock, July 9, 1755,
the French and their Indian allies, encouraged by their
success, pushed their incursions into York, Cumberland,
the northern part of Lancaster (now Dauphin), Berks
and Northampton counties, and the massacres which fol-
lowed were horrible beyond description. King Shinges,
as he was called, and Captain Jacobs were supposed to
have been the principal instigators of them, and a reward
of seven hundred dollars was offered for their heads.
It was at this period, that the dead bodies of some of the
murdered and manoled were sent from the frontiers to
Historical Sketch of Daitphiu County. 23
Philadelphia, and hauled about the streets, to Inflame the
people against the Indians, and also against the Quakers,
to whose mild forbearance was attributed a laxity In
sending out troops. The mob surrounded the House of
Assembly, having placed the dead bodies at its entrance,
and demanded Immediate succor. At this time the above
reward was offered.
The condition of affairs In the Interior and western
part of the Province are thus described by Gov. Robert
Morris In his message of July 24, 1755, to the Assembly,
in relation to Braddock's defeat:
"This unfortunate and unexpected change in our affairs
deeply affects every one of his majesty's colonies, but none
of them in so sensible a manner as this province; while
having no militia, is thereby left exposed to the cruel
incursion of the French and barbarous Indians, \\\\o de-
light In shedding human blood, and who make no distinc-
tion as to ao^e or sex — as to those that are armed ao-alnst
them, or such as they can surprise in their peaceful habi-
tations — all are alike the objects of their cruelty — slaugh-
tering the tender infant, and frightened mother, with equal
joy and fierceness. To such enemies, spurred by the
native cruelty of their tempers, encouraged by their late
success, and having now no army to fear, are the Inhab-
itants of this province exposed; and by such must we
now expect to be overrun. If we do not Immediately pre-
pare for our own defence; nor ought we to content our-
selves with this, but resolve to drive to, and confine the
French to their own just limits."
On the 23d of October, 1755, forty-six of the inhab-
itants about Harris' Ferry (now Harrisburg) went to
Shamokin, to enquire of the Indians there who they were,
who had so cruelly fallen upon and ruined the settlement
on Mahahony creek. On their return from Shamokin,
they were fired upon by some Indians who lay In ambush,
24 Historical SkctcJi of Dauphin County.
and four were killed, four drowned, and die rest put to
flight.
The following is the official report of this expedition:
"I, and Thomas Forster, Esq., Mrs. Harris, and Mr.
M'Kee, with upwards of forty men, went up the 2d inst.,
(October, 1755,) to Captain M'Kee, at New Providence,
in order to bury the dead, lately murdered on Mahahony
creek; but understanding the corpse were buried, we
then determined to return immediately home. But being
urged by John Sekalamy, and the Old Belt, to go up to
see the Indians at Shamokin, and know their minds, we
went on the 24th, and staid there all night — and in the
night I heard some Delawares talking — about twelve in
number — to this purpose: "What are the English come
here for?" Says another: "To kill us, I suppose; can
we then send off some of our nimble young men to give
our friends notice that can soon be here?" They soon
after sang the war song, and four Indians went off in two
canoes, well armed — the one canoe w^ent down the river,
and the other across.
"On the morning of the 25th, we took our leave of the
Indians, and set off homewards, and were advised to go
down the east side of the river, but fearing that a snare
might be laid on that side, we marched off peaceably on
the west side, having behaved in the most civil and
friendly manner towards them while with them ; and when
we came to the mouth of the Mahahony creek, we were
fired on by a good number of Indians that lay among the
bushes; on which we were obliged to retreat, with the
loss of several men; the particular number I cannot ex-
actly mention; but I am positive that I saw four fall, and
one man struck with a tomahawk on the head in his
flight across the river. As I understand the Delaware
tongue, I heard several of the Indians that were engaged
against us, speak a good many words in that tongue dur-
ing the action.
"Adam Terrance."
Historical Sketch of DaupJiiu County. 25
"The above declaration was attested by the author's
voluntary qualification, no magistrate being present, at
Paxton, this 26th October, 1755, before us:
John Elder, Thomas McArthur,
Michael Graham, Alex. McClure,
Michael Teaff, William Harris,
Thomas Black, Samuel Lenes,
Samuel Pearson, William McClure.
"N. B.. Of all our people that were in the action, there
are but nine that are yet returned."
Conrad Weiser, an Indian interpreter and a prominent
man in the province, thus writes to James Read, Esq., of
Reading, about this period:
"Heh)LEBErg, October 26, \
at II o'clock Sunday night, 1755. j
^^ Loving Friend:
"About an hour ago I received the news of the enemy
having crossed the Susquehanna, and killed a great many
people, from Thomas ^IcKee's down to Hunter's Mill.
"Mr. Elder, the minister of Paxton, wrote to another
Presbyterian minister, in the neighborhood of Adam
Reed, Esq., that the people were then in a meeting, and
immiediately desired to get themselves in readiness to
oppose the enemy, and lend assistance to their neighbors.
Mr. Reed sent down to Tulpehocken, and two men,
one that came from Mr. Reed's, are just now gone, that
brought in the melancholy news. I have sent out to
alarm the townships in this neighborhood, and to meet
me early in the morning, at Peter Spicker's, to consult
together what to do, and to make preparations to stand
the enemy, with the assistance of the Most High.
"I wrote you this that you may have time to consult with
Mr. Seely, and other well-wishers of the people, in order
to defend our lives and others. For God's sake let us
stand together, and do what we can, and trust to the
hand of Providence. Perhaps we must, in this neighbor-
2 6 Historical Sketch of DaiipJiin County,
hood, come to Rcadin^r; but I will send armed men to
Susquehanna, or as far as they can go for intelHgence.
"Pray, let Sammy have a copy of this, or this draft for
his Honor, the Governor. I have sent him, about three
hours ago, express to Philadelphia, and he lodges at my
son Peter's. Despatch him as early as you can. I pray,
beware of confusion; be calm, you and Mr. Seely, and
act the part of fathers of the people. I know you are
both able; but excuse me for giving you this caution —
time requires it. I am, dear sir,
"Your very good friend and humble servant,
"Conrad Weiser."
The near approach of the enemy created the utmost
consternation among the outer settlements. The only
safety was to flee and leave all to the enemy. They had
in vain looked for effectual relief from the Colonial gov-
ernment. Homes that had been occupied; barns filled
with the fruits of a rich and plenteous harvest; newly
sowed fields, standing corn, and cattle, sheep, etc., were
all abandoned by the hardy and Industrious frontier set-
tlers, in order to save themselves from being cut off by
the barbarous enemy. Even John Harris and his family
were threatened with death, as stated by Mr. Harris him-
self In the followinor letter:
o
"Paxton, October 29, 1755.
''Sir:
"We expect the enemy upon us every day, and the in-
habitants are abandoning their plantations, being greatly
discouraged at the approach of such a number of cruel
savages, and no present sign of assistance. I had a cer-
tain account of fifteen hundred French and Indians being
on the march against us and Virginia, and now close upon
our borders, their scouts scalping our families on our
frontiers daily. Andrew Montour, and others at Shamo-
kln, desired me to take care, that there was a party of
Historical Sketch of Daitphin County. 2
^1
forty Indians, out many days, and intended to burn my
house and destroy myself and family. I have this day
cut loop-holes in my house, and am determined to hold
out to the last extremity, if I can get some men to stand
by me. But few can be had at present, as every one is
in fear of his own family being cut off every hour. Great
part of the Susquehanna Indians are no doubt actually
in the French interest, and I am informed that a French
officer is expected at Shamokin this week, with a party
of Delawares and Shawanese, no doubt to take posses-
sion of our river. We should raise men immediately to
build a fort up the river to take possession, and to induce
some Indians to join us. We ought also to insist on the
Indians to declare for or against us, and as soon as we
are prepared for them we should bid up their scalps, and
keep our woods full of our people upon the scout, else
they will ruin our province, for they are a dreadful enemy.
I have sent out two Indian spies to Shamokin ; they are
Mohawks.
"Sir, yours, &c.,
."John Harris.
^'Edwa7^d SJiippen, Esq!'
In the latter part of October, 1755, the enemy again
appeared in the neighborhood of Shamokin, and in No-
vember of that year they committed several murders upon
the whites under circumstances of great cruelty and bar-
barity. Not only the settlers on the immediate frontier,
but those residing far towards the interior, were kept in
constant alarm, as will be seen by the following address,
or appeal, to the inhabitants of the province, issued from
the present site of Harrisburg:
"Paxton, October 31, 1755.
[From John Hariis, at 12 P. M.]
" To all His Majesty's sitbjects in the Province of Pennsyl-
vania, orelsezuhere:
"Whereas, Andrew Montour, Belt of Wampum, two
Mohawks, and other Indians, came down this day from
\
28 Historical SkctcJi of DaupJiin County.
Shamokin, who say the whole body of Indians, or die
greatest part of them in the French Interest, Is actually
encamped on this side of George Gabriel's [about thirty
miles north of Harrisburg, on the west side of the river],
near Susquehanna, and we may expect an attack within
three days at farthest; and a French fort to be begun at
Shamokin in ten days hence. Tho' this be the Indian
report, we, the subscribers, do give It as our advice, to
repair Immediately to the frontiers with all our forces, to
intercept their passage Into our country, and to be pre-
pared In the best manner possible for the worst events.
"Witness our hands:
James Galbreath, James Pollock,
John Alllson, James Anderson,
Barney Hughes, William Work,
Robert Wallace, Patrick Henry.
John Harris,
"P. S. — They positively affirm that the above named
Indians discovered a party of the enemy at Thomas
McKee's upper place on the 30th of October last.
"Mona-ca-too-tha, The Belt, and other Indians here,
Insist upon Mr. Weiser's coming immediately to John
Harris' with his men, and to counsel with the Indians.
"Before me.
"James Galbreath."
Fortunately, the reports conveyed in Mr. Harris' letter,
as well as in the above address, proved to be premature,
the enemy confining his depredations to the regions of
the Susquehanna, about Shamokin, and the Great or Big
Cove, in the western part of Cumberland county, a de-
tailed account of which would not come within our prov-
ince to write.
It was not until the middle of the following year that
the Indians, incited, and in some instances officered, by
their allies, the French, extended their incursions into the
Interior of the colony, and imagination fails to conceive
Historical Skctcli of DaiLphin County. 29
the peril and distress of the settlers of Paxton, Hanover,
and other townships then In Lancaster (now Dauphin
and Lebanon counties). Some Idea, however, may be
formed of their condition from the subjoined letters.
" Derry Township, 9th August, 1756.
''Dear Sir:
"There Is nothing but bad news every day. Last w^eek
there were two soldiers killed and one w^ounded about two
miles from Manady fort; and two of the guards that
escorted the batteaus were killed; and we may expect
nothing else dally, If no stop be put to these savages.
We shall all be broken In upon In these parts. The
people are going off dally, leaving almost their all behind
them; and as for my part, I think a little time will lay the
country waste by flight, so that the enemy will have noth-
ing to do but take what we have worked for.
"Sir, your most humble servant,
"James Galbreath.
''Ed. Shippen, Esq!'
"Derrv Township, loth August 1756.
"Honored Sir:
There Is nothing here, almost every day, but murder by
the Indians In some parts or other. About five miles
above me, at Manada Gap, there were two of the Prov-
ince soldiers killed and one wounded. There were but
three Indians, and they came in among ten of our men
and committed the murder and went oft safe. The name,
or sight of an Indian, makes almost all In these parts
tremble — their barbarity is so cruel where they are mas-
ters; for, by all appearance, the devil communicates, God
permits, and the French pay, and by that the back parts,
by all appearance, will be laid waste by flight, with those
who are gone and going; more especially Cumberland
county.
^o Historical Sketch of Dauphin Coiiniy.
o
"Pardon my freedom in this wherein I have done
amiss.
"Sir, your most humble servant,
"James Galiu<eath."
The above murders are corroborated by the follow-
ing:
"Hanover, August 7, 1756.
''Sir:
"Yesterday Jacob Ellis, a soldier of Capt. Smith's, at
Brown's, about two miles and a half over the first moun-
tain, just within the Gap, having some wheat growing at
that place, prevailed with his officers for some of the men
to help him to cut some of the grain; accordingly ten of
them went, set guards and fell to work. At about ten
o'clock they had reaped down, and went to the head to
begin again; and, before they had all well begun, three
Indians, having crept up to the fence, just behind them,
fired upon them and killed the Corporal, and another
who was standing with a gun in one hand and a bottle
in the other, was wounded; his left arm is broken in two
places, so that his gun fell, he being a little more down
the field than the rest. Those who were reaping, had
their fire-arms about half way clown the field, standing at
a large tree. As soon as the Indians had fired, and
without loading their guns, they leaped over the fence
right in amongst the reapers — one of them had left his
gun on the outside of the field — they all ran promiscuously,
while the Indians were making a terrible haloo, and
looked more like the devil than Indians. The soldiers
made for their fire-arms, and as three of them stood be-
hind the tree with their arms, the Indian that came want-
ing his gun, came within a fev/ yards of them and took
up the wounded soldier's gun, and would have killed
another, had not one perceived him, fired at him, so that
he dropped the gun. The Indians fled, and in going off,
two soldiers standing about a rod apart, an Indian ran
through between them, they both fired at him, yet he es-
Histor^ical SkctcJi of DaiipJiin County, 31
caped. When the Indians were over the fence, a soldier
fired at one of them, upon which he stooped a Httle — the
three Indians escaped. Immediately after leaving- the
field, they fired one gun and gave a haloo. The soldiers
hid the one that was killed, went home to the fort, found
James Brown who lives in the fort, and one of the sol-
diers missino-.
''The Lieutenant accompanied by some more, went
out and brought in the dead man; but still Brown was
missing. Notice was given on that night; I went up
next morning with some hands. Capt. Smith had sent
up more men from the other fort; these went out next
morning; against I got there, word was come in that
they had found James Brown, killed and scalped. I went
over with them to bring him home. He was killed with
the last shot, about twenty rods from the field — his gun,
his shoes and jacket carried off The soldiers who found
him said, that they tracked the three Indians to the sec-
ond mountain, and they found one of the Indians' guns
a short distance from Brown's corpse, as it had been not
worth much. They showed me the place where the In-
dians fired through the fence, and it was just eleven
yards from the place where the dead man lay. The
rising ground above the field, was clear of standing tim-
ber and the grubs low, so that they had kept a look out.
"The above account you may depend on. We have
almost lost all hopes of everything, but to move off and
lose our crops that we have cut with so much difficulty.
"I am your Honor's servant,
''Adam Reed.
''To Edward SJiippcn, Esq., at Lancaster T
Some time in the latter part of October, the Indians
again visited Hanover township, where they murdered,
under circumstances of much cruelty, several families,
among whom was one Andrew Berryhill. On the 2 2d
of October, they killed John Craig and his wife, scalped
1 o
Historical SkctcJi of Dauphin County.
them both, burned several houses, and carried off vSamuel
Ainsworth, a lad about thirteen years old. The next day
they scalped a German, whose name has not been given.
From entries made in their duplicates by the tax col-
lectors of East Hanover and West Hanover townships
for the year 1756, it is shown that the following settlers
had fled from their houses in that year. The whole du-
plicate contains the names of about one hundred taxables.
The names of those who deserted their "clearings," In
East Hanover, now principally In Lebanon county, have
come down to us, as follows:
Andrew Karsnits,
John Gilliland,
John M'Culloch,
Walter M'Farland,
Robert Kirk wood,
William Robeson,
Valentine Staftblbeini,
Andrew Clenan,
Rudolph Fry,
Peter Walmer,
John M'Culloch,
James Rafter,
Moses Vance,
John Bruner,
Frederick Noah,
Jacob Moser,
Barnhart Bashore,
Jacob Bashore,
^Matthias Bashore,
AVilliam M'Culloch,
Philip Colp,
Casper Yost,"
Conrad Cleck,
Christian Albert,
Daniel Moser,
John M'Clure,
John Anderson,
Thomas Shirley,
James Graham,
Barnet M'Nett,
Andrew Brown,
AVilliam Brown,
Andrew M'Mahon,
Thomas Hume,
Thomas Strean,
John Hume,
Peter Wolf,
Henry Kuntz,
William Watson,
John Stewart,
John Porterfield,
David Strean,
John Strean,
Andrew M'Grath,
James M' Curry,
Conrad Rice,
Alexander Swan,
John Green.
Philip Maurer,
In West Hanover, all of which is in the present limits of
this county, we have a list of those driven from their farms,
containing the following, which is as complete as possible:
John Gordon,
Richard Johnston,
Alexander Barnet,
James M' Caver,
Robert Portertield,
Philip Robeson,
John Hill,
Thomas Bell,
Thomas Maguire,
William M'Cord,
Robert Huston,
Benjamin Wallace,
William Bennett,
Bartholomew Plarris,
John Swan,
James Bannon,
Wmiam M'Clure,
Thomas M'Clure,
John Henry,
James Riddle,
Widow Cooper,
David Ferguson,
Widow DeArmond.
James Wilson,
Samuel Barnett,
James Brown,
Widow M' Go wen,
Samuel Brown,
Thomas Hill,
James Johnston, (killed.)
Historical Sketch of Da up hi? i County. 2)2>
Adam Reed, under date of Hanover, October 14, 1756,
thus addresses Edward Shippen and others, on the situa-
tioivof affairs in his neighborhood:
'^F^d'ends and Felloiu Subjects :
"I send you in a few hues, the melancholy condition
of the frontiers of this county. Last Tuesday, the 12th
inst., ten Indians came to Noah Frederick while plough-
ing, killed and scalped him, and carried away three of
his children that were with him — the oldest but nine
years old — and plundered his house, and carried away
everything that suited their purpose; such as clothes,
bread, butter, a saddle, and a good rifle gun, &c., it being
but two short miles to Capt. Smith's fort at Swatara Gap,
and a little better than two miles from my house.
''Last Saturday evening an Indian came to the house
of Philip Robeson, carrying a green bush before him —
said Robeson's son, being on the corner of his fort, watch-
ing others that were dressing flesh by him; the Indian
perceiving that he was observed, fled; the w^atchman
tired, but missed him ; this being about three-fourths
of a mile from Manady Fort; — and yesterday morning,
two miles from Smith's Fort at Swatara, Mt. Bethel
township, as Jacob Farnwell was going from the house
of Jacob Meylin to his own, w^as fired upon by two Indi-
ans and wounded, but escaped with his life; — and a little
after, in said township, as Frederick Hewly and Peter
Sample were carrying aw^ay their goods in wagons, w'ere
met by a parcel of Indians and all killed, lying dead in
one place, and one man at a little distance. But what
more has been done, has not come to my ears — only
that the Indians were continuinof their murders.
"The frontiers [people] are employed in nothing else
than carrying off their effects, so that some miles are
now w^aste. We are willing, but not able, without help
— you are able, if you be willing, (that is, including the
lower parts of the county,) to give such assistance as
34 I listorical Sketch of Dauphin Cou/Uy.
will enable us to recover our waste land. You may de-
pend upon it, that, without assistance, we, in a few days,
will be on the wrong side of you; for I am now on the
frontier, and I fear that by to-morrow night I will be left
two miles.
''Gentlemen: Consider what you will do, and don't be
long about it; and don't let the world say that we died
as fools died! Our hands are not tied, but let us exert
ourselves and do something for the honor of our country
and the preservation of our fellow subjects. I hope you
will communicate our grievances to the lower part of our
county, for surely they will send us help, if they under-
stood our grievances.
"I would have gone down myself, but dare not; my
family is in such danger. I expect an answ^er by the
bearer, if possible.
"I am, gentlemen,
"Your very humble servant,
"Adam Reed.
''Edward SJiippen and others.
"P. S. — Before sendincr this awav, I would mention,
I have just received information that there are seven
killed and five children scalped alive, but have not the
account of their names."
May 1 6, 1757. Eleven persons killed at Paxton by
the Indians.
August 19, 1757. Fourteen people killed and taken
from Mr. Finley's congregation, and one man killed near
Harris Ferry, (now Harrisburg). At this period nego-
tiations for peace commenced with the pow^erful chieftain
of the Delaware and Shav/anese tribes, when the barbari-
ties of the Susquehanna Indians somewhat abated. But
the French, and western Indians, still roamed in small
parties over the country, committing many depredations.
Historical SkctcJi of Dmiphin Co2inty. 35
The following extracts are from the Pennsylvania Ga-
zette, of 1757:
''We hear from Lancaster, that six persons were taken
away by the Indians, from Lancaster count}', on the 17th
Auo^ust."
''Since our last, we learn from Lancaster, that there
was nothing but murdering and capturing among them
by the Indians. That on the 17th of i\ugust, one Beatty
was killed in Paxton — that the next day James ?vlackey
was murdered in Hanover, and William and Joseph Bar-
nett w^ounded. That on the same day were taken pris-
oners a son of James Mackey, a son of Joseph Barnett,
Elizabeth Dickey and her child, and the wife of Samuel
Young and her child, and that ninety-four men, w^omen
and children were seen flying from their places in one
body, and a great many more in smaller parties. So
that it was feared the settlements would be entirely for-
saken."
"Our accounts in general from the frontiers, are most
dismal; all agree that some of the inhabitants are killed
or carried off — houses burned and cattle destroyed daily
— and at the same time, they are afflicted with severe
sickness and die fast. So that in many places, they are
neither able to defend themselves when attacked, nor to
run away."
A letter from Hanover township, dated October ist,
[757, says that the neighborhood is almost without in-
habitants, and on that day, and the day before, several
creatures were killed by the enemy in Hanover.
On the 25th of November, Thomas Robeson and a son
of Thomas Bell were killed and scalped by the Indians
in Hanover township; but the Indians immediately went
off after committing other murders.
The following letter was written to Governor Denny
by the commandant at Fort Hunter, a few miles north of
the present site of Harrisburg: ^
36 Historical Sketch of DaiipJiin County.
''Fort Hunter, the 3d of October, 1757.
''May it please Your Honor:
"In my coming back from ranging the frontiers, on
Saturday, the 3d inst., I heard that the day before, twelve
Indians were seen not far from here. As it was late and
not knowing their further strength, I thought to go at
day-break next morning, with as many soldiers and bat-
taux men as I could get; but in a short time heard a
gun fired off, and running directly to the spot, found the
dead body of one William Martin, who went into the
woods to pick up chestnuts, were the Indians were lying
in ambush. I ordered all the men to run into the woods,
and we ranged until it o-ot dark. The continued rain
we have had, hindered me from following them. A num-
ber of the inhabitants had come here to assist in pur-
suing the Indians, but the weather prevented them.
There vv^ere only three Indians seen by some persons
who were sitting before Mr. Hunter's door, and they
say all was done in less than four minutes. That same
night I cautioned the inhabitants to be on their guard;
and in the morning I ranged on this side of the moun-
tain ; but the next day, my men being fev/ in number by
reason of fourteen of them beinof sick, I could not be
long from the garrison; and it seems to me, there is a
great number of the enemy on this side of the river.
"The townships of Paxton and Derry have agreed to
keep a guard some time in the frontier houses, from
Manady to Susquehanna; and expect that your Honor
will be pleased to reinforce this detachment.
"If these townships should break up the communica-
tion between Fort Augusta and the inhabitants, they
would be greatly endangered.
" I am, with great respect, etc.,
"Christian Busse."
We have advices, says the Pemisylvania Gazette, Octo-
ber 27, 1757, from Paxton:
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. ^'j
"On the I /th Inst., as four of the Inhabitants near Hun-
ter's Fort, were pulHng their Indian corn, when two of
them — Alexander Watt and John M'Kennet — were killed
and scalped, their heads cut off; the other two scalped.
That Captain Work of the Augusta regiment, coming-
down with some men from Fort Halifax, (the present
site of the town of Halifax,) met the savages on Peter's
mountain, about twenty of them, when they fired upon
him at about forty yards distance; upon which his party
returned the fire and put the enemy to flight, leaving be-
hind them five horses, with what plunder they had got;
and that one of the Indians was supposed to have been
wounded by the blood that was seen In their tracks.
None of Captain Work's men were hurt."
The treaty of peace and friendship between the Eng-
lish and Indians, at Easton In 1758, In some measure
calmed the apprehensions of the people, and for a time
the settlers of this region enjoyed a period of rest. But
the English and French were still at war, and cruel mur-
ders still continued amonor the outer settlements down
to the close of, and after, the war of 1762. The Shaw-
anese, a ferocious southern tribe of Indians, had formed
a secret confederacy with the tribes on the Ohio and Its
tributary waters, to attack simultaneously all the English
posts and settlements on the frontiers. Their plan was
deliberately and skillfully projected. The border settle-
ments w^ere to be Invaded during harvest; the men, corn
and cattle were to be destroyed, and by thus cutting off
the supplies, the out-posts were to be reduced by famine.
In accordance with this plan, the Indians fell suddenly
upon the traders, whom they had Invited among them. —
Many of these they murdered, and plundered others of
their effects, to a great value. The frontiers of Pennsyl-
vania were again overrun by scalping parties, marking
In their hostile Incursions the way with blood and devas-
38 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
tation. The upper part of Cumberland county and parts
ot the present territory of Dauphin county, was overrun
by savages in 1763, who set fire to houses, barns, corn,
hay and everything- that was combustible; and some of
the inhabitants were surprised and murdered with the
utmost cruelty and barbarity.
This well matured onslaught by the Indians, drove the
whites to acts of desperation, which only find extenua-
tion from the circumstances, that there were no limits to
the atrocities of the savages. Wherever they went,
murder and cruelty marked their path, and even pro-
fessed friendly Indians had fallen under strong suspicions
as being, to some extent, concerned in these foul mur-
ders.
Jonas Seely, Esq., writing from Reading, September
II, 1763, said: ''We are all in a state of alarm. Indians
have destroyed dwellings and murdered, with savage
barbarity, their helpless occupants, even in the neighbor-
hood of Reading. Where these Indians come from and
are going, we know not. Send us an armed force to
aid our ranchers of Lancaster and Berks."
In another letter from the same o^entleman, dated
Reading, September, 1763, he writes: "It is a matter of
wonder that Indians, living among us for numbers of
years, should suddenly become grum friends, or most
dsadly enemies. Yet there is too much reason for sus-
picion. The rangers sent in w^ord that these savages
must consist of fifty, who travel in companies of from
five to twenty, visiting Wyalusing, Wichetunk, Nain, Big
Island, and Conestoga, under the mark of friendly Indi-
ans. Our people have become almost infuriated to
madness. These Indians were not even suspected ot
treachery, such had been the general confidence in their
Historical Sketch of DaitpJiin County. 39
fidelity. The murders recendy committed, are of the
most aggravated description."
Similar suspicions of treachery among the professed
friendly Indians, alluded to in the above letter, had long
been prevalent among the settlers of Paxton and Done-
gal townships. It was strongly believed by them, that
the perpetrators of many of the atrocious murders were
harbored, if not encouraged and assisted, by a settlement
of friendly Indians at Conestoga, now, as then, in Lan-
caster county. A deadly animosity was thus raised
among the people of Paxton and adjoining townships,
against all of Indian blood, and ao-ainst the Quakers and
Moravians — who were disposed to conciliate and protect
the Indians — frequently, as the Paxton men thought, at
the expense of the lives of the settlers.
This feeling among the settlers, finally led to the mas-
sacre of the Indians at Conestoga manor, on the night
of the 14th of December, 1763. The accounts of this
affair, and of similar murders of defenceless Indians in
the prison at Lancaster, on the 27th of December of the
same year, are so various and conflicting, that it is almost
impossible to form an intelligent historic narrative of
them. The act was most probably committed by the
younger and more hot-blooded members of the Rev.
Col. Elder's corps of rangers, led by Capt. Lazarus Stew-
art, a daring partisan, and a man of considerable influ-
ence and standing in the Paxton settlement. He soon
afterwards joined the Connecticut men, and became very
conspicuous in the civil wars of Wyoming. He was once
taken prisoner there, and delivered to the Sherift of York
county for safe-keeping; but his rangers rescued him,
and he suddenly appeared again with many of them at
Wyoming. He w^as slain near Wilkesbarre, during the
40 Historical SJcctcJi of Dauphin County.
Revolution, in the disastrous ])attle of 3d of July, i "i"/'^.
The following extracts are from a series of histori'cal
papers in the Lancaster Intelligencer (^ Jo^irnal of 1843,
written by Redmond Conyngham, Esq.:
"hnagination cannot conceive the perils with which the
settlement of Paxton was surrounded from 1754 to 1765.
To portray each scene of horror would be impossible —
the heart shrinks from the attempt. The settlers are
goaded on to desperation; murder followed murder.
The scouts brought in the intelligfence that the mur-
derers were traced to Conestoga. Rifles were loaded
and horses were in readiness. They mounted; they
called on their pastor to lead them. He was then in the
57th year of his age. Had you seen him then, you would
have beheld a superior being. He had mounted, not to
lead them on to the destruction of Conestocra, but to de-
ter them from the attempt; he implored them to return;
he urged them to reflect: ''Pause, pause before you pro-
ceed!" It was in vain: "The blood of the murdered
cries aloud for vengeance; we have waited long enough
on Government; the murderers are within our reach,
and they must not escape." Mr. Elder reminded them,
that "the guilty and innocent could not be distinguished."
"Innocent! can they be called innocent who foster mur-
derers?" Mr. Elder rode up in front, and said: "As
your pastor, I command you to relinquish your design."
"Give way then," said Smith, "or your horse dies," pre-
senting his rifle. To save his horse, to which he was
much attached, Mr. Elder drew him aside, and the ran-
chers w^ere off on their fatal errand."
The following narrative was drawn up by Matthew
Smith, one of the chief actors in the massacre:
"I was an early setder in Paxton, a member of the
congregation of the Rev. Mr. Elder. I was one of the
chief actors in the destrucdon of Conestoga, and in
storming the work-house in Lancaster. I have been
sdgmadzed as a murderer. No man, unless he were
Historical SkctcJi of DaiipJiin County, 41
living at that time in Paxton, could have an idea of the
sufferings and anxieties of the people. F^or years the
Indians had been on the most friendly terms; but some
of the traders were bought by the French; these cor-
rupted the Indians. The savages unexpectedly de-
stroyed our dwellings and murdered the unsuspicious.
When we visited the wi^-wams in the neiehborhood, we
found the Indians occupied in harmless sports, or domes-
tic work. There appeared no evidence that they were in
any way instrumental in the bloody acts perpetrated on
the frontiers.
"Well do I remember the evening when
stopped at my door; judge my surprise when I heard
his tale: "Tom followed the Indians to the Bior Island;
from thence they went to Conestoga; as soon as we
heard it, five of us. , . , , , rode
off tor the village. I left my horse under their care, and
cautiously crawled where I could get a view; I saw In-
dians armed; they were strangers; they outnumbered
us by dozens. I returned without being discovered. W^e
meet to-night at ; we shall expect you with gun,
knife and amunition." We met, and our party, under
cover of the night, rode off for Conestoga. Our plan
was well laid; the scout who had traced the Indians, was
with us; the village was stormed and reduced to ashes.
The moment we were perceived an Indian fired at us,
and rushed forward, brandishing his tomahawk. Tom
cried, "mark him," and he fell by more than one ball.
ran up and cried: "It is the villain who murdered
my mother." This speech roused to vengeance, and
Conestoga lay harmless before us. Our worst fears had
been realized; these Indians, who had been housed and
ted as the pets of the Province, were now proved to be
our secret foes; necessity compelled us to do as we did.
We mounted our horses and returned. wSoon we were
informed, that a number of Indians were in the work-
house at Lancaster. was sent to Lancaster, to
get all the news he could. He reported that one of the
Indians concerned in recent murders was there in safety.
42 Jlistoricixl Skctcli of Dauphiii County,
Also, that they talked of rebuildino- Conestoga, and
j)lacing these Indians in the new buildings.
"A few of us met to deliberate; Stewart proposed to
go to Lancaster, storm their castle, and carry off the
assassin. It was agreed to; the whole plan was arranged.
Our clergyman did not approve of our proceeding further.
He thought everything was accomplished by the destruc-
tion of Conestoga, and advised us to try what we could
do with the Governor and Council. I, with the rest, was
opposed to the measure proposed by our good pastor.
It was painful to us to act in opposition to his will, but
the Indian in Lancaster was known to have murdered
the parent of , one of our party.
"The plan was made: three were chosen to break in
the doors; five to keep the keepers, &c., from meddling;
Captain Stewart to remain outside with about twelve
men, to protect those within, to prevent surprise and
keep charge of the horses. The three were to secure
the Indian, tie him with strono- cords, and deliver him to
o
Stewart. If the three were resisted, a shot was to be
fired as a signal. I was one of them who entered; you
know the rest; we fired; the Indians were left without
life; and we rode hastily from Lancaster.
"This gave quiet to the frontiers, for no murder of our
defenceless inhabitants has since happened."
Matthew Smith, the writer of the above, after the revo-
lution, in which he performed excellent service and rose
to high rank in military and civil life, removed to Milton,
Northumberland county.
A letter of the Rev. Mr. Elder to Governor Penn, Jan-
uary 27, 1764, states:
"The storm which had been so long gathering, has at
length exploded. Had Government removed the Indi-
ans from Conestoga, which had frequently been urged
without success, this painful catastrophe might have been
avoided. What could I do with men heated to madness?
All that I could do, was done; I expostulated; but life
Historical SJzetcJi of Dauphin Coinity. 43
and reason were set at defiance. And yet, the men, in
private life, are virtuous and respectable; not cruel, but
mild and merciful.
"The time will arrive, when each palliating circum-
stance will be calmly weighed. This deed, magnified
into the blackest of crimes, should be considered as one
of those youthful ebulitions of wrath caused by moment-
ary excitement, to which human infirmity is subjected.''
In connection with this subject an extract from a re-
monstrance presented to Governor John Penn, from the
inhabitants of Lancaster county, is quoted:
"We consider it a grievance, that we are restrained
from electing more than ten representatives in the fron-
tier counties — Lancaster four, York two, Cumberland
two, Berks one, Northampton one — while the city and
county of Philadelphia, and the counties of Chester and
Bucks, elect 26. A bill is now about to be passed into
a law, that any person accused of taking away the life of
an Indian, shall not be tried in the county where the deed
was committed, but in the city of Philadelphia. We can
hardly believe that the Legislature would be guilty of
such injustice as to pass this bill, and deprive the people
of one of their most valuable rights. We protest against
the passage of such a law, as depriving us of a sacred
privilege.
"We complain, that the Governor laid before the Gen-
eral Assembly letters zuithoiit signaittres, giving exagger-
ated and false accounts of the destruction of the Indians
at Conestoga, and at Lancaster. That he paid but little
attention to the communications received from our rep-
resentatives and Mr. Shippen; that certain persons in
Philadelphia are endeavoring to rouse the fury ol the
people against the magistrates, the principal inhabitants
of the borough of Lancaster, and the Presbyterians of
Paxton and Donegal, by gross misrepresentations of
facts; that we are not allowed a hearing at the bar of
the House, or by the Governor; that our rangers have
44 Historical Sketch of DaitpJiin County.
never experienced any favors from Government, either
by remuneration of their services, or by any act of kind-
ness; that although there is every reason to beheve, that
the Indians who struck the blow at the Great Cove, re-
ceived their arms and amunition from the Bethlehem
Indians, Government protects the murderers at Philadel-
phia; that six of the Indians now in Philadelphia, known
to have been concerned in recent murders, and de-
manded by us, that they may be tried in Northampton
county, are still at liberty; that Renatus, an Indian who
was legally arrested and committed on the charge of
murder. Is under the protection of government in Bucks
county, when he was to be brought to trial in the county
of Northampton, or the county of Cumberland. Shall
these things be?
!5je_^ A>'^^ ^ ''Matthew Smith,
"James Gibson."
The following document, printed at the time. Is Inter-
estino- in this connection:
"DECLARATION. LET ALL HEAR!"
"Were the counties gf Lancaster, York, Cumberland,
Berks and Northampton protected by Government? Did
not John Harris, of Paxton, ask advice of Col. Croghan,
and did not the Colonel advise him to raise a company
of scouters, and was not this confirmed by Benjamin
Franklin? And yet, when Harris asked the Assembly
to pay the scouting party, he was told that 'he might pay
them himself.' Did not the counties of Lancaster, York,
Cumberland, Berks and Northampton, the frontier set-
tlements, keep up rangers to watch the motions of the
Indians; and when a murder was committed by an Indi-
an, a runner with the intelligence was sent to each
scouting party, that the murderer or murderers might
be punished? Did we not brave the summer's heat and
the winter's cold, and the savaoe tomahawk, while the
Historical Sketch of DmLphin County. 45
inhabitants of Philadelphia, Philadelphia county, Bucks
and Chester 'ate, drank and were merry.'
''If a white man kill an Indian, it is a murder far ex-
ceeding any crime upon record; he must not be tried in
the county where he lives, or where the offence was com-
mitted, but in Philadelphia, that he may be tried, con-
victed, sentenced and hung without delay. If an Indian
kill a white man, it was the act of an ignorant heathen,
perhaps in liquor; alas, poor innocent ! — he is sent to the
friendly Indians, that he may be made a Chnstian. Is it
not a notorious fact, that an Indian who treacherously
murdered a family in Northampton county, was given up
to the magistrates, that Jie might have a regular trial;
and was not this Indian conveyed into Bucks county, and
is he not provided with every necessary, and kept secured
from punishment by Israel Pemberton? Have we not
repeatedly represented that Conestoga was a harbor for
prowling savages, and that we were at a loss to tell friend
or foe, and all we asked was the removal of the Christian
Indians? Was not this promised by Governor Penn,
and yet delayed? Have we forgotten Renatus, that
Christian Indian? A murder of more than savage bar-
barity was committed on the Susquehanna; the murderer
was traced by the scouts to Conestoga; he w^as demand-
ed, but the Indians assumed a warlike attitude, tomahawks
were raised, and the fire-arms glistened in the sun; shots
were fired upon the scouts, who went back for additional
force. They returned, and you know the event — Cones-
toga was reduced to ashes. But the murderer escaped.
The friendly and unfriendly were placed in the work-
house at Lancaster. What could secure them from the
vengeance of an exasperated people? The doors were
forced, and the hapless Indians perished. Were we
tamely to look on and see our brethren murdered, and
see our fairest prospects blasted, while the inhabitants of
Philadelphia, Philadelphia county, Bucks and Chester,
slept and reaped their grain in safety?
"These hands never shed human blood. Why am I
singled out as an object of persecution? Why are the
7 \
46 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
bloodhounds let loose upon me? Let him who wished
to take my life — let him come and take It. I shall not
fly. All I ask Is, that the men accused of murder be
tried In Lancaster county. All I ask Is a trial In my own
county. If these requests are refused, then not a hair
of those men's heads shall be molested. Whilst I have
life, you shall not either have me, or them, on any other
terms. It is true, I submitted to the sheriff of York
county, but you know too well that I was to be conveyed
to Philadelphia like a wild felon — manacled — to die a
felon's death. I would have scorned to fly from York.
I could not bear that my name should be marked by
Ignomy. What I have done, was done for the security
of hundreds of settlers on the frontiers. The blood of a
thousand of my fellow-creatures called for vengeance.
I shed no Indian's blood. As a ranger I sought the post of
clanger, and now you ask my life. Let me be tried where
prejudice has not prejudged my case. Let my brave
rangers, who have stemmed the blast nobly and never
flinched — let them have an equitable trial; they were my
friends In the hour of danger — to desert them now, were
cowardice. What remains. Is to leave our cause with
our God, and our guns.
"Lazarus Stewart."
When the news of the transactions at Conestoga and
Lancaster reached Philadelphia, the authorities removed
the savages confined on Province Island, to the barracks
In that city for greater safety. This was deemed neces-
sary from the fact that large delegations of the frontier
Inhabitants, who determined that the Assembly should
redress their grievances, were marching on Philadelphia^
and whose hatred for the Indians was Intense. This
demonstration produced much alarm, In the city, as all
sorts of rumors were afloat as to the objects of the set-
tlers. The Governor fled to the house of Dr. Franklin,
and unnecessary military measures were taken to repel
Historical Sketch of Daup Jim County. 47
the so-called insurgents. Finding- that the excitement
was great, upon consultation among themselves, the ma-
jority of the Paxtonlans concluded to return to their
homes In Lancaster and Cumberland counties, leavlne
Smith and Gibson to represent them In the real object
of the march on Philadelphia — a redress of grievances.
At various periods between 1752 and 1760 the Pro-
vincial Government erected a line of forts between the
Delaware river and the Potomac. Of these Fort Hunter,
Fort Manada, Fort Brown, and Fort Halifax, were In the
territory which subsequently became the county of Dau-
phin.
Fort Hunter, which seems to have been of considera-
ble Importance, was situated at the mouth of Fishing
creek, about five miles north of Harrlsburg. The spot
was originally settled by the Chambers, but Is now well
known as "McAllisters."
The precise locality of this fort is not known. Accord-
ing to a letter of Edward Shippen, Esq., dated April 19,
1756, it stood five or six hundred feet from Hunter's
house. It was surrounded by an entrenchment, which,
however, seems to have been leveled In 1763. Rev. John
Elder, w^ho was also a colonel, writing to Gov. Hamilton,
says: "I have always kept a small party of men stationed
at Hunter's, still expecting that they would have been re-
placed by 17 or 20 of the Augusta troops, as your honor
was pleased once to mention; and If that post is destined
to be maintained, as the entrenchment thrown up there
in the beginning of the late troubles, is now level with the
ground, it will be absolutely necessary to have a small
stockade erected there to cover the men, which may be
done at an Inconsiderable expense."
48 Historical Sketch of DaiLphiu Coiuity.
Accordin<;- to the Commissary General's returns, in
November, 1756, the state of the garrison at Fort Hunter
was as follows: "2 sergeants, 34 privates; ammuni-
tion — 4 pounds of powder, 28 pounds of lead ; provi-
sions — 1,000 weight of iiour, 2,000 pounds of beef; 2
men's time up."
In August, 1757, in a petition to the Provincial Coun-
cil the inhabitants of Paxton set forth "that the evacua-
tion of Fort Hunter is of great disadvantage to them ;
that P^ort Halifax is not necessary to secure the commu-
nication with Fort Augusta, and is not so proper a station
for the batteaux parties as Fort Hunter; pray the Gov-
ernor would be pleased to fix a sufficient number of
men at Hunter's, under the command of an active officer,
with strict orders to range the frontiers daily."
The Rev. John Elder backed this petition with the fol-
lowing letter to Richard Peters, Secretary of Council:
"Paxton, 30th July, 1757.
''Sir:
"As we of this township have petitioned the Governor
for a removal of the orarrison from Halifax to Hunter's, I
beg the favor of you to use your interest with his honor
in our behalf. The defence of Halifax is of no advan-
tage ; but a garrison at Hunter's under the command of
an active officer, will be of great service ; it will render
the carriage of provisions and ammunition for the use
of Augusta more easy and less expensive ; and by
encouraging the inhabitants to continue in their places,
will prevent the weakening of the frontier settlements.
We have only hinted at these things in the petition,
which you will please to enlarge on in conversation
with the Governor, and urge in such a manner as you
think proper. 'Tis well known that representatives from
the back inhabitants have but little w^eight with the gen-
Historical SkctcJi of Daitphiu County. 49
tlemen in power, they looking on us either as Incapable
of forming just notions of things, or as biased by selfish
views. However, I am satisfied that you, sir, have more
favorable conceptions of us ; and that from the know-
ledge you have of the situation of the places mentioned
In our petition, you will readily agree with us and use
your best offices with the Governor to prevail with him
to grant it; and you will very much oblige
" Sir, your most obedient
And humble Servant,
"John Elder."
Pending the conslderadon of this question In the Coun-
cil, Commissary Young was called before that body. He
stated "that Fort Halifax Is a very bad situadon, being
built between two ranges of hills, and nobody living near
It, none could be protected by it ; that It Is no station for
batteaux parties, having no command of the channel,
which runs close on the western shore, and is beside cov-
ered with a large Island between the channel and the
fort, so that numbers of the enemy may even in day time
run down the river without being seen by that garrison."
He further said that though the fort or block house at
Hunter's was not tenable, being hasdly erected and not
finished, yet the situation was the best upon the river for
every service, as well as for the protection of the fron-
tiers.
The Indians made several invasions near to Fort Hun-
ter, and as we have already mentioned, killed a man In
1757. Bartram Galbraith says in a letter, dated Hunter's
Fort, October I, 1757: ''Notwithstanding the happy condi-
don we thought this place in, on Capt. Busse's being sta-
tioned here, we have had a man killed within twenty rods
of Hunter's barn. We all turned out, but night coming
on soon, we could not make any pursuit."
50 I fistorical Sketch of Dauphiji Coiuity,
WHicn Col. James Burd visited Fort Hunter in Febru-
ary, 1758, he says "he found Capt. Patterson and Levis
here with eighty men. The captain informed me that
they had not above three loads of ammunition to a man. I
ordered Mr. Barney Hughes to send up here a barrel of
powder and lead answerable. In the meantime borrowed
of Thomas Gallagher four pounds of powder and one
hundred pounds of lead. I ordered a review of the gar-
rison to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock."
We continue from Col. Burd's journal:
"Tuesday, 19. Had a review this morning of Capt.
Patterson's company, and found them complete — fifty-
three men, forty- four province arms, and forty-four car-
touch boxes — no powder nor lead. I divided one-half
pint of powder, and lead in proportion, to a man. I found
in this fort four months' provisions for the garrison.
"Captain Davis with his party of fifty-five men, was out
of ammunition. I divided one-half pint of powder and
lead in proportion to them. Capt. Davis has got twelve
hundred weight of flour for the batteaux. Sundry of the
batteaux are leaking and must be left behind. Capt. Pat-
terson cannot scout at present for w^ant of officers. I or-
dered him to apply to the country to assist him to stock-
ade the fort agreeable to their promise to his honor, the
Governor. There are three men sick here."
Fort Hunter, or Hunter's mill, like Harris Ferry,
was a great shipping point for provisions and military
stores up and down the Susquehanna. As early as
1749, when Joseph Chambers resided there, the place
was of some consequence. The Colonial Records
mention several formal "talks" with the Indians at
Hunter's Fort.
Fort Halifax was built at the mouth of Armstrong's
creek, about half a mile above the present town of Hali-
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 5 1
fax. There Is nothing now to mark the place, except In
a slight elevation of the ground and a well known to have
belonged to the fort. The fort was built In 1756 by Col.
Wm. Clapham. In a letter to Gov. Morris, dated June
20, 1756, Col. Clapham says: "The progress already
made In this fort renders It Impracticable for me. to com-
ply with the commissioner's desire to contract It, at which
I was surprised, as I expected every day orders to
enlarge It, It being yet. In my opinion, too small. I shall
have an officer and thirty men with orders to finish It
when I march from hence." In a postscript the colonel
adds : "The fort at this place Is without a name till your
honor Is pleased to confer one."
Gov. Morris replied to this letter, as follows :
"Philadelphia, June 21, 1756.
"The fort at Armstrong — I would have It called 'Fort
Halifax'."
Col. Clapham was under orders to proceed to Shamo-
kln, and previous to embarking for that post, he wrote
to Governor Morris, under date of July i, 1756, as fol-
lows: "I shall leave a seargeant's party at Harris,
consisting of twelve men, twenty-four at Hunter's
Fort, twenty-four at M'Kee's store (twenty-five miles
above Fort Hunter), each under the command of an
ensign; and Captain Miles, with thirty men, at Fort
Halifax, with the Inclosed Instructions, as I have rem_oved
all the stores from Harris Ferry and M'Kee's to this
place."
The Instructions to Captain Miles, above mentioned,
were as follows:
"Fort Halifax, July i, 1756.
''Sir:
"You are to command a party of thirty men at Fort
Halifax, which you are to finish with all possible expedl-
52 Historical Sketch of DaicpJiin County.
tlon, observing- not to suffer your party to straggle in
small numbers into the woods, or to go any great dis-
tance from the fort, unless detached as an escort, or in
case of special orders for that purpose. You are to
build barracks within the fort for your men, and also a
store house, thirty feet by twelve, in which you are care-
fully to lodge all provisions, stores, &c., belonging to the
province. If the boards purchased for that purpose are
not sufficient to finish the banquette, and execute the
other designs herein recommended, your men are to be
employed in sawing more out of the pine logs now lying
near the fort. You are to keep a constant guard, and
relieve regularly, to have continual one sentry in each
bastion, and in case of attack, to retreat to the fort, and
defend it to the last extremity.
"If anything extraordinary occurs, you are immediately
to dispatch notice thereof to his Honor, the Governor,
and to signify the same to me, if any relief or instructions
may be necessary.
''William Clapham."
Besides these regular provincial forts, there were sev-
eral others, built by the settlers themselves. Such were
Forts Manady (near the present Manada Furnace) and
Brown (near Adam Reed's, at the "big bend" of vSwatara).
Some of the more substantial dwelling houses of the
settlers were also converted into block-houses, and, in
times of danger, became rallying points for the people.
The Colonial Records mention several of those as
existing in Hanover and Paxton townships.
In a letter, dated October 29, 1755, John Harris
writes: "I have this day cut loop-holes in my house, and
am determined to hold out to the last extremity, if I can
get some men to stand by me." He subsequently
strengthened his defences by erecting a stockade, which
is mentioned by Edward Shippen in a letter to Governor
Morris, under date of April 19, 1756. — "John Harris has
Historical Sketch of Datiplmi County. 5
■1
built an excellent stockade around his house, which is
the only place of security that way for the provisions of
the army, he having much good cellar room; and as he
has but six or seven men to guard it, if the Government
would order six more men there to strengthen it, it
would, in my opinion, be of great use to the cause,"
54 Historical Sketch of DaitpJiin Comity.
THE COUNTY DURING THE REVOLUTION.
The first murmurlngs of British exaction from Boston
excited our population to action, and in nearly every set-
tlement of Lancaster county, meetings of sympathy were
held, and strong resolves adopted, responsive to the
Boston complainings. The tax on tea and the stamp
duties were trifles. The people of this county knew
nothing of them, and probably cared no more. The
principle of the movement was deeper — more fundamen-
tal: the love of self-government; "the glorious privilege
of being independent." The excitement was general
throughout the county. Individuals opposed it, and from
different, though equally pure, motives. Some supposed
resistance to the laws to be hopeless at that time, and
advised to wait for more strength and resources; others
were influenced by religious considerations, just as pure
and as potent as had influenced their fathers aforetime.
But the county was nearly unanim.ous in its resistance
to British claims, and saw In them the commencement of
a colonial servitude, degrading, and threatening the future
progress of the country in its destined path to wealth
and glory.
The remote position of the county from the scenes of
strife, and the march of armies, preclude the writer from
describing battle-fields, victories won, or villages sacked,
anywhere within its limits. We have no means of de-
termining the amount of force In men or money furnished
by the county in aid of the war. From the tone of the
votes and resolves passed at the various meetings, and
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 55
from the number of officers and men, continental and
militia, who joined the army, we may venture the asser-
tion, that no county in the State, of no greater population
than this, gave more efficient aid in various ways, or man-
ifested by its acts more devoted patriotism.
At an assembly of the inhabitants of Hanover, Lancas-
ter county, (since Dauphin,) held on Saturday, June 4,
1774, Col. Timothy Green, chairman, to express their
sentiments on the state of affairs, it was unanimously re-
solved,
"I St. That the recent action of the Parliament of Great
Britain is iniquitous and oppressive.
"2d. That it is the bounden duty of the people to op-
pose every measure which tends to deprive them of their
just prerogatives.
"3cl. That in a closer union of theColonleslies the safe-
guard of the people.
"4th. That in the event of Great Britain attempting to
force unjust laws upon us by the strength of arms, our
cause w^e leave to Heaven and our rifles.
"5th. That a committee of nine be appointed who shall
act for us and in our behalf as emergencies may require."
The committee consisted of Col. Timothy Green,
James Carothers, Joslah Espy, Robert Dixon, Thomas
Copenheffer, William Clark, James Stewart, and John
Rogers.
These individuals w^ere all prominent men in Hanover
township, and with the exception of Captain Copenheffer,
they were Scotch-Irish. James Carothers served under
Col. Armstrong at Kittatinny, and was wounded. His
family emigrated to the west. The descendants of Jo-
slah Espy yet reside In the county. Clark, Stewart and
Barnett, it is thought, removed shortly after to the Buf-
falo valley, and took a prominent part In the struggle
for Independence.
56 Historical Sketch of DaitpJiin County .
Wc have this minute of another meetin^^:
"July 25, 1776. This is to certify that we, the associa-
tors of Derry township, in Lancaster county, province
of Pennsylvania, in the T^ourth BattaHon, commanded by
James Burd, Colonel, do bind ourselves in all the rules
and regulations made by the honorable Congress for the
militia of this Commonwealth.
Derry township, July 25, 1776. We, the undersigned,
are willing to serve in the Fourth Battalion, commanded
by Col. James Burd, agreeable to order of Congress, and
agree to serve until the first day of November, 1776, in
the land service of the country in favor of the flag of
liberty.
Frederick Hummel, Samuel Ramsey,
Alexander Montgomery, Peter Grove,
David Hummel, Mathias Hoover,
Philip Blessing, John M'Farlane,
Philip Fishburn, George Lauer,
Henry Miller, Thomas Rowland.
Nicholas Zimmerman,
Frederick Hummel was afterwards captain of this
company.
Contributions in support of the war were not confined
to the payment of heavy taxes, but voluntary aid came
from associations and individuals in every quarter.
^ ^ John Harris, the first settler, and father of the founder
of Harrisburg, was one of those who when independ-
ence was agitated thought the Declaration premature.
I He feared that the Colonies were unequal to the task of
combating with Great Britain. But when Independence
was formally declared, he read the Declaration from a
Philadelphia newspaper to his wife in the presence of
their son. When he had concluded it, he remarked:
. "The act is now done, and we must now take sides either
for or against the country. The war in which we are
Historical SketcJi of DaitpJiin County. 57
about to engage cannot be carried on without money.
Now we have ^3,000 in the house, and if you are agreed
I will take the money to Philadelphia and put it into the
public treasury to carry on the war. If we succeed in
obtaining our independence we may lose the money — as
the government may not be able to pay it back — but we
will get our land." She consented, and he carried the
money to Philadelphia and deposited it in the treasury,
takinor certificates in return. After the war he sold these
certificates for 17s. 6d. in the pound. After the debt was
funded, certificates rose to 25s. in the pound.
A number of additional facts bearing testimony to the
patriotism of our citizens during the revolution will be
found, in Dr. Egle's Historical Sketch, in the Appendix.
58 Historical Sketch of Daupkin Coiuity.
FORMATION OF THE COUNTY,
We commence our sketch of the formation of the
county with a general history of the townships within that
portion of the county of Lancaster, which was subse-
quently set off to Dauphin, as well as the territory taken
from the latter to form the county of Lebanon ; the data,
which is derived from a valuable work, now quite rare,
prepared by Joseph Miller, Esq., formerly clerk to the
County Commissioners, under whose authority it was
published.
The Legislature of the Province of Pennsylvania, by
an act passed May 10, 1729, erected the county of Lan-
caster with very extensive limits, not necessary to de-
scribe here further than to say, they embraced the pres-
ent territory of Lancaster, Dauphin, Lebanon and part of
Berks counties.
Among the records of the Court of Quarter Sessions,
of Lancaster county, are the following entries:
"Boundaries of the townships in Lancaster county, as
they were settled and agreed upon by the magistrates
and Inhabitants of the said county, the 9th day of June,
and confirmed by the Court of Quarter Sessions the first
Tuesday in August ensuing. Anno Domini 1729."
Then follow the names and boundaries of a number
of townships, covering the territory of the county from
its southern lines to the Kittatlnny mountain, among
which occur the nam.es of Derry, Peshtank and Lebanon
townships, which afterwards became Dauphin county,
which are severally described as follows:
Hi stoi'i cell Sketch of Dauphin Coimty. 59
"DERRY, 1729.
'"The township of Derry, beginning at the mouth of
Conewago creek, thence up Susquehanna to the mouth
of Swatara, thence up Swatara to the mouth of Ouitopo-
hollo, thence south on a direct Hne to Conowago, and
thence down the same to the beginning.'
"The eastern boundary of this township as originally
adopted, seems to be involved In some uncertainty; to
pursue the letter of the foregoing order, to run soiith on
a direct line from the mouth of the Oulttopohllla creek to
Conowago creek, would strike the latter something like
seven miles lower clown than the point w^hich, from every-
thing which can now be discovered, seems to have been
originally adopted as the southeast corner of Derry
township — that, instead of running the eastern line of the
township south on a direct line, as the record calls for,
the Oulttopohllla creek, Killlnger's run, and a line south-
east from the head of that run to strike the Conowago
creek, seems most probable, if not entirely certain. This
is Inferred from the following facts : First — All the ter-
ritory which lay between the Susquehanna river and the
eastern boundary of Lebanon township, and between the
Conowago creek and the mountain, was at the same time
divided Into three townships, viz: Peshtank, Derry and
Lebanon. To adhere to a line directly south from the
mouth of the Oulttopohllla, would have left the territory
of Derry township very limited as compared with that of
the other two townships. By adopting the Oulttopohllla,
&c., as the eastern boundary of Derry, that township was
still less than either of the other two; but of course, bore
a better proportion to them. Second — In the year 1768
the inhabitants of Derry township applied to the Court
for a division of the township, on the grounds that its
boundaries were ''very large and extensive,'' and asking
that the division line mieht be a certain road "leadincr
from Conowago creek, by the widow Hall's, to the Swa-
tara creek at Felix Landis', senior." This prayer was
granted by the Court, and that road adopted as the dl-
6o Historical Sketch of DaupJiin County.
vidinof line, and the eastern division directed to be called
Londonderry toiunship. Now, if in the year 1768 a line
directly south from the mouth of the Ouittopohilla to the
Conewao^o creek was considered as the eastern bounda-
ry of Derry township, a division of it by the road before
mentioned would have been most objectionable, as it
would have left Londonderry township but a mere slip of
territory, for some distance not a mile wide. And lastly —
If the Ouittopohilla creek, &c., was not considered in
1768 as the originally adopted eastern boundary of Der-
ry township, how or when was the township of London-
derry brought up to that line ? There is no record or
authority found, creating the township of Londonderry
other than by the division of Derry in 1768 before men-
tioned, nor an)^ afterwards extending the limits of the
former eastward, and yet it is certain that Londonderry
extended eastward to the Quittopohilla and Killinger
run line in 1799, when on the occasion of a division of
Lebanon township, Londonderry was called for on that
line as may be seen on reference to Annville township.
Upon these grounds the conclusion, that the Ouittopo-
hilla creek, Killinorer's run and a line southeast from the
head of that run to the Conewago creek, was the origi-
nally adopted eastern boundary of Derry township,
seems to be warranted ; notwithstandlno- it must be ad-
mitted that that line does not appear to be in strict ac-
cordance v/ith the foregoing record.
"PESHTANK TOWNSHIP, 1729.
'"The township of Peshtank, beginning at the mouth
of the Swatara, thence up the river to Kohtohtoning hill
above Peter Allen's, thence eastward by the south side
of the said hill to the meridian of Ouotopohollo mouth,
thence on a south course to the mouth of the same at
Swatara, and down Swatara to the beginning.'
''LEBANON TOWNSHIP, 1729.
'"Lebanon township, beginning under the aforesaid
hill at the northeast corner of Peshtank, thence by the
Historical Sketch of DaiLpJiin County. 6i
said hill easterly to the meridian of the west line of Tol-
pohocken Manor, thence southerly and by the said line
to the hills bounding Warwick township, thence by the
said hills and township westerly to the corner of Derry
on Conowago, thence northerly by Derry and Peshtank
to the place of beginning.'
''Assuming the 'Kohtohtonine hill,' mentioned in the
above records, to be the lower or southmost of the range
of mountains, the three townships of Derry, Peshtank
and Lebanon, at their organization in 1729, embraced all
the territory south of that mountain, which subsequently
became part of Dauphin county, except that portion of
Heidelburg township, which was thrown into Dauphin on
the division of Dauphin from Lancaster county. The
northeast corner of Lebanon township, as described
above, was afterwards cut off by the division line be-
tw^een Berks and Lancaster counties. The Lebanon
township record above given calls for the Kohtohtoning
hill, from the northeast corner of Peshtank to the meri-
dian of the west line of the Tolpohocken manor; that
point at the hill has been assumed to correspond with
the east line of Lebanon township, as given on Smith's
map, and is found by examination of drafts in the Sur-
veyor General's office to correspond in position and
course with the west line of Tulpohocken manor.
''HANOVER TOWNSHIP, 1739.
"At February Sessions, i']^6-j, a petition was pre-
sented to the court of Lancaster county, stating that
many of the inhabitants of Derry township, living on the
northwest side of the Siuatara creek, labored under incon-
veniences by reason of the largeness of the township,
and asking to be divided from the other part thereof, and
that their bounds mio^ht be as follows: 'To be divided
on the west from Peshtank by Beaver creek, from its
mouth to the mountain ; from Lebanon on the east and
Derry on the south, by Swatara creek from Beaver creek
mouth to the forks, and thence by the north branch
thereof to the mountain,' which was allowed by the court
62 Historical SketcJi of Dauphin County.
and ordered to be recorded, and that the said township
be called 'Hanover.' The boundaries of this township are
all natural and therefore cannot easily be mistaken; but
there is an evident mistake in stating the petitioners to
be inhabitants of Derry township, residing northwest of
the Swatara creek, and that their prayer was for a division
of Derry township. A glance at the boundaries of Der-
ry will show that there was no part of that township
on the northwest side of Swatara creek, and the division
lines asked for and granted did not touch upon the terri-
tory at all. The mistake is not of any practical import-
ance, but seems evident that the petition was from inhab-
itants of Peshtank, and for a division of that township.
Hanover as thus laid off, embraced parts of what was be-
fore Peshtank and Lebanon townships.
"BETHEL TOWNSHIP, 1739.
" The Court of Quarter Sessions of Lancaster county in
May, 1 739, on the application of inhabitants of Lebanon
township, setting forth that they labored under several
disadvantages by the largeness of the township, and pray-
ing the same may be divided into two townships, and one
of them be called Bethel; 'Ordered by the Court that
the division line begin at Swatara creek, at a stony ridge
about half a mile below John Tittler's and continuing
along the said ridge easterly to Tulpohocken township,
to the north of Tobias Pickle's, so as in its course to leave
John Benagle, Adam Steel, Thomas Ewersly and Mathias
Tice to the southward of the said line; that the norther-
most division be called the township of Bethel, and the
southern division continue the name of Lebanon.' This
division was made by a single line run across the town-
ship of Lebanon from the Swatara creek to the original
east line of that township, consequently that portion of
the territory which was afterwards cut off by the Berks
county line, was a part of Bethel township from this divi-
sion in 1739 until the Berks county line was run, which
was in the year 1752.
Historical SketcJi of DaiipJiin Cotniiy. 63
"BERKS COUNTY, 1752.
"The Legislature of the Province, by an act passed
March 11, 1752, erected the county of Berks, separating
the new county on the southwest from Lancaster by the
Hne which subsequently continued to be the dividing line
between Dauphin and Berks counties, and the same
which at present divides Lebanon from Berks, and
Dauphin from Schuylkill counties. This line, as before
stated, cut off a pordon of Bethel township, and will be
referred to hereafter in relation to the boundaries of
townships.
"At the time the county of Berks was erected, the
townships of Warwick, Heidleburg and Cocalico had ex-
istence in Lancaster county: they either adjoined the
south and east sides of Lebanon township, or were lo-
cated in that neighborhood. At February sessions,
I 757, the inhabitants of the township of Heidleburg peti-
tioned the court, stating their difficulties arising out of the
largeness of their township, and that there was a consid-
erable body of land laying between the townships of
Heidlebure, Lebanon, Warwick and Cocalico, that had
not before then been erected Into or annexed to any
township, and praying for a reconstruction of said town-
ships: upon which the court ordered and designated the
boundaries of several townships, among which was Hei-
dleburg, as follows:
"HEIDLEBURG TOWNSHIP, 1757.
"'Beginning at the south side of Joseph Cratzer's land,
bounding upon Lebanon and extending by the same
northerly to Bethel township; thence easterly along
Bethel to Tulpohocken township. In Berks county;
thence by the same to Cocalico township, to Valentine
Feeman's ; thence by the same and by Elizabeth town-
ship to the place of beginning.' This gives the bound'-/l
ries of Heidleburg township as they were when Daup^' is
county was subsequently taken from Lancaster, a^^^ ^^e
they remained so long as Heidleburg township stream
portion of Dauphin county. -^^ creek
64 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
''UPPER PAXTON TOWNSHIP, 1767.
"At a Court of Quarter Sessions, held at Lancaster in
August, 1767, a petition was presented from inhabitants
of Lower Paxton township, stating that some time ago
Upper Paxton, above the Narrows, was a separate town-
ship from Lower Paxton, and had their annual officers;
James Murry and William Clark served as constables in
said Paxton above the Narrows, and they had their own
inspectors, &c.; and learning that the inhabitants of Up-
per Paxton, above the Narrow^s, had petitioned the court
for a road from the Narrows to James Reed's, and ob-
tained an order for a view of the same as in Lower Pax-
ton, which alarmed the petitioners, and they therefore
prayed the court to grant them relief by confirming a di-
vision line of raid townships. Whereupon the court
'ordered that the partition line betw^een Upper and
Lower Paxton be made from the mouth of Fishing creek,
where it empties into Susquehanna, and from thence
along the top of Kittatenia mountain, next to Lower
Paxton, to Beaver creek.'
"There does not appear to be any record of the court
previous to the date of the above, establishing, or in any
way recognizing the existence of Upper Paxton town-
ship. The minutes of the Court of Quarter Sessions,
which usually exhibit the townships and the names of the
constables for each at the commencement of each ses-
sion, does not notice either the name of Upper Paxton
township, or any constable as from such township, until
after the date of the order of i 767 ; that order is the only
record found creating this township at all, and as it has in
that order no northern limit assigned, it may be taken that
from August, i 767, Upper Paxton embraced at least all the
^*-erritory subsequently assigned to Dauphin county, from
^^e lower mountain to the Mahantongo creek, subject,
the 'ever, to a debatable question whether Hanover
count;|^ip extended northward by the second mountain; a
sion m t^ which is noticed more at large under the head
was in th.-^ East and West.'
Historical Sketch of DmipJiin Comity. 65
"LONDONDERRY TOWNSHIP, 1768.
"February Sessions, 1768. — 'The court, taking into
consideration a petition preferred to them by the inhab-
itants of Derry township, setting forth that the bounds of
the said township were very extensive and large, and the
inhabitants thereof labored under several inconveniences
by reason thereof, and praying the said court to divide
the said township into two parts, according to a bounda-
ry line agreed upon by the said inhabitants, to wit :
'"Along a certain road leading from Conewago creek, by
the widow Hall's; thence to Felix Landis, senior, at Swa-
tara creek, which said road is to fall into the east part of
the said township, and that the said part be known by the
name of Londonderry, and that the west part of said
township retain the name of Derry. It is considered and
ordered by the court that the said township be divided
agreeable to the prayer of said petition, and that the said
part to the east be known by the name of Londonderry,
and the west end be known by the name of Derry, which
said division line is hereby confirmed to be and remain
firm and stable forever, and as such to be entered of
record.' The reasons for adopting the Ouittopohilla
creek, &c., as the eastern boundary, are stated under the
head of Derry township, and need not be repeated here.
For subsequent alterations in the lines of this township,
see 'Derry and Londonderry Re-formed.'
"DIVISION OF HANOVER INTO EAST AND
WEST HANOVER, 1785.
"February Sessions, 1785. — 'The court, taking into
consideration the limits of the township of Hanover and
great difficulties of the several officers therein in dis-
charging their respective duties, on due consideration
and advisement, do direct a division thereof by a small
stream of water runnino- through the same, which is
called the West Branch of Priest's run, and rises on the
lands of Philip Rank, and from thence by the said stream
or run of water until it empties itself into Swatara creek
66 Historical Sketch of DaupJiin County.
at Michael Ikown's mill ; and do furdicr denominate that
division which is next to Jonestown, by the name of East
Hanover, and the other division thereof by the name of
West Hanover.' The stream of water called Priest's
run in the foregoing; record, is not found by that name on
]\Ir. Smith's map, nor is any one now living in that section
of the county who knows of a stream by that name ; but
from the best information which has been obtained, that
marked on Smith's map and now generally known as
Raccoon creek, was the dividing line between East and
West Hanover townships down to the year 1813, when
Lebanon county was taken from Dauphin, the northwest
line of which runs in the neighborhood of Raccoon creek,
and, indeed, the head of that creek Is made one of the
points of that line, and the running of that line so near
the dividing line of East and West Hanover townships,
made it of but little practical Importance where the sep-
arating line of the two townships was; it may, however,
be assumed with reasonable certainty that Raccoon creek
was the line.
"There Is another question which It seems proper, and
In place here to refer to. It Is as to the true boundary on
the north of East and West Hanover townships; In
point of what may be called practice. It seems those town-
ships were held to extend to the second mountain at least
from an early day; If the records are consulted It by no
means Is certain that the practice was In accordance with
them, or that there was any authority until a later day,
for supposing those townships extended beyond the first
mountain, other than long usage. When the township
of Peshtank was erected, In 1729, It extended from Swa-
tara creek to Kohtohtoning hill, above Peter Allen's;
where Peter Allen's was, or whether the first mountain
of the range was the only one known by the name of
Kohtohtoning, It Is now Impossible to know; the proba-
bility is that start from below and running up the river,
If It had been intended to pass the first mountain and
adopt the second, It would have been so stated; this,
however, Is but conjecture. The next matter of record
Historical Sketch of Daitphin County. 67
bearing on the question, occurs when Hanover township
was erected in 1737: Beaver creek from its mouth to the
mountain, was made the dividing Hne between Hanover
and Peshtank; Beaver creek had its source at the south-
ern base of the first mountain, and the division hne was
extended no farther. It should have been stated before,
when referring to the boundaries of Peshtank, that when
the Kothtohtoning hill was reached, the line run eastward
by the south side of said hill to the meridian of the mouth
of Quittopohilla creek. Again, in the year 1767, the
court ordered the division line between Upper and
Lower Paxton townships to be made from the mouth of
Fishing creek; thence along the top of Kittatinia moun-
tain, next to Lower Paxto7i, to Beaver creek. Hanover
township was divided into East and West in the year
1785; the dividing line was a run, having its source on
the south side of the first mountain. In this case, like
that of the division of Peshtank and Hanover, the record
provides no line extending beyond the first mountain.
The practice of treating the territory between the first
and second mountains as within the Hanovers, probably
originated soon after the organization of Dauphin coun-
ty, in the year 1785. The question whether East Han-
over township extended beyond the first mountain in the
year 1 796, occurred in the trial of the case of Gloninger
vs. Goddard, in the Common Pleas of Lebanon county,
and which is reported in 5th Watts, 221. The under-
standing and practice before mentioned was fully proved
on that trial ; in the Supreme Court, however, although it
was not thought necessary to the question, the Judge who
delivered the opinion of the Court clearly intimated that
the records showed the first mountain to be the true
boundary. This question and these matters relating to
it are here merely referred to as a part of the history of
township boundaries, and not to be understood as sug-
gesting any existing difficulty; incidently the second
mountain has become the record line of West Hanover,
as may be seen on reference to the records establishing
68 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
Rush township, In 182c, and the division of West Hano-
ver township In 1842.
''DAUPHIN COUNTY.
" By an act of Assembly passed on the 4th March, i 785,
Dauphin county was erected, the entire territory of which
was taken from the county of Lancaster, according- to the
following boundaries, viz: 'Beginning on the west side
of the river Susquehanna, opposite to the mouth of the
Conewago creek ; thence up the middle of the said creek
to Moore's mill; and from thence to the head of said
creek; and from thence by a direct line to the southeast
corner of Heldleburg township, where It strikes the
Berks county line; thence northwest, by the line of
Berks county, to the Mahantango creek; thence by the
same, by the line of Northumberland county and cross-
ing the river Susquehanna, to the line of Cumberland
county; thence down the Susquehanna, on the west side
thereof, by the line of Cumberland county and that part
of the line of York county, to the place of beginning, on
the west side of the river Susquehanna.' These boundaries
embrace the whole bed of the Susquehanna river, to low
water mark on the western shore, and it seems to have
followed as a consequence, that all township lines pre-
viously butting on the river, were extended to the west-
ern shore."
The county derives its name from the danphin of
France, (the eldest son of the King,) as a token of re-
gard for the assistance rendered by his father, Louis
XVL, to the Americans during the Revolution.
"MIDDLE PAXTON TOWNSHIP, 1787.
"At a Court of Quarter Sessions, held In Dauphin
county in the month of August, 1787, an order was is-
sued to commissioners to take into consideration the ne-
cessity and propriety of dividing Upper Paxton township,
who reported a dividing line, 'Commencing at the river
Historical Sketch of Dattphin Cotmty. 69
Susquehanna, at the mouth of a run emptying into the
said river and running from Jacob Strickler's spring, and
thence alone the different courses of the said run to the
place where the said spring extracts out of the earth, and
from thence by a direct line to the dividing ridge; thence
along the said ridge to the extremity thereof, to the line
of Berks county.'
"The court directed the township to be divided, agree-
ably to this report, from the said line to the upper
boundary of Lower Paxton, to be called Middle Paxton.
"HARRISBURG BOROUGH, 1791.
"The town of Harrisburg was incorporated and made
a borough by an act of Assembly passed on the 13th of
April, I 791, with the following boundaries, viz:
"'Beeinninor at low water mark on the eastern shore
of the Susquehanna river; thence by the pine apple tree
north 60]^ degrees, east 79 perches, to an ash tree on
the west bank of Paxton creek ; thence by the several
courses thereof 323 perches to a white hickory in Wil-
liam Maclay line; thence by the same south 6'jf(l de-
grees, west 212, to a marked chestnut oak, on the east-
ern bank of the Susquehanna; thence by the same course
to low water mark; and from thence by the low water
mark to the place of beginning.'
"This act of 1791 w^as repealed by the act passed Feb-
ruary I, 1808, but the first section of the latter act pro-
vided that the boundaries of Harrisburg should continue
as fixed by the act of 1791. By the 17th section of an
act of Assembly passed April 16, 1838, it is provided that
from and after the passage of the act 'the northwestern
boundary line of the borough of Harrisburg, as incorpo-
rated by the act of 13 April, 1791, shall be extended
and enlarged, as follows, to wit:
"'Beginning at the southwest corner of the present
boundary line on Susquehanna river; thence extending
along the same, at low water mark, to the upper corner
and line of the land of the late William Maclay on said
10
JO Historical Sketch of Dauphin County,
river, In Susquehanna township, and thence by a parallel
line to Paxton creek; thence along said stream to the
northwest corner of the present boundary line of the said
borough of Harrisburg, so as to include the whole village
or town of Maclaysburg within the limits of the aforesaid
borough of Harrisburg.'
"The position of the new line from the river to Paxton
creek was established in 1847, i^ proceedings, to deter-
mine that line of Susquehanna township which Is given
under the head of that township."
Further reference to Harrisburg will be found in our
description of the towhs in the county.
"ANNVILLE TOWNSHIP, 1799.
"An order of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Dau-
phin county was issued at June Sessions, 1799, to com-
missioners to examine and report a line dividing the
township of Lebanon, as nearly as might be for the con-
venience of the people, Into two equal parts. To this
order the said commission reported the following line of
division, to wit:
"'Beginning at the line between Bethel township and
Lebanon township; thence by lands of Jacob Boltz, John
Miller, Adam Heylman, John Heylman, junior, John
Heylman, Michael Krider, Christian Long, Abraham
Long, Herman Long, Peter Forney, John Gingrich,
Martin Carmony, Jacob Hegea, John Heiss, Michael
Urich, Christian Bachman, and Robert Coleman, Es-
quire, south four degrees, east 2,520 perches, to a marked
black oak, at the line between Londonderry township
and the township of Lebanon aforesaid.'
"This report was confirmed by the Court at September
Sessions, 1 799, and it was ordered that It be thereafter
designated upon the records of the court by the name of
Annvllle township.
Historical Sketch of Daup/mi County. j i
"SWATARA TOWNSHIP, 1799.
"The court, at their September sessions. In the year
1 799, Issued an order to commissioners to view Lower
Paxton township, and report to the next sessions, a Hne
dividing said township as nearly as might be for the con-
venience of the people. Into two equal parts; to which
order the commissioners made return, that they had made
a division of the said township by a line
"'Beginning at the Paxton creek, where the breast of
Landis' mill dam formerly stood; thence south 8 5 degrees,
east 192 perches, to a hickory in the land of John Neis-
ley; thence south "jG degrees, east 375 perches, to a
black oak in the land of Joshua Elder, Esq.; thence
south 80 degrees, east 135^ perches, to the fence of the
glieb land belonging to the Paxton meeting house ;
thence south 85 degrees, east 66j perches, to a chestnut
tree in Christian Page's field; thence 340 perches to Mi-
chael Cassel's bake oven; thence 200 perches to the
house of George Reese ; thence 262 perches to a marked
hickory on the bank of Beaver creek, on land of Jacob
Siders.'
"This report was confirmed by the court, and it was
ordered that It be entered of record, and that the south-
ern division be designated upon the records of the court
by the name of Swatara township. The foregoing shows
the divsion line between Lower Paxton and Swatara
townships in the year 1799; subsequently Lower Paxton
township was again divided and Susquehanna township
taken from it by a line from the mountain to somewhere
near the centre of the line of Swatara, giving the south-
ern section of the division to Susquehanna ; thus making
the before described Swatara line in part the dividing
line between Susquehanna and Swatara townships. In
the year 1842 the court issued an order to commission-
ers to view, ascertain ajid establish and lay out a line of
division between Susquehanna and Swatara townships
from the bridge over Paxton creek at the junction of
72 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
Market and Chestnut streets, In the hne of tlie borouo-h
of Harrisburg, to the corner between the townships of
Swatara, Susquehanna and Lower Paxton. The com-
missioners reported the following line, to wit:
"'Beginning at the corner between the said townships
of Swatara, Susquehanna and Lower Paxton where the
eastern branch of Keenbertz' mill dam crosses the same,
and where a public road from said mill crosses said
branch ; thence down said branch and mill dam, along the
west side thereof by the several courses, 391^0 perches to
the forks of said dam ; thence by the western fork of said
dam and branch, and along the north side thereof, by
their several courses, 68 perches to a point where said
branch is crossed by a road leading to Keenbertz' mill,
and opposite the mouth of a run entering said branch
from the southwest; thence crossing said branch and up
said run and ravine along which it liows by their several
courses, 941^ perches to a hickory in or near the line of
lands of F. Rudy; thence by said line north 88% de-
grees, west 93 perches, to the forks of a stream rising
near a stone corner between lands of the heirs of Joshua
Elder and Jacob Pancake, deceased, in said Rudy's line;
thence down said stream, by the several courses thereof,
'^'^ perches to its junction with Rutherford's run; thence
clown Rutherford's run two perches to the mouth of H He-
man's run; thence up Hileman's run, by the several
courses thereof, 119 perches to the line of James Her-
rington, where a road crosses said run; thence by the
line of Herrington's land, south 67 J^ degrees, Vv^est 109
perches, to w^here said line strikes the head waters of a
run which leads across the Dowaiingtown and Ephrata
turnpike road; thence down said run, by the several
courses thereof, 153 perches to the middle of said turn-
pike and a bridge across said run ; thence along the mid-
dle of said turnpike road to the middle of the bridge over
Paxton creek aforesaid, by the following courses and dis-
tances: north 74 degrees, west 68 perches, to an angle;
north 74/4^ degrees, west 213 perches to an angle on Al-
lison's hill; north 66 degrees, west 5X1^0 perches to the
Histoj^ical Sketch of Dauphin County. 73
junction of said turnpike with the Jonestown road, and
south ^% y^ degrees, west 8 perches to the middle of said
bridge.'
"This report was confirmed by the court on the i8th
of January, 1843. The Hne thus run, so far as it goes,
varies materially from the line of i 799 before mentioned.
The first division line of Swatara township may be found
recorded in Ses. Doc, 1795, i8oi,page 272; the second
in Road Doc. A, page 273.
"HALIFAX TOWNSHIP, 1804.
"At December Sessions, 1803, the court issued an order
to certain commissioners to view and lay out a new town-
ship out of parts of Upper and Middle Paxton town-
ships, who reported the following boundaries of the new
township, to wit:
"'Beginning on the west side of the Susquehanna
river, opposite the end of Peter's mountain; thence along
the top of Peter's mountain to the Berks and Dauphin
county line; thence along said line to Wiconisco moun-
tain; thence along the top of said mountain to the Sus-
quehanna river and across said river, and thence to the
place of beginning.'
"This report was confirmed by the court at their
March sessions, A. D. 1804, and it was ordered that the
new township be called Halifax. The mountain called
'Wiconisco' in the above report is the same usually
called Berry's mountain.
"LYKENS TOWNSHIP, 18 10.
"Upon the petition of inhabitants of Upper Paxton
township, asking for a division of said township, the
court issued an order at their January Sessions, 18 10, to
three commissioners to enquire into the propriety of
granting said prayer, and to make a plot or draft of the
township, &c. The commissioners reported in favor of
a division of the township by the following line, to wit :
74 Historical SJyictck of DaupJiin Ccitnty.
"'Beginning at a pine tree in the Halifax township Hne,
on the summit of Berry's mountain, at Peter Richard's
Gap; thence north lo degrees, east along and near a
public road, which leads from Halifax to Sunsbury through
Hain's Gap, 460 perches to a post on the north side of
Wiconisco creek, near the said road; thence north 80
perches to a pine; thence running along the public road
aforesaid, north 5 degrees, west 470 perches to Buffing-
ton's church, leaving the said church on the westward;
thence a course north 10 degrees west, leaving the dwell-
ing of John Hopple westward 1 1 50 perches to Mahan-
tango creek,' &c., &c.
''The report then follows the lines around the two di-
visions of Upper Paxton as they were after taking off
Halifax township (running the lines across the river.)
It is therefore unnecessary to follow them further here,
as the line given above shows the division of what was
then Upper Paxton township. This report was con-
firmed by the court on the 3d of September, 18 10, and It
was ordered that the eastern division be called Lykens
township.
"LEBANON COUNTY, 181
■^
"By an act of Assembly, passed i6th February, 181 3,
Lebanon county was erected out of parts of Dauphin
and Lancaster counties — principally from the former —
with the following boundaries to wit:
"'Beginning at the southeast corner of Dauphin coun-
ty, where It intersects the Berks county line, about four
miles from Newmanstown; thence through Lancaster
county to a sand stone house, formerly occupied by
George WIgman, and including the same, on the great
road leading from Shafferstown to Elizabeth furnace ;
thence to a house formerly occupied by one Shroyer, de-
ceased, and including the same, on the great road lead-
ing from Lebanon to Manheim; thence to Snyder's mill
on Conewago creek, excluding the same; thence north-
erly to the house of one Henry, at the cross roads lead-
Historical Sketch of Dattphin County. 75
ing from Harrlsburg to Reading, Including the same;
thence to Raccoon creek on the Blue or Kittatinny
mountain; thence along the said mountain, on the top
thereof, to the Berks county line; thence along said line
to the place of beginning.'
"By an act passed 21st February, 1814, three commis-
sioners were appointed to run and mark the boundary
lines between the counties of Lebanon and Lancaster
and Lebanon and Dauphin. Their report Is on file In
the Quarter Sessions of Dauphin county; that part which
relates to the line between Dauphin and Lebanon coun-
ties, is as follows, to wit:
"'Starting from Snyder's mill on the Conewago creek;
thence north 14^ degrees, west seven miles and 132
perches, to Andrew Henry's, Including the same; thence
north 15^4^ degrees, west eight miles and 239 perches, to
the source of Raccoon creek; thence on the same course
32 perches to the summit of the first or Blue mountain;
thence along the same north 64 degrees, east 13 miles
and three-fourths of a mile to the Berks county line.'
"On the 29th of March, 1821, another act of Assembly
was passed, providing
"'That so much of the townships of East Hanover and
Bethel, in the county of Dauphin, as lies north of the
Blue or Kittatinny mountain, shall be and compose a part
of the county of Lebanon.'
"And by a subsequent act commissioners were ap-
pointed to run these extended lines; and as appears by
their report — which is recorded in Dauphin county, in
Road Docket A, page J2> — that the southwestern line of
Lebanon county was extended from the top of the first
to the top of the fourth mountain, a distance of 4 miles
and 192 perches; and from thence along the top of the
fourth mountain to the Berks county line. These divi-
sions took from the county of Dauphin the entire town-
ships Heidleburg, Bethel, Lebanon, Annvllle, East Han-
over and a large portion of Londonderry and a small
strip of West Hanover, west of Raccoon creek; that Is,
76 Historical SkctcJi of DaiLpJiin County,
supposIn<^ all the territory between the first and fourth
mountains, taken under the act of March, 1821, belonged
to East Hanover and Bethel townships, and no part of it
to Middle Paxton township.
"SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP, 181 5.
"An order w^as issued by the Court of Quarter Ses-
sions on the 30th of January, 181 5, returnable on the ist
April succeeding, to three commissioners to enquire into
the propriety of granting the prayer of inhabitants of
Lower Paxton township, asking for a division of said
township. The commissioners reported in favor of a di-
vision, and that they had run the dividing line as follows,
to wit:
'"Beginning at the top of the first bench of the moun-
tain, north of the plantation of Andrew Stephens, at a
hickory tree; thence south i 7 degrees, east 1,856 perches
to the intersection of the northern line of Swatara town-
ship, near the head of Joshua Elder's mill dam; in the
course of which division line we passed about 50 perches
west of John Beck's, about 20 perches east of Andrew
Stephen's, close to the west end of Miller's mill on Pax-
ton creek, about 50 yards west of George Hain's, about
half-way between Shupp's and Parthemer's ; thence about
50 yards east of Daniel Feree's; thence about 50 perches
west of Martin Mayer's, thence west of Christian Eby's
about 40 yards; thence east of John Carson's, about 20
perches to the intersection of Swatara line, about 60
perches further on.'
"This report was confirmed by the court on the 1st
May, 181 5, and It was ordered that the western division
be called Susquehanna township. For a subsequent al-
teration of the south lines of this township see Sw^atara
township — the mill dam there called Kimbortz, is the
same which is called Elder's above. See Road Docket
1809-15, page 431. The township of Susquehanna was
and yet is bounded in part by the borough of Harrisburg,
the limits of which were extended to the northwest by the
HistojHcal Sketch of DaiipJiin Co7tnty, 77
act of 1 6th April, 1838. In August, 1847, the court ap-
pointed commissioners to ascertain the new Hne of this
township, dividing it from the borough of Harrlsburg,
who reported the following, to wit :
'"Beginning at a point at the river Susquehanna near
the house of George Hammond; thence a straight line
north 64 degrees, east to a post at the Paxton creek, near
a willow tree, 259 perches.'
"This report w^as confirmed by the court on the 24th
January, 1848.
"MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP, 1819.
"At a Court of Quarter Sessions, held the 2 2d day of
October, 181 8, an order was issued to three commission-
ers to Inquire into the propriety of dividing the town-
ships of Upper Paxton and Lykens, then embracing the
whole of Lykens valley, into three townships, as had been
petitioned for by the inhabitants of said valley. The
commissioners reported that they were of opinion that
the two aforesaid townships ought to be divided into
three, and that they had accordingly run and marked the
lines of division as follows, to wit:
"'The Fij'st township beginning at Mahantango creek,
a short distance below Miller s Fording, on the old Suns-
bury road ; thence down the same to the river, and across
said river to the mouth of West Mahantango creek;
thence down the western shore of Susquehanna to a
point opposite to Berry's mountain; thence by Halifax
township across said river, and along the summit of said
mountain 5 miles, 200 perches to a chestnut oak tree;
thence north 7^, west 6 miles 80 perches to the begin-
ning, which we have called Upper Paxton township. The
Second we have called Berry township, beginning at the
chestnut oak aforesaid ; thence by the summit of Berry's
mountain aforesaid 4 miles 260 perches, to a small chest-
nut oak; thence north 6, west 7 miles (through Haln's
Gap,) to Mahantango creek aforesaid; thence down the
same to the point aforesaid, near Miller's fording; thence
11
yS Historical Sketch of DanpJiin Coinity.
by the line of Upper Paxton aforesaid, (reversed,) soiidi
yyi degrees, east 6 miles 80 perches, to the beginning.
The Third beginning at the same chestnut oak aforesaid;
thence along the summit of Berry's mountain aforesaid
10 miles to the line of Schuylkill county; thence by same
8^ miles to Mahantango creek aforesaid; thence down
the same to Berry township aforesaid; thence by the
same south 6 degrees, east seven miles, to the begin-
ning, 'and which w^e have called Lykens township."
"This report was confirmed by the court, March 12,
1819, except so far as the new or centre division, which
the court ordered to be called Mifflin township. See
Ses. Doc. 1815-23, page 212.
''RUSH TOWNSHIP, 1820.
"On the 23d of October, 1819, the Court of Quar-
ter Sessions issued an order to commissioners to
enquire into the propriety of dividing the township of
Middle Paxton, who reported in favor of a division and
that they had run a dividing line as follows, to wit :
"'Beginning on a stone heap on the second mountain,
the summit of which separates West Hanover from Mid-
dle Paxton township, at the distance 3^ miles from the
northwest corner of West Hanover township, thence
north 10 degrees west 3 miles 150 perches to a chestnut
oak tree on the top of Peter's mountain and line of Hal-
ifax to wm ship.'
"This report was confirmed by the court March 14,
1820, and it was ordered that the new township be called
Rzcsh township; for record see Ses. Doc. 1815-23, page
282. The line above described continued to be the di-
viding line between Rush and Middle Paxton townships
from 1820 to 1832 ; previous to 22d of November, 1831,
a petition had been presented to the court, praying for
an alteration of the -dividing line between those two
townships, and on that day the court issued an order to
commissioners to enquire into the propriety of granting
the prayer of said petition, who made report in favor of
Historical Sketch of Dauphin Comity. 79
altering the line, and that they had run the line as fol-
lows, to wit:
'"Beginning at a chestnutoak on the top of Peters' moun-
tain, the northwest corner of Rush township; thence a
southwesterly course along the summit of said mountain,
w^hich separates Jackson and Halifax townships from
Middle Paxton and Rush, 7 miles 25 perches to a marked
hickory; thence passing on the line between John Wil-
liams and the widow Fortenback south 10 degrees east
one mile and 185 perches to a chestnut oak on the sum-
mit of the third mountain; thence a northeasterly course
along the top of the said mountain 7 miles, Intersecting
the west line of Rush township.'
"This report was confirmed by the court November
19th, 1832. See Road Doc. A, page 74.
"DERRY AND LONDONDERRY TOWNSHIPS
AS RE-FORMED, 1826.
"Between the year 181 3, when the erection of Leba-
non county cut off a large portion of Londonderry town-
ship, and the year 1825 some proceedings were had in
the Quarter Sessions to remodel the townships of Der-
ry and Londonderry, none of w^hlch however seem to
have received the final sanction of the court. At No-
vember Term, 1825, the court appointed three commis-
sioners to enquire into the propriety of a division, who
made report in favor of a division, by a line
"'Beginning at a black oak tree on the eastern bank of
the Swatara creek, at the mouth of Strickler's run ; thence
a due east course 7 miles and i 20 perches to the Leba-
non county line, at the farm of Jacob Longnecker.'
"The court confirmed this report on the 21st of Janu-
ary, 1826, and gave to the northern section the name of
Derry and to the southern division the name of London-
derry. See Road Docket A, page 13.
So Historical SkctcJi of DaupJiiii County.
"JACKSON TOWNSHIP, 1828.
"On the 23d August, 1828, an order was issued by the
Court of Ouarter Sessions to three commissioners to
view and report upon the propriety of dividing- the town-
ship of Halifax according to the prayer of inhabitants of
the east end of said township, asking for a division, and
that the new township might be called Jackson, pre-
viously presented to said court. The commissioners re-
ported, that in their opinions a division of said township
was necessary and proper, and that they had run and
marked a division line as follows, to wit :
•"Beginning at a chestnut oak on the top of Peters'
mountain, in Winn's Gap, on the line dividing Halifax
and Middle Paxton townships; thence across Powell's
and Armstrong's valleys, north 3^ degrees, west 6 miles
and 280 perches to a hickory on the line between Upper
Paxton and Halifax townships, on Berry's mountain, at a
small curve in said mountain about three-quarters of a
mile west of Woodside's Gap.'
"This report was confirmed by the court at November
Sessions, 1828. See Road Docket A, page i"].
"LOWER SWATARA TOWNSHIP, 1840.
By a resolution of the Legislature passed March 18,
1840, Pam. Laws, page 710, it was provided that
"'That part of Swatara township, in the county of Dau-
phin south of straight lines forthwith to be run by the su-
pervisor of said township, commencing at the west end of
the bridge over Swatara creek at Nissley's mill, thence to
the residence oi Daniel Smith, thence to Christian Roop's,
thence to Samnel Neidigs, thence to the river Susque-
hanna at the line dividine the farms of Christian Mumma
and John Heagy, and thence immediately by the lower
end of Shreiner's island to the York county line shall
hereafter form a separate election district, and township
to be called Lower Swatara.'
Hisioidcal SkeicJi of DaupJiln County. 8i
"And by the 27th section of an act of Assembly passed
on the 13th June, 1840, it is further provided that
'"That part of Lower Swatara township, in the county
of Dauphin, north of straight Hues to be run by the su-
pervisors of the townships of Swatara and Lower Swa-
tara, commencing at the residence of Daniel SmitJi,
thence to Peter Roop's, thence to Christian Good's fulL
ino- mill, and thence to the residence of Samuel Neidio-,
shall hereafter form part of Swatara township, &c., and
that so much of the resolution passed 18 March, 1840,
as is hereby altered is repealed.'
"WISCONLSCO TOWNSHIP, 1840.
"The 90th section of an act of Assembly, passed July
2d, 1839, Pam. Laws, page 602, provides
"'That that part of Lykens township, in the county of
Dauphin, north of lines to be run by the supervisors of
said township: 'commencing at a bridge crossing the
head of the widow Snyder's mill dam at the Mifflin town-
ship line, thence east to the hand board in the forks of
road on the lands of Elder and Haldeman, thence a
straight line to a house of Martin Rickert, now occupied
by Peter Rickert, at the foot of the Short mountain,
thence east along the foot of the mountain (north side)
to the Schuylkill county line, shall hereafter form a sepa-
rate township to be called Wisconisco.'
"By the 54th section of an act, passed April 14, 1840,'
Pam. Laws, page 342, it is provided that the name of Pe-
ter Rickert in the forecroino- act shall be taken and con-
strued to mean Henry Rickert, and that it shall be the
duty of the supervisors to file the survey or plot of said
lines run, in the office of the Clerk of Quarter Sessions
of the county of Dauphin. On the 26th June, 1840, the
plot or draft of the lines run was filed as above directed
and are as follows, to wAt :
"'Beginning at a point on the Mifilin township line,
thence north 63^ degrees, east 296 perches to cross
roads, thence due east 464 perches to a chestnut oak.
82 Jlislorical Sketch of Daupliiu Coiuity.
thence north "^i degrees, east 52 perches to a chestnut
oak, thence north ']^ degrees, east 30 perches to a chest-
nut oak, thence north 53 degrees, east 120 perches to a
black oak, thence north 60 degrees, east 79 perches to a
chestnut, thence north 65 degrees, east 61 perches to a
poplar, thence north 80 degrees, east 450 perches to a
white pine, thence north 75 degrees, east 82 perches to
a white pine, thence north 70 degrees, east 280 perches
to a chestnut oak, thence north 67 degrees, east 186
perches to a chestnut, thence north 64 degrees, east 300
perches to a chestnut, thence north 67 degrees, east 310
perches to a white oak at the Schuylkill county line,
making in all 8 miles, 150 perches.'
"SOUTH AND EAST HANOVER TOWNSHIPS
OUT OF WEST HANOVER, 1842.
"The 64th section of an act of Assembly passed March
4th, 1842, provides that the township of West Hanover,
in the county of Dauphin, shall, as then divided into
three separate election districts, thereafter form three
separate townships: the south district to be called 'South
Hanover,' the east district to be called 'East Hanover,'
and the west district 'West Hanover;' and that the then
supervisors should file in the office of the Clerk of the
Court of Quarter Sessions of Dauphin county, as the di-
viding lines of said townships, the survey and draft
thereto annexed, of the election lines run of said West
Hanover township, pursuant to law, by M. Robeson on
the 17th day of September, 1838. On the 14th March,
1842, the survey and draft of M. Robeson was filed as
above directed, and was recorded in Road Docket A,
page 253, as folio w^s, to wit:
'"Beginning at the Swatara creek, half a mile south of
the intersection of Bow run with said creek, at a chest-
nut oak on the land of John Fox; thence through land of
Conrad Waggoner, Philip Stine, Abraharn Hoover, Ja-
cob Leasure, and John B. Morehead, to the present resi-
dence of J. B. Morehead, leaving the houses on all said
Histo7ncal Sketch of DaitpJiin County. 8 ^
v5
farms north, except Conrad Waggoner — whole distance,
2 miles and 20 perches — course bearing south 82 de-
grees west; thence from J. B. Morehead's through other
land of said Morehead, Doc. William Simonton, Samuel
M'Cord, William M'Cord, Jacob Keiffer, Samuel Shellen-
berger, George Bashore, William Bomgardner and Chris-
tian Walters, to Beaver creek, to a hickory, leaving all
the houses on said farms north, except J. B. Morehead's
present residence, one of Doc. William Simonton's ten-
ant houses, now occupied by John Fading; Samuel
M' Cord's and William M' Cord's — these five are south —
course bearing the same, viz: south 82 degrees west,
distance 2^/^ miles. Then beginning at the house of J.
B. Morehead, (present residence;) thence through land
of said Morehead and near land of Daniel Keim, through
land of Doc. William Simonton, Alexander M'Fadden,
Daniel Keiffer, Samuel Zimmerman, John Snodgrass, Si-
mon Stout, Samuel Fleming, Mary M'Creight, Joseph
Shoop, Benjamin Snodgrass, Emanuel Cassel, junior,
(near Daniel and William Gross,) Joseph Allen, William
Crum, (near Daniel Aungst,) E. and C. B. Grubb, George
Rhoads, John Rhoads and E. and C. B. Grubb, to the
top of the second mountain — the present boundary of
West Hanover township — leaving all the houses on said
farms west, except Daniel Keim, Simon Stout, Benjamin
Snodgrass, Daniel and William Gross, Emanuel Cassel,
junior, Daniel Aungst, E. and C. B. Grubb, George
Rhoads and John Rhoads; course bearing north 14^^
degrees w^est, distance 8 miles.'
"JEFFERSON TOW^NSHIP, 1842.
"In the year 1842, inhabitants of Jackson township pe-
titioned the Court of Quarter Sessions, asking for a di-
vision of said township: whereupon the said court, on the
23d April, 1842, issued an order to three commissioners
to enquire into the propriety of granting the said prayer,
who made report, that they considered a division of the
said township necessary, and had run a dividing line as
follows, to wit:
84 Historical Sketch of DaitpJiin Comity.
a i
Betrlnnlno; at a white oak on the summit of the divid-
ing ridge, at the HaHfax township Hne, and between the
farms of Abraham Kinportz and Lewis Ciilp; thence
north 66 degrees east 250 perches to a post; thence
north 42 degrees east 50 perches to a post; thence north
66 degrees east 340 perches to a post; thence north 71
degrees east 160 perches to a post; thence north 66 de-
grees east 80 perches to a post; thence north 69 degrees
east 656 perches to a post; thence 18 degrees east 171
perches to a post; thence north 55 degrees east 28
perches to a post; thence north 39 degrees east 304
perches to a post; thence along Broad mountain north
1 3 degrees east 140 perches to a post; thence north 7 de-
grees west 520 perches to a pine in Deitrich's Gap, on
the summit of Berry's mountain, being in length 8 miles
and 140 perches.'
"This report was confirmed by the court on the 24th
of November, 1842. In the year 1844 the inhabitants of
Jackson petitioned the court, complaining of part of the
division line as made in 1842, and praying for an altera-
tion. Whereupon the court appointed other commission-
ers to view and report on the propriety of making such
alteration. These commissioners reported In favor of
alteration, and that they agreed upon and run the follow-
incr line :
'"Beginning at a*pine on lands of John Shoop, senior,
corner of former partition line between said Jackson and
Jefferson townships; thence north 68 degrees ,east.i3^
miles to the Schuylkill county line.'
"This report was confirmed by the court November
23d, 1844.
"WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, 1846.
"Upon the petition of inhabitants of Mifflin township,
asking for a division of that township, the court on the
3d of September, 1845, Issued an order to three commis-
sioners to view and report on the propriety of granting
the prayer of said petition ; who reported that in their
Historical Sketch of Dauphin Cotiniy. 85
opinions a division of said township was necessary, and
that they had laid off the following portion of the same,
to be called Washington, to wit :
'"Beginning at a post on the line dividing said town-
ship of Mifflin from Upper Paxton township, on the pro-
perty belonging to Philip Lenker; thence a straight line
bearing north 75 J^ degrees, east 1506 perches, or near
4^ miles, to a post on the line dividing said township of
Mifflin from Lykens township ; thence by said line bearing
south 7 degrees east and about 2^ miles, to the top of
Berry's mountain ; thence along the north side of said
mountain westward 43^ miles to a stone heap; thence
along the Upper Paxton township line north 7 degrees
west 2^ miles to the place of beginning.'
''This report was confirmed by the Court on the 23d
day of January, 1846.
REED TOWNSHIP, 1849.
By an act of Assembly approved April 6, 1849, it Is
enacted that
"That portion of the qualified voters of Penn election
district, Dauphin county, that reside in Middle Paxton
township, shall hereafter vote at the regular place of
holding elections for said township, and the balance of
of the voters of said Penn election district shall hold their
election at the new school house on Duncan's island, and
shall be erected into a separate township and school dis-
trict, to be called Reed township," etc.
The township is bounded on the north and northeast
by Halifax township, on the west by the Juniata and Sus-
quehanna rivers, and on the south and southeast by Mld-
clle Paxton township.
CONEWAGO TOWNSHIP, 1850.
This township was organized by an act of Assembly,
approved April 2, 1850, which enacted
"That from and after the passage of this act all that part
of the townships of Derry and Londonderry lying within
the folio win Of boundaries, to wit:
12
S6 Historical Sketch of Daupliin County.
"Beginning at the Conewago creek, the line of the
counties of Dauphin and Lancaster, at the place where
Brill's run empties into said creek, and from thence by
a straight line running parallel with the line dividing the
counties of Dauphin and Lebanon to a point that by run-
ning a straight line from said point at a right angle with
the aforesaid parallel said straight line will intersect the
said line of the counties of Dauphin and Lebanon at a
point not more than one-half of a mile north of the Men-
nonite meeting house, at or near said county line, and
from thence along the line of the counties of Dauphin
and Lebanon to the line of the county of Lancaster, and
from thence down said line to place of beginning, shall
hereafter form a separate election district and township,
and shall be called Conewago," etc.
WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP, 1869.
Williams township was taken from Wiconlsco town-
township on the 7th of February, 1869, and the bounda-
ry lines are as follows:
"Beginning at a black oak on the Schuylkill county
line east 46^ degrees, south 1,380 perches, thence south
81 degrees, west 1,400 perches along the highlands of
Berry's mountain, thence due north 490 perches, thence
north 60 degrees, east 415 perches to the place of begin-
ning."
Historical Sketch of DcuLpJiiu County. %^
THE PATRIOTISM OF OUR PEOPLE,
The citizens of Dauphin county have always evinced
a spirit of genuine patriotism, and have never been tardy
in responding to the calls of our government for men and
money in times of necessity. We have already alluded
to the action of our people during the Revolutionary
war. The same fervid patriotism animated the citizens
of Dauphin county during the existence of the difficulties
between the American government and the French Di-
rectory in 1797. At least two military companies from
this county offered their services on that occasion to the
general government.
During the ''Whisky insurrection," in the western part
of the State, an entire regiment was recruited in the
county for service under the general government.
In 181 2 thirteen full companies marched to the defence
of Baltimore.
A company composed of nearly one hundred mem-
bers, styled the Cameron Guards, in honor of Gen.
Simon Cameron, were enrolled on the 20th of December,
1846, who joined the army and participated in many of
the hard-fought battles during the war with Mexico.
During the great civil war, Harrisburg, as the capital
of the State, was an important point in many respects.
The first military camp in the United States, under the
President's call, was located here, and named Camp Cur-
tin, in honor of the then Chief Magistrate of the State.
As such it became widely known. The first public meet-
ing held after the firing upon Fort Sumter was held in
88 Historical Sketch of DanpJiiu County,
the court house, Gen. Simon Cameron presIcHng-. The
county of Dauphin quickly tendered men and money
to the government, and In that bitter, deadly strife fur-
nished Its full quota of volunteers. Twice Harrisburg
was the objective point of the Confederate troops;
and at one time, June, 1863, the enemy's pickets were
within two miles of the city. Active preparations were
made for the defence of the capital of the State. The
bluff of the river opposite the city was fortified and called
Fort Washington; rifle pits were dug along the river to
command the fording place In front of Harris Park, and
every preparation made to give the enemy a warm re-
ception. Fortunately the victory of the Union army at
Gettysburg checked the further advance of the Confed-
erates, and with It their last attempt to Invade the North.
After the battles of Antletem and Gettysburg, many
wounded soldiers of both armies were broueht to Harris-
burg, and school houses and church buildings were trans-
formed Into temporary hospitals. The charity of the cit-
izens of Harrisburg, and of the entire county, in these
trying hours was unbounded. A Soldier's Rest was erect-
ed near the railroad depots, by several prominent gentle-
men, where the maimed and sick soldier on his way
homeward found refreshments always ready. Thou-
sands In this way were kindly ministered to.
Dauphin county lost about six hundred of her citizen
soldiers; In every cemetery and graveyard within Its
limits lie their honored remains, while In the cemetery at
Harrisburg the grass grows green alike over the graves
of Union and of Confederate soldiers from far-off States.
In all the struggles for liberty, for right, and for the in-
tegrity of the Union, Dauphin county has been In the van.
Historical Sketch of DattpJiiii Coiinty. 89
RELIGIOUS PROGRESS IN THE COUNTY.
It Is scarcely within our province to become the eccle-
siastical historian of the county; and yet the true charac-
ter and condition of a people cannot well be understood
without some study of their religious state.
Religious tolerance was almost paramount to all other
aims and objects held in view by the early settlers of
Dauphin county. Lutherans, Scotch-Irish, Quakers, Hu-
cjuenots, etc., mincrled together, and worshloed God
as the common Father of all. The concrreoations were
Insulated, and shut out from the disturbing controversies
which agitated some other portions of the colony. The
pastors had sought the retired parishes here In the
hills and valleys, without much pride of learning and
without ambitious views. Their influence was paternal;
the eloquence of their example was more potent than the
eloquence of the pulpit. There was no affectation of se-
riousness in the assembly of parishioners — no mannerism
of worship. The thought of nothing in fact, save what met
their intelligence, and entered Into them by that method.
Thev were like men who had a dlorestlon for strono- meat,
and had no conception that trifles more delicate could be
of account as rellmous food. Nothinof was dull that
had matter in It — nothing long that had not exhausted
the matter. True, there w^as a rigor in their piety, a
w^ant, perhaps, of gentle feeling; their Christian graces
were of a cast-Iron nature, answerino- with a hard,
metallic ring. But they stood the rough wear of frontier
life none the less durably, for the excessive hardness of
their temperament, kept their families, and communed
90 Historical Sketch of Danpkiu County.
none the less truly, though It may be less benignly, under
the sense of deep religious feeling. If we at this day find
something to modify, or soften, In their over-rigid notions
of Christian living, it is yet something to know that what we
are they have made us, and that when we have done better
for the ages that come after us, we shall have a more cer-
tain right to blame their austerities. View them as we
may, there is yet, and always will be, something magnifi-
cent In their stern, practical fidelity to their principles.
We confess that we recall the honest, faithful days of the
early settlers — days when men's lives went by their con-
sciences as their clocks did by the sun — with a feeling of
profound reverence. It is more than respectable — it is
sublime. If we find a more liberal way, and think we are
safe in It, or If we are actually so, we can never yet break
loose from a willing respect to their inflexible, majestic,
paternity of truth and godliness.
To avoid a needless repetition we refer the reader to
a brief history of the rise and progress of the several re-
ligious denominations in the county, from the pen of
Rev. Thomas H. Robinson, D. D., Vv^hich will be found in
the Appendix to this review.
Historical Sketch of DaupJiin County. g i
EDUCATION.
The early settlers of Dauphin county were not un-
mindful of the advantages of education, and a number of
schools were established for the benefit of their children.
The schoolmaster in those days did not exactly go about
fit out the children's minds with learning as the shoe-
maker often did to fit their feet with shoes, or the tailors
to measure and cut for their bodies; but to come as near
it as possible, he very often boarded round, and the wood
for the common fire was supplied in a way equally primi-
tive, viz: by a contribution of loads from the several fam-
ilies, according to their several quantities of childhood.
The children were all clothed alike in homespun ; and the
only signs of aristocracy were, that some were clean and
some a degree less so, some in fine white and striped
linen and some in brown tow crash. The good fathers
of some testified the opinion they had of their children by
bringing fine round loads of hickory wood to warm them,
while some others brought only scanty, scraggy, ill-look-
ing heaps of green oak, white birch or hemlock. Indeed,
about all the inequality among the children centered
in the quality of the wood-pile. There was no com-
plaint in those days of the want of ventilation ; for the
large, open fire-place held a considerable fraction of a
cord of wood, and the windows took in just enough of air
to supply the combustion. Beside, the larger lads were
occasionally ventilated, by being sent out to cut wood
enough to keep the fire in action. The seats were made
of the outer slabs from the saw milf, supported by slant
92 Historical SkctcJi of DaitpJiin Coitnty,
legs driven Into and a proper distance through auger
holes, and planed smooth on the top by the rather tardy
process of friction. But the spelling went on bravely,
and the lads ciphered again and again, always till they
got through Loss and Gain. The more advanced of the
scholars, too, made light work of Lindley Murray, and
went on to the parsing, finally of extracts from Shakes-
peare and Milton, till some of them began to think they
had mastered their tough sentences, in a more conse-
quential sense of the term than was exactly true.
As early as i 786, just one year after the erection of the
county — the inhabitants of Harrisburg, in order to assist
in bringing into effect the intentions of John Harris,
who had granted the rents, issues and profits of his ferry
across the river for the endowment of an English and
German academy in that town, entered into the following
ao^reement:
We, the subscribers, do each of us for ourselves
promise to pay, or cause to be paid, to John Hoge, Mo-
ses Gilmor, Conrad Bombaugh and John Brooks, or
their order upon demand, the sums annexed to each of
our names respectively, to be applied by them In pur-
chasing materials for and In building a school house in
one corner of the public ground In the town of Harris-
burg.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands,
with the sums annexed, this 20th day of April, 1786:
Historical Sketch of DanpJiin County.
93
John Harris 5
AVilliam Speigel 1
George Fridley 1
George Le Ru
Thomas Kelso, (a quantity of
limestone)
Michael Kapp
George Hoyer
Christian Kunkle
Clunie & Kean 1
Adam Kuertzer
John A. Hanna
Thomas Forster
Jonathan Hudson
Stephen Stevenson
Jacob Weaver
John Rietsworth
Alexander Barr
James Duncan
Samiiel Grimes
Jacob Zollinger
Matliew Adams
George Allen
Robert Stevenson
Alex, and William Power. . .1
John Boyd
Alex. Porter
Robert Ramsey
John Hurslia
George Devebaugh
Joseph Lytle
George Reddick
Richard Dixon
James M'Namara
Edward Burke
Peter Graybill
Buckler I. Smith
David M' Mullen
Levi Hollingsworth
Adam Hocker 1
John Hocker
Malcolm Boyce
Dennis Sw^eeney
Note. — The names
s.
d.
5
10
10
10
7
6
10
7
6
7
6
10
10
10
10
10
10
15
15
10
7
G
15
15
1)
5
7
6
7
7
6
2
6
7
6
15
10
15
5
8
4
15
5
15
8
4
7
6
7
6
2
6
15
15
7
6
s.
d.
8
4
n
5
7
6
8
4
18
4
7
G
10
00
00
10
2
9
2
G
8
4
7
G
10
2
G
7
G
8
4
7
6
William Brown
Andrew Stewart. . . v
Ephraim Hunter
Francis Le Ru
Richard King
Andrew Coulter. . .^
James Stew^art
Alex. Graydon 1
Joseph M(mtgomery .3
David Jordan 1
John Hamilton 1
John Joseph Henry 1
Faughney C. Farrel 1
William Maclay
William M'Croskey ■
Samuel Berryhill
Francis Furguson
John Norton 1
JohnM'Gafog
Alex. Berryhill
Wm. Diven
Aaron Wright
Noah Chamberlin
George Hoak
Stew^art Williams
John M'Chesney
William Murray
John Davis
Adam Boyd 1
John Galbraith
Jacob Geiger
Henry Fulton
Andrew Armstrong
William Philips
John Eppert
Henry Wingert
John Hoge 1
Moses Gilmor 1
David Ritchie
Walter Clark
William Glass
James Sayers
to which no sums are attached
7 G
10
10
n
o
10
7
G
7
00
10
paid either in material or labor.
The following additional subscribers are recorded in
1 79 1, five years after the first subscription:
£ s.
John Luther 7
Anthony Sayfort 7
John Dentzel 7
David Harris 10
Stacy Potts 7
Geo. Fisher 7
Wm. Graydon 7
13
d.
G
Robert Harris
£ s.
7
6
G
David Vogelsong
Robert Barr
.... 7
7
David Conner
7
G
Heiuy Benner
.... i
G
Eli LeW' is
.... <
G
d.
G
G
G
G
G
G
94 Historical Sketch of DaiipJiiu County.
The first trustees of the academy were John A. Hanna,
John Hamihon and John Kean. The trustees for 1791
were John A. Hanna, John Kean, John Dentzel, Stacy
Potts and Adam Boyd. The following is the preamble
of the constitution adopted by the subscribers to the
academy fund:
"Whereas, The prosperity and happiness of the free
and independent citizens of the United States in a great
measure depends on the proper cultivation and improve-
ment of the minds of the young and rising generations,
whereby they may be qualified to perform their respective
duties In civil society as well as the more important obli-
gations of religion: zvhei^efore, we, the citizens of Harris-
burg, in the State of Pennsylvania, in order to establish a
seminary of useful learning have by voluntary contribu-
tions built a school house, hoping through the favor of
Divine Providence, with the benevolent aid of the hon-
orable Legislature of this Commonwealth, and the charita-
ble donations of the well disposed, together with the dili-
gent care and attention of the governors and teachers, it
may become a respectable institution, renowned for the
pious education of future generations; for which purpose
we do ordain and establish the following rules for the
constitution and government thereof."
Section 8 of the rules directed that the teachers shall
from time to time be obliged to teach such number of
charity scholars as shall be recommended by the trustees
(not exceeding four) gratis, which the trustees and
teachers shall keep secret.
October 4, i 791. — Samuel Barnes Davis was appointed
teacher of the academy for three months; and at a meet-
ing of the trustees on January 3, 1 792, it was resolved "that
Mr. Davis, the teacher, shall submit for the approbation
of the trustees copies of all such extracts or speeches as
he intends the children under his care shall speak or de-
liver at jjubllc c^xhlbltlon."
Historical Sketch of Dan pJiiii County. 95
October 22, i 795. — Mr. William Moderwell was appoint-
ed teacher of the Latin and Greek department of the acad-
emy, to commence this day.
November 21,1 795. — The trustees determined that the
following books should be tauo^ht in the Latin and Greek
department in the order in which they succeed each other:
Latin — Grammar, Vocabulary, Corderii, &c., Fables^
Erasmus Delectae, e V^eterl, Selectae e Profanis. Greek —
Greek Grammar, Testament, Lucian, Xenophen, Homer,
Caesar's Commentaries, Ovid, Virgil, Sallust, Horace,
Cicero.
The early minutes of the academy, the original of
which are in the possession of A. Boyd Hamilton, Esq.,
of Harrisburg, to whom we are indebted for the privilege
of making our extracts, show that like all new and de-
serving enterprises the institution had its trials and diffi-
culties, but by persevering energy these were finally
overcome, and the academy to-day ranks as one of the
best select educational establishments in the State.
From the adoption of the State Constitution of i 790 until
1809, no legislative provision of a general nature was
made in reference to public schools. An act was then
passed "for the gratuitous education of the poor." It re-
quired a report to be made by the assessors of the town-
ships, wards and boroughs to the commissioners of the
respective counties, of all children between the age of five
and twelve years whose parents were unable to provide
for their education : and that when the lists had been ap-
proved by the commissioners, that such parents should
be notified thereof, and be permitted to send their chil-
dren to the most convenient schools at the expense of the
county. Notwithstanding the many defects of this law,
it continued in force until it was repealed by that of 29th
96 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County,
March, 1824, which provided diat every township should
elect three "schoolmen" who should superintend the edu-
cation of poor children within their respective townships,
and ''cause them to be instructed as other children are
treated, the expense of tuition to be paid by the county."
But each county might authorize the "schoolmen" to di-
vide the township into school districts, and to establish
schools at the expense of the township, to which all chil-
dren belonmnor to the districts mieht be sent for three
years, at any time between the ages of six and fourteen
years. This law was applicable to the whole State, with
the exception of certain school districts in the city and
county of Philadelphia and city of Lancaster. It was re-
pealed in 1826 and the act of 1809 revived.
Beside the general provisions for education throughout
the State there were special ones enacted for certain lo-
calities. Thus in 18 18 the city and county of Philadel-
phia were erected into a district, called the "First school
district of Pennsylvania." By the act of April i, 1822,
the city and county of Lancaster were erected into the
"Second school district," with privileges and duties simi-
lar to the first. By the act of i ith April, 1827, the same
system was established at Harrisburg, and by act of 19th
February, 1828, at Pittsburg.
The act establishing a public school in Harrisburg,
authorized the commissioners of Dauphin county to make
use of any part of the court house of said county which
may be unoccupied, build, or procure a suitable building
for the purpose of educating the children directed to be
taught at the public expense; to engage a suitable
teacher or teachers; and they were required to direct
that all children educated at the public expense, who
shall reside in the borough of Harrisburg, or within one
Historical Sketch of DaupJihi County. 97
mile thereof, should attend the school, which was to be tau eht
<z>
and conducted on the principle of Lancaster's system of
education, in its most approved state. The commission-
ers w^ere further empowered to admit children whose pa-
rents or guardians were in circumstances to pay for their
tuition, and were at liberty to charge in each individual
case any sum which may be agreed upon between the
parties, which should be applied in all cases to the sup-
port of the school.
Under the provisions of the act of April 11, 1827, the
commissioners of the county established a school on Lan-
caster's plan in Harrisburg in the latter part of that year,
and erected the building now owned by the school board,
on Walnut street, opposite Short, in the city of Harris-
burg, for its accommodation. The school, however, does
not seem to have been a success, as it was abolished by
the act of 20th of May, 1834.
The present Common School system was established
December 5, 1835, ^^^^ from the report of the State
School Superintendent for the year ending December 31,
1837, the following statistics show the progress of the
system in the county, in two years' time:
Number of schools, 48; number of teachers, males, 45,
females, 13; number of scholars, males, 1,541, females,
1,320; number of months kept open, 4 months and 20
days; moneys received: State appropriation, ^$2,037 34'
from the county, $1,430 i 7, from the districts, $4,731 89 ;
average salary of teachers, males, $20 80^, females,
$19 16; cost of school house repairs, $1,575 29; other
expenses, $530 53.
Small as are these figures, the result at the time was
considered very favorable, and exceeded many counties
with a much larger population than Dauphin. But it is
98 Historical SkctcJi of DaiipJiiii County.
only when wc compare the report of 1837 with the report
of 1875 that the progress of education in Dauphin
county is brought out in all its grand proportions.
According to the report of the ^Superintendent of Com-
mon Schools for 1875, the whole number of schools in the
county was 266^; average number of months taught,
6.59; number of teachers, males, 130, females, 102; aver-
age salaries, males per month, ^40 42, females, ^35 40;
number of scholars, males, 5,51 1, females, 5,025 ; average
number attending school, 7,299; total amount of tax
levied for school and building purposes, $84,254 22; re-
ceipts: from State appropriation, $8,522 ; taxes and other
sources, $111,504 28; total receipts, $120,026 2)^\ ex-
penditures, cost of school houses, building, repairing, etc.,
$32,521 08; teachers' wages, $58,333 71; fuel, etc., $1 7,-
447 15-
Histoj'ical SkctcJi of DaiLpJiin Comily. 99
ROADS AND TRANSPORTATION.
The primitive roads in the territory now forming the
county were Indian trails, or paths, which the white
traders followed with their pack-horses ; these in time be-
came the regular thoroughfares of the early settlers. The
trails traversed the county eastward to Tulpohocken,
thence to Easton; westward to Carlisle, Forts Louden
(Bedford) and Fort Pitt (Pittsburg;) northward along
the valley of the Susquehanna into New York State, and
southward along the river into Maryland, beside short
and rough ways for neighborhood use.
Seventy-five or eighty years ago it was not an uncom-
mon sight to see as many as five hundred pack horses
passing the ferry here westward, loaded with merchan-
dise, salt, iron, etc. The iron was carried on horse-
back, being crooked over and around their bodies; bar-
rels or kecrs were hunof on each side of these.
The pack horses were generally led in divisions of
twelve or fifteen horses, carrying about two hundred
weight each, going single file, and managed by two
men, one going before as the leader, and the other in
the rear, to see after the safety of the packs. Where
the bridle road passed along declivities or over hills, the
path was in some places washed out so deep that the
packs or burdens came in contact with the ground or
other impeding obstacles, and were frequently displaced.
However, as the carriers usually traveled in companies, the
packs were soon adjusted, and no great delay occasioned.
The pack horses were generally furnished with bells,
which were kept from ringing during the day drive, but
A '^ /I 7 /} 'X
lOO Historical Sketch of DaupJiin County.
were loose at ni^ht, when the horses were set free and
permitted to feed and brouse. The bells were intended
as oruides to direct to their whereabouts in the mornine.
When the w^agons were first introduced, the carriers con-
sidered that mode of transportation an invasion of their
rights. Their indignation was more excited, and they
manifested greater rancor, than did the regular teamsters
when the line of packets or railroad cars came into use
about forty years afterwards.
As the settlements increased in the interior of the col-
ony, the Susquehanna river became an important avenue
of transportation, at first by means of canoes, then by
keel-bottomed boats, or "broad-horns," as they were often
called. Grains and other produce were the chief articles
carried in those conveyances. Harris Ferry and Middle-
town were noted marts for the stora^-e and sale of erain
at this period. In 1790 there were over 1 50,000 bushels
of wheat brought down the Susquehanna, and passed,
through Middletown, for the Philadelphia market.
About the year 1794 or '95 the first vessel in the shape
of an ark, but of small dimensions, arrived at Harrisburg
from Huntingdon on the Juniata. It passed the Cone-
wago Falls in safety. About the same time that arks
were introduced, the Conewago canal at York Haven, was
commenced, and on its completion in 1797 or 1798 keel-
bottom boats were passed through, which caused a great
portion of the trade in grain to be diverted from Harris-
burg and Middletown to Columbia. But in a few years
afterwards boats ventured beyond the Conewago falls
and thus reached tide-water, when the grain trade was
measureably diverted from both Middletown and Colum-
bia, concentrating at Port Deposit.
Upon the discovery of anthracite coal in the Wilkes-
barre region, nearly the entire product of the mines was
Historical Sketch of Dmcphin County. ioi
shipped to eastern and southern markets in arks, by the
Susquehanna river. The first anthracite coal ever con-
sumed in Harrisburo- was brouQ^ht on an ark from Wilkes-
barre, in 1812, and we may remark, en passant, that the
cargo was at the time considered more than sufficient to
supply the town for a year.
It was, however, the article of lumber that proved the
greatest bulk of the tonnage carried down the Susque-
hanna. This trade commenced shortly after the Revolu-
tion and continued to increase rapidly up to the com-
pletion of the canal and railroad system of the State;
although a very large proportion still continues to descend
the stream annually.
The earliest official records of roads established by the
authorities in this recrion are the followino-;
On November 4, 1735, the court of Lancaster county
appointed Randle Chambers, Jacob Peat, James Silvers,
Thomas Eastland, John Lawrence and Abraham Endless
to lay out a road from Harris Ferry (Harrisburg) to Balti-
more. These gentlemen made report Febuary 3, 1736,
of their view of the road, which they said was "opposed by
a considerable number of inhabitants on the west side of
the Susquehanna in those parts," and praying for a review.
The court then ordered that William Ren nick, Richard
Hough, James Armstrong, Thos. Mayes, Samuel Mont-
gomery and Benj. Chambers view the road, and make
such alterations in it as to them may seem necessary for
the public good, and report their proceedings to next
court. In May following they made a report stating that
they had reviewed the easternmost part of the said road,
and find it very crooked and hurtful to the inhabitants,
&c., and therefore have altered the said road and marked
14
I02 Historical SkctcJi of Da2iphin Coitnty.
it In the manner followino-, (they then add the route.)
The report was confirmed.
At a session of the Provincial Council, held In Philadel-
phia .in January, 1735-36, on the petition of sundry inhab-
itants of Chester and Lancaster counties, setting forth
"the want of a high road in the remote parts of the said
counties where the petitioners are seated, and that a very
commodious one may be laid out from the tavern of John
Harris, on Susquehanna, to fall in with the high road
leading from Lancaster town, at or near the plantation of
Edward Kennison, in the great valley In the county of
Chester;" It was ordered that viewers be appointed who
shall make a return of the same, together with a draught
of the said road. Subsequently done and the highway
opened to the Susquehanna.
The following roads were laid out and confirmed by the
court during the first year of Dauphin county:
Harrisburg to Middletown, (called upper road,) No-
vember Sessions, 1785.
From Francis Wenrich's to the great road leading
from Harrisbure to Hummelstown, AuQ-ust Sessions,
<z> ' <z> '
1785-
The road from Harrisburg to Jonestown was confirmed
at August Sessions, 1787.
The age of turnpike roads commenced about the year
1800, and no portion of the country was more improved
by them than Dauphin county. They changed the aspect
of the country, and Its current of business, and if they
were not generally profitable to the stockholders, they
have been Invaluable to the people.
The followlnor Ij^t, showlnor the lenoth, cost oer mile, and
total cost of the several turnpikes running through the
Historical Sketch of DaupJdn County. 103
county is compiled from the report of a legislative com-
mittee m.ade in 1822.
1803. — Downingtown, Ephrata and Harrisburg, 68
miles; individual subscriptions, ^i 16,500; State subscrip-
tions, $6,oco; cost per mile, $3,750; original price of
share, $100; finished in 18 19.
1805. — Lancaster, Elizabeth and Middletown, 26 miles ;
individual subscriptions, $67,400; State subscription)
$10,000; cost per mile, $4,506; original price of share,
$100.
181 5. — Middletown and Harrisburg, 9 miles; indi-
vidual subscripdon, $21,000; State subscripdon, $14,-
000; cost per mile, $5,000; original price of share, $50.
181 6. — Harrisburg, Carlisle and Chambersburg, 41
miles; original price of share, $50.
181 6. — Harrisburg and Millerstown, contemplated
length, 26 miles; individual subscription, $25,000; State
subscription, $4,000.
181 6. — Berks and Dauphin, 34 miles completed; indi-
vidual subscription, $63,905 ; State subscription, $29,000;
cost .per mile, $3,800; original price of share, $50.
We add a list of turnpike companies that were incorpo-
rated and went into operation subsequent to 1822 ; they
are taken from the same report.
March 27, 1827. — York Haven and Harrisburg Bridge.
February 16, 1828. — Peter's Mountain.
April 5, 1830. — Dauphin and Sunbury.
April 5, 1830. — Marietta, Bainbridge, Falmouth and
Portsmouth.
March 13. 1831. — H^ummelstown, Middletown and
Portsmouth.
March 25, 1832. — Berry's Mountain. \
1
1 04 IJistorical Sketch of Dauphin County.
The opening- of turnpike roads originated new methods
of conveyances, the most important of which were what
are still locally termed "Conestoga wagons" — immense
four- wheeled vehicles arched over with sail cloth cover-
ings, and drawn by six powerful horses, each provided
with a row of small bells, adjusted above the hame-heads
of their harness. These in time monopolized the entire
carrying trade between the city and country merchants;
and beside the professional teamsters, nearly every well-
to-do farmer in the country was more or less engaged in
the business, the latter, however, generally carrying their
own produce to the cities, and returned ladened with
goods for the country merchant.
With the advent of turnpike roads also came improved
facilities for passenger travel in the shape of stages or
Troy coaches.
Matthias Slough and William Geer were each proprie-
tors of a line of stages running between Lancaster, TIar-
risburg, Carlisle and Shippensburg, in the year 1797.
They had formerly been in partnership. The stages of
the former gentlemen ''set out from the house of Gapt.
Andrew Lee, in Harrisburg," now the site of the Jones
House. The fare on this line v/as from Harrisburo- to
Lancaster ^2, from Lancaster to Garlisie ^$3, and from
Lancaster to Shippensburg ^4.
The stages of Mr. Geer ''set out from the house of
Wm. Feree in Lancaster, on every Tuesday and Satur-
day mornings at 6 o'clock, proceeding to the westward,
and from the house of Mr. Samuel Elder, northwest
corner of Market and Front streets, in Harrisburg,
every Wednesday morning, arriving at Shippensburg on
the same evening. This line connected with stages,
which started from the White Horse tavern, in Market
Historical Sketch of Daiiphin County. 105
street, Philadelphia, every Monday and Friday. The
same proprietor also ran a stage from Harrisburg every
Wednesday, which arrived at Sunbury every Thursday,
and returned every Saturday, "so that passengers from
Sunbury destined for Lancaster and Philadelphia could
proceed thence on Mondays."
Mr. William Coleman was the proprietor of a line of
stages that started every Monday morning at 4 o'clock
from the public house of Mr. George Zeigler, southwest
corner Market Square, in Harrisburg, and arrived at
Philadelphia by way of Reading, every Wednesday at
noon.
In 181 3 Mr. Nicholas Schwoyer ran a light stage twice
a week from Harrisburcr to the Conewas^o, where it was
met by a line established by Mr. Jesse Shaeffer, which
run to York. This stao^e left the Fountain Inn at Har-
risburg every Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
These vehicles, though decided improvements over the
previous mode of passenger conveyances, in time became
to be regarded as too slow^ for the wants of the people,
and the fast coach system was introduced. The vehicles
were largfer, the horses were more numerous and of bet-
ter quality, and the relays were shortened. Wm. Calder,
the father of the present William Calder, Esq., of Har-
risburg, may be regarded as the progenitor of this sys-
temi. He, in connection with several other wealthy gen-
tlemen, not only established the first of these fast stage
lines, but in time became the owner of all the lines run-
ning out of Harrisburg. The extent of this interest, as
well as the influence it had on the trade of the country,
may be estimated, when we state that in the palmiest
days of the business no less than fifteen stages left this
town daily. Three of these ran to Lancaster ; two to
io6 Historical Sketch of Daitphin Cotcnty.
Reading!'; one on the Horse-shoe road to Philadelphia;
two to Pittsburo- via Chambersburo-, and two to the same
city on the northern route; one to Columbia; one to
York; one to Northumberland; one to Pottsville and
one to Gettysburg.
The opening of the Pennsylvania canal in 1831 brought
additional prosperity to the county, by opening up new
and cheaper transportation for freight and passengers.
D. Leech & Co. were the first to run a line of packets on
this new thoroughfare. Their boats carried freight as
well as passengers, and run from Pittsburg to Middle-
tovvm. The Pennsylvania canal at that time being fin-
ished only to the latter point. Here they connected
with and took up the freight and passengers brought
from Philadelphia by the Union canal. When the Penn-
sylvania canal was completed to Columbia, Messrs.
Leech & Co. extended their line to that point, where it
connected with the State railroad.
Two years afterwards Messrs. Wm. Calder, Sr., J. K.
Moorehead, Silas Moore and Isaac Peters started the
"Pioneer" line of packets, carrying passengers only.
They were followed shortly after by Messrs. Slaymaker,
Carson and others, who started the "Good Intent" line
of packets. This latter line, however, lived only a short
time, when they were bought out by the Pioneer and
Leech lines. During the winter the "Pioneer" line ran
stashes.
In addition to these Messrs. Calder, Kapp and S. H.
Lloyd ran lines of packets up the Susquehanna and North
and West Branches.
Upon the completion of the Harrisburg, Mount Joy and
Lancaster railroad in 1836, the passenger packets south
and east of Harrisburi>- were withdrawn, and this town
Historical Sketch of Daztphin County, 107
thereafter became the eastern terminus of passenger-
travel to Pittsburg which it retained up to the completion
of the Pennsylvania railroad to that city. The lines on
the North and West Branch and Susquehanna divisions
of the Pennsylvania canal continued several years longer,
when they were finally abandoned by the completion of
railroads in their respective sections.
From these early beginnings, the transportation facili-
ties have continued to increase hand over hand, until
Harrisbure has become the dominatin^f and absorbing;
centre of a distinct and independent system of railways,
radiating from it through every part of the United States,
like the spokes of a vast wheel.
The Northern Central railroad starts at Baltimore and
passes through York to Harrisburg, thence it runs north
through Millersburg, Sunbury, Northumberland, Wil-
liamsport, and on to Syracuse, Schenectad}', Buffalo, and
also to New York city.
The Pennsylvania railroad starts from Philadelphia,
and passes through Coatesville, Lancaster city, Columbia,
Middletown, to Harrisburg, thence goes west through
Duncannon, Newport, Lewistown, Huntingdon, Altoona,
Johnstown, Greensburg to Pittsburg, and from thence
by trunk lines to every part of the great west.
The Cumberland Valley railroad starts at Harrisburg,
and passes through Carlisle, Chambersburg, Shippensburg
and Haoerstown to the Baltimore and .Ohio railroad,
and thence distributes its freight and passengers through-
out the Shenandoah valley and the southern States.
The Philadelphia and Reading railroad starts from
Harrisburg and passes through Lebanon, Reading, and
by its various branches, through Easton, Allentown and
a score more of large towns to Philadelphia and New
York.
io8 Historical Sketch of Dmiphin County.
The Dauphin, Schuylkill and Susquehanna railroad
starts at Harrisburg thence to Pottsville, passing through
Dauphin and intermediate towns of the coal region, and
from Pottsville distributes its freicrht throucrhout the whole
o o
of that coal and iron region.
The South Mountain railroad, after traversing the
newly developed ore regions of York and Cumberland
counties, has its terminus at Harrisburg.
The new railroad in course of construction from Ham-
burg, Berks county, to Rockville, a few miles north of
Harrisburg, will connect with the Lebanon Valley rail-
road, and carry freight and passengers to Boston, with-
out touching either Philadelphia or New York, thus short-
ening the present route eighty miles.
Thus it will be seen that the Pennsylvania railroad
passes through Harrisburg from east to west, and the
Northern Central, from north to south, while the Cum-
berland Valley goes south, but in a divergent line from
the Northern Central road, while the Dauphin, Schuyl-
kill and Susquehanna line, although running along the
Pennsylvania railroad track to Dauphin, there diverges,
and runs up into the anthracite coal region, as previously
stated. In addition to these roads, the Harrisburg and
Potomac railroad will cross the river near the Pennsylva-
nia steel works, and enter the city from that direction.
Historical Sketch of Dauphin Cotmty, 109
GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND PROGRESS
OF THE COUNTY SINCE ITS ORGANIZATION.
The county is bounded on the north by Northumber-
land and part of Schuylkill counties; on the east by Le-
banon and Lancaster counties; on the west and south by
the Susquehanna river. Its length is ^T) niiles, breadth
16, and its area 533 miles. The population in 1790, was
18,177; in 1800, 22,270; in 1810, 31,883; in 1820 (part
of Lebanon off), 21,653; in 1840, 30,118; in 1850,
35,754; in i860, 46,756; in 1870, 60,740.
That part of the county below the Kittatinny valley con-
sists of undulating slate and limestone lands, beautiful,
fertile, and highly cultivated. The other part of the
county is very mountainous, but contains a number of
narrow and pleasant red shale valleys, and several fertile
flats along the Susquehanna. The mountainous region
abounds with anthracite coal, especially Lykens and Wil-
liams valleys, at the southwestern termination of the great
western coal field of Pottsville and Mauch Chunk. This
coal field in the vicinity of Pinegrove divides into branches
— the northern one under the name of Wiconisco moun-
tain, extending westward several miles beyond the county
line of Schuylkill and Dauphin counties to Lykens Valley
— and the other embraced between the Stony mountain
and a continuation of Sharp mountain, reaching nearly
to the Susquehanna river. Commencing with the Kitta-
tinny mountain, and traversing the county in a north-
western direction, the principal ranges crossed are the
Second and Third, Peter's, Berry's and Mahantango
15
1 1 o Historical Sketch of Dauphin County,
mountains. Between Peter's and Berry's are Short
mountain and several minor ridges and broken spurs;
and several of a similar character between Berry's and
the Mahantango mountains. In these minor elevations
the coal beds generally occur. In the southern part of
the county are the Round Top hill, near Middletown and
Hummelstown, and other isolated knolls, belonging to
the Conewago range.
The Susquehanna river runs a distance of 48 miles
along the western edge of the county; its western shore,
as we have previously stated, being the boundary line.
The scenery along the bank is grand and picturesque,
especially where the river breaks through the great
mountain ranges. At Harrisburg, Rockville, Dauphin
and Duncan's Island the grandeur and beauty of nature
are enhanced by magnificent engineering structures. The
other prominent streams in the county are the Swatara
river or creek, entering the Susquehanna at Middletown;
Conewago creek, the southern boundary; Paxton creek,
Fishing creek, Stony creek, Clark's creek, Powell's creek,
Armstrong creek, Big and Little Wiconisco creeks, and
Mahantango creek, the northern boundary.
The pioneers of the county were agriculturists. They
came here with no knowledge or care for any other pur-
suit, and looked for no greater results than the enjoy-
ment of religious privileges, the increase of their estates
by removing the heavy forests and adding other acres
to their original purchases. Of manufactures they knew
little. The grist mill and saw mill, the blacksmith
and tailor shops — all as indispensable as the plow and
the axe — they provided for, as among the necessaries of
a farmer's life. The spinning wheel was in every house,
and the loom in every neighborhood; and almost every
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County, in
article of clothing was the product of female domestic
industry. Thus no general manufacturing Interest was
prevalent. The policy and laws of the mother country
had discouraged this. But the iron beds in the coun-
try could not lie neglected. Iron was indispensable, and
its transportation from the east to the west of the col-
ony was laborious and expensive. The manufacture of
bloomed iron In this region commenced before the Revo-
lution. The ore was often transported from the ore
beds to the forges in the neighborhood of Quitapahillo and
Swatara creeks, in leather sacks upon horses. In those
days It was not uncommon for bar Iron to become a sort
of circulating medium, and promissory notes were as fre-
quently made payable In Iron as in money.
Even as late as 1796 the county was not believed to
be destined to become a manufacturing county. About
that period William Folsom commenced the manufacture
of nails In Harrlsburg, and he was followed shortly after
by a number of others In the same business. Outside of
the bar Iron already mentioned, wrought nails seem to
have been the first marketable commodity manufactured
in the county.
To show the progress of manufactures In the county
twenty-five years after its organization, we submit the
following statistics from the census of 18 10. It will be
seen that even up to that period most of Its products
were of domestic manufacture:
I I 2
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
Cotton goods made in fam-
ilies 22,776 yds
Number of cotton manu-
facturing establishments, 3
Flaxen cloth made in fam-
ilies 81,660 yds
Mixed cloth and hempen. 2 4."), 804 yds
AVoolen cloth in families. . .77,4.") I yds
Total value of all kinds of
cloth manufactured $265,410
Cotton & wool spun in mills, 21,995 ft)
Value of same §16,497
T^ooms 760
Carding machines 14
Pounds of wool carded. . . . 38,495
Value of same S^3,859
Falling mills 7
Yards fulled 38, 280
Value of same $5,480
Labor saving machinery:
Mills 3
Spindles 270
Hatteries 24
Wool and mixed hats made, 10,350
Fur hats 3,468
Value of all kinds of hats
made $26,400
Blast furnaces, number of. 1
Tons of iron manufactured, 2,790
Value of same $139,500
Forges 2
Tons of iron forged 390
Value of same $39,000
Nailories 17
Pounds of nails made 160,880
Value of same $17,318
Gun boring mills 1
Value of same $500
Gun manufactories 2
Guns made 35
Rifles made 85
Value of guns and rifles. . . $1,480
No. of blacksmith shops. . . 68
Value of same $18,336
Steel manufactured 50 tons
Valu3 of same $12,000
Tin and copper ware man-
ufactories 7
Number of pieces made. . . 21,000
Value of same $29,400
Tanneries 39
Value of same $15,595
Shoes, boots and slippers
made 35, 750 prs
Saddles and bridles made. . 1,601
Value of shoes, saddles and
bridles $76,039
Flax seed oil mills 9
Gallons made 10,036
Value of same $10,080
Dist lleries 104
Gallons distilled 222,642
Value of same $111,321
Breweries 4
Barrels brewed 1 , 1 50
Value of same $4,600
[ Cooper shops 31
I Value of products $14,683
Water turning machines. . . 1
Value of same $2,000
Sugar refineries 1
Pounds made 150
Value of same $18
Paper mills 1
Reams made 2,500
Value of same $7,500
Potteries 10
Pieces made 41,973
Value of same $2,400
Book binderies 7
Value of business $3,050
Printing offices 6
Value of same $7,800
Flour mills 65
Bushels of grain used 377,754
Value of same $377,754
Saw mills 75
Feet of lumber sawed 1,094,198
Value of same $10,069
Brick kilns
Number of brick made. . . .
Value of same
Lime kilns
Bushels of Lime made
Value of same
Horses
Neat cattle
Sheep, merino and common
breed mixed
9
r30,^oo
$3,760
29
4,360
$600
10,000
38,341
16
Common sheep 39,511
Historical Sketch of Dauplmi County, 113
There were no returns of cabinet, wagon and carriage
makers.
Limited as the state of manufacturing was at this
period, the figures show a very healthy condition, In pro-
portion to the population they were intended to supply.
Most, If not all the manufacturing establishments In
the county, at this period, were located In or near
Harrisburg, Middletown, Hummelstown and Halifax.
These points constituted common centres for trade with
the farmers. The merchants then were the brokers, as
they are to some extent in county towns now, and stood
between the farmer and the markets. They received all
his produce, and supplied all he wished to buy. The
thrifty farmer, on settlement, received his annual balance
from the merchant, and this enabled him to increase his
acres.
The discovery of coal In Lykens valley, about the
year 1825, gave a new Impetus to the business pros-
perity of the county, and stimulated the settlement to a
region of country that then seemed destined by nature,
to be a perpetual waste. The first coals mined, were
sent to market on rude lumbering wagons, and averaged
possibly a ton or two per day. The mining operations
were subsequently carried on by a company, who built
a railroad from the mines to Millersburg, on the Susque-
hanna. Here the coals were ferried across the river to
the Pennsylvania Canal, on the west side, and the coal
discharged Into canal boats, being chiefly transported to
Baltimore, by way of the Pennsylvania and Tide Water
canals. The subsequent completion of the Wiconisco
canal, on the east side of the river, from Millersburg to
the head of the Eastern division of the Pennsylvania
canal at Clark's Ferry, on Duncan's Island, greatly facll-
1 14 Historical Sketch of Dauphin Comity,
itated the coal trade of this region, which from that period,
has steadily increased.
The increase in wealth and prosperity of the county
during the thirty years following 18 10, was encouraging
if not particularly marked.
According to the census of 1 840, there were three
furnaces in the county, which produced 3,000 tons of
cast iron ; three forges and rolling mills, which produced
466 tons of bar iron; the furnaces and forges consumed
5,537 tons of fuel; employed 224 men, including mining
operations; and the entire capital invested in the trade,
was ^120,000. There were mined 8,000 tons of coal In
the county; In which 30 men were employed; the capital
Invested was J 150,000.
Live Stock — 5,852 horses and mules; 17,429 neat
cattle; 15,714 sheep; 27,817 swine; poultry of all kinds,
estimated at ^13,784.
Cereal Grains — 277,248 bushels of wheat; 1,980
bushels of barley; 398,544 bushels of oats; 202,771
bushels of rye; 24,079 bushels of buckwheat; Z^J,^6;^
bushels of corn.
Various Products — 24,021 pounds of wool; 604
pounds of hops; 1,000 pounds of beeswax; 125,051
bushels of potatoes; 18,008 tons of hay; 3^ tons of
hemp and flax; 46,730 pounds of tobacco; 322 pounds
of silk cocoons; 9,024 cords of wood sold.
The value of the products of the dairy was ^54,208;
172 gallons of wine were made; and the value of home-
made, or family goods, was $13,330.
Value of manufactured tobacco, $5,000; 8 persons
employed in the business, and the capital invested was
$3,250. The value of hats, caps and bonnets manu-
Histo7Hcal Sketch of Dauphin County, 1 1 5
factured, was $118 50 — 19 persons employed; and die
capital Invested was $7,350.
There were 20 tanneries, which tanned 14,935 sides
of sole-leather, and 6,044 sides of upper; employed 58
hands, and the capital invested was $82,200. All other
manufactories of leather, saddleries, &c., were 26; the
value of the articles manufactured was $58,800; and the
capital Invested $28,610. Twenty thousand pounds of
soap, and 60,000 pounds of candles, were made, with an
invested capital of $4,500. There were 17 distilleries,
which produced 147,000 gallons; four breweries, which
produced 466,920 gallons. Four potteries, the value of
whose manufactured articles was $2,300; five men em-
ployed, with an invested capital of $850.
Value of produce of market gardens, $4,850; value of
nurseries of florists, $800; 26 men employed; capital
Invested $2,000. Three commission houses; capital
$23,500. Retail dry goods, grocery, and other stores,
133; capital invested $479,110. Ten lumber yards;
capital Invested $59,000; 47 men employed. Twenty-
six butchers; capital invested $19,400. Value of lumber
produced $1,228. Fifty barrels of tar manufactured;
I man employed. Value of machinery manufactured
$2,000; 3 men employed. Forty-seven small arms
made. Value of bricks and lime manufactured $21,219;
91 men employed.
Nine fulling mills; six woolen manufactories; value of
manufactured goods $6,215; 31 persons employed;
capital Invested $4,056. One paper manufactory; 12
printing offices; 6 binderies; 11 weekly newspapers;
113 men employed; capital invested $73,500. Two
rope walks; value of products $7,000; 11 men em-
ployed; capital Invested $2,800.
1 1 6 Histoiical Sketch of DmtpJiin County.
Carriages and wagons manufactured, value of, $13,-
185; 51 men employed; capital ^5,040. Twenty-nine
flouring mills; 15,431 barrels of flour manufactured; 35
grist mills; "jG saw mills and 2 oil mills. Value of furni-
ture manufactured $14,750; 44 men employed; capital
invested $6,040. Sixteen brick and stone houses built
during the previous year; 37 frame houses; value of
constructing or building, $72,790. Value of all manu-
factured articles not enumerated, $5,1 20; capital invested
$39,025. Total capital invested in manufactures in the
county, $367,315-
During the two next decades, notwithstanding the
serious, but brief financial depressions of 1842 and 1857,
the county Increased rapidly In wealth and prosperity.
New railroads and additional collieries were opened;
new business enterprises Inaugurated, and large manu-
facturing establishments erected. The natural Increase
In the population of the county was much augmented by
the emigration of families, either to engage in manu-
facturing, or agricultural pursuits. New villages were
laid out and became flourishing towns; and the price of
real estate, both In town and country, appreciated In
value.
The census returns of i860 give the following as the
farm products of the county:
Acres of land improved in farms, 170,725; unimproved
in farms, 52,852; cash value of farms, $13,000,746; value
of farming Implements, &c., $439,680; number of horses,
7,587; mules and asses, 152; milk cows, 10.473; work-
ing oxen, 10; other cattle, 8,846; sheep, 4,546; swine,
22,892; value of live stock, $1,039,396; wheat, bushels,
363,791; rye, 116,220; Indian corn, 715,816; oats, 544,-
476; tobacco, lbs., 99,270; wool, lbs., 12,815; peas and
Historical Sketch of DaiLpJiin County.
1 1
beans, bushels, 1,935; Irish potatoes, 231,666; sweet po-
tatoes, 5,775; barley, bushels, 1,052: buckwheat, bushels,
16,017; orchard products, value of, 5^43,546; wine, gal-
lons, 441; market garden products, value of, ^62,103;
butter, lbs., 791,885; cheese, lbs., 2,333; hay, tons, 39,-
205; clover seed, bushels of, 7,887; grass seeds, bushels,
1,955; hops, lbs., 448; flax, lbs., 1,087; flaxseed, bushels,
136; sorgum molasses, gallons, 164; beeswax, lbs., 405;
honey, lbs., 3,501; manufactures, home made, value of,
54,234; animals slaughtered, value of, $280,223.
The following table illustrates only the leading manu-
facturing operations in the county in i860:
Articles.
'^i^
1
< P
VI ^
^ ^
^
'S. z..
rr*- !r^
C P
. I—"
® Z/l
1-^
1 tS <^
• ^—
1 S- p
1 so c
1 1
1
Agricultural Implements. . . .
Boots and Shoes
Cars
Coal, Anthracite
Cotton Goods
Flour and Meal
Iron — bar, sheet and railroad
Iron Blooms
Iron Castings
Stoves
Iron, Pig
Leather
Liquors, distilled
" "^ malt
Lumber, planed
" sawed
Machinery, steam engines . . .
Marble and Stone work
Printing, newspapers
Tin, Copper and Sheet-iron. .
Clothing, men
Total of all, including those
not enumerated above. .
O
: ^
v; p
V.
2
27
$23,000
29,76o
.$8,
18,
1
2
66,000
650,000
91,
36,
4
187,000
191,
36
207, oOO
294,
1
2
60,000
11,500
111,
19,
4
3
24,000
11,500
12,
4,
4
22
441,000
156,800
25.000
237,
99,
76,
5
22,500
14,
3
75,000
60,
42
160,500
126,
3
36,005
8,
5
13,700
5,
3
12
28,500
16,300
10,
13,
14
34,008
31,
j 321
3,544,558
1,632,
348
455
800
125
307
920
900
800
212
350
541
728
887
586
170
250
050
400
387
310,
23
115
140
525
356
57
40
29
19
13
137
65
16
12
34
105
15
21
36
29
123
^ >
o
>-. o
' o
$7,800
24,408
38,400
162,000
63,060
13,608
16,800
8,700
7,800
4,560
48,600
18,624
6,060
3,432
11,040
31,044
4,932
5,160
4,860
7,608
21,756
CI. ji -
pi o 5
^ <!
o ii
I I
$35,000
47,771
168,000
265,000
319.450
323,115
152,000
36,000
21,400
12,500
363,566
190,218
97,600
33,190
80,000
237,494
44,353
20,050
39,000
25,217
59,115
617,480.2,946,382
The decade between i860 and 1870, is particularly
distinguished as an era of marked prosperity in the his-
tory of the county. The ci\il war created a demand for
IG
1 1 8 Historical Sketch of DaupJiin County.
vast supplies In almost every article of manufacture, and
the county, owing to its peculiar geographical location
and transportation facilities, contributed more than an
ordinary share in the general aggregate of production.
The following returns from the census report of 1870
will, by comparing it with the returns of i860, give the
reader a very impressive notion of the progress of the
county during the intervening decade:
Acres improved land, 172,586; woodland, 57,788; other
unimproved land, 3,461 ; cash value of farms, $19,053,433 ;
value of farming implements and machinery, $582,291;
total value of farm productions, including betterments
and additions to stock, $3,034,199; orchard products,
$58,021; produce of market gardens, $40,695; forest
products, $11,225; value of home manufactures, $14,-
997; value of animals slaughtered, $475,479; value of
all live stock, $1,660,572; horses, 7,002 ; mules and asses,
578; milch cows, 10,298; working oxen, 5 ; other cattle,
10,336; sheep, 4,462 ; sw^ine, 19,239; winter wheat, bush-
els, 422,637; rye, 56,527; Indian corn, 714,886; oats,
727,535; barley, 334; buckwheat,
Historical Sketch of Datiphin Coiinty.
119
Industries.
ocs.
^-' ^^
t— ■
Ui
r^ H-«
CC X
•
•
•
: V^
: '1^
•
•
TJ
73
Agricultural Implements 9
Belting- and Hose, (leather) 1
Boats 2
Book-binding 1
Boots and Shoes 1
Bread »fc other bakery products. 16
Brick 14
Brooms 2
Carriages and Wagons 15
Carry Freight and Passengers . . 4
Clothing, men's 16
Coffee and Spices, ground 2
Confectionery ' 5
Cooperage .... 6
Cotton Goods 1 2
Flowei'ing Mill Products ' 32
Furniture 16
Gas 1
Iron, Blooms 1
Forged and Rolled 4
Nails and Spikes, cut. ... 1
Pigs 7
Castings 12
Leather, Tanned 16
Curried 7
Moroco Tanned 1
Lime 29
Liquors, Distilled 8
Malt 4
Lumber, Planed o
Sawed 18
Machinery, not si^ecified 14
Cigars 13
L^pholstery 4
Wood-ward | 3
Wood, Turned and Carved | 8
Wood-ware j 1
Woolen Goods. 8
37
3
13
22
65
55
210
■ 18
95
216
: 51
I "i
17
20
;282
' 89
72
14
20
802
75
294
187
59
18
7
79
16
16
68
212
438
33
13
140
69 I
55 i
89 i
$22,800
5,000
4,500
15! 000
23,500
32,800
99,634
9,500
67,800
115,770
15,375^
4,500'
2,700,
j 14,7001
'251,500
'380,000
33,975,
300,000;
I 6,000;
879,000
175,00)
'582,800
313,250
, 140,001 1
: 50, 000 1
I 18,000;
26,200
41,000
30,00)
237,000
734,700
424.150
13,800,
5,900!
265,000
86,075
80,00;J
J 67,000!
$7,275
1,812
2,800
6,500
26,000
17,840
42,899
4,500
34,488
. 79,780
12,990
1,965
3,000
5,350
53,200
17,195
29,350
9,092
3,000
504,004
51,428
132,320
93,400
16,730
7,450
2,800'
13,393
6,600
6,000'
39,840
88,420
220,980
8,980
3,276
47,600
32,915
35,000
29,882^
$11,086
8,914
3,680
92,809
37,800
44,760
22,542
24,557
35,865
577,107
19,499
38,100
10,473
23,900
247,945
715,146
21,767
27,045
44,200
2.111. T44
333,931
713,271
275,684
130,407
75,744
23,333
32,191
30,000
18,956
202,100
546,416
597,293
15,768
13,000
59,180
35,460
36,000;
72,725
$30,202
15,000
10,500
100,000
72,000
80,740
88,110
30,113
ICO, 315
1,120,227
30,800
41,800
18,300
34,130
326,600
879,844
72,500
60.115
49,800
2.791.554
400,000
980,767
436,260
182,203
92,384
35,00!)
54,861
139,528
32,402
298,596
795,784
861,951
37,168
20,287
222,915
95,165
120,000
130,035
The following, from the same report, is a recapitulation
of the manufacturing industries of the county:
Number of manufacturing establishments, 587; steam
engines, 107; horse power of same, 6,830; water wheels,
102; horse power of same, 1,400; total, 4,865; hands em-
ployed, 4,865 ; capital invested, $6,557,520; wages paid,
I20 Historical Sketch of DaupJiiri County.
$1,998,486; materials, $9,248,585; value of products,
A much better Idea of the mag-nltude of the progress
of the county, within the period indicated, may be had
by contrasting the totals of the two census returns, viz:
I860. Number of manufacturing establishments 321
1870. Number of manufacturing establishments 587
1860. Workmen employed 2,315
1870. Workmen employed 4,865
1860. Capital invested $2,544,558
1870. Capital invested $6,557,520
1860. Cost of raw material. $1,632,656
1870. Cost of raw material $9,248,585
1860. Value of products $2,946,382
1870. Value of products $13,514,156
It will be observed by the above figures that the In-
crease in the number of establishments Is nearly loo
per centum; In the amount of capital invested, and the
number of workmen employed, it Is considerable over
200 per centum; in the cost of the raw material, it Is
nearly 500 per centum; and in the value of the products,
it is over 400 per centum.
The rates of increase in manufacturing operations in
the county up to the commencement of the present bus-
iness depression, was in no wise diminished; and but for
this unfortunate cause, we are satisfied that the next
census would have shown an equal if not a greater per
centage of increase.
Amonor the manufacturlno- establishments not included
o o
In the returns of 1870, are the Pennsylvania steel works,
at Baldwin, a few miles east of Harrisburg. To show
how large a proportion these works bear to the manu-
facturing Industry of the county, we may state that the
average production of steel at these works Is about i 2,000
pounds at each heat, and during the twent)'-four hours
Histoidcal Sketch of Dauphin County. 121
there are twenty-five heats; thus allowing for all waste,
the daily production of steel rails is about 1 20 tons, be-
sides a large amount of railroad frogs and crossings.
The amount of coal consumed in the forcre and rail
mills is 2,000 tons per month, and in the Bessemer plants
about 1,800 tons per month.
These figures, allowing 312 working days in the year,
give us the annual consumption and products of the
works as follows:
Consumption — Pig Iron, 374,040 tons; Coal, 45,000
tons. Products — Steel Rails, 312,000 tons.
Other large and important industrial establishments
have been put in operation at Middleton, Highspire,
Hummelstown, Millersburg, Lykens and Williamstown
since 1870, and of course are not included in the re-
turns of that year.
But our province Is merely to sketch, not to elaborate ;
and in the retrospect, we have given, there is abundant
cause for gratitude and praise on the part of all who re-
side, or were born and reared in Dauphin county. Truly
Providence has most highly favored us. Our resources
are varied; our soil is everywhere strong, on the hills
and bv the streams; we are rich in the most useful min-
erals in the world; and our streams of purest water
afford facilities everywhere for industrial operations.
The first settlers of the county were remarkable men ;
they were men of strong moral and religious principles
— men of cultivated minds — men of industrious and fru-
gal habits — full of enterprise and perseverance. They
established and set in motion and gave direction to a
state of society singularly perfect. Their own character
they Impressed upon their descendants. The result has
1 2 2 Historical Sketch of DmtpJiin County.
been that the county has long been the happy home of a
large population, intelligent, virtuous, refined, possessing
in a great degree pecuniary independence, and all the
privileges, social, moral, educational and religious, which
can promote the benefit and happiness of a community.
Amid its magnificent scenery, surrounded by happy in-
fluences, and enjoying the advantages there afforded,
have been trained numerous sons and daughters, who
have emigrated to other portions of the country. Most
of whom have been prosperous and successful in what-
ever business engaged. Many of them have attained
hio;h distinction and o-reat usefulness.
Historical Sketch of DaiLpJmi County. 12^
o
THE CITIES, BOROUGHS AND TOWNS OF THE
COUNTY.
HARRISBURG.
Harrisburg, the seat of justice of Dauphin county and
capital of Pennsylvania, is situated on the east bank of
the Susquehanna river, one hundred and six miles from
Philadelphia, one hundred and twenty-one from Wash-
ington city, two hundred and forty-eight from Pittsburg,
eighty-two from Baltimore, and one hundred and eighty-
two from the city of New York.
By a grant from Thomas Penn and Richard Penn,
Esqrs., proprietaries, to John Harris, jr., dated "ye 19th
February, 1753," that gentleman was allowed the right of
running a ferry across the Susquehanna, from which ori-
ginated the name Harris Ferry, by which the place was
known previous to the organization of the county.
John Harris, jr., issued proposals for laying out a town
at his ferry, at least ten years previous to the erection of
the county. The town, however, was not laid out until
1785, when the original intentions of Mr. Harris were
consumated by his son-in-law, William Maclay.
The town, as originally laid out, extended only as far
south as Mulberry street, and the lot belonging to Mr.
Valentine Egle, on the upper corner of Front and Mul-
berry streets, was numbered one on the plan of the town.
In the course of a few years afterwards it was extended
to Mary's alley, and in 1792 the executors of Mr. Harris
extended the jDlan of lots still further southward.
124 Historical Sketch of DaupJiin County.
There is no house except the stone house on Front
street, the property of Hon. Simon Cameron, now stand-
ing within the present hmits of Harrisburg, which is cer-
tainly known to have been erected before the town was
laid out.
John Hamilton, the grand father of A. B. Hamilton,
Esq., erected the first permanent embellishment to the
town, after Harris' stone house, by building a brick house
on the corner of Front street and Blackberry alley, and
a laro^e establishment for his store on the corner of Mar-
ket square and Market street. Neither of those build-
ings are now standing. The latter structure was con-
verted into a tavern, and was for many years known as.
the Washington Hotel. It stood on the site of the pres-
ent Jones' House.
The act erecting the town of Harrisburg into a bor-
ough, was passed on the 13th day of April, 1791; and
an act to alter the same, without interfering with the
boundaries originally laid down, was approved February
I, 1808. The limits of the borough as incorporated in
1 79 1, began at low water mark on the eastern shore of
the wSusquehanna river; thence by the pine apple tree
north sixty degrees and one quarter east seventy-nine
perches to an ash tree on the west bank of Paxton
creek; thence by the several courses thereof three hun-
dred and seventy-three perches to a white hickory on
William Maclay's line; thence by the same south sixty-
seven and three quarter degrees west two hundred and
twelve perches to a marked chestnut oak on the eastern
bank of the Susquehanna; thence by the same course to
low water mark to the place of beginning. This made
the northern limit of the boroucrh South street.
The borough limits were extended by the act of i6th
April, 1838, in the following language: The north-
Historical Sketch of DatipJiin County. 125
western boundary line of the borough of Harrisburg"
shall be, and the same is hereby extended and enlarged
as follows: Extending it along the river line to the up-
per line of the land of the late William Maclay on said
river; thence to Paxton creek, and thence along said
creek to the north-western corner of the present bound-
ary; thus annexing the town of Maclaysburg, or in other
words, taking in the territory now comprehended be-
tween South and Herr streets.
The minutes of the first Town Council are not to be
found, and the only record we can discover relative to
the affairs of the borough in the first year of its incorpo-
ration, is singularly enough, a deed of charity, being an
account of the Overseers of the Poor, who posted their
credit as follows: "To amount of hogs and butter for ye
use of ye poor, £\6 is. ij^d."
The seventh section of the act of March 4, i 785, erect-
ing the county of Dauphin, directs the Court to sit for
the said county riem^ Harris Ferry. The design was to
leave to John Harris the privilege of naming the town.
But the Chief Justice M'Kean, and some of the judges
of the Supreme Court conceived the notion that, as the
county was called after the Dauphin of France, the town
should be called Louisburg, after Louis XVI. Accord-
ingly, in the first precept for holding the courts here, the
court was directed to be held at Louisburg. John Harris,
however, told the judges that they might " Louisburg "^^j.
much as they pleased, but that he would never exj-Q^^j^
a title for any lot in any other name than that of^ j ^^
burg; and his determination prevailed. oole then
The building in which the first court at P^ in a fair
was held, was a log house, until about thirty the mean
at the corner of what is now Washington,^ the people,
126 Historical Sketch of DmtpJiin Coiuity.
Front street, and the "pillory," or punishing place, was
in that nciohborhood. The courts were afterwards held
in the old log jail which formerly stood on the north-west
side of Strawberry alley, a short distance north-east of
Raspberry alley, and in a log house which formerly stood
on the lot now occupied by the Farmer's Hotel, on the
east side of Market street, below Third. From this place
the court moved into the building which formerly stood
on the site of the present structure. When it vacated
this for the use of the Legislature in December, 1812, it
moved into the then partially finished brick building
owned at the time by Mr. Capp, now known as the
White Hall Tavern. While here, the commissioners
erected the brick building at the corner of Walnut street
and Raspberry alley, into which the court moved and
which it occupied until the Legislature vacated the court
house.
The entire cost of the court building that immediately
preceded the present edifice, was ^5,979 i is. 8^d. The
present court house was erected in i860, at a cost of
about $83,000. The original contract of Messrs. Hol-
man & Wilt was for $57,012 57, but before the building
was completed, an additional expense of some $25,000
for extras was put in, and after some dispute with the
authorities, was allowed.
sev The first courts in the county were held by justices, and
twelve arliest record of a court reads — "At a Court of
bank of c Sessions, holden near Harris Ferry, in and for
low water ty of Dauphin," &c., on the "third Tuesday of
the northerhe year of our Lord 1785, before Timothy
The boronuel Jones and Jonathan M'Clure, Esqrs., Jus-
April, 1838, ame court."
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 127
The sheriff of Lancaster county officiated until the .
election of that officer by the new county.
The names of the grand jurymen were, James Cowden
(foreman), Robert Montgomery, John Gilchrist, Barefoot
Brunson, John Clark, Rowen jM'Clure, John Carson, John
Wilson, William Crane, Archibald M'Allister, Richard
Dixon, John Pattimore, James Crouch, Jacob Awl, Wm.
Brown, Andrew Stewart, James Rogers, Samuel Stewart,
John Cooper, Alexander Berryhill.
Alexander Graydon was the first prothonotary, An-
thony Kelker the first sheriff, and Rudolph Kelker the
first deputy sheriff
The earliest record of a punishment is that infiicted on
William Courtney and Jesse Rowland, who were sen-
tenced to receive eighteen lashes and pay fifteen shillings
sterling on the i8th of August, 1785, between the hours
of four and six in the afternoon. Several records occur
in which punishment was inflicted by lashes, and stand-
ing in the pillory.
A larcre number of the cases tried durino- the first
term, were for horse stealing.
In I 793 Harrisburg was very sickly, the chief ailment
being a malarius fever, which took an epidemical form.
A number of Irish emigrants died, and many of the citi-
zens were more or less affected by it. The chief cause
was ascribed to a stao^nant mill dam belonoino- to Peter
and Abraham Landis, in the lower section of the town.
The citizens remonstrated with the owners, who stood on
their vested rights and refused to listen ; the people then
appealed to the authorities, and the case was in a fair
way for an interminable litigation. But, in the mean
time, the deaths and sickness continued; and the people,
128 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
exasperated with the stubbornness of the owners, held
town meetlnors and resolved to take the matter In their
own hands. Accordingly, one blustery snowy morning,
at a signal from the court house bell, the citizens assem-
bled, with the implements of destruction in their hands,
and proceeded to the dam, which they demolished amid
the loud vivas of the assembled multitude. The citi-
zens subsequently paid the owners ^2,633 4s. 6d. for the
mill property, which amount was raised by taxation.
After considerable opposition from various causes, the
seat of government of Pennsylvania was established at
Harrisburg in 1810. The present capitol building, how-
ever, was not completed and occupied until December 22,
1822, the Legislature in the mean time sitting in the
court house, which formerly stood on the site of the pres-
ent structure.
In i860 Harrisburg received the highest corporate
honors in the power of the Legislature to bestow — that
of being made a city, and that it is destined to become a
large and populous city, must be apparent to all who are
acquainted with its geographical location and local ad-
vantages.
In 1850 Harrisburg had a population of some 6,000
inhabitants. Its population in i860 was 13,000; in 1870
it was 23,000; and by a voluntary census, taken by the
police under instructions from the authorities, in 1876,
it was found to contain 27,000 inhabitants, thus continu-
ing to Increase since i860 at the rate of nearly 90
per cent.
Since i860 there have been built over four hundred
acres of additional ground to what the city occupied in
that year, averaging yearly an increase of fort)' acres of
buildings. In i860 the whole district north of North
Historical Sketch of DaiLphin County. 129
street was little else than meadow land. Now it is built
up to Maclay street. Skirting the river from North
street to Maclay street, and from the river to Twelfth
street there is a district of at least five hundred acres, of
which four-fifths are covered with buildinors of the most
substantial character. In i860 Allison's hill had but five
or six houses on it. Now at least fifty acres are built
over, or occupied as gardens, and fifty acres more are
laid out in building lots. All this, besides that portion
of the city built over from Paxton street to the Lochiel
iron works.
This increase in the population of the city has carried
along with it general prosperity, which is particularly
exemplified in the increased value of real estate. The
Osier property consisted, inclusive of streets, of five acres
of land between Boas and Herr streets on the north and
south, and Second and Third streets on the east and
west. In i860, the heirs of this estate were oft'erecl
^2,500 for the tract, or at the rate of $500 per acre gross,
that is including streets and alleys. This offer was
declined. In 1863 the heirs were offered $50,000, or
$10,000 per acre for the tract, an increase of $9,500 per
acre, which ofter was also declined. In 1868, this same
piece of ground was sold at public sale, and brought the
enormous sum of sixty-three thousand dollars, or $12,600
per acre, and those parts of it now vacant could not be
purchased at less than $20,000 per acre, or at the rate of
$100,000 for the whole, exclusive of buildings. At the
present, six years later, Messrs. Fink & Boyer hold
about one-half acre of this land for which they have been
offered $15,000, making the value of an acre $30,000,
Avhich in i860 could have been purchased for $500.
Other persons holding lands in the same neighborhood
130 Historical SkctcJi of DaupJiiu County.
who purchased from the Foster estate, ask prices still
higher than those just given. In 1863, the school board
bought a lot on Third street, near Briggs, for ^100. In
1868, deeming it expedient to sell it, they did so, realizing
the sum of ^3,500 for the same. Nor are all these excep-
tional cases. Many individuals made much better bar-
gains than these. In 1865 Dr. George W. Reily threw
upon the market eighty-five acres of land, and has since
sold it out, except five acres, having thrown it into lots
at the rate of ^8,500 per acre. This almost a mile be-
yond the northern limits of the city in i860. East-
ward property has increased at the same rate, as it
also has in the portion of our city from Paxton street to
the Lochiel iron works. Instances: In 1868 D. Mumma,
Esq., purchased from Dr. G. Baily ten acres of land on
Allison's hill, for which he paid $16,000. He sold it in
less than two years for $32,000. The same gentleman
bought from Miller tw^o acres of land, and from Dock
four acres of land, situated below Paxton street, in 1865—
6, for $2,500 per acre, and re-sold it in less than a year
for $5,000 per acre.
Nor is the prosperity of the city confined alone to the
increased value of land. Within the last fifteen years
manufacturing establishments have been greatly multi-
plied, and to-day, in the amount of capital invested in
manufacturing and the value of the goods manufactured,
it takes rank as the third city in the State — in other
words, it is only excelled by Philadelphia and Pittsburg.
The city owes much of its prosperity to the prudent,
liberal and wise management of its banks. They are
eight in number, as follows:
The Harrisburg National Bank; the First National
Bank, which are national banks of issue, and the follow-
ing State and private banks:
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 1 3 1
The Dauphin Deposit Bank; the State Bank; the Me-
chanics' Bank; the Farmer's Bank; the Real Estate
Bank; Bank of Dougherty Bros. & Co.
The extent of the business of the banks is shown in
the fact that the aggregate of their average deposits is
about ^3,000,000, and their average loans and discounts
nearly ^3,500,000.
The fact that our banks passed through the panic of
1874, without either suspension or any material curtail-
ment of accommodations, is an evidence of their strength
and sagacity, as well as the financial ability of our busi-
ness men.
The stranger is • struck with the number, magnitude
and fine architecture of the public school buildings in
Harrisburg. There are twenty-three in number, ot which
eighteen are owned by the school board, and five rented.
The estimated value of the city school property is over
$350,000. The schools afford room for about 5,000
scholars, but the rapid increase of the population has
crowded so fast upon the school accommodations that
they are behind the requirements of the city. The school
system is an excellent one, and under the charge of an
efficient superintendent.
More than forty churches attest the prevalence of re-
ligious zeal among the people of Harrisburg. Most of
these edifices are very substantial and elegant, and some
of them are remarkably fine specim.ens of ecclesiastical
architecture.
The city is supplied with gas whose mains extend for
nearly thirteen miles through all the principal streets.
The gas produced is of excellent quality, and furnished
at a reasonable price.
132 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
A street railway traverses the city from its northern to
its southern end, with a transverse track to the several
depots.
There are few cities of greater size, equal Harrisburg
in business activity, in the extent and wide geographical
ranee of its trade, in the volume of its current financial
transactions, in the solid strength and high standing of
its business houses and banks, in the external marks of
energy and vigorous prosperity, which are visible in the
ceaseless whirl and clatter of its work shops, in the
rush and shriek of its half hundred trains arriving and
departing daily, in the solid and stately architecture of
its business streets, in the palatial elegance of many of
its private residences, churches and other public build-
ingrs. Its business and industries have increased even
faster than its population, while their capacities are
limited only by the amount of capital invested in them.
Historical Sketch of Daiiphhi County. 133
MIDDLETOWN.
Middletown — so called from its being located midway
between Lancaster and Carlisle — is a post town and
borough in Swatara township. It is the oldest town in
Dauphin county, having been laid out thirty years before
Harrisburg, and seven years before Hummelstown, and
is nine miles south-east of Harrisburo^, at the confluence
of the Susquehanna and Swatara, near which the Penn-
sylvania and Union canals unite. We are indebted to
Rupp's and Day's historical papers for the following par-
ticulars respecting the town:
It was laid out in 1755 by George Fisher, father of the
late George Fisher, Esq., who lived until his death near
the place, on a well cultivated farm which has been in
the family since 1750, in the centre of a large tract of
land bounded by the Susquehanna and Swatara, con-
veyed to him by his father, John Fisher, Esq., a merchant
of Philadelphia. The site was that of an ancient Indian
villao^e.
The proprietor being a Friend, several of this denom-
ination irom Philadelphia and the lower counties followed
him ; and these, with several Scotch and Irish merchants,
formed the first inhabitants of the village, who enjoyed,
up to the period of the revolution, a very extensive and
lucrative trade with the Indian nations and others settled
on the Susquehanna and Juniata, and also with the west-
ern traders. Several of the Scotch and Irish merchants
entered the armv, whence few returned. Duringr the
revolutionary war a commissary department was estab-
lished here, where the small boats of General Sullivan's
army were built, and his troops supplied with provisions
134 Historical SketcJi of Daitphin Coiuity.
and military stores for his expedition against the Six
Nations.
After the war, trade aijain revived and flourished ex-
tensively until 1 796, after which it gradually declined.
Until then the mouth of the Swatara was considered the
termination of the navigation of the Susquehanna and
its tributary streams. So far down it was considered
safe; below this it was believed to be impracticable, on
account of the numerous and dantrerous cataracts im-
peding its bed. In i 796 an enterprising German miller,
by the name of Kreider, from the neighborhood of Hun-
tingdon, on the Juniata, arrived in the Swatara in an
ark, fully freighted with flour, with which he safely de-
scended to Baltimore, where he w^as amply compensated
for his meritorious adventure. His success becoming
known throughout the interior, many arks were built, and
the next year this mode of transportation became estab-
lished. This trade increasing, a number of enterprising
young men were induced to examine critically the river
from Swatara to tide water, by which they became ex-
cellent pilots. The enterprise of John Kreider thus
diverted the trade of this place to Baltimore, where it
principally centered until the Union canal was completed,
in 1827, when it was again generally arrested at its old
post. It would probably have so continued, if the Penn-
sylvania canal had not been continued to Columbia, by
which the principal obstruction in the river — the Cone-
wago Falls — was completely obviated. Middletown, or
rather Portsmouth, laid out in 181 4, by the son of the
original proprietor, at the junction of the Union and
Pennsylvania canals, again declined. A large trade,
however, in lumber and other articles of domestic pro-
duce, is still intercepted here, supplying the valleys of
the Swatara, Ouitapahilla, Tulpehocken and the Schuyl-
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 135
kill. It may fairly be presumed, from the numerous local
advantages enjoyed by the town, that it is destined ere
long to become one of much importance.
The town was incorporated into a borough February
19, 1828, and contained in 1846, Rupp tells us, "about
one hundred and fifty dwellings, several stores and tav-
erns, a bank, four churches — Lutheran, German Re-
formed, Methodist, and Church of God, or Bethel — sev-
eral school houses, and the usual number of handicrafts.
The first settlers were Irish, English, and some Scotch,
but the present population is principally German."
The same historian has the following, touching Ports-
mouth before it was consolidated with Middletown, which
occurred March 9, 1857, then having a population of
750:
"Portsmouth, between Middletown and the Susque-
hanna, was laid out in 1809 by George Fisher, Esq., son
of Mr. Fisher who laid out Middletown, and at first called
Harbortown. The same was chano^ed to Portsmouth in
1 814. The Union canal, the Pennsylvania, the Harris-
buro- and Lancaster railroads all intersect here.
"Between Portsmouth and Middletown, on the plain,
stands the Emaus Institute, devoted to the education of
poor orphan children, where, it is said, the children are
to be carefully trained in the doctrines of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church. Instruction is eiven in the German
and English languages, and the charter has been so
altered by the Legislature as to permit the establishment
of a literary and scientific department in connection with
the Orphan House, in which all the branches of modern
learning are taught. The institution owes its origin to
the liberality of Mr. George Frey, formerly a distinguished
citizen of Middletown. It has only been recently erected
(1840), after many years of expensive and vexatious liti-
gation, since the death of the donor, some forty years
since, (died 1 808). The life of Mr. Frey was marked with
136 Historical Sketch of DaiipJiin County,
not a little of romance. His name, by the way, was not
Frey, but Everhart.
"When Mr. Fisher, the founder of the town, first came
to the place, he used to hire George, who was then a
penniless German lad, to assist in plowing the fields and
clearing up his new land. George lived with Mr. Fisher
some years, until he had saved a little fund; but his am-
bition looked above the plow, and Investing his money
In a stock of trinkets, finery, and orther articles, for In-
dian traffic, he mounted his pack and started up the
Susquehanna. Passing the mountains, he encountered
a party of soldiers from the garrison at Fort Hunter,
who arrested him as a runaway redemptloner, (a servant
who had been sold for a time to pay his passage from
Europe,) a character common In those days, and far
more consistent with George's appearance and language
than that of a peddler; for what peddler, said they,
would risk life and property thus alone and on foot on
this dangerous frontier ? 'Ich bin frey, ich bin frey,' (I
am free,) repeated George earnestly, in German, in re-
ply to their charges. He succeeded in convincing them
of his independence, and went with them to the garrison,
where he became quite a favorite, the soldiers knowing
him by no other name than that of 'Frey,' which they had
caught from his first reply to them. He sold out his
pack at a fine profit, and continued to repeat his adven-
tures, still passing as George Frey, until he was able to
start a little store in MIddletown, where he afterwards
erected a mill. Near the close of the Revolution, when
the old Continental money was gradually depreciating,
George, who always kept both eyes open, contrived to
be on the right side of the account, so that, instead of
losing, he gained immensely by the depreciation; and, in
short, by dint of untiring industry, close economy, sharp
bargains, and lucky financiering, he at length be-
came, on a small scale, the Stephen Girard of the village,
and owned much of the real estate In and around the
town. He had not, however, all the eood thino^s of
this life; although he was married, Heaven had never
Historical Sketch of DmipJiin County. 137
blessed him with children — a circumstance which he
deeply regretted, as certain worthy fathers of the Lu-
theran church can testify. The property, therefore, of
the childless man was destined to cheer and educate the
fatherless children of a succeedinor acre. He died in
o o
1807 or 1808, and a splendid seminary, erected about the
year 1840, is the monument of George Frey's benevo-
lence.
''After the consolidation of the two towns of Middle-
town and Portsmouth, the old time interest in the grain
trade was again revived. The reason why the place was
so noted a mart for the sale of orrain broucrht down the
Susquehanna in keel-bottom boats and canoes was, the
Conewago Falls, prevented their further descent. Much
of the orrain that was sold here was orround into flour at
Frey's mill, or stored up and sold to the millers in Lan-
caster county. In 1790 there was one hundred and fifty
thousand bushels of wheat brought down the Susque-
hanna, and passed through Middletown for the Philadel-
phia market.
*'It is worthy of remark, en passant, that in the year
1723 the family of Conrad Weiser, from the province
of New York, leaving Schoharie, wended their way in a
southwestern direction, traveling through the forest till
they reached the Susquehanna river, where they made
canoes, freighted them with their families, and floated
down the river to the mouth of the Swatara creek ; thence
worked their way up till they reached a fertile spot on
Tulpehocken creek, in Berks county, where they settled.
As an evidence of the moral, material and social pro-
gress of Middletown, we may mention that it has eight
churches, namely, one each of the Lutheran, (the oldest
church, after those of Derry, Paxton and Hanover, in the
county, having been erected 1767,) Presbyterian, Bethel,
(Church of God,) Methodist Episcopal, New Mennonlte,
United Brethren, Roman Catholic, and African Metho-
dist denominations. It has fourteen common schools and
138 Historical Sketch of DaupJiiii County.
the Emmaus Orphans' School; six well kept hotels and
a number of restaurants. It also has one lodge of A. Y.
Masons, one encampment of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, one lodge of Knights of Pythias, one De-
gree Council of the Improved Order of Red Men, one
Circle of the Brotherhood of the Union, two lodges of
the- American Mechanics, and the Washington Bund, a
German society.
The location and business facilities of Middletown are
not surpassed by any other town in Dauphin county, or
of like population in the State. It contains among its
manufacturing establishments two furnaces, one car and
manufacturing works, a foundry and machine shop, fur-
niture manufactory, tube works, five steam saw mills and
general lumber yard manufactories; two sash, door and
blind factories, a boat yard, paint and varnish works, a
steam tannery, and an extensive cigar manufactory. It
also has six dry goods and general stores, seven grocery
and notion stores, three drug stores, three stove and tin-
ware establishments, two breweries, two wholesale liquor
stores, two harness and saddlery stores, several millinery
and ladies' notion stores, a national bank and good
weekly newspaper. The different professions and handi-
crafts are also ably represented. The domestic market
is well supplied, and carried on in a substantial brick
building erected for that purpose. There is a beautiful
and tastefully arranged incorporated cemetery and sev-
eral others connected with the various churches.
The municipal government of the town is vested in a
burgess and a town council. It is divided into three
wards, all of which are ably represented in the council
chamber. The civil order of the place is maintained by
Historical Sketch of DaupJmi County. 139
constables. There Is also an effective lire company, and
steam fire enoflnes and accoutrements.
The population of MIddletown in 1870 was 2,980, but
is now fairly estimated at 4,000. The number of taxa-
bles, according to the assessor's return for 1874, was
843; assessed value of real and personal property, by
the same authority, was $449,593.
HUMMELSTOWN.
Hummelstown was laid out by Frederick Hummel, Oc-
tober 26, 1762, and as a town is consequently twenty-
three years older than Harrisburg. It was for many
years called Frederickstown; the precise date of the
change in the name is not known. It is situated nine
miles from Harrisburg, on the Reading turnpike, as v/ell
as the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, in a fertile
limestone region, highly cultivated by wealthy and indus-
trious Germans. Among its earliest settlers were Jacob
Hummel, sr., John Fox, Frederick Hummel, George Gish
George Fox, Christian Spayd, Frederick Richert, Daniel
Baum and Adam Dean. Durino- the Revolution the town
was a depot for arms, ammunition, etc., from which the
garrisons on the West Branch were supplied.
The Swatara creek, along which runs the Union canal,
is close by the town. On the banks of the Swatara, a
short distance from the town. Is a remarkable cave about
half a mile in length, which is much visited in the summer
season. It abounds with stalactites and stalagmites.
Not far from this cave rises the lofty insulated hill called
Round Top, from whose summit a fine prospect of the
surrounding scenery can be had.
140 Historical Sketch of Dauphin Lowity,
Hiimmelstown was incorporated Into a borough by an
order of court August 6, 1874. According to the census
of 1870 it had a population of ^^^, being at that time the
third borough In population In the county. Its taxable
population was represented in 1874 by 249 taxables, and
according to the assessor's returns for the same year the
assessed value of Its real and personal property was
$200,589.
HIGHSPIRE,
A post town, situated between the Susquehanna and the
Pennsylvania canal, on the turnpike from Harrisburg to
MIddletown, six miles from the former and three from
the latter. It Is on the main branch of the Pennsylvania
Railroad. The town was laid out in 181 4, by two Ger-
mans named Barnes and Doughterman, who emigrated
from Spire, a small village In Bavaria. By an act of As-
sembly passed February 7, 1867, It was Incorporated into
a borough ; but the act was annulled on the 8th of April,
1868. According to the census of 1870, the town con-
tained a population of 612, but it Is now fairly estimated
at 750. It contains five general stores, one grist and
one saw mill, two wheelwright shops, car shops, a distil-
lery, a cigar manufactory, three good hotels, two churches,
and three common schools, and several other business
establishments, etc.
MILLERSBURG.
Millersburg was laid out in July of the year 1807, by
Daniel Miller. The town Is pleasantly situated north of
Berry's mountain, at the confluence of the WIsconlsco
creek with the Susquehanna, twenty-three miles north of
Histoj'ical Sketch of Dmiphin County. 141
Harrisburg, on the road leading to Sunbury. It stands
on an elevated spot a short distance from the river.
The first settlers of this reorion were Huouenots.
Francis Jaques, or Jacobs, resided some time at Halifax,
but afterwards located here, where he had "taken up"
several thousand acres of land. Among others, Kleim La-
rue, (Laroi,) Shorra or Jury, Werts, Stoever and Shutts,
were early settlers here.
Millersburg is becoming a place of considerable im-
portance, being situated near the coal regions, with
which it communicates by the Lykens Valley Railroad,
and with Harrisburo- bv the Wisconisco canal and the
Northern Central Railroad.
The site of the present town was formerly a pine for-
est, and an original lot owner could procure enough of
pine lumber to build a comfortable dwelling. The place
was settled some time prior to the time it was laid out.
Daniel Miller, the proprietor, and John Miller, his bro-
ther, emigrated from Lancaster county about the year
1790, and "took up" some four hundred acres of land and
commenced a settlement, probably in the year 1 794,
which was finally laid out into town lots, as above stated.
The prediction of a local historian touching the pros-
perity of Millersburg has. been fulfilled to a large extent,
for the Millersburg of to-day is quite a flourishing town,
and the centre of transporation of a large amount of coal.
On the 8th of April, 1850, an act was passed and ap-
proved by the Legislature of Pennsylvania incorporating
Millersburg into a borough. From that time its progress
has been rapid. Its business and social interests are
now represented by five general and two drug stores and
one hardware store, two confectioneries, two stove and
tinware stores, two harness shops, a shoe store, a whole-
142 Historical Sketch of Dauphin Cottnty.
sale tobacco establishment, one national and one discount
bank, two hotels and two restaurants, five common
schools and three churches, and a newspaper. Its man-
ufactories are two tanneries, two steam saw mi^ls, two
sash, door and blind and planing mills, one foundry, and
one shinofle mill.
The population of Upper Paxton township, as given in
the census of 1870, was 1,371; of which 1360 were na-
tive born and 11 foreign; 1,370 white and one colored.
The number of taxables, as returned by the assessor in
1874, was 469; the assessed value of real and personal
property, $55,289.
DAUPHIN.
Dauphin was for many years called Port Lyon, and af-
terwards Greensburg, taking the latter name from the
Hon. Innis Green, by whom it was laid out about the year
1826. It is beautifully situated on the Susquehanna
river and on the turnpike from Harrisburg to Clark's
Ferry, eight miles from the former place, at the conflu-
ence of Stony creek with the Susquehanna.
Dauphin was incorporated into a borough by an act of
Assembly passed and approved on the 31st of March,
1845. ^t contains three dry goods and grocery stores
(combined,) two groceries, two tin shops, a planing
mill and sash factory, a furnace, car works, an exten-
sive tannery. Its moral and social interests are repre-
sented by four churches, one each of the Presbyte-
rian, Lutheran, Methodist and Evangelical denomina-
tions; three common schools and one select school; also,
a lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows; a lodge
of Patriotic Sons of America; a circle of the Brotherhood
of the Union; and an encampment of Odd Fellows. It
Histoi'ical Sketch of Daicpkin Cotuity. 1 43
has three hotels and a number of good restaurants. It
is a post town.
According to the census of 1870 Dauphin borough had
a population of 739; the number of its inhabitants is now
fairly estimated at 825; the number of taxables, as re-
turned by the assessor in 1874, was 216; assessed value
of real and personal property, ^100,965.
DUNCAN'S ISLAND.
Duncan's Island is the name now applied to the flour-
ishine settlement at the mouth af the Tuniata, fourteen
miles above Harrisburg. The name properly belongs to
the narrow alluvial island, about two miles in length, at
the point of which the village is situated. This island and
its fellow, Haldeman's Island, although apparently in
Perry county, are really in Dauphin, Perry having been
formed from Cumberland; and the original boundary of
that county having been the western shore of the Sus-
quehanna. Haldeman's island (so called from its pres-
ent owner) is not of alluvial origin, but is elevated far
above the neiohborincr flat-lands. The farm house on it
commands a magnificent landscape comprising many of
the wonders both of nature and art. The river here is
nearly a mile in width, and is crossed by a wooden bridge.
A dam across the river, just below the bridge, creates a
pool, upon which canal boats cross by means of a double
towing-path attached to the bridge. The canal continues
up Duncan's Island, diverging at its upper end into the
Juniata and Susquehanna divisions. The Juniata division
then crosses the Juniata river on a splendid aqueduct,
with wooden superstructure, and continues up the rio-ht
bank. There is also a fine bridge to the island, across
the mouth of the Juniata.
144 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
David Brainerd, the devoted missionary, leaves a record
of a visit to that island, which was then called "Juneauta"
island, which he made in May, 1745. Writing on Sep-
tember 19, I 745, he says: "Visited an Indian town called
Juneauta, situated on an island in the Susquehanna.
Was much discouraged with the temper and behavior of
the Indians here; although they appeared friendly when
I was with them last spring, and they gave me encour-
agement to come and see them again. But they now
seem resolved to retain their pagan notions, and persist
in their idolatrous practices."
"This island," says Watson, "was the favorite home of
the Indians, and there are still many Indian remains. At
the angle of the canal near the great bridge, I saw the
mound covered with trees from which were taken hun-
dreds of cart loads of human bones, which were used
with the intermixed earth, as filling materials for one of
the shoulders or bastians of the dam. There was also
among them leads, trinkets," etc.
The island was originally settled by a Swedish family
named Huling, who came from Marcus Hook. Mr. Dun-
can's maternal grand-father, Marcus Huling, established a
ferry across the mouth of the Juniata, and built a causeway
at the upper end of the island for pack-horses to pass.
Mr. Baskin established a ferry across the Susquehanna
at the foot of the big island, Haldeman's. The trade at
that time was carried on entirely by pack horses. When
the hostile Indians broke in upon the frontier in 1756,
Mr. Huling left here and went out to Fort Duquesne,
and afterwards became proprietor of the point where
Pittsburg now stands. Becoming discontented with his
situation in that disturbed frontier, he sold out for ^^200,
and returned to Duncan's island, where he re-established
Historical Sketch of Datiphi7i Coit7ity, 145
his ferry and made further improvements. A bloody
fight occurred on the island between the whites and In-
dians about the year 1760. On one occasion news came
to Mr. Huling that the Indians were coming down the
river to attack the settlement. Huling packed up a few
of his valuables in great haste, and putting his wife and
child upon a large black horse, fled to the foot of the
island, ready to cross over at the first alarm. Thinking
that perhaps the Indians might not have arrived, he ven-
tured back alone to the house to try to save more of his
effects. After carefullv reconnoiterinor the house, he en-
tered and found an Indian up stairs, coolly picking his
flint. Stopping some time to parley with the Indian so
that he mio-ht retreat without beincr shot at, his wife be-
came alarmed at his long delay; and fearing he had been
murdered by the Indians, she mounted the black charger,
with the child on her lap. and swam the Susquehanna.
This was in the spring when the river was up. Our
modern matrons would scarcely perform such an achieve-
ment. Her husband soon arrived and in his turn became
alarmed at her absence; but she made a signal to him
from the opposite side and relieved her anxiety.
Mr. Huling arrived safely at Fort Hunter. A Mrs.
Berryhill got safe to the same place; but her husband was
killed and scalped.
"At one time when William Baskins, grand uncle to
Cornelius and James Baskins, having a crop of grain on
what is now called Duncan's island, (having, however,
previously removed his family to Fort Hunter for secu-
rity) returned with part of the family to cut the grain, and
while thus engaged, they were suddenly startled by the
yell or whooping of Indians, who were hard by; how-
ever, discovering they were neighbors their alarms
were quieted, but. alas! they were deceived ; lor the bar-
barous savages, as soon as they were near enough, gave
146 Historical SkctcJi of DaitpJiin County. *
them distinctly to understand their object was their
scalps! At this moment they all fled in consternation,
hotly pursued, towards the house, and when there, Mr.
Baskins, in the act of getting his gun, was shot dead and
scalped ; his wife, a daughter of about seven, and a son
three years old, were abducted. Mr. McClean, who was
also in the field, plunged into the river and swam the Juniata
at what is called "Sheep island," and concealed himself in
the cleft of rooks, on the opposite side, and thus eluded
the pursuit of the savages and saved his life.
''Mrs. Baskins effected her escape from the Indians
somewhere near Carlisle; the daughter was taken to the
Miam.i country, west of the Ohio, then an unbroken wil-
derness, where she was detained for more than six years,
when in conformity with a treaty made with the Indians,
she was delivered up and returned. She was afterwards
married to Mr. John Smith, whose son James is now re-
siding in Newport, Perry county, and to whom I am in-
debted for this interesting tradition. The lad that was
taken at the same time, was taken to Canada, where he
was raised by Sir William Johnson, not knowing the name
of the boy, when he was baptized by a missionary, was
christened Timothy Murphy. He was afterwards discov-
ered by Alexander Stevens, James Stevens' father, who
resides in Juniata township, Perry county, by some pecu-
liar marks on his head. He has visited his friends in
Perry. James Smith, his nephew, when at Canada in de-
fence of his country, during the late war, visited him and
found him comfortably situated near Maiden, in Upper
Canada, and the owner of a large estate."
The present Clark's Ferry, near Duncan's island, was
called Ouenashawake by the Indians, and the Juniata
was spelled "Choniata." This ferry was once a great
fording place — a little above it, at the White Rock,
on the river side, John Harris had, in 1733, a house and
some fields cleared, which was complained of by the In-
dians.
Historical Sketch of Dauphin Cottnty. 147
LINGLESTOWN
Is one of the most ancient towns in the county, having
been laid out as early as the year 1765, by Thomas Lin-
gle, who called the place St. Thomas. It is located in the
north-eastern part of Middle Paxton township, on the road
leading from the Susquehanna river to Jonestown. The
site is the centre of a highly productive agricultural re-
gion, and the surrounding scenery is unsurpassable in
picturesque beauty. The town, owing to its isolated po-
sition, makes no pretensions as a manufacturing centre.
In i860 Dr. W. E. Smith laid out an addition south of the
town, which is gradually being improved. A handsome
cemetery is located near the town, which contains a monu-
ment twenty-five high erected by the citizens to the mem-
ory of the dead who fell in the late civil war. The Boston
and South Mountain Railroad runs through the town,
which when completed and in operation will give a great
impetus to the business operations of the place.
•
HALIFAX
Is pleasantly located on the Susquehanna river, seven-
teen miles from Harrisburg. It was laid out by George
Shaeffer and Peter Rise in 1794, but the deed was
recorded by Philip Brindle and John Norton, attor-
neys for George Winters on the 8th of May, 1794.
It was named after F^ort Halifax. The town is beauti-
fully situated in Armstrong's valley, the Wisconisco ca-
nal and Northern Central Railroad, passing between it
and the river. Opposite the town is an island noted for an
Indian mound, which according to Indian tradition con-
tains the remains of many Indians.
148 Historical SketcJi of Dauphui County.
LYKENS.
The town of Lykens was laid out by Edward Gratz,
and surveyed by David Hoffman in 1848. It is situated
in and is the principal trading centre of Wisconisco town-
ship. There was a settlement here previous to this
which increased rapidly in commercial importance upon
and after the discovery of coal in the vicinity.
Wisconisco, Williamstown, Baldwin, Gratz, Rockville,
Coxestown, Berrysburg, Uniontown, Jacksonville, Fish-
erville, Enders, Enterline, Elizabethville, Williamstown,
Bachmanville, Union Deposit, Manada Hill, are also im-
portant towns and villages, whose thrifty and enterpris-
ing citizens are annually developing new resources and
adding to the aggregate wealth of the county.
APPENDIX.
In every section of Dauphin county, the one hundreth
anniversary of American Independence was celebrated
with a degree of enthusiasm scarcely equaled since In-
dependence bell "proclaimed liberty throughout all the
land" in 1776. Nothing w^as more proper than this out-
burst of patriotism. It was a just tribute of respect and
regard for our country — and our county — a suitable ac-
knowledgment for the virtue, intelligence, good order,
prosperity and happiness, which have always prevailed
with us as a people. No county In the Commonwealth
has been more largely blessed in these respects, none has
ever existed, whose history in these particulars is more
bright or honorable. Dauphin county occupies a proud
position and enjoys an honorable fame. It was right to
stop at this point in its progress — the termination of the
first and the commencement of the second century of
the existence of the National Government — and take a
survey of it in the past, to review its leading features
and events, to render appropriate honor to those who
participated in them, and indulge in the congratulations
which such a survey is calculated to inspire.
In the city of Harrisburg, and the boroughs of Lykens,
Millersburg and Middletown, the celebration embraced
civic parades, orations and displays of fireworks. The
parade in Harrisburg was gotten up under the immediate
auspices of the Odd Fellows and Fire Department, and
as a local editor remarks, the large number that partici-
pated, and the completeness of arrangements, has never
had a parallel in the city. About two hours and a half were
150 Historical Sketch of DaupJiin County.
consumed In marching over the long route, and atallpouits
the procession was warmly greeted by the large crowds
of people who witnessed the spectacle. The day dawned
most auspiciously, the sun rising with scarcely a cloud to
intercept its gleams. The rain of the previous day had
settled the dust on the streets and put them in excellent
condition for marching. The city presented a beautiful
appearance in its patriotic dress, large arches and flags
spanning the principal streets, and thousands of smaller
flags waving from windows of private residences and
other points. The display of bunting was the most ex-
tensive ever witnessed at the capital of the State, and
was the subject of much approving commient."
After the conclusion of the parade a meeting was or-
ganized in the hall of the House of Representatives for
the purpose of hearing a number of local addresses
read. Mr. A. Boyd Hamilton, President of the Dauphin
County Historical Society, announced that the proceed-
ings would open with prayer, which was then oft'ered by
Rev. Dr. Swartz, of the First Lutheran Church.
Mr. S. D. Ingram read the Declaration of Indepen-
dence.
Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Robinson then delivered the fol-
lowlngr address:
THE ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF
DAUPHIN COUNTY.
One hundred years ago the civilized settlements of our
country were mainly confined to a narrow strip of terri-
tory along the Atlantic coast. The traveler who ventured
from the seaside soon found himself approaching the
boundaries of the white population. Civilization had only
brightened the eastern edges of our great land, and
Historical Sketch of Dattphiii County, 151
kindled a fire here and diere in the deeper forests. This -
region of the Susquehanna was, at the time of the revo-
lution, on the frontier. Through the district of the Cum-
berland valley, now filled with a population of about two
hundred and fifty thousand, there was then a scattered
people not exceeding forty thousand in number.
A few settlements had been made up the Susquehanna
and along Its north and west branches, the region of the
Juniata was opened, and some settlers had crossed the
Alleghenles on their pack horses, and built their homes
in the western part of the State. As early Indeed as
1720, traders and settlers were pushing their way out
into the grand forests along our noble river, and when
the war of the revolution began there were men enough
who sprung to arms, to form some of the bravest regi-
ments of the times. But the country was still primitive,
and the type of manners and customs of education and
religion, partook of the characteristics of an early time
and a hardy race. Dauphin county had not yet been or-
ganized but was included In Lancaster.
The man who seeks to comprehend the history of this
country or any section of it, should know that the Amer-
ican people at their birth were emphatically a religious
people. It was largely for religion and its rights that they
braved the seas and came hither to plant their new gov-
ernment in this western world. They were not adven-
turers seeking the excitements of a strange land, or
speculators in search of an El Dorado of gold. They
wanted to serve God freely and Intelligently, and scarce-
ly, therefore, was the humble cabin of the original settler
erected, before the school house and the church were
built. Education and Christianity were among the first
necessities.
152 Historical Sketch of Daitphi)i County,
Throucrhout this entire region, from the Alleorhenies
eastward to the Susquehanna, and still eastward to the
line of the counties adjoining our own, the bulk of the
earliest settlers were of that class now familiarly known
as the Scotch-Irish. This people took to the frontiers^
and in the Indian wars stood as a bulwark of protection
for the eastern part of the colony. It has only been in
later years that they have been gradually and peaceably
displaced by the sturdy and solid Germans.
It so happened, therefore, from the race of people who
settled here, that the first churches organized within the
limits of Dauphin county were Calvinistic. They were
/
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES OF DERRY, PAXTON AND
HANOVER.
These all date back prior to the year 1730, although
Hanover had no settled pastor until t ']^%, when the Rev-
Richard Sanckey was settled over the church. The first
pastor of the united churches of Derry and Paxton was
the Rev. William Bertram, who took charge of them in
1732. Prior to this last date the people of this region
were dependent for the preaching of the gospel upon
the ministers of the churches in the reorion further east-
ward. For fully one hundred and twenty years these
three old churches of Derry, Paxton and Hanover flour-
ished in their strength, filling up an eventful and honor-
able history. The old Derry church has the honor of
being the pioneer church of the county. The venerable
building, constructed of oak logs two feet thick and cov-
ered with hemlock boards on the outside, is still standing.
It was erected as early as 1720. The congregation that
worshiped in it lies buried in the ivy grown graveyard
by its side or in others in distant parts of the land. But
HistoHcai Sketch of Dauphin County. 153
one of the three early churches now survives — Paxton.
The original settlers and their children are gone, and
the churches of other denominations occupy the ground.
The first Presbyterian organization within the limits of
Harrisburg was in i 794, and the first settled pastor was
the Rev. Nathaniel R. Snowden. At a very early date
there was a Presbyterian church in Upper Paxton. Its
building stood on the hill back of the village of Dauphin.
The leading ministers of the Presbyterian church in this
county in the past were the Revs.. John Elder, John Roan,
Richard Sanckev and William R. DeWitt, D. D. There
are now in the county eight churches of the Presbyterian
order, with two or three mission stations. Five of these
churches are in the city of Harrisburg. There is now
a church membership in the Presbyterian churches of
the county of about 1,400, a Sunday school membership
of 2,500, sittings in their churches for about 3,500 peo-
ple. Their Sunday schools number 10.
THE REFORMED CHURCH.
The Reformed church was second in date of organiza-
tion, a church having been started in Derry in the year
1768. Soon after the laying out of the town of Harris-
burg in the year 1785, the settlers who were composed
of several denominations, took measures to build a
church, and when it was built in 1787, clergymen of dif-
ferent denomilnations, by permission, officiated in it. The
building was, however, owned an occupied regularly by
the German Reformed and Lutheran cono^reQfations. These
two bodies used it jointly, each, however, electing their
own church officers, trustees, elders and deacons.
In 1795 the two churches separated, but continued
their worship in the same building, until the year 18 14.
154 Histoidcal Sketch of Dauphi)i Coimty.
The building- became the exckisive property of the Re-
formed church in 1816. It was the first church building-
erected in Harrisburg, and stood on the corner of Third
street and Cherry alley, near the Salem Reformed church
of the present day. Prior to 1786 the early settlers of
Harrisburg held divine worship in a one story log school
house which stood at the foot of capitol hill, on the north
corner of Third and Walnut streets, which is still stand-
ing on the south side of Walnut street, between sixth and
Canal.
The Rev. x\nthony Hautz, of the Reformed church
was the first settled pastor within the limits of Harris-
burg, being here from about 1790 to 1797. Eleven pas-
tors have succeeded him in the care of the church, among
them the two Helfensteins, Rev. Dr. Zacharias, Rev. Dr.
J. F. Mesick and Rev. David Cans. The Reformed
church has grown rapidly since that early day, and has
now organizations in nearly every township and district
of the county, having according to some late statement,
about thirty church organizations and preaching stations,
and a seating capacity in their church edifices for nearly
14,000 people.
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The Lutheran church was the third in date of organi-
zation in the county, having begun an enterprise in Hum-
melstown as early as 1753. In 1787, as already stated,
the Lutherans of the town of Harrisburg united with the
members of the Reformed church in erecting and occu-
pying the first church -building in our present city limits.
In 1814 they withdrew and purchased a lot on Fourth
street and erected a church edifice of their own, and
beside it a large two-story brick school house.
Historical Sketch of Daiiphin Cotmty. 155
Their first pastor was the Rev. F. D. Schaeffer, who
began to preach in and around Harrisburg in 1788.
Their first stationed pastor was the Rev. Henry Mueller,
who began his labors in 1795. He has been succeeded
by a number of earnest and able men, among whom may
be named the Lochmans, Rev. Dr. C. W. Schaefier, Rev.
Dr. C. A. Hay and Rev. Dr. G. F. Stelling. The Lutheran
church is progressing rapidly in the county.' New church-
es are being erected; its membership increases ; its Sun-
dav schools are laro^e and flourishing-. Accordino- to a late
report there are now thirty-six organizations in the
county, and room in its church edifices for over ten thou-
sand people.
The three bodies, the Presbyterian, the Reformed and
the Lutheran seem to have been the only religious bodies
that had any position and regularly organized existence
in the county prior to the year 1800.
^ THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In the summer of 1801 the Rev. William Rose, an
Irishman, organized some classes and preaching appoint-
ments for the M. E. Church in the upper end of the
county, one at Halifax, another at Millersburg, and a
third up Lykens Valley. Here began the Methodism of
the county. The first Methodist families in the county
are said to have been residents of Halifax. Harrisburg-
became, however, a preaching station as early a 1802.
The Rev. Jacob Gruber, was appointed on the circuit
as early as 1802 and preached at this point. The first
society formed in Harrisburg was in 18 10. The present
fine edifice on State street is the outgrowth of the feeble
band of 1802. With characteristic zeal and energy this
church has pushed its conquests until to-day ; it has nearly
156 Historical Sketch of Dauphin Cotmty.
or quite 25 orcranizations in the county, a church mem-
bership of probably 2,500 to 3,000, about 4,000 children
in its Sunday schools, and churches that will seat 6,000
people.
THE PROTESTANT EPLSCOPAL CHURCH.
As early as 1766, this church had a mission station at
Estherton, two miles above Harrisburg, as a few families
of that church were residing there, but no church build-
ing was erected. It was not u ntil 1826 that a congregation
was formed in the county, the present St. Stephen's
church of this city. The congregation worshiped for
a time in the building already mentioned, on the corner
of Third street and Cherry alley, which was built by the
people of the Reformed and Lutheran church. The first
rector of the church was the Rev. Mr. Clemson. Among
his successors have been those who were greatly honor-
ed in this community. The number of church organiza-
tions in the county at this date is five.
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The first conorre^ation orpfanized of this church in the
county was within the present limits of the city of Har-
risburg. As early, however, as 18 10, the ground now
owned by them on Allison's Hill was in their possession,
and the Jesuit Fathers visited the place and had minis-
trations. There also was their first graveyard. At a
later date the property cam.e into the hands of William
Allison, but in subsequent years was re-acquired by the
Catholics, and is now held by them. The first church
edifice erected by them was begun in 1826, under the
superintendence of the Rev. Michael Curran. It was
the original of the present pro-Cathedral on State street.
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 157
The Rev. P. Maher was for nearly 35 years the offi-
ciadng- minister of this church, and will be kindly remem-
bered by persons of all denominations. The present
bishopric was formed in 1868. The church is in a flour-
ishing state, having a large membership and an excellent
Sunday school. There are several other organizations
of this church in the city and county.
THE BETHEL, OR "CHURCH OF GOD."
This religious body originated in this county. Its
founder was the Rev. John Winebrenner, who withdrew
from the Reformed Church and began a new organiza-
tion in 1827. Their first church building was erected in
Mulberry street between Front and Second streets, oc-
cupying the grounds where now stands the city hospital-
This church has pushed its work vigorously, and now
claims some fifteen or sixteen organizations in the county.
Its energy in the work of Sunday schools is worthy of
all praise.
BAPTIST AND FREE BAPTIST CHURCHES.
The Baptist church made its first organization on the
2d of April, 1830, in a building known as the Unitarian
Church, which has since passed out of existence with the
people that built it. The Rev. Dyer A. Nichols was the
first pastor of the enterprise. There are at present sev-
eral organizations in the county of the Baptist order,
about a dozen. Their churches would accommodate
about 3,000 hearers.
During the last half century several other Protestant
denominations have formed churches in the city and
county and are pushing forward their Christian work
with great devotion and success. Among them may be
19
158 Historical Sketch of Datiphin County.
mentioned the United Brethren, whose first organization
in Dauphin county was about 1800. They have now
'iy^ churches, about 2400 church members; Sunday schools
with a membership of 2700 scholars and teachers. The
Evangelical Association, organized about the same time;
the Wesley Union church about the year 1830.
Our Jewish brethren have also their synagogues, the
first of which was formed about 1854.
How great the contrast between those early days, and
these would take longer time to depict than is alloted me
to-day. In 1776 this district, now Dauphin county, had
within its borders about 10,000 inhabitants. To-day 4t
has fi.illy 70,000. In 1776 Harrisburg was but a trading
post, to-clay it is a city of nearly 30,000. In 1776 there
were three strong country churches — Derry, Paxton and
Hanover, and a few other preaching stations. To-day
we have in this city alone over forty churches, and in the
county between one hundred and fifty and two hundred.
Moved by a generous rivalry and working in the spirit
of noble harmony, these Christian Churches have gone
forth to possess every part of our county and to carry
the gospel with its light and salvation to every home.
Not only has this Christian civilization filled our city and
surrounding villages, and dotted over the whole county
with these houses of holy worship, but it has given us all
other needed benevolent institutions. The religious
bodies, Protestant and Catholic, have kept pace with the
increasing population and have anticipated it in provid-
ing the means and the places for religious culture.
Great as has been the progress of population in the
country from the year 1776 to the present, it has been
far outstripped by the growth of the churches. In 1776
there were less than 1,950 evangelical churches in the
Histoi'ical Sketch of Dauphin Ccnuiiy. 159
United States; according to the census of 1870 there
were then over 72,000. The population In a century In-
creased only thirteen fold, the churches Increased over
thirty six fold. In 1790 there was one evangelical min-
ister for every 2,000 of the people, while now there Is
one for about every 700. In i 790 there were five mem-
bers of evangelical churches for every 100 of popula-
tion; there are now eighteen for every 100.
In 1776 there were no Bible, tract or missionary socie-
ties; not a single religious newspaper published In the
land, nor any house for the publication of religious liter-
ature, nor even the publication of religious books to any
extent. Our orphan asylums, schools of reform. Chris-
tian associations, temperance societies, etc., etc., etc., are
all of later date. Truly, the Church of God moves onward.
There are but few districts in our great country that
are better provided than our own county with the varied
advantages of intellectual and rello^Ious culture. Our
churches are multiplying. The great body of our peo-
ple are law-abiding, upright and moral. The Sabbath,
Bible, the Church and the agencies of Christianity are
honored among us.
When we look back one hundred years and more to
the days of our fathers and of the early pioneers of this
region, how changed the aspect. The victories of peace
have loner aeo effaced the sad memorials of a war that
filled many a lowly cabin with horror. The banks of
this broad and placid stream, where once rang the war-
whoop of the savage, and where broken families gather-
ed In groups to mourn over their slaughtered dead, now
smile with orchards and teeming harvests and gardens,
with workshops, and villages, and happy homes.
i6o Historical Sketch of Daitphin County.
Here, where once was carnage, no sounds prevail but
the hum of industry, of peaceful life and joy. When we
look upon this beautiful region with its streams and
mountains, its cultivated farms, its railroads and manu-
factories, its flourishing towns and villages, its institutions
of learning and of charity, its multiplied and stately
church edifices, and all the indications of the social, in-
tellectual and moral condition of its people, and recall
that just one hundred years ago our fathers, clad in their
linsey woolsey or in their buckskin, with their powder
horns at their side and their flint-lock muskets, were
pouring forth to join the army of the Revolution, going
forth from the lowly homes where they had prayed, and
the churches where they had worshiped to fight in a cause
that no men understood better than did they, we ask-
ourselves anew. Do we not owe a debt of grateful mem-
ory to them, and of largest thanksgiving to God, for the
lives they lived and the work they did for us and for our
children after us ? Let us not stint our gratitude to the
men who planted in the wilderness homes where intelli-
gence and enterprise and religion were all nourished.
They were men who spared no cost in preparing the
way for more peaceful and happy times. Let us not
think lightly of the men who opened out these unbroken
forests, who broke up the virgin soil of these valleys,
who reared cabins for Christian households, who taught
their sons to love freedom, to contend for the right and re-
vere the God of their fathers. They were no ordinary
men, they brought here the spirit of liberty fresh and
warm in their hearts.
They sought to lay deep and broad the foundation for
righteous ages after them. They learned their political
creed as they learned their religion, from the Bible — that
HistoTual Sketch of Dauphhi Cotuity. i6i
Bible which says, ''The truth shall make you free." And
nearly every man of them who was able to bear arms
and endure a soldier's life, entered into the service of his
country. And two years before the Declaration of In-
dependence w^as proclaimed, the men of this county as-
sembled June 4, 1774, at Hanover, and among other
resolutions, passed the following:
''Resolved, That in the event of Great Britain attempt-
ing to force unjust laws upon us by strength of arms,
our cause we leave to heaven and our rifles."
We are living in the past to-day. We are recalling
the eventful times, the thrilling adventures, the heroic
endurance, the toils and self denials, the services and the
virtues of our fathers. And we rightly say this large,
rich present is not what zue have made it. These things
around us are //z<?/7" achievement. But now what Is to be
the practical outcome of all that we have, and learn and
feel to-day? What good Is It to have had such fathers
if we to-day are not worthy of them?
What glory to us to look back Into such a radiant past,
if we are going to mar all the picture by not imitating
them and carrying on their work? If they who had so
little, did so much for truth, for country, for us and for
God, w^iat shall be the measure of our doing who are so
rich and strono?
Our opportunity of doing good and blessing men are
to theirs as our railroads to the Indian trails and moun-
tain bridle paths; as the electric telegraph to the old
stage coach ; as the modern mower and reaper to the
old fashioned scythe; as the steam engine to the slow
moving water wheel ; as the mighty trip hammers of our
steel works to the light blows of some village blacksmith.
I 62 Historical Sketch of DaiipJiin County,
The voices of the past summon us to duty. The men
wlio founded school and church within the sound of the
Indians' war-whoop, charge us to make the future as
much greater and fairer than the present, as the present
is richer and o^reater in all the achievements of art, and
the blessings of freedom and religion, than the past.
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. \ 6
o
Mr. A. Boyd Hamilton, of Harrlsburg, then delivered
the following address :
HEROES AND PATRIOTS OE DAUPHIN COUN-
TY ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO.
Upon an occasion such as this, it is fitting that the
present should show its appreciative gratitude to those
whose records form a glorious past. It is the province
of history to preserve from oblivion recollections of deeds
whose character made a name and nation.
With these objects in view, this brief account is pre-
pared, recalling the memories of those who laid lives and
fortunes upon the altar of their country, and who con-
tributed to an uncommon extent personal effort as their
share to secure that independence, to celebrate which
has caused us to assemble this day.
The present Dauphin, then part of Lancaster county,
presents a remarkable roll of honor, from 1775, when the
revolution commenced, to its conclusion in 1 783. It com-
prises of officers alone about 150, and of privates nearly
2,000 persons. This exceeds in magnitude any contri-
bution made since that period, from any part of Penn-
sylvania to the military service of the country. It sug-
gests a train of thought very gratifying to those whose
ancestry formed a part of this patriotic band. When it is
remembered that these soldiers were drawn from a sparse
population along the borders of the Susquehanna river,
the Swatara, Beaver, Manada and Wiconisco creeks, the
aggregate is most surprising,.
These people were engaged at that time, in preparing
rugged forests for future cultivation, in the labor common to
a frontier life, yet old and young seem to have cheerfully
1 64 Historical Sketch of DaupJiin County.
forsaken all to follow the fortunes of "a nation that had as
yet no flag"." This day there are more than a million
"starry banners" floating in this single county.
No sooner was a call for volunteers issued in i 775, than
we find a company formed in Paxton and Derry to march
"for Boston," soon after to Quebec, havino; as officers
and privates Matthew Smith, James Crouch, Richard
Dixon, Archibald Steele, Michael Simpson, John Joseph
Henry, John and David Harris, sons of Harris, founder of
Harrisburg, and other honored names, now seldom re-
called, but the remembrance of whose valiant deeds,
hardy endurance, and patriotic sacrifices should never be
forgotten by a grateful people.
The sergeant, Dixon, of "Dixon Ford," on the Swa-
tara, and John Harris, Harris Ferry, never returned from
the campaign to and assault on Quebec. One of them,
certainly, was killed there — the exact fate of the latter is
quite uncertain. Alexander Nelson of Derry was also
killed in this assault.*
*NoTE. — It has been a work of patience and research to recover so much
of the roll of Smith's brave men as is herewith presented. It is thought all
that marched from tlie present Dauphin county are embraced in it. I do not
think it possible to recover a complete list of the company. It was 87 strong,
and all of them from the then, Lancaster county. Tliis roll names 48 of them.
Who were the other 89 ? No papers of Smith, Steel, Simpson or Cross, are
known. Indeed almost all we know of that celebrated event, or of the heroic
men who formed its ranks, is found in the memoir of it by Judge Henry — a
'private soldier.
Lieutenant Michael Simpson commanded, under an order of Gen. Arnold,
the company in the assault on Quebec. Captain Smith was sick at Isle Or-
leans. An excellent memoir of Gen. Simpson, prej^ared by George W. Har-
ris, Esq., has been published since the foregoing address was delivered.
OFFICERS AND PRIVATES.
Captain — Matthew Smith, Paxton.
1st Lieut. — Archibald Steel, Donegal.
2d Lieut. — Michael Simpson, Paxton, commanded in the assault.
8d Lieut. — William Cross, Hanover.
Boyd, Thomas, Sergeant, Derry, afterwards Captain-Lieutenant 1st P. AL
Historical Sketch of Dauphifi County. 165
It will be impossible in the brief compass to which this
must be confined, to do more than refer to the services
of those who were subsequently soldiers, afterward, hon-
ored and useful citizens of Dauphin county. A recital
of the names of most of them is all that can possibly be
presented.
Of the considerable number of active officers resident
in our own and the present Lebanon county, after 1785,
the year of the formation of Dauphin county, very little
is known of themselves or families. The memories of
the brave privates it is impossible to recover. The fe-
verish migrations previous to 1820 and of several subse
Binnagle, Curtis, Londonderry.
Bollinger, Emanuel, resided in Dauphin county in 1813.
Black, James, Hanover.
Black, John, Upper Paxton.
Cavenaugh, Edward, resided in York county, "Honest ]!^ed," of Judge
Henry.
Carbach, Peter, enlisted in J. P. Scott's Co. March 12, 1777, afterwards
in Capt. Selin's, discharged at Lancaster in 1783. Resided- in Dearborn
county, Indiana, in 1830.
Conner, Timothy, Bethel.
Crouch, James, Paxton, afterwards a Colonel.
Cochran, Samuel, Paxton, afterwards a Captain of militia 1781.
Crow, Henry, died in Derry.
Cunningham, Robert, Londonderry, died at Lancaster of disease con-
tracted in prison, soon after his return.
Dougherty, James, Londonderry, captured at Quebec, and put in irons
eight weeks. Enlisted afterwards in 12th Penn.
Dixon, Robert, Sergeant, killed in front of Quebec, Nov. 17, 1775. Be-
longed to West Hanover.
Dixon, Richard, Dixon's Ford.
Dean, Samuel, served one year, then appointed Lieutenant in Col. Hart's
regiment. Flying camp. Subsequently 1st Lieutenant 11th Pa.
Adam Egle, wagon-master at Cambridge, Col. Thompson's regiment.
Was in Smith's recruits, from Lebanon township.
Feely, Timothy, Dixon Ford.
Griffith John, Harris Ferry.
Harris, John, Harris Ferry, killed at Quebec.
Harris, David, Harris Ferry.
Henry, John Joseph, Lancaster, died at Harrisburg.
20
1 66 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
quent years, dispersed families In localities distant from
each other. The loss of home scattered their records and
weakened their family ties. Indifference to ancestry, to
private position, or public affairs seems to have charac-
terized the emigrants from this charming region, to a land
supposed to be more fruitful still, beyond the Allegheny
mountains. All are aware that the life of a border settler
is not conducive to the preservation of records, or of
placing in indestructible form accounts of current affairs;
and thus it has happened that many things this genera-
tion would like to know, are buried so deep in the abyss
of oblivion, that it will be the merest accident, if they are
ever rescued. Perhaps the imperfect information I pre-
Kennedy John, Hanover.
Marshall, Lawrence, Hanover.
McGranaghan Charles, Londonderry.
Merchant, George, Donegal.
McEnally, Henry, Londonderry.
McKonkey, John, Hanover.
Mellen, Atchison, resided in Lycoming county in 1818.
Nilson, Alexander, Derry, killed in front of (^nebec, Jan. 1, 1776.
Old, James, Derry.
Porterlield, Charles, Hanover.
Tiyan, John, Derry.
Simpson, William, Paxton, wounded August 27, 1775, brother of Gen.
Michael Simp.son.
Sparrow, AVilliam, Derry.
Shaeffer, John, drummer, resided in Tiancaster in 1809.
Smith, Samuel, Paxton.
Taylor, Henry, captured 31st December, 1775; returned lOth Novem-
ber, 1770.
Tidd, [Todd,] John, of Hanover.
Teeder, Michael, re-enlisted in 5th Penn.
Warner, James, died in the wilderness near C'handiere lake. — Henry,
p. 198.
Wheeler. , [uncertain, from Paxton.]
Weirick, Valentine, Haiiover, resided in Dauphin county in 1813.
Waun, Michael, Derry.
ISTilson [Nelson probably] and Waun did not return. The former was
killed in the assault. The other died at the "crossing of the Chaudiere."
Tluis Dixon, Harris and Nilson were killed in the battle.
Historical Sketch of Datiphiii County, 167
sent Is as complete a record as can be gathered at this
date, and is the only statement in a permanent form that
has ever been collected. If for no other, this is a good
reason for its preservation. In only one or two instances,
has it appeared that the evils of ignorance, poverty, or
vice, have overtaken any of the race of these noble
fathers.
With these preliminary observations, the subject will
be taken up based upon a list of names prepared by and
contained in a circular issued by the Dauphin County
Historical Society in May last, and with such other infor-
mation as has since come to the knowledge of that or-
cranization.
A great majority of those who served from Paxton,
Derry, Hanover, Upper Paxton and Londonderry, the
townships into which the upper part of Lancaster county
was divided in 1774, were styled "associators," officered
by those of their own choice, and serving short terms of
duty as called upon by the supreme executive council.
Many of them as early as the first year of the contest, en-
tered the Pennsylvania line composed of thirteen regi-
ments, enlisted for a term of three years. Whenever it
has been possible to separate those who served as asso-
ciators from those who were continental officers, it has
been done.
In a few instances, company rolls have been recovered,
but all search has been ineffectual in securing any num-
ber of them. We know that Boyd, Wallace, Morrison
Hays, McKnight, Wilson, McKee, Armstrong, McClure,
Fleming, Ben net, Cochran, and other familiar names
marched with Col. Timothy Greene, whilst Forster,
Rutherford, Harris, Carson, Elder, Gray, McElhenny,
Crawford, Gilchrist, Montgomery, McFarlane, Espy, and
1 68 Histoi^ical Sketch of Dauphin County,
so on, marched under Cowden, Murray or Crouch.
Happily the information respecting the following who
in 1776, or afterwards, citizens of Dauphin county is pre-
cise, and authentic as to dates and services.
Matthew Smith, June 25, 1775, captain in Col. William
Thompson's Rifle regiment, which afterwards became the
I St Pennsylvania of the line, Col. Hand; promoted major
in 9th Pennsylvania December i, 1776; Vice President
Executive Council, October 11, 1779; prothonotary of
Northumberland county, Feb. 4, 1780-83. Died at Mil-
ton, 1794; buried at Warrior's Run.
Archibald Steel, ist lieutenant in Smith's company
June 25, 1775; wounded at Quebec, losing two fingers ;
captured December 31, 1775; carried on the rolls as
lieutenant of ist Pennsylvania. In service 57 years.
Dying commander of the Frankford arsenal, aged 97,
October 19, 1832. Buried at Philadelphia.
Michael Simpson, 2d lieutenant in Smith's company
June 25, 1775; promoted captain of ist Pennsylvania
December i, 1776; relieved from service January i,
1 78 1. Died June 1, 181 3. Buried at Paxton, aged 65 years.
William Cross, 2d lieutenant in Col. Moylan's cavalry
regiment ; July 3, 1777, promoted captain 4th Pennsylva-
nia regiment. Buried at Hanover, Dauphin county.
John Joseph Henry, private in Smith's company. (See
his memoirs.) Died April 15, 181 1.
John Hamilton, captain of volunteer unattached caval-
ry, December, 1776; marched to the relief ol Washing-
ton before the battle of Trenton ; again called out in
1778. Died and is buried at Harrisburg 1793, aged 43
years.
Alexander Graydon, captured January 5, 1776; 3d
Pennsylvania battalion, Col. Shee; taken November 16,
Histoiical Sketch of Dauphm County, 1 69
1776, at Fort Washington ; exchanged April 15, 1778.
Died at Philadelphia, May 2, 1818, aged 67. (See his
memoir.)
John Harris, commissioned captain of 12th Pennsylva-
nia, Col. Wm. Cook, October 14, 1776. Founder of
Harrisburg. Died July 29, i 791. Buried at Paxton, aged
65 years.
Dr. Robert Harris, Nov. i, 1 777, commissioned sur-
geon's mate of 2d Pennsylvania regiment of the line.
Died March 4, 1785, at Blue Ball tavern, Tredyfferin
township, in Chester county, of an attack of quinsy, on
his way from Philadelphia.
James Crouch died an aged man, at Walnut Hill, near
Middletown, May 24, 1794; had been at Quebec, Prince-
ton, Monmouth, Germantown, and rose from a private at
Quebec, to be colonel of one of the Pennsylvania regi-
ments. He is buried at Paxton.
John Stoner, appointed lieutenant of Capt. John Mur-
ray's company. Col. Miles' regiment, March 15, 1776;
promoted captain loth Pennsylvania regiment, Decem-
ber 4, 1776. Died at Harrisburg March 24, 1825,
aged ^j.
Andrew Lee, died June 30, 1821, aged 80 years. Na-
tive of Paxton. Buried at Hanover, Luzerne county.
Ambrose Crain enlisted as a private in Capt. John
Marshall's company. Col. Miles' regiment ; promoted
quartermaster sergeant July 15, 1776, and in April, 1777,
second Lieutenant of Capt. Anderson's company. Col.
Stewart's loth Pennsylvania. Buried at Hanover.
Adam Boyd, second lieutenant on the armed ship
Burke, Jan. 23, 1776; promoted to first lieutenant Octo-
ber 4, 1776; honorably discharged July 16, 1777; lieu-
tenant in the Northampton county contingent August,
I 70 Historical Sketch of DaupJiin County.
I'j'j'j, at Brandy wine, Germantown to Yorktown. Died
May, 181 4, aged 68 years, and is buried at Harrisburg.
John Murray, captain, Col. Miles' regiment, March 7,
1776; promoted major April 18, 1777; lieutenant colo-
nel of 2d Pennsylvania regiment in 1780; relieved from
service January 1, 1781 ; died in Chillisquaque township,
Northumberland county. His company was from Upper
Paxton and nearly used up at Long Island December 27,
1776.
Andrew Forrest, second lieutenant Captain Graydon's
company, 3d Pennsylvania battery; captured November
16, 1776, at Fort Washington; exchanged October 25,
1 780. A physician and long resident of Harrisburg.
Died at Danville 181 5.
Captain John Brisban, commissioned January 5, 1776,
2d Pennsylvania battery. Col. Arthur St. Clair; served
one year, died March 13, 1822, aged 91 ; buried at Paxton.
David Harri ;, second son of John the founder, was an
officer early in the contest — rose to be a major, removed
to and died ar Baltimore.
Capt. John Marshall's company, Col. Miles' regiment,
was raised in Hanover; his lieutenants were John Clark,
Thomas Gourley and Stephen Hanna. This fine com-
pany was nearly destroyed at the battle of Long Island,
August 27, 1776.
Samuel Weir, commissioned second lieutenant 1777,
had served at Princeton previously, and was an officer at
Germantown and Yorktown. Died 1820, aged 76 years,
and buried at Harrisburg.
Archibald McAllister, commissioned second lieutenant
July, 1776; served at Monmouth, Princeton to Yorktown.
Died at Fort Hunter, an historical spot in the border wars
from I 750 to I 768. Died at and is buried at Fort Hunter.
HistoHcal Sketch of Dauphiji County. . 171
James Cowden, a native of Paxton, Dauphin county ;
colonel of Associators. Died in the house in which he
was born October 10, 18 10, aged y^ years. Buried at
Paxton church yard.
The law relative to "Associators" was a very strict one.
It was provided that an officer so forgetful of his position
as to use profane language was held to pay a fine of five
shillings for each oath; a private was fined for a like of
fence one shilling and "further punishment." Thus in-
dulgence in profanity was a costly luxury.
An officer guilty of drunkenness was visited with ex-
pulsion and reduction to the ranks; a private fined and
"further punishment."
All landlords were forbidden to distress Associators un-
der pain of punishment, the grade of which the councils
wisely, as it seems to us, did not name. We have met
with no instance of this threat being executed.
Non-associators were compelled to pay a tax, gener-
ally of three dollars, twice a year to the State. It was
collected with unusual severity.
The patriotism of the "Associators" was encouraged
by stirring addresses from the brave and brilliant men
who were at the head of the movement — those who were
to give enduring form to institutions which exist to this
day. One example is given, an eloquent and inspiring
appeal to Pennsylvania, from those who assembled in
June, 1776, to form a State constitution. No State paper
before or during this contest of arms that followed,
breathes more lofty sentiments, purer patriotism or in-
tense love of freedom, than this. For these reasons it is
quoted at length. It will bear perusal now with as lively
admiration as it did one hundred years ago.
1 7 2 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County,
TO THE ASSOCIATORS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Gcntlcfnen : — The only design of ou r meeting together was
to put an end to our own power in the Province, by fixing
upon a plan for calling for a convention, to form a govern-
ment under the authority of the people. But the sudden
and unexpected separation of the late assembly has com-
pelled us to undertake the execution of a resolve of Con-
gress, for callln;^ forth 4,500 of the militia of the Province,
to join the mil? da of the neighboring Colonies, to form a
camp for our i:'imedlate protection. We presume only
to recommefid the plan we have formed to you, trusting
that In a case of so much consequence, your love of vir-
tue and zeal for liberty, will supply the want of authority
delegated to us expressly for that purpose.
We need not remind you that you are now furnished
with new motives to animate and support your courage.
You are not about to contend against the power of
Great Britain, In order to displace one set of villains to
make room for another. Your arms will not be ener-
vated in the day of battle with the reflection, that you are
to risk your lives or shed your blood for a British tyrant;
or that your posterity will have your work to do over
again.
You are about to contend for permanent freedom, to
be supported by a government which will be derived
from yourselves, and which will have for Its object,
not the emolument of one man or class of men only,
but the safety, liberty and happiness of every indi-
vidual In the community. We call upon you there-
fore by the respect and obedience, which are due to
the authority of the United Colonies, to concur in this
important measure. The present campaign will proba-
bly decide the fate of America. It Is now in your power to
Immortalize your names, by mingling your achievements
with the events of the year 1776 — a year which we hope
will be famed In the annals of history to the end of time,
for establishing upon a lasting foundation the liberties of
one quarter of the globe.
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 173
Remember the honor of our colony is at stake. Should
you desert the common cause at the present juncture,
the glory you have acquired by your former exertions of
streno^th and virtue will be tarnished: and our friends and
brethren who are now acquiring laurels in the most re-
mote parts of America, will reproach us and blush to own
themselves natives or inhabitants of Pennsylvania.
But there are other motives before you. Your houses,
your fields, the legacies of your ancestors, or the dearly
bought fruits of your own industry, and your liberty, now
urge you to the field. These cannot plead with you in
vain, or we might point out to you further your wives,
your children, your aged fathers and mothers who now
look up to you for aid, and hope for salvation in this day
of calamity only from the instrumentality of your swords.
Remember the name of Pennsylvania! — Think of your
ancestors and your posterity.
Signed by an unanimous order of the Conference.
Thomas M'Kean, President.
June 25, 1776.
Powder was scarce and many persons set to making it,
under the principal direction of Dr. Robert Harris, of
Donegal, afterwards a surgeon in the line. Muskets
and their fixtures were still more difficult to obtain; the
material and skill, however, was at hand to manufacture
them. A large trade was created In their manufacture
at Lancaster, and one or two other points in what is at
present our territory. Their cost was about nine pounds,
or in the currency of that day twenty-five dollars. Judge
John Joseph Henry was an apprentice at this handicraft
when he ran off to fight against Quebec. He afterwards
was the first law judge of Dauphin county.
During the first years of the war letters are preserved
addressed to the "Lancaster Committee," from officers of
the Association, stating that certain privates about Swa-
21
174 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
tara were gunsmiths — mostly apprentices — and request-
ing their excuse from "duty." In no case was such a
request decHned; often as it proved, to the great mortifi-
cation of the youth whose ambition it was to distinguish
himself as a defender of his country. Judge Henry,
Captain Shearer and Ensign Young, are prominent ex-
amples of this feeling.
The first formal call upon the Associators was in June,
1775, although in January a notice of such intention was
promulgated to the "Lieutenants" of the counties. The
number demanded of Lancaster county was 600 men, of
which Paxton, Derry, Hanover, Upper Paxton and Lon-
donderry were to furnish about one-half. There arose the
usual dispute about rank amongst those who had held
commands in the provincial service. This among the
Paxton boys, was carried on in the fractious fashion of
the race. It ended so far as our relation is concerned,
in the retirement of Col. James Burd, the senior colonel
of the provincial troops, and in turning over his com-
mand to Majors Cornelius Cox, of Estherton, and James
Crouch, of Middletown.
These gentlemen had a great deal of trouble, ere they
were able to get their forces in marching condition.
It occupied the attention of Rev. Mr. Elder, still a lieu-
tenant colonel in the provincial service, Capt. Joseph
Shearer, Capt. John Harris, Capt. Robert Elder, after-
wards a lieutenant colonel, Lieutentant William Young
and Ensigns Samuel Berryhill, Thomas Forster, Jacob
Snyder and William Steel, the whole of a wearisome
summer, to get these heroes in good humor. However,
they did get to the field of conflict, and no complaint has
ever been heard that they were not valiant, as well as
obedient soldiers.
Historical Sketch of DaupJiin Coiinty.
175
At one period or other, besides the officers already
mentioned, the following served :
James Cowden,
Timothy Greene,
Robert Elder,
Cornelius Cox,
John Rogers,
Abram Latschall,
John Gilchrist, Jr.,
Anthony McCieight,
James Rogers,
Patrick Hayes,
Jas. McCreight,
John Hartenrider,
Daniel Bradley,
Samuel Cochran,
Michael Brown. Jr.,
William Allen,
George Lauer,
Robert M'Callen,
Jonathan M'Clure,
William M'Clure, Jr.,
William Murray,
Matthew Gilchrist,
Wniiam Hill,
Adam Mark,
Castle Byers,
William Barnett,
John Bakestose,
William Patterson,
John Ryan,
George Clark,
William Montgomery,
John Matthews,
John Chesney,
John Hallebaugh,
Daniel Hoffman,
Joseph Smith,
Thomas Sturgeon,
William M'Millen,
John Eversole,
Jacob Prader,
William Branden,
James Johnson,
Baltzer Stone,
John Brown, Jr.,
Daniel Stover,
William Stewart,
George Taylor,
James Reed,
COLONELS.
James Crawford,
James Crouch.
LIEUTENANT COLONELS.
I Peter Hetericks.
MAJOES.
James Stewart, and perhaps others in
these grades, the officers of which
were continually being changed by
Congress or the Council.
CAPTAINS.
Martin Weaver,
Andrew Stewart,
Geo. M'Millen,
Hugh Robertson,
William Johnson,
William Laird,
John Kean, the elder.
Thomas Koppenheffer,
Benjamin Snodgrass,
James Sayer,
Michael Whitley,
Frederick Hummel, founder of
town of Hummelstown.
the
LIEUTENANTS.
j Michael Linnes,
I George Clark,
; Emanuel Ferree,
Robert M'Kee, Upper Paxton, pro-
moted to a majority 1779,
.John Barrett,
John M'Farland,
Jacob Latchsar,
Peter Brightbel,
John Weaver,
.Jacob Gibbins,
Robert Martin,
James Wilson, Derry,
Henry M'Cormick,
Balzer Bomgardner,
Andrew Rogers.
ENSIGNS.
William Lochrey,
George Treebaugh,
Jonathan Woodside,
Daniel Hoffman,
.James Wallace,
Robert Greenley,
Henry Graham,
John Weaver,
Jacob Stein,
George Killinger.
176 Historical Sketch of DaupJiin County,
Many of those present who hear or read this, will find
an ancestral name amono- those who torm the fore^-oino-
patriotic roll of honor. Very complete notices of Col.
Greene, and Rev. Mr. Elder are to be found in printed
publications, to which you are referred.
Interesting particulars of them could be recited, but
the bounds set to this address is limited and all that is left
for us to do is to recall the memories of the fragrant past.
Several of the very earliest settlers, lotholders in Har-
risburg, 1785, were men of the revolution — lived long
enough to see the village of Harris Ferry — four years
Louisburg — then Harrisburg — well equipped for its on-
ward progress to a prosperous and populous communi-
ty. A few moments devoted to them will close this epi-
sode, so interesting in the history of a border land before
Dauphin county existed.
These men, Alexander Graydon, our first prothono-
tary; James Sayer, who was at Germantownand Chadd's
Ford with Samuel Weir and John Stoner — Adam Boyd,
who had served as an officer in the fight at Chadd's Ford,
Germantown and Yorktown — Andrew Mitchel who had
served four years from Monmouth to Yorktown — John
Hamilton, a cavalry officer at Trenton — John Kean, the
younger, at Yorktown — Andrew Forrest, an officer who
was ''in everything," as he expressed it, from Trenton to
Yorktown, and Thomas Forster of Paxton.
To the names of these excellent fathers, must be added
those of William Graydon, Joseph, Hugh and John Mont-
gomery, Andrew Gregg, William Murray, Jacob Awl,
Conrad Bombaugh, John Hoge, Samuel Grimes (Gra-
ham,) Wendel Hipsman, George Hoyer, William Glass,
William Milham, and perhaps others of whom we are un-
certain, all very early residents of Harrisburg having
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 177
served for long or short periods during the revolution.
William Maclay, one of the first United States Senators
from Pennsylvania, was a provincial officer and also one
in the revolution. Andrew Lee, long a respected citizen,
was at Yorktown, with Joshua Elder.
Most of these crentlemen had been officers clurine the
revolutionary contest, and many of them held high mili-
tary rank after the revolution. Especial pains was taken
to secure their experience in the Whisky insurrection, and
in the militia organizations of which they were the lead-
ing spirits. May we all cherish the boon of freedom they
were so instrumental in securing, before they laid
"Mortality's raiment softly aside."
1 79 Histo7ncal Sketch of Da7iphin County.
William H. Egle, M. D., delivered the following ad-
dress :
HISTORICAL REVIEW OF DAUPHIN COUNTY.
At what eventful era the footsteps of the white man
trod the green sward of this locality there is no certain-
ty, but from the description of Capt. John Smith, of the
Virginia Company, who ascended the Susquehanna as far
as the Great Falls (Conewago,) there can be no doubt some
of his hardy adventurers explored the country as far as
the first range of the Kittochtinny hills. At that period
(1608,) the brave Susquehannas reigned here — they
yielding subsequently to the conquering Iroquois. Fi-
nally (1695-8,) the Shawanese, from the Carolinas,
driven from thence by the Catawbas, located at the
mouths of the different tributaries of the great river, as
high up as the Forks of the Susquehanna.
Although, after the founding of Philadelphia, William
Penn planned the laying out of a city on the Susque-
hanna, it is not certain that the Founder, in his several
visits to our majestic river, ever came farther north than
the Swatara. The first persons to spy out this goodly
heritage of ours were French traders, one of whom lo-
cated at the mouth of Paxtang creek, towards the close of
the seventeenth century. Of this individual, Peter Beza-
lion, little is known, but until the period, when the in-
trigues of the French and especially the encroachments
of Lord Baltimore began to be feared, he acted as chief
interpreter at the principal Indian conferences. He sub-
sequently went to the Ohio, as also the other French
traders, and after 1725-6 he is lost sight of. At this pe-
riod there were Indian villages at Conestoga, at Conoy,
i8o Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
at the mouth of the Swahadowry (Swatara,) Peshtank
(Paxtang,) Conedoguinet, and Calapascink (Yellow
Breeches.) The Cartlidges were located at Conestoga,
after the removal of the Le Torts, Bezallon at Paxtang,
and Chartler at the village opposite, while roving traders
supplied the other Indian towns.
It becoming absolutely necessary to license English
traders so as to prevent communication with the French
on the Ohio, among the first was John Harris, who per-
chance entered this then lucrative field, the Indian trade,
at the suo-crestlon of his most Intimate friend^ Edward
Shippen, Provincial Secretary.
Of the John Harris, who thus located permanently at
Harrisburg, and who gave the name to our city, it may
not be inappropriate to refer. "He was as honest a man
as ever broke bread," was the high eulogium pronounced
by Parson Elder, of blessed memory, as he spoke of the
pioneer in after years. Born In the county of Yorkshire,
England, although of Welsh descent, about the year
1673, he was brought up in the trade of his father, that
of a brewer. Leaving his home on reaching his majori-
ty, he worked at his calling some time In the city of Lon-
don, w^here he joined, a few years afterwards, a company
from his native district, who emigrated to Pennsylvania
two or three years prior to Penn's second visit to his
Province. Watson states that John Harris' "entire
capital amounted to only sixteen guineas."
We first hear of him after his arrival In Philadelphia as
a contractor for clearing and grading the streets of that
ancient village. In 1 698 his name Is appended to a re-
monstrance to the Provincial Assembly against the pass-
age of an act disallowing the franchise to all persons
owning real estate less in value than fifty pounds.. The
HistoHcal Sketch of Dauphin County. i8i
memorial had its effect, and the objectionable law was re-
pealed. By letters of introduction to Edward Shippen,
the first mayor of Philadelphia, that distinguished gentle-
man became his steadfast friend, and through his influ-
ence, no doubt, were secured those favors which induced
him eventually to become the first permanent settler in
this locality.
In January, 1705, John Harris received his license from
the Commissioners of Property, authorizing and allowing
him to ''seat himself on the Sasquahannah," and "to erect
such buildings as are necessary for his trade, and to en
close and improve such quantities of land as he shall think
fit." At once he set about building a log house near the
Ganawese (Conoy) settlement, but the Indians made
complaint to the government that it made them "un-
easie," desiring to know if they encouraged it. As in nu-
merous instances when the Provincial authorities were
taken to task, they disavowed their own acts. Neverthe-
less, the "trader" continued his avocation, making fre-
quent visits to the Shawanese villages at the Conewago
and Swatara. It is doubtful if John Harris came farther
west until after the permanent removal of all the French
traders.
It was during one of his expeditions that Harris first
beheld the beauty and advantages of the location at Pax-
tang. It was the best fording place on the Susquehanna,
and then, as now in these later days, on the great high-
way between the North and South, the East and the
West. Annually the chiefs of the Five Nations went to
the Carolinas, where were located their vast hunting
crrounds, and these, returning with peltries, found need
of a trading post. The eye of that hardy pioneer, look-
ing out over the vast expanse of wood, and plain, and
22
I <S 2 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
river, saw and knew that it was tlie place for the reahza-
tion of that fond dream of the founder of Pennsylvania,
the great and good Penn — "a city on the Susquehanna."
At the period referred to, the lands lying between the
Conewago or Lechay Hills, and the Kittochtinny or Blue
Mountains, had not been purchased from the Indians.
Of course neither John Harris nor the Scotch-Irish set-
tlers could locate except by the right of squatter sover-
eignty or as licensed traders. As a trader, it could only
be with the permission of the Indians.
Harris' first move was the erection of a store-house,
which he surrounded by a stockade. It was located on
the lower bank of the river, at about what is now the foot
of Paxtang street. A well dug by him still exists, al-
though covered over about twenty-five years ago, the old
pump stock having become useless and the platform dan-
gerous. A mound or hillock about one hundred feet
south-east of the graveyard denotes the spot. "For al-
most a century," in the language of the present David
Harris, ''this well supplied a large neighborhood with
water, which was exceedingly cool and pleasant to the
taste." Adjoining his cabin were sheds for the housing
of peltries obtained by trafiic, which at stated periods,
were conveyed to Philadelphia on pack horses.
About the year 1718 or '19, an incident took" place in
the life of John Harris which has received all sorts of ver-
sions, and even doubts of its truthfulness. We shall give
it as we believe it, and as traditionary and other facts in
our possession supply the material therefor. All the
French traders having "gone over Sasquahannah," John
Harris monopolized the business at Paxtang. In glanc-
ing over the records of the Province of Pennsylvania, fre-
quent allusions are made to the excursions of the north-
Historical SketcJi of DanpJiiii County. 183
ern Indians, either to hunting grounds in the South or to
a conflict with a deadly foe. At one time the Ononda-
goes, on a predatory excursion against the Talapoosas,
in Virginia, descending the Susquehanna, left their ca-
noes at Harris', proceeding thence to the scene of strife.
Situated as he was, at the best ford on the river, he com-
manded an extensive trade. His Indian neighbors
(Shawanese) were very friendly, and ot course would not
allow any strange or predatory bands to molest him.
The deadly foe of the red race is Rti??i, and although the
selling of it was expressly forbidden by the Provincial au-
thorities, yet there was scarcely a treaty or conference
without this potion being a part of the presents made by
the refined white man to his ignorant red brother. Ol a
consequence liquor was sold, and we are told by Conrad
Weiser that on one occasion "on the Sasquahannah," the
Indians whom he was conducting to Philadelphia became
so drunk that he was fearful of them and left them. At
the period first referred to, it seems, a predatory band of
Indians, on returning from the Carolinas, or the "Patow-
mack," naturally halted at John Harris'. In exchanging
part of their goods, probably rum — tor this seems to have
been the principal beverage drunk at that period — was
one of the articles in barter. At least we have it by tra-
dition that the Indians became riotous in their drunken
revelry, and demanding more rum, were refused by Mr.
Harris, who beean to fear harm from his visitors.
Not to be denied, they again demanded liquor, and seiz-
inu- him, thev took him to a tree near bv, bindincr him
thereto. x\fter helping themselves to whatever they
wanted of his stores, they danced around the unhappy
captive, who no doubt thought his death was nigh.
Prior to this, the Indian villaoe of Paxtano- had been
deserted, and the inhabitants removed to the west side
184 I lislorical Sketch of DaiipJiia County.
of the Suscjiu^hanna. On the bhiff opposite John Har-
ris', as also at the mouth of the Yellow Breeches, there
were lodges of Shawanese, and these held our Indian
o
trader in high esteem. Information was taken them by
Mr. Harris' negro servant, when at once were sum-
moned the warriors, who crossed the river, where, after a
slight struggle with the drunken Indians, they rescued
from a death of torture their white friend.
Althoui^h no mention of these facts is made in the
Provincial records, there may possibly have been good
reason therefor, and it is well known that many inci-
dents, well authenticated in later years, have not been
noted in the documents referred to. By tradition and
private sources alone are they preserved from oblivion.
It was no myth, this attempt to burn John Harris, and al-
though the pen and pencil have joined in making there-
from a romance, and heightened it with man)' a gaudy
coloring, yet accurate resources have lurnished us with
the details here given.
The remains of this tree, which in the memory of the
oldest inhabitant bore fruit, stands within the enclosure
at Harris park, a striking memento of that thrilling inci-
dent, and in this place and in this connection we propose
to erect a substantial monument to the memory of that
brave pioneer, that as the years roll on and that old
stump crumbles into dust something may tell that story
of frontier dmes. Let subscripdons of one dollar each
be the limit, and 2,500 or 3,000 persons in a city of 30,-
000 can readily be found w^th patriodsm enough in their
bosoms to contribute to this laudable design. Before
the year closes I can assure my hearers, that the monu-
ment to the memory of those who fell in the war for the
Historical Sketch of DaupJmi County, 185
Union will be completed. After that, the duty for which
I speak will properly suggest itself.
Harris' trade with the Indians continued to increase,
and Harris Ferry became known far and wide, not only
to the red men, but to the white race in foreign coun-
tries.
During John Harris' frequent visits to Philadel-
phia he met at the house of his friend Shippen, Miss Es-
ther Say, like himself not over young, from his native
Yorkshire, and in the latter part of the year 1720 mar-
ried her. The wedding took place either at the Swedes
Church, Wicaco, or at Christ Church, both being mem-
bers of the Church of England. Among the early colo-
nists who settled in Philadelphia were a number of the
name of Say, but to which family Esther Harris was con-
nected is not to be ascertained with certainty. She was
kinswoman to the Shippens, and of course respectably
connected. A remarkable woman, she was also well cal-
culated to share the love, the trials, the hardships and the
cabin of the intrepid pioneer.
In 1721-22 their first child, Elizabeth, was born; in
1725 their second, Esther Harris, and in October, 1727,
their first son, John Harris. This was the founder of
Harrisburo". The statement that he was the first white
male child born west of the Conewago Hills is not cor-
rect. There were settlers beyond, along the Swatara, as
early as 1718; and it is natural to suppose that in many
a log cabin the sunshine of boyhood gladdened the hearts
of the hardy pioneer, and who also attained mature age.
The parents carried their child when nearly a year old to
Philadelphia, where he was baptized on the 2 2d of Sep-
tember, 1728, as they had previously done with their
other children. That of Esther Harris took place Au-
1 86 Historical Sketch of DaitpJiiii County.
enlist 31, 1726, accordini^- to the parisl"! register of Christ
Church, but we have not been able to ascertain the date
of the baptism of the eldest child.
Until this period (1728) the country lying between the
Conewago Hills and the Kittochtinny Mountains was
owned, or rather claimed, by the Five Nations. It is
true, the Scotch-Irish settlers had been pushed within
these bounds ten years previously by the very Provincial
authorities who destroyed their cabins on land already
purchased. The treaty of 1728 opened up this vast and
rich valley to the adventuresome. Filling up rapidly, on
May 10, I 729, the Assembly passed "An act for the erect-
ing the Upper Part of the Province of Pennsylvania ly-
ing towards the Sasquehannah, Conestogoe, Donnegal,
etc., into a county," to be called Lancaster. At the first
court in and for said county, November. 3, 1730, at
Posthlethwaite's, a petition w^as presented by John Har-
ris, among others, ''praying that he may be recom-
mended to the Governor as a suitable person to trade
wdth the Indians," and was allowed pej^ curiam!' This,
of course, was necessary in the change of counties ; here-
tofore the application passed through the court of Ches-
ter county, and in this connection we may remark that
among the Chester county records as early as 1722 is to
be found the name of John Harris, "on the Sasquahan-
nah." Subsequently he made application to the same
authority to "sell rum by the small," which was granted.
In 1732, with the desire of establishing an additional
trading-post, Harris built a store-house at the mouth of
the Juniata. The last purchase (1728) not extending
this far, the Indians objected to it, especially Sassonan
and Shickalamy, who wrote through their interpreters to
the Governor, informing him of the fact, and also to John
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 187
Harris, commanding him to desist from making a planta-
tion at the point referred to. The authorities made no
objection.
By virtue of a warrant from the Proprietaries of Penn-
sylvania, bearing date January i, 1725-6, five hundred
acres of land were granted to John Harris, father of the
founder of Harrisburg; and subsequently, on the 17th of
•
December, 1733, by a patent, three hundred acres of al-
lowance land, upon which he had commenced a settle-
ment, on the present site of the city, about the year i 71 7.
The land included in the latter patent extended from
what is now the line of Cumberland street some distance
south of the present north boundary of the city, and in-
cluding also a part of the present site of the city, with its
several additions.
Until the year 1735-6, there was no regularly con-
structed road to the Susquehanna, but at a session of the
Provincial Council held in Philadelphia January 22,
1735—6, on the petition of sundry inhabitants of Chester
and Lancaster counties, "setting forth the Want of a
High Road in the Remote parts of the said Counties
where the petitioners are seated, and that a very commo-
dious one may be laid out from the Ferry of John Har-
ris, on Susquehannah, to fall in with the High Road lead-
ing from Lancaster town at or near the Plantation of Ed-
ward Kennison, in the Great Valley in the County of
Chester," it was ordered that viewers be appointed who
shall make a return of the same, "together with a Draught
of the said Road." Subsequently this was done, and the
highway opened from the Susquehanna to the Delaware,
and in years after continued westward to the Ohio. As
a matter of course, the laying out of this road increased
greatly the? business at Harris Ferry, and it became at a
1 88 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
very early period the depot of trade to the western and
northern frontiers of the Province, a position which it has
held for over a century and a half.
Well advanced in life, at the age of about seventy-five,
after having for several years intrusted his business to
his eldest son, still in his minority, in December, 1 748,
the first pioneer quietly passed away from earth, having
previously made a request" that his remains be interred
underneath the shade of that tree so memorable to him.
There his dust lies at rest on the banks of our beautiful
river — within the hearing of its thundering at flood-tide,
and the musical rippling of its pellucid waters in its sub-
dued majesty and beauty.
The oldest son, John Harris, who succeeded to the
greatest portion of his father's estate, and who, in 1785,
laid out the Capital City of Pennsylvania, married first
Elizabeth M'Clure and second Mary Reed, daughter of
Captain Adam Reed, of Hanover, an officer of the Pro-
vincial service, was a prominent personage during the In-
dian wars, and the principal military storekeeper on the
frontier. His letters to the Governors of the Province
and other officials are of intense interest, and deserve to
be collated by our antiquarians. Not models of style, it
is true, but they give vivid descriptions of the perilous
times in which our ancestors dwelt who made the then
out-bounds of civilization flourish and "blossom as a rose."
By a grant from Thomas Penn and Richard Penn,
Esqs., proprietaries, to John Harris, Jr., bearing date of
record "ye 19th F'ebruary, 1753," that gentleman was al-
lowed the right of running a ferry across the Susquehan-
na, from which originated the former name of the place,
which previous to the organization of the county, was
known far and near as Harris Ferry.
Histoi'ical Sketch of Dauphin County. 189
It appears from letters of John Harris, written to Gov-
ernor Morris, that an Indian named Half-King, also called
Ta7iacharisso7i, died at his house on the night of the ist
of October, 1754. Rupp says that ''he had his residence
at Logstown, on the Ohio, fourteen miles below Pitts-
burgh, on the opposite side. George Washington vis-
ited him in 1753, and desired him to relate some of the
particulars of a journey he had shortly before made to the
French Commandant at Fort Duquesne." We find this
note among the votes of Assembly, 1754: "Dec. 17,
Post Meridian, 1754. — The Committee of Accounts re-
ported a balance of ^10 15s. 4d. due to the said John
Harris for his expenses, and ^5 for his trouble, &c., in
burying the Half-King and maintaining the sundry In-
dians that were with him."
They had considerable trouble at Harris Ferry during
the French and Indian war, which extended over the
period from 1754 to 1765. A petition from the inhabit-
ants of the townships of Paxtang, Derry and Hanover,
Lancaster county, bearing date July 22, 1754, and setting
forth their precarious condition, was presented and read
in the Council on the 6th of August following. It bore
the signatures of Thomas Forster, James Armstrong,
John Harris, Thomas Simpson, Samuel Simpson, John
Carson, David Shields, William M'Mullin, John Cuoit,
William Armstrong, William Bell, John Dougherty,
James Atkin, Andrew Cochran, James Reed, Thomas
Rutherford, T. M'Carter, William Steel, Samuel Hunter,
Thos. Mayes, James Coler, Henry Rennicks, Richard
M'Clure, Thomas Dugan, John Johnson, Peter Fleming,
Thomas Sturgeon, Matthew Taylor, Jeremiah Sturgeon,
Thos. King, Robert Smith, Adam Reed, John Crawford,
Thomas Crawford, Jonathan M'Clure, Thomas Hume,
23
1 90 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County,
Thomas Steene, John Hume, John Creige, Thomas
M'Ckire, William M'Clure, John Rodg-ers, James Patter-
son, John Young, Ez. Sankey, John Forster, Mitchel
Graham, James Toalen, James Galbraith, James Camp-
bell, Robert Boyd, James Chambers, Robert Armstrong,
Jno. Campbell, Hugh Black, Thomas Black.
At this period also we find an extensive correspond-
ence between John Harris, Conrad Weiser and others
and Edward Shippen, complaining of the insecurity of
life and property owing to the depredations of the In-
dians; and their tenor is a continual and just complaint
of the outrages committed by the savages, and urgent re-
quests to the authorities for protection, and arms, etc.
On the 8th of January, 1756, a council with the In-
dians was held at the house of John Harris, at Paxtang,
composed of Hon. Robert Hunter Morris, Governor;
James Hamilton and Richard Peters, secretaries; Joseph
Fox, commissioner, and Conrad Weiser, interpreter; two
Indians of the Six Nations called "The Belt of Wam-
pum," a Seneca, and the "Broken Thigh," a Mohawk.
The meeting was of an amicable character, and was only
the preliminary step to a larger and more important
council held the week following at Carlisle. One of the
reasons for holding the council at the latter place was,
"that there were but few conveniences 'for the proper en-
tertainment" of the Governor and his company at Harris
Ferry, and Mr. Weiser gave it as his opinion that it
would be better to adjourn to Carlise." A second coun-
cil was held here on the ist of April, 1757. Present:
the Rev. John Elder, Captain Thomas M'Kee, Messrs.
James Armstrong, Hugh Crawford, John Harris, William
Pentrup, interpreter, and warriors from the Mohawks,
Oneidas, Tuscaroras, Onondagoes, Nanticokes, Cayugas,
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County, 1 9 1
Delawares, Senecas and Conestogoes, with their women
and children. George Croghan, Esq., deputy agent to
the Hon. Sir W. Johnson, Bart., his majesty's sole agent
and superintendent of the Six Nations, etc., was also
present. This council was removed to Lancaster, owing
to the number of Indians then encamped at Conestoga
Manor, where the remainder of the business was con-
cluded.
The most interesting event of this period was the ex-
termination of the so-called Conestoga Indians by the
Paxtang Rangers. The situation of the frontiers suc-
ceeding the Pontiax war was truly deplorable, principally
owing to the supineness of the Provincial authorities, for
the Quakers, who controlled the government, were, to
use the language of Capt. Lazarus Stewart, "more solicit-
ous for the welfare of the blood-thirsty Indian than for
the lives of the frontiersmen. In their blind partiality,
bigotry and political prejudice, they would not readily ac-
cede to the demands of those of a different religious faith.
Especially was this the case relative to the Presbyterians
and Roman Catholics, both of whom were tolerated by mere
sufferance. To them, therefore, was greatly attributable
the reign of horror and devastation in the border coun-
ties. The government was deaf to all entreaties, and
General Amherst, commander of the British forces in
America, did not hesitate to give his feelings an em-
phatic expression — ''The conduct of the Pennsylvania As-.
sejubly^ he wrote, ''is altogether so infat^iated and stupidly
obstinate, that I want words to express my indignation
thereatr Nevertheless, the sturdy Scotch-Irish and
Germans of this section rallied for their own defense.
The inhabitants of Paxtang and Hanover immediately
enrolled themselves into several companies, the Rev.
John Elder being their Colonel.
1 9 2 Historical SkctcJi of Dauphin County.
Lazarus Stewart, Matthew Smith and Asher Clayton,
men of acknowledged military ability and prowess,
commanded distinct companies of Rangers. These brave
men were ever on the alert, watching with eagle eye the
Indian marauders who at this period swooped down upon
the defenseless frontiers. High mountains, swollen
rivers, or great distances never deterred or appalled
them. Their courage and fortitude were equal to every
undertaking, and woe betide the red men .when their
blood-stained tracks once met their eyes. The Paxtang
Rangers were the terror of the Indians — they were swift
on foot, excellent horsemen, good shots, skillful in pur-
suit or escape, dexterous as scouts and expert in ma-
noeuvering.
The murders in and around Paxtano-, notwithstandint'-
the vigilance of the Rangers, became numerous, and
many a family mourned for some of their number shot
by the secret foe or carried away captive. The frontiers-
men took their rifles with them to the field and to the
sanctuary. Their colonel and pastor placed his trusty
piece beside him in the pulpit; and it is authoritatively
stated that on one occasion old Derry meeting house was
surrounded while he was preaching; but their spies hav-
ing- counted the rifles the Indians retired from their am-
buscade without making an attack.
Many were the murderous deeds perpetrated by the
savages — but where these came from was a mystery.
Indians had been traced by the scouts to the wigwams of
the so-called friendly Indians at Conestoga, and to those
of the Moravian Indians in Northampton county. Sus-
picion was awakened, the questions, "are these Christian
Indians treacherous ? are their wio-wams the harbors of
our deadly foe ? do they conceal the nightly prowling as-
Historical Sketch of Datiphin County. 193
sassin of the forest : the villain, who with savage ferocity,
tore the innocent babe from the bosom of its mother,
where it had been quietly reposing, and hurled it in the
fire ? The mangled bodies of our friends cry aloud for
vengeance." Such were the questions, surmises, and ex-
pressions of the exasperated people on the frontiers; and
well warranted, for on one occasion when the Assemblv
were deaf to all entreaties and petition, with the hope of
arousing their sympathy the murdered were taken to
Philadelphia on wagons — when a prominent Quaker,
with a sneer, remarked they were ''only Irish." This un-
feeling expression was remembered by the Scotch-Irish
of the frontiers.
The Quakers who controlled the p^overnment, as here-
tofore remarked, ''seemed resolved," says Parkman,
"that they would neither defend the people of the fron-
tier or allow them to defend themselves, vehemently in-
veighed against all expeditions to cut off the Indian ma-
rauders. Their security was owing to their local situa-
tion, being confined to the eastern part of the Province."
That such was the case, rather than to the kind feelings
of the Indian towards them, is shown by the fact that
of the very few living in exposed positions, several were
killed.
The Inhabitants declared openly that they no longer
confided in the professions of the Governor or his ad-
visers in the Assembly. Numbers of volunteers joined
the Rangers of Northampton, Berks, Lancaster, York
and Cumberland, who were engaged In tracing the mid-
night assassins. On the Manor, a portion of land sur-
veyed for the Proprietaries, situated in Lancaster county,
near where the borough of Columbia is now located, was
settled a band of squalid, miserable Indians — the refuse
194 Historical Sketch of DaupJiin County.
of sundry tribes. Time and again they were suspected
of murder and thievery, and their movements at this
crisis were closely watched. Strange Indians were con-
stantly coming- and going.
Colonel Elder under the date of September 13, 1763,
thus wrote to Governor Hamilton, "I suggest to you the
propriety of an immediate removal of the Indians from
Conestoga and placing a garrison in their room. /;/ case
this is done, I pledge myself for the fnture security of the
frontiers I'
Subsequently, on taking charge of the executive affairs
of the Province in October, Governor John Penn replied
as follows: "The Indians of Conestoga have been repre-
sented as innocent, helpless and dependent on this gov-
ernment for support. The faith of this government is
pledged for their protection. I cannot remove them
without adequate cause. The contract made with Wil-
liam Penn was a private agreement, afterwards con-
firmed by several treaties. Care has been taken by the
provincial committee that no Indians but our own visit
Conestoga. Whatever can be faithfully executed under
the laws, shall be as faithfully performed;" and yet Gov-
ernor Penn in writinor to Thomas Penn afterwards
uses this language: "Many of them," referring to the
frontier inhabitants, "have had their wives and children
murdered and scalped, their houses burnt to the ground,
their cattle destroyed, and from an easy, plentiful life are
now become beggars. In short, not only in this Prov-
ince, but in the neighboring governments- is the spirit of
the people inveterate against the Indians."
John Harris had previously made a similar request :
"The Indians here, I hope your honor will be pleased to
Histo7Hcal Sketch of Dauphin Cotmty. 195
be removed to some other place, as I dont like their com-
pany!'
The Rangers finding appeals to the authorities useless,
resolved on taking the law into their own hands. Sev-
eral Indian murderers had been traced to Conestoga, and
it was determined to take them prisoners. Captain
Stewart, whose men ascertained this fact, acquainted his
colonel of the object, who seemed rather to encourage
his command to make the trial, as an example was neces-
sary to be made for the safety of the frontier inhabitants.
The destruction of the Conestogas was not then pro-
jected. That was the result of the attempted capture.
Parkman and Webster, following Rupp, state that Colo-
nel Elder, learning of an intent to destroy the entire
tribe, as they were about to set off rode after them com-
manding them to desist, and that Stewart threatened to
shoot his horse. Such was not the case. From a letter
dated Paxtang, December 16, 1763, written to Governor
Penn, he says: "On receiving intelligence the 13th
inst., that a number of persons were assembled on pur-
pose to go and cut off the Conestoga Indians, in concert
with Mr. Forster, the neighboring magistrate, I hurried
off an express with written message to that party 'entreat-
ing them to desist from such an undertaking, represent-
ing to them the unlawfulness and barbarity of such an ac-
tion; that it's cruel and unchristian in Its nature, and
would be fatal in its consequences to themselves and
families ; that private persons have no right to take the
lives of any under the protection of the legislature ; that
they must. If they proceeded in that affair, lay their ac-
counts to meet with a severe prosecution, and become
liable even to capital punishment ; that they need not ex-
pect that the country would endeavor to conceal or
196 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County,
screen them from punishment, but that they would be de-
tected and given up to the resentment of the govern-
ment' These thino-s I ur^j^ed in the warmest terms in or
der to prevail with them to drop the enterprise, but to no
purpose."
Not to be deterred, the Rangers reached the Indian
settlement before daylight. The barking of some dogs
discovered them and a number o( stra7i£-e Indians rushed
from their wigwams, brandishing their tomahawks. This
show of resistance was sufficient inducement for the
Rangers to make use of their arms. In a few moments
every Indian present fell before the unerring fire of the
brave frontiersmen. The act accomplished, they mounted
their horses and returned severally to their homes. Un-
fortunately a number of the Indians were absent from
Conestoga, prowling about the neighboring settlements,
doubtless on predatory excursions. The destruction at
the Manor becoming known, they were placed in the
Lancaster work-house for protection. Among these vag-
abonds were two well known to Parson Elder's scouts.
An express being sent to Philadelphia with the news,
great excitement ensued, and Governor Penn issued a
proclamation relative thereto. Notwithstanding its fine
array of words it fell upon the Province harmless. Out-
side of the Quaker settlements every one heartily ap-
proved of the measures taken by the Paxtang Rangers.
As the Governor himself wrote to England: "If we had
ten thousand of the King's troops I don't believe it
would be possible to secure one of these people. Though
I took all the pains I could even to get their names, I
could not succeed, for indeed nobody would make the
discovery, though ever so well acquainted with them, and
there is not a magistrate in the country would have
Historical Sketch of Datcphin Cowity. 197
touched one of them. The people of this town are as in-
veterate against the Indians as the frontier inhabitants.
For it is beyond a doubt that many of the Indians now in
town [referring to the Moravian Indians confined in the
barracks] have been concerned in committing murders
among the back settlers."
The presence of the remaining Indians at Lancaster
also became a cause of orreat uneasiness to'the ma^is-
trates and people, for as previously remarked, two or
three were notorious scoundrels. It may be here related
that several of the strano^e Indians harbored at Cones-
toga, who were also absent at the destruction of the
village, made their escape and reached Philadelphia,
where they joined the Moravian Indians from Nain and
Wechquetank, and there secreted.
The removal of the remaininor Indians from Lancaster
was requested by the chief magistrate, Edward Shippen.
Governor Penn proved very tardy, and we are of the
opinion he cared little about them, or he would have
acted promptly, as from his own confession he was not
ignorant of the exasperation of the people and the mur-
derous character of the refugees. Day after day passed
by, and the excitement throughout the frontiers became
greater. The Rangers, who found that their work had
been only half done, consulted as to what measure should
be further proceeded with. Captain Stewart proposed
to capture the principal Indian outlaw, who was confined
in the Lancaster work-house, and take him to Carlisle
jail, where he could be held for trial. This was heartily
approved, and accordingly a detachment of the Rangers,
variously estimated at from twenty to fifty, proceeded to
Lancaster on the 27th of December, broke into the
work-house, and but for the show of resistance would
24
1 98 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
have effected their purpose. But the younger portion of
the Rangers, to whom was confided this work, were so
enraged at the defiance of the Indians, that before their
resentment could be repressed by Captain Stewart, the
unerring rifle was employed, and the last of the so-called
Conestogas had yielded up his life. In a few minutes
thereafter, mounting their horses, the daring Rangers
were safe from arrest. George Gibson, who, from his
acquaintance with the principal frontiersmen of his time,
in a letter written some years after, gives the most plaus-
ible account of this transaction, which bore such an im-
portant part in the early history of the Province. He
says: ''No murder has been committed since the re-
moval of the friendly Indians and the destruction of the
Conestogas — a strong proof that the murders were com-
mitted under the cloak of the Moravian Indians. A de-
scription of an Indian who had, with great barbarity,
murdered a family on the Susquehanna, near Paxtang,
was sent to Lazarus Stewart at Lancaster. This Indian
had been traced to Conestoga. On the day of its de-
struction he was on a hunting expedition. When he
heard that the Rangers were in pursuit of him he fled to
Philadelphia. The three or four who entered the work-
house, at Lancaster, were directed by Stewart to seize
on the murderer, and give him to his charge. When
those outside heard the report of the guns within, several
of the Rangers alighted, thinking their friends in danger,
and hastened to the door. The more active of the In-
dians, endeavoring to make their escape, were met by
them and shot. No children were killed by the Paxtang
boys. No act of savage butchery was committed."
If the excitement throuorhout the Province was irreat
aftc^r the affair at Conestoo-a, this last transaction set
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 199
everything in a ferment, "No language," says Rev. Dr.
Wallace, "can describe the outcry which arose from the
Quakers in Philadelphia, or the excitement which swayed
to and fro in the frontiers and in the city." The Quakers
blamed the Governor, the Governor the Assembly, and
the latter censured everybody except their own inaction.
Two proclamations were issued by the Provincial author-
ities, offering- rewards for the seizure of those concerned
in the destruction of the Indians; but this was impossible,
owing to the exasperation of the frontiersmen, who
heartily approved of the action of the Rangers.
On the 27th of December the Rev. Mr. Elder hurried-
ly wrote to Governor Penn: "The storm, which had
been so long gathering, has at length exploded. Had
government removed the Indians from Conestoga, as was
frequently urged without success, this painful catastrophe
mieht have been avoided. What could I do with men
heated to madness? All that I could do was done. I
expostulated, but life and reason were set at defiance, and
yet the men, in private life are virtuous and respectable —
not cruel, but mild and merciful. '=" * ■"" The time
luill arrive when each palliating circumstance will be
calinly weighed. This deed, magnified into the blackest of
crimes, shall be considered one of those youthful ebullitions
of zuratJi caused by momentary excitement, to which Jmman
infirmity is subjected!'
To this extenuating and warm-hearted letter came a
reply, under date of December 29, 1763, from the Gov-
ernor, requesting the commanders of the troops — Colo-
nels Elder and Seely — to return the provincial arms,
etc., as their services were no longer required. From
this letter of Governor John Penn, it is evident that the
commissioners, or rather the Provincial council, intended
200 Historical Sketch of DmtpJiin County.
to punish both Colonel Elder and Esquire Seely, or diat
widi die destruction of the ConestOQ^as, there was little or
no danger of Indian atrocities. The latter proved to be
die case, but the authorities were cognizant of the fact
that the Paxtang boys were correct in their surmisings,
and that peace would follow the removal of the friendly
Indians. It shows, also, that believing thus, the Provin-
cial authorities were culpable to a great degree. In allow-
ing the Indians to remain on the Manor, despite the rep-
resentations of Colonel Elder, John Harris and Edward
Shippen. The Reverend Mr. Elder quietly laid by his
sword, feeling confident that time would vindicate his
course, whatever that may have been.
Of the marching of the Paxtang boys towards Philadel-
phia, we shall briefly refer in this connection, and the rea-
son therefor is best given by an extract from a letter of
Governor Penn: "The 14th of this month we suspect a
Thousand of the Rioters in Town to insist upon the As-
sembly granting their request with regard to the increase
of Representatives, to put them upon an equality with the
rest of the Counties. They have from time to time pre-
sented several petitions for the purpose, which have been
always disregarded by the House; for which reason they
intend to come in Person." Although our Quaker his-
torians have uniformly stated that the object of the Pax-
tang Boys was the massacre of the Moravian Indians in
Philadelphia, yet the foregoing statement of the Execu-
tive of the Province proves conclusively that their visit
was not one of slaughter but of petition for redress of
grievances. The narrative is one of interest to us in this
section and the true history remains to be written.
Pamphlets, says Webster, without number, truth or
decency, poured like a torrent from the press. The
Historical SketcJi of Da7ipJiin County, 201
Quakers took the pen to hold up the deed to execration;
and many others seized the opportunity to defame the
Irish Presbyterians as ignorant bigots and lawless ma-
rauders.
Violent and bitter as were the attacks of the Quaker
pamphleteers, Parson Elder was only casually alluded to.
With the exception of the following, written to Col.
Burd, he made no attempt to reply to any of these, leav-
ing his cause with God and posterity: "Lazarus Stewart
is still threatened by the Philadelphia party; he and his
friends talk of leaving; if they do, the Province will lose
some of its best friends, and that by the faults of others,
not their own; for if any cruelty was practiced on the In-
dians, at Conestoga or at Lancaster, it was not by his or
their hands. There is orreat reason to believe that much
injustice has been done to all concerned. In the contra-
riness of accounts, w^e must infer that much rests for sup-
port on the imagination or interest of the witnesses.
The character of Stewart and his friends were well estab-
lished. Rufhans, nor brutal, they were not; but hu-
mane, liberal and moral, nay, religious. It is evidently
not the wish of the party to give Stewart a fair hearing.
All he desires is to be put on trial at Lancaster, near the
scenes of the horrible butcheries committed by the In-
dians at Tulpenhocken, etc., where he can have the testi-
mony of the scouts and rangers, men whose services can
never be sufficiently rewarded. The pamphlet has been
sent by my friends and enemies; it failed to inflict a
wound; it is at least a garbled statement; it carries with
it the seeds of its own dissolution. That the hatchet was
used is denied, and is it not reasonable to suppose that
men, accustomed to the use of guns, would make use of
their favorite weapons?
202 Historical Sketch of DaiipJiin County.
"The inference Is plain, that the bodies of the Indians
were thus vianoied after death by certain persons, to ex-
cite a feehng against the Paxtang boys. This fact Stew-
art says he can and will establish in a fair trial at Lan-
caster, York or Carlisle. At any rate we are all suffer-
ing at present by the secret influence of a faction — a fac-
tion who have shown their love to the Indians by not ex-
posing themselves to its influence in the frontier settle-
ments."
The "pamphlet" alluded to in the foregoing was the
notorious article written by Benjamin Franklin for polit-
ical effect. He acknowledged, in a letter to Lord Kames,
that his object was a political one. As such, its tissue of
falsehoods caused his defeat for member of the Assem-
bly, a position he had held for fourteen years. Fortu-
nately for him, the Revoludon brought him into promi-
nence, and the past was forgotten.
This transaction was subsequently "investigated" by the
magistrate at Lancaster, but so condemnatory of the In-
dians was the evidence elicited that // was the Quaker
policy to suppress and destroy it. Nevertheless all efforts
to carry into effect the proclamation of the Governor was
really suspended, so far as his authority went, in regard
to which grave complaints were made by the Assembly,
who seemed to bend all their energies to persecute the
offenders.
The names of many of those brave defenders of their
homes have been lost to us — but the frequent statement
in all our histories that the participants in that transac-
tion came to an untimely end, is false. With the excep-
tion of Lazarus Stewart, who fell on that unfortunate day
at the massacre of Wyoming, these heroes of the fron-
tiers lived to hearty old age, and several reached almost
Historical Sketch of Da^tpJiin County. 203
the hundred years of hfe. Their deeds were those of
desperation, it is true, but their acts are to be honored
and their names revered.
The discussions which ensued may truly be said to have
sown the seeds of the Revolution, and in a letter of Gov-
ernor John Penn to his brother in England, written at
this time, he thus alludes to the inhabitants of Paxtang,
"their next move will be to subvert the government and
establish one of their own."
No wonder then, when the first mutterings of the
storm was heard, that the people of this entire section
were ripe for revolution. The love of liberty was a lead-
ing trait of the people who settled this delightful valley.
The tyranny and oppression of Europe drove them to
seek an asylum among the primeval forests of America.
Persecution for conscience' sake compelled alike the
Scotch- Irish and the German of the Palatinate to come
hither and rear their altars dedicated to God and Free-
dom to man. With them Independence was as much
their dream as the realization. Their isolated position —
placed on the frontiers — unprotected by the Provincial
authorities — early instilled into their minds those incen-
tives to action, that when the opportune moment arrived
they were in the van. Two years before the Declaration
by Congress, the people had assembled at their respect-
ive places of rendezvous, and heralded forth their opin-
ions in plain and unmistakable language, while the citi-
zens of the large towns were fearful and hesitating.
As early as the spring of 1774 meetings were held in
the different townships, the resolves of only two of which
are preserved to us. The earliest was that ot an assem-
bly of the inhabitants of Hanover, Lancaster county, held
on Saturday, June 4, 1774, Colonel Timothy Green,
204 Historical Sketch of DaupJiin County,
chairman, "to express their sentiments on the present
critical state of affairs." It was then and there ''Unani-
mously resolved:"
"I St. That the recent action of the Parliament of Great
Britain is iniquitous and oppressive.
"2d. That it is the bounden duty of the inhabitants of
America to oppose every measure which tends to deprive
them of their just prerogatives.
"3d. That in a closer union of the colonies lies the safe-
guard of the people.
"4th. That in the event of Great Britain attempting to
force unjust laws upon us by the strength of arms, our
cause we leave to Heaven and our rifles.
"5th. That a committee of nine be appointed who shall
act for us and in our behalf as emergency may require.
"The committee consisted of Col. Timothy Green, Jas.
Caruthers, Josiah Espy, Robert Dixon, Thomas Copen-
heffer, William Clark, James Stewart, Joseph Barnett and
John Rogers."
So much for patriotic Hanover. Following in the
footsteps of these brave men, on Friday following, June
10, 1774, a similar meeting was held at Middletown, Col.
James Burd, chairman, at which these stirring resolves
were concurred in, and which served as the text of those
passed at the meeting at Lancaster subsequently:
"1st. That the acts of the Parliament of Great Britain
in divesting us of the right to give and grant our money,
and assuming such power to themselves, are unconstitu-
tional, unjust and oppressive.
• "2d. That it is an indispensable duty we owe to our-
selves and posterity to oppose with decency and firmness
every measure tending to deprive us of our just rights
and privileges.
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 205
'^3d. That a close union of the Colonies and their faith-
ful adherinor to such measures as a oreneral Cono-ress
shall judge proper, are the most likely means to procure
redress of American orrievances and settle the ricrhts of
the Colonies on a permanent basis.
"4th. That we will sincerely and heartily agree to and
abide by the measures which shall be adopted by the
members of the general Congress of the Colonies.
"5th. That a committee be appointed to confer with
similar committees relative to the present exigency of af-
lairs.
Not to be behind their Scotch-Irish neighbors, the
German inhabitants located in the east of the county,
met at Frederickstown, (now Hummelstown,) on Satur-
day, the iith of June, at which Captain Frederick Hum-
mel was chairman, resolving to stand by the other town-
ships in all their action.
We say they were ripe for revolution, and when the
stirring battle-drum aroused the new-born nation, the
inhabitants of Dauphin valiantly armed for the strife.
One of the first companies raised in the Colonies was that
of Captain Matthew Smith, of Paxtang. Within ten days
after the receipt of the news of the battle of Lexington,
this company was armed and equipped, ready tor service.
Composing this pioneer body of patriots was the best blood
of the county — the Dixons, the Elders, the Simpsons,
the Boyds, the Harrises, the Reeds, the Tods and others.
Archibald Steele and Michael Simpson were the lieuten-
ants. It was the second company to arrive at Boston,
coming south of the Hudson river. It was subsequently
ordered to join General Arnold in his unfortunate cam-
paign against Quebec, and the most reliable account of
that expedition was written by a meniber of this very
20
2o6 Historical Sketch of DaicpJiin Coiinty.
Paxtang company, John Joseph Henry, afterwards Peesi-
dent Judge of Lancaster and Dauphin counties. They
were enHsted for one year. The majority, however,
were taken prisoners at Quebec, whikt a large per cent-
at>"e died of wounds and exposure.
In March, 1776, Capt. John Murray's company was
raised in Paxtang township, attached to the rifle battaHon
of Col. Samuel Miles. The officers of this company
were First Lieutenant, John Stoner, May 15, 1776;
Second Lieutenant, James Hamilton, March 16, 1776;
and Third Lieutenant, Charles Taylor, March 19, 1776.
The last named w^as killed at the battle of Long Island,
August 27, 1776. This company participated in the bat
ties of Long Island, White Plains, Princeton and Trenton.
Captain Patrick Anderson's company w^as raised in the
lower part of the county in January, 1776. It was at-
tached to Col. Atlee's musketry battalion, suffered se-
verely at Long Island, re-organized under Captain Am-
brose Crain, a gallant officer, placed in the Pennsylvania
State regiment of foot, commanded by Col. John Bull,
and subsequently, in the re-arrangement of the line, the
13th Pennsylvania, under Col. Walter Stewart, so con-
spicuous in the battle of Yorktown.
Captain John Marshal's company was from Hanover,
enlisted in March, 1776, and attached to Col. Miles' bat-
talion, participating in the various battles in which that
brave command distinguished itself. Of this company
the remaining officers were First Lieutenant, John Clark,
March 15, 1776; Second Lieutenant, Thomas Gourley,
March 15, 1776, promoted to First Lieutenant of the
9th Pennsylvania, December 7, 1776; Third Lieutenant,
Stephen Hanna, March 19, 1776.
Captain Smith's company, on the expiration of their
term of service, re-enlisted in the First Pennsylvania
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County, 207
(Col. Hand,) with Captain Michael Simpson, December,
1776, who retired from the army January i, 1781. Da-
vid Harris commanded a company in this regiment July
1776 (resigned October, 1777,) of which also |ames
Hamilton, formerly lieutenant in Capt. John Murray's
company, was promoted major (retiring January i, 17<S3.)
Major Hamilton was captured at the battle of Brandy-
wine.
In the Tenth Pennsylvania (Colonel Joseph Penrose)
were Captain John Stoner's company, December 4, 1776;
and Capt. Robert Sample's, December 4, 1776, (retired
January i, 1781.) John Steel, First Lieutenant of the
former company, was killed at Brandywine September
II, 1777.
In the Twelfth Pennsylvania (Col. William Cook) was
the company of Capt. John Harris, October 14, 1776;
First Lieutenant, John Reily, October 16, 1776 (subse-
quently promoted to Captain, and mustered out with the
regiment November 3, 1783;) Second Lieutenant, John
Carothers, October 16, 1776, (killed at Germantown.)
The foregoing were the different companies raised in
this part of the country at the outset of the Revolution —
ere the thunder-tones of the Declaration of Independ-
ence sounded along the corridors of time. Following
those in succession were the Associators, the brave min-
ute-men,
"Who left the ploiiohshare in the mould,
Then- flocks and herds without a fold,
The sickle in the unshorn grain,
The corn, half garner' d on the plain,
And muster'd, in their simple dress,
For wrongs to seek a stern redress,
To right those wrongs, come weal, come woe,
To perish, or o'ercome the foe."
At one period the entire country was so bare of men
that the old men, the women and the lads of ten and
2o8 Historical SkctcJi of DaiipJiiu Coiuiiy.
twclv^e years not only done the planting; and harvesting,
but took up arms to defend their homes in the threatened
invasion by Indians and tories after the massacre of Wy-
oming.
At Trenton, at Princeton, at Brandywine and German-
town, at the Crooked Billet and the Paoli, the militia of
Dauphin fought, and bled, and died. With over one hun-
dred and fifty commissioned officers, of whom my friend,
Mr. Hamilton, has so well referred to, there certainly
must have been a powerful force. After what has been
said, I need scarcely refer to the gallant Burd, Crouch,
Green, Weir, Cox, Boyd, Graham, Forrest, Allen and
Lee; or the chivalric Stewart, Murray, Wilson, Wiggins
and Rogers — and that long line of heroes whose brilliant
achievements shed an undying glory on the patriotism of
Dauphin county in the Revolution. What was once said
of the men of New England can more truthfully be said
of our own county, and of Pennsylvania especially:
"* * * On every hill they lie,
On every field of strife made red
By bloody victory.
Each valley, where the battle pour'd
Its red and awful tide,
Beheld "Old Dauphin's bravest" sword
With slaughter deeply dyed.
Their bones are on the Northern hill
And on the Southern plain,
By brook and river, lake and rill,
And by the roaring main.
' ' The land is holy where they fought,
And holy where they fell,
For by their blood that land was bought,
The land they loved so well.
Then glory to that valiant band.
The honor' d saviours of the land!"
When liberty shall have been crushed to earth — then,
and then only will their deeds and their sweet memories
be effaced from the hearts of their descendants.
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County, 209
With the dawn of peace, the people of the county
returned to their usual avocations. Civil affairs were
taken cognizance of, and movements were at once made
to secure the formation of a new county, with Harrisburg
as the seat of justice. By the act of Assembly of March
4, 1785, the county of Dauphin was separated from Lan-
caster, its name derived from the eldest son of the then
king of the French — France at that period, in conse-
quence of its efficient aid to the Colonies, being upper-
most in the affections of the people. The enthusiasm
was unbounded, and, as we shall refer to hereafter, car-
ried to extreme lengths. The name was suggested by
the prime movers for the formation of the new county.
The seat of justice was fixed at Harris' Ferry, then a
village of about one hundred houses, although the town
was not actually laid out or surveyed until after the pas-
sage of the ordinance referred to. In the commissions
of the officers of the new county, the town was named
Louisburgh, in honor of Louis XVI., suggested by Chief
Justice Thomas M'Kean, not only on account of his
French leanings, but to show his petty spite against Mr.
Harris, to whom, somehow or other, he held political
opposition.
This act of injustice was subsequently remedied, when,
on the 13th of April, 1791, the town was created a bor-
ough, by the name of Harrisburg. It was undecided for
awhile whether to call the place Harris' Feriy or Harris-
burg. The latter, fortunately, was adopted.
On the organization of the county, Middletown was
the largest village in the county, and strenuous efforts
were made by its citizens and the inhabitants of the
townships subsequently forming Lebanon county, to
make it the seat of justice; while similar claims were
2 I o Historical Sketch of DaitpJiin County.
made for the town of Lebanon, on account of its central
location.
The machinery of the new county was soon put into
motion, the earliest record of whose courts reads thus:
"At a court of quarter sessions, holden near Harris'
Ferry, in and for the county of Dauphin," &c., on the
"third Tuesday of May, in the year of our Lord 1785,"
before "Timothy Green, Samuel Jones and Jonathan M'-
Clure, Esqrs., justices of the same court."
We may imagine the scene, in a small room in a log
house near the "lower ferry," at Front and Vine streets,
with a jury particularly intelligent — an excellent set of
county officers, and such a bar as Ross, Kittera, Cham-
bers, Hubley, James Biddle, Hanna, Andrew Dunlop,
Reily, Collinson Reed, Jasper Yeates, John Joseph Henry,
Thomas Duncan, and Thomas Smith, most of whom rose
to occupy the highest positions at the bar or in the Sen-
ate — quite a show of famous men to start the judicial
engine of the new county, wdth the net result of convicting
William Courtenay, a descendant of one of the proudest
houses of England, and sentencing him to eighteen lashes,
fifteen shillings fine, and "to stand in the pillory." This
instrument of judicial vengeance stood about sixty yards
below the grave of John Harris, the elder, or just above
the ferry house, at the junction of Front and Paxtang
streets. This, doubtless, was the exact position, as two
or three of the first courts were held in a building on
what is now the southern corner of Front street and
Washington avenue. There was no citizen of Harris-
burg on the first jury, except, perhaps, Alexander Berry-
hill, but that is not certain. Colonel James Cowden, of
Lower Paxtang township, was the foreman of this grand
jury.
Histoid cal Sketch of Dauphin County. 21 1
The sheriff of Lancaster county exercised the same of-
fice in Dauphin county. The names of the jurymen
were James Cowden, (foreman,) Robert Montgomery,
John Gilchrist, Barefoot Brunson, John Clarke, Roan
M'Clure, John Carson, John Wilson, Wm. Crane, Archi-
bald M'Allister, Richard Dixon, John Pattimore, James
Crouch, Jacob Awl, William Brown, Andrew Stewart,
James Rogers, Samuel Stewart, John Cooper, Alexander
Berryhill. /Alexander Graydon was the first prothonota-
ry, and Anthony Kelker the first sheriff.
The minutes of the second court held in the town are
dated at "Harrisburgh," and on the 3d of August, 1786,
the following endorsement appears on the docket: The
name of the county town, or seat of the courts, is altered
from "Harrisburgh" to "Louisburgh," in consequence of
the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth,
so styling it in the Commissions of the Justices of said
town."
The courts were held for several successive years in
the same locality, but subsequently in the log house re-
cently demolished on the south-east corner of Market
street and Dewberry alley. From here it was removed
to its present location, except during the sessions of the
Legislature from 181 2 to 1822, when the court occupied
the brick building built by the county commissioners on
the corner of Walnut street and Raspberry alley. The
present edifice was erected in i860.
The act of Assembly erecting Harrisburg into a bor-
ough defined its limits as follows:
"Beginning at low-water mark on the eastern shore oi
the Susquehanna River; thence by the pine-apple tree
north 60^ degrees, east 79 perches, to an ash tree on
the west bank of Paxton Creek ; thence by the several
2 1 2 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
corners thereof 323 perches, to a white hickory on Wil-
liam Maclay's line; thence by the same south 67^ de-
grees, west 212 perches, to a marked chestnut-oak on
the eastern bank of the Susquehanna; thence by the
same course to low-water mark to the place of begin-
ning."
The borough limits were extended by the act of the
1 6th of April, 1838, as follows: "The north-western
boundary line of the borough of Harrisburg shall be and
the same is hereby extended and enlarged as follows:
Extending it along the river line to the upper line of the
land of the late William Maclay, on said river; thence to
Paxton creek, and thence along said creek to the north-
western corner to the present boundary." Thus annex-
ing Maclaysburg, or all the territory included in the bor-
ough then lying north-west of South street.
During the so-called Whisky Insurrection, 1794, Har-
risburg became quite prominent, it being on the great
thorouorhfare to the Western counties. The court house
was then building, and some of the sympathizers with the
anti-excise men beyond the mountains hoisted a French
fiao^ on that structure. Of course this grave offense and
it was quietly removed. Several arrests were made of
individuals who expressed sympathy for the Western in-
surgents — one of whom, Major Swiney, was confined in
prison for nearly a year, when he was released without
trial. Governor Mifflin, who was an excellent stump-
speaker, made one of his characteristic addresses here,
and in two days time no less than three companies from
the town were on their march to Carlisle. When Gov.
Howell, of New Jersey, and his brilliant staff remained
over night, they were so hospitably entertained by the
citizens that he returned his thanks in special orders.
Historical Sketch of Dattphin County. 2\^
J
On Friday, the 3cl of October, when the President, the
great and good Washington, approached the town, he
w^as met by a large concourse of the people and the en-
thusiasm was unbounded. The worthy burgesses, Con-
rad Bombaugh and Alexander Berryhill, presented the
address of the town, to which the chief magistrate
briefly replied, bearing "testimony to the zealous and ef-
ficient exertions" they had made. That evening he held
a reception at his head-quarters, where the principal citi-
zens embraced the opportunity of paying their respects
to the venerated chieftain. On the morning of the 4th
he crossed the river at the upper ferry, which was fifty
yards above the present Harrisburg bridge.
About this period came the fever of i 793-5 and the
mill-dam troubles. For two years previous a disease of
a malignant type prevailed during the summer season in
the borough. Its origin was proved beyond doubt to be
due to a mill-dam located in what is now the First ward
of the city, on Paxtang creek. In i 793, during the preva-
lence of the yellow fever in Philadelphia, it was thought
and even pronounced such.- Quite a number of Irish
emigrants died, and although many of the inhabitants
were attacked there were no fatal cases among them.
This was proof positive that the endemic was due to the
damming up of the Paxtang creek, which was always
"dead water," (its Indian significance,) producing mala-
rial poisoning. Our ancestors, reasoning rightly, their
next move was to get rid of the nuisance. Meetings
were held, committees appointed, funds raised and ten-
dered to the owners of the mill, Peter and Abraham Lan-
dis, the amount demanded by them the previous year for
their property. The impecunious millers now required
a greater sum, but the citizens positively refused, and at
2G
2 1 4 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
a public meeting they resolved that a further tender be
made the Landises and in case of refusal to ''prostrate
the dam" and pay, If necessary, the "proportionable parts
of all legal expenses and damages that might accrue on
any suits or Indictments which might be brought or
prosecuted In consequence of such acts." Our fore-
fathers were not to be trifled with, and suiting the action
to the word, met at a given hour and opened the dam.
Eventually the parties compromised — the Landises ac-
cepted a certain sum and the town secured the mill right.
The valuable papers relating to this Interesting epoch In
the history of Harrlsburg are In the possession of the
Dauphin County Historical Society and being prepared
for publication. The entire transaction was creditable to
the ancient Harrlsburger, and the descendants of the
men who then stood up for the rights of the people are
among the most prominent of our citizens to-day.
In 1798, when a war with France was Imminent and a
call made by the general government on Pennsylvania
for troops, an unusual excitement was created, and sev-
eral companies tendered their services to. the Governor.
'The storm blew over, and as in 1807, when a war was
threatened with Great Britain — no occasion for troops
were required, until five years after — when the second
struggle with England took place. Among the promi-
nent military organizations which armed for the conflict
were the companies of Captains Thomas Walker, Rich-
ard M. Grain, John Carothers, Jeremiah Rees, Thomas
M'llhenny, Peter Snyder, John B. Moorhead, James Todd,
Richard Knight, John Elder, Isaac Smith, Philip Fedder-
hoff and Gawen Henry, quite a formidable array. Some
of these marched as far as Baltimore at the time of the
British attack on that city, while others went no farther
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 2 1 5
than York. None of these companies had an opportu-
nity to meet the enemy on the sanguinary field — but
Dauphin county men composed the major portion of two
companies which joined the Canada expedition. The
heroes of this conflict are nearly all passed from off the
stage of life. Following in the footsteps of the fathers of
the Revolution, they emulated their heroism and devo-
tion to the liberties of their country.
In the war with Mexico, consequent upon the annexa-
tion of Texas, among the troops which went out to that
far-off land to vindicate the honor of our country and
preserve its prestige, was the Cameron Guards, under
command of Captain Edward C. Williams. They made
a good record, their heroic conduct at Cerro Gordo,
Chapultepec and the Garreta de Belina, won for them
high renown and the commendation of their venerated
commander-in-chief. Scarce a corporal's guard remains
of that orallant band.
Coming down to later times, when the perpetuity of
the Union was threatened, and the great North rose up
like a o-iant in its strenorth to crush secession and rebel-
lion, the events are so fresh in the remembrances of all
that we shall only refer to them in brief. The first pub-
lic meeting held after the firing upon Fort Sumter in the
State of Pennsylvania, and in fact the first in any northern
city, was in the court house at Harrisburg, General Simon
Cameron being chairman thereof. Dauphin county, fore-
most in tenderinor men and means to the government for
that bitter, deadly strife, furnished her full quota of volun-
teers. Twice Harrisburg was the objective point of the
Confederate troops, and at one time (June, 1863) the
enemy's picket was within two miles of the city. Active
preparations were made for its defense, and fortifications
2i6 ITislorical SkclcJi of DaitpJiin County.
erected on the bluff opposite, and named "F'ort Washi no-
ton." I his was the only fortification deserving a name
erected in any of the Northern States. Riile pits were
duo; alonof the banks of the river, in front of Harris Park,
and every preparation made to give the enemy a warm
reception. The Union victory at Gettysburg checked
the further advance of the Confederates, and with it the
last attempt to invade the North. It would take vol-
umes to rehearse not only the heroism of the sons of
Dauphin county on the battle-field, but the deeds of
mercy and charity and love of the noble-hearted women.
Need we speak of the gallantry of the lamented Sim-
mons and the six hundred brave dead — stricken down on
the field of battle, in the hospital or in the loathsome
prison, or yet of the living — Knipe and Jennings, the
Aw^ls, Porter, Williams and Jordan, Witman and Davis,
Detweiler, M'Cormick and Alleman, Savage and Hum-
mel, and many others — a long line of illustrious names —
officers and privates of that immense force which Dau-
phin county sent out from her midst for the preservation
of the Union.
The location of the first and greatest military camp in
the Northern States was within the limits of Harrisburg —
named, by Generals Knipe and Williams in honor of the
Chief Magistrate of Pennsylvania, Camp Curtin, which
w^ith being the central point of communication, especially
with the oft-beleagured Federal Capital, made it a
prominent rendezvous. Our citizens were equal to any
emergency, and a community which fed gratuitously 20,-
000 returned soldiers, repel with disdain the insinuadon
made by a malicious .correspondent of a New York news-
paper, that our people charged soldiers ten cents for a
glass of water. This statement is equally reliable w^th
that at the outset of the war, when the same newspapers
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 217
ignorantly displayed at the head of their columns "Har-
risburg protected by the Federal gunboats."
From the commencement of the war, the charity of the
citizens was unbounded and without stint, the doors of
hospitality freely opened, and to our honor be it said,
two citizens, Messrs. John B. Simon and Eby Byers, es-
tablished the Soldiers' Rest, where the sick and wounded
patriot, on his way homeward, found rest, and refresh-
ment, and gentle care. Thousands were kindly minis-
tered to, and until the "boys came marching home" the
good work went on unabated. In every cemetery and
graveyard within the borders of Dauphin county lie the
remains of her brave and true sons, while in the cemetery
at Harrisburg the grass grows green over the graves of
Union and Confederate soldiers from far-off States. In
all the struggles for life, for liberty, for right and for the
Union, Dauphin county has been in the van. But these
dark days of our country have passed like "a dream that
has been told." May the lesson taught be heeded by
those who come after us — that the Union of States Is not
a rope of sand which may be broken at the will of any
section.
The first newspaper enterprise in the county was by
Major Eli Lewis, but even its name and date of Issue are
lost. The first permanent effort, however, in that line of
which copies are extant, was The Oracle of Dauphin,
and Harrisburg Advertiser, the initial number bearing-
date October 20, 1792, John Wyeth, editor and proprie-
tor. Its forerunner was probably T^ie Harrisbttrg Ad-
vertiser. The history of newspaperdom at Harrisburg is
eventful as it is interestinor. When the town became the
capital of the State, which it did in 181 2, unnumbered
ventures were made in that line. Nearly all tell the
2 1 8 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County,
same story — premature decay. In 1830, with a popula-
tion of a little over 4,000 inhabitants, Harrisburg con-
tained twelve printing offices, six book binderies, pub-
lishing eleven newspapers and one periodical, with an in-
vested capital of over seventy-three thousand dollars.
Of course that was not the era of railroads and tele-
graphs, and newspapers could spring up, and live a
while and be exting^uished without serious loss. The en-
tire circulation of all these papers was not equal to
either one of the daily issues of the Telegraph or Patriot.
The subject of internal improvements was one which
early commanded the attention of the citizens of Penn-
sylvania, and one hundred years ago, as now, communi-
cation with the western country was the great aim of the
business men of Philadelphia. The first effort was the
removal of obstructions in the various streams, and
especially that of the Susquehanna river; and although a
considerable amount of money was eventually spent in
improving the navigation thereof, the result was far from
satisfactory. Previous to the Revolution, (1774,) the at-
tention of the Provincial Assembly was called to this
matter, and as a preliminary, it was proposed to lay out
a town or city on that stream. John Harris, the founder
of our city, immediately gave notice of his intention of
laying out a town, which seemed to quiet the movement
of undoubted land speculators. The Revolution coming
on, such enterprises, if ever seriously considered, were
abandoned. No sooner, however, came peace, than the
business activity of the people sought out new channels —
roads were made, attempts at slackwater navigation ven-
tured on — until finally the Pennsylvania canal, from Co-
lumbia to Pittsburgh, opened up an avenue to trade, and
brought prosperity to all the towns on its route. On
none had it better effect than Middletown and Harris-
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 2 1 9
burg, and the former place at one period was destined to
retain a supremacy in population, enterprise, wealth and
influence. It was a great lumber mart; the Union ca-
nal, and its admirable location, always made it a rival to
the Capital City.
Previous to the opening of the Pennsylvania canal, the
transportation facilities of the town were confined to
Troy coaches or stages for passengers, and Conestoga
wagons, great lumbering vehicles with semi-circular tops
of sail-cloth, drawn by six stalwart horses, for goods of
various descriptions. This was expensive — and the com-
pletion of the public improvements was an eventful era
in the progress and development of this locality. Real
estate advanced, commission and other merchants estab-
lished themselves on the line of the canal, rope and boat
manufactories were erected and various enterprises inau-
gurated, giving new life to the town and thrift and pros-
perity to the people. Several lines of passenger packets
were established, and it was considered a wonderful thing
when four packet boats arrived and departed in a single
day. The consuming of three days and a half to go to Pitts-
burgh began to be deemed slow, and the building of rail-
roads opened up another era in the development of the
country. In September, 1 836, the first train of cars entered
the limits of Harrisburg over the Harrisburg, Portsmouth,
Mount Joy and Lancaster railroad. Following this efibrt,
other rapid transit enterprises were carried forward to com-
pletion until at the present time — when no less than one
hundred trains of passenger cars arrive and leave Har-
risburg daily for different points. We give these facts to
show not only how great the travel, but the wonderful pro-
gress made in transit.
Previous to the year 1841, the pump or well was the
only source of water supply, for drinking purposes, and
2 20 Historical Sketch of Dauphin Coiinty.
the rain-barrel or cistern for otlier uses. When this is
contrasted with the present abundance of that fluid, and
the old fire encrines of that day with the ponderous steam
apparatus of the present, we wonder how the goodly cit-
izens of forty years ago managed to get along. They were
not as wasteful as we are ; the river was nigh, it is true, but
water carriage cost considerable in large families when re-
quired for laundry purposes. The most serious difficulty
was in cases of fire, and frequently the pumps giving out the
lines were formed to the river, of men, women and chil-
dren, and the supply secured from thence. In those days
every one went to the fire; there was work for all, old
and young — the leathern buckets were required to be on
hand, and all business was suspended while a conflagra-
tion was in progress. Far different now. The alarm
sounds, and we listen to count the stroke — find out the
location — and, should it be at a distance, we quietly re-
sume our duties, knowing our presence is not required,
for the brave and disinterested firemen with their eneines
are there and no fears are awakened as to the result.
This feeling of security actuates us all, and yet how
seldom do we think to whom we are so deeply indebted.
It is the brave fireman who is fighting the mad flames,
who is endangering his life for our property, and the
safety, perchance of our little ones. To him is due the
highest meed of praise — surpassing the valor of him who
treads the wine-press of the battle-field. All honor to the
ever-ready, intrepid fireman !
The first fire engine purchased by the citizens of Har-
risburg was the "Union." Contemporaneous with this
primitive machine were the Hope and Friendship, both
of which oro^anizations are in the hiofhest state of effi-
ciency to-day. When their Centennial comes around
may "we all be there to see." The Citizen, the Wash-
• Historical Sketch of Dauphin Comity. 221
ington, the Mount Vernon, the Paxton, the Good Will
and the Lochiel were organized from 1836 to 1874, in the
order named. We have alluded to their valuable ser-
vices, A grateful community will ever stand by them.
On the 1 8th day of September, 1841, the water works
were completed at a total expense of J 120,000 — a large
sum in those days, but meagre compared with the sum
expended in erecting the present extensive ones — which
reach well on to a million of dollars. To no one is this
community more deeply indebted for the successful car-
rying out the plan of the original water works than to
Gen. William Ayres, a distinguished lawyer and citizen
of Harrisburg, and for many years the president of the
town council. To his energy, forethought and enter-
prise, these with other municipal improvements were
brought to successful completion — and his name and ser-
vices deserve kindly remembrance on this occasion.
To notice the various events which have transpired in
the county and town is the duty of the faithful annalist —
but time, if naught else, forbids. A summary, however,
of such as may be of especial interest we recall for pre-
servation.
The statistics of the churches have been given by Rev.
Dr. Robinson. After these organizations the oldest as-
sociation in the county, ante-dating the laying out of the
town of Harrisburg, is Perseverance Lodge, No. 21, of
Free and Accepted Masons, constituted in November,
1779, and styled among the records as the "Lodge at
Paxtang." Its first members were officers of the Revolu-
tion, and through its existence of nearly a hundred years
it has enrolled the names of many distinguished in the
annals of the county and State — heroes, statesmen and
divines, with men of all professions and trades — while //i-
9
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
charit)' which has never been a ''sounding brass and
tinkHng cymbal" has been widiout stint.
Of hbrary companies various attempts were made from
the year 1791 for a period of fifty years, to estabHsh
them — all proving unsuccessful. That there is no large
public library and reading room in our city is far from
creditable to the intelligence or liberality of our citizens,
and it is hoped that measures will be taken for such an
enterprise. It is only by endowment that such will prove
permanent, and until this can be accomplished proposi-
tions are useless and ot little avail. Society private li-
braries are not permanent. These have their uses — but
a free public library will alone meet the wants of a ra-
pidly-growing and a reading community like ours. Too
much dependence has been placed in the library of the
State — which unfortunately has too frequently been one
of circulation instead of reference. We have a number
of men of wealth among us, any one or two of whom
could confer upon their fellow-citizens no favor, nor se-
cure for themselves more lasting honor, than by the ju-
dicious founding of a free public library.
The Lancasterian school system was established at
Harrisburg by the act of the iith April, 1827, and was
abolished on the 20th of May, 1834, when the free or
common schools went into operation. One need only
take a survey of the magnificent school edifices, of the
high standing of the teachers and the rapid advancement
of the children, to fully realize the immense benefits de-
rived from the Pennsylvania system of education. They
need no encomium at our hands. The Harrisburg Acad-
emy established in 1809, is still in full vigor, and annually
sends forth its young men prepared either for a higher
collegiate course, or for the active pursuits of life.
Historical SketcJi of Dauphin County. 223
The Harrisburg Bank was chartered on the 9th of
May, 1 8 1 4, with a capital of $300,000. William Wallace
was its first President and John Downey, Cashier. It
first went into operation at the then residence of its
cashier in Second street, a few doors north-west of Cherry
alley, where it remained until 1837, when the present site
was purchased from the Bank of Philadelphia. At this
time, in addition, eight banking institutions attend to the
financial affairs of our community.
The removal of the seat of ofovernment to Harrisburo-
although suggested as early as 1787, and often moved in
the Assembly, did not prove successful until by the act
of February, 1810, when "the offices of the State govern-
ment were directed to be removed to the borough of
Harrisburg, in the county of Dauphin," "within the month
of October, 181 2," and "the sessions of the Legislature
thereafter there to be held." The first sessions of the
Assembly were held in the court house, and that body
continued to occupy the building until the completion of
the Capitol.
No historical resume of Dauphin county can be called
complete without some reference to the so-called "Buckshot
War" of 1838. At the October election of that year Da-
vid R. Porter, of Huntingdon, was chosen Governor, af-
ter a hotly contested political canvass, over Governor
Ritner. The defeated party issued an ill-timed and ill-
advised address, advising their friends "to treat the elec-
tion as if it had not been held." It was determined,
therefore, to investigate the election, and to do this the
political complexion of the Legislature would be decisive.
The majority of the Senate was Anti-Masonic, but the
control of the House of Representatives hinged upon the
admission of certain members from Philadelphia whose
2 24 • Hlslorical SketcJi of DaiipJuii County.
seats were contested. The votes of one of the districts
in that city were thrown out by reason of fraud, and the
Democratic deleg^ation returned. The Anti-Masonic re-
turn judges refused to sign the certificates, "and both
parties made out returns each for a different delegation,
and sent them to the Secretary of the Commonwealth."
The Democratic returns were correct, and should have
been promptly received "without question."
When the Legislature met, the Senate organized by
the choice of Anti-Masonic officers. In the House a
fierce struggle ensued, both delegations claiming seats.
The consequence was that each party went Into an elec-
tion for Speaker, each appointing tellers. Two Speakers
were elected and took their seat upon the platform — Wil-
liam Hopkins being the choice oi the Democrats, and
Thomas S. Cunningham of the opposition. The Demo-
crats believing that they were In the right, left out of view
the rejection of the votes of the Philadelphia district.
However, when the returns from the Secretary's office
were opened, the certificate of the minority had been sent
in, thus o-ivlnor the advantag^e to the Anti-Masons. It
was then a question which of the two Houses would be
recognized by the Senate and the Governor.
At this stage of the proceedings, a number of men
(from Philadelphia especially,) collected In the lobby, and
when the Senate after organization proceeded to busi-
ness, Interrupted it by their disgraceful and menacing
conduct. The other branch of the Legislature was in like
manner disturbed, and thus both Houses were compelled
to disperse. The crowd having taken possession of the
halls proceeded to the court house, where Impassioned
harangues were Indulged In and a committee of safety
appointed. For several days all business was suspended
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 225
and the Governor alarmed for his own personal safety, or-
dered out the militia, and fearing this might prove insuf-
ficient, called on the United States authorities for help.
The latter refused, but the militia under Major Generals
Patterson and Alexander, came promptly in response.
For two or three days during this contest, the danger of
a collision was imminent, but wiser counsels prevailed,
and the Senate having voted to recognize the section of
the House presided over by Mr. Hopkins, the so-called
"Insurrection at Harrisburg" was virtually ended. This
was what is commonly known as the "Buckshot War."
In the year i860 Harrisburg received its highest cor-
porate honors — that of a city. Although at the time
arousing much opposition, yet its subsequent growth and
prosperity have fully realized the fondest expectations of
its earnest advocates. In population it ranks the sixth in
the State, and in manufacturing interests it is the third —
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia alone exceeding it — while in
the Union it ranks hiofh amone the inland cities. As a
native of the town we are proud of its prosperity, of its
importance and its high social position.
It may not be out of place on this occasion to allude to
the many citizens to whom this city and county of ours
are indebted for their position, prominence and influence.
Within the city's boundaries rest the remains of Gov-
ernors Findley, Wolf, Porter and Geary. Honored and
revered in the church were the Reverends Roan, Bar-
tram, Sankey, Elder, Snodgrass, Snowden, Lochman,
Castleman, Cookman, DeWitt, Winebrenner, Berg and
Maher. Among the physicians were the Luthers, Ag-
new, Simonton, the Wiestlings, Fager, the Roberts,
Reily, Dock, Orth, the Rutherfords, and the Sellers, with
others celebrated in their day and generation. Of mem-
2 26 Historical Sketch of DaiipJiin County.
bers of the bar, the names of Graydon, Patterson, Shiink,
Douglass, McCormick, Elder, Fisher, Kunkel, Forster,
M'Kinney, Wood, Alricks, Ayres, Rawn and Briggs pre-
sent themselves. Of valued citizens, representative men,
the Harrises, Maclays, Hanna, Hamilton, Berryhills, Wy-
eths, Hummel, Beatty, M'Clure, Buehlers, Espy, Sloan,
Graydon, Downey, Shoch, Fleming, Bergner, Bombaugh,
Kelker, Beader, Bucher, Cowden, M'Allister, Potts, Boyd,
Kean, the Gilmores, Rutherfords, Grays, Aliens, Halde-
mans. Elders, Cox, Ziegler, Forster, with hundreds of
others, may be named — the worthy ancestors of promi-
nent Dauphin county citizens of the present. In this
Centennial anniversary let us do honor to their memo-
ries, recall their names, as we emulate their virtues.
Let us not foro^et on this occasion that within the lim-
its of our county of Dauphin were born Lindley Mur-
ray the grammarian, William Darby the geographer.
Rev. William Graham the founder of the now cele-
brated Washington and Lee University of Virginia, Com-
modore David Connor, of the United States Navy, Al-
exander M'Nair, the first Governor of Missouri, with a
long list of statesmen, divines and soldiers, representa-
tive men in the homes of their adoption — honored when
livincr and revered while dead.
The townships of Peshtank, Lebanon and Derry cov-
ered the territory within the bounds of the counties of
Dauphin and Lebanon in 1729, when Lancaster county
was formed. From the time of the organization of the
former county undl 181 3, when Lebanon was separated
therefrom, the townships were as follows, with date of
erecdon: Paxton, 1729; Lebanon, 1729; Derry, 1729;
Hanover from Derry, 1737; Bethel from Lebanon,
1739; Heidelberg, 1757; Londonderry, 1768; Upper
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 227
Paxton, 1767; West Hanover, 1785; East Hanover,
1785; Middle Paxton, 1787; Swatara, 1799; Annvllle,
1799; Halifax, 1804, and Lykens, 1810. When Lebanon
county was created, the townships of Lebanon, East and
West Hanover, Heidelberg", Bethel and Annvllle were
lost to Dauphin. Since that period there have been
erected: Susquehanna, 181 5 ; Mifflin, 1819; Rush, 1820;
Jackson, 1828; WIconlsco, 1840; Lower Swatara, with
new lines for Swatara, 1840; South, East and West Han-
over, .1842; Jefferson, 1842; Washington, 1846; Reed,
1849; Conewago, 1850, and Williams, 1868.
The different boroughs and villages were laid out as fol-
lows: Harrlsburg,! 785; MIddletown,! 755; Hummelstown,
1762; Dauphin, 1826; Mlllersburg, 1807; Halifax, i 794;
Gratz, 1805; Berrysburg, 1871; Lykens, 1847; Highspire,
1 81 4; LInglestown,i765; Rockville, 1839; FIsherville,i854;
WIconlsco, 1848; Willlamstown, 1869, and Unlontown,
1864. Many of these towns were settled years previous-
ly; but the plans were not officially recorded until the
year noted.
At the time of the organization of the county of Dau-
phin, It contained a population of nearly 1 6,000, although
in I 790, when the first census was taken, the number was
only 18,177, due probably to the emigration of great
numbers of the Scotch-Irish, who removed either west-
ward or southward. In 1800 — 22,270. In 18 10 — 31,-
883. In 1820 — 21,653, a decrease, owing to the separa-
tion from it of the county of Lebanon, February 16, 181 3,
which by this census had a population of 16,975. ^^
1830—25,243. In 1840— 30,118. In 1850—35,754. In
i860 — 46,756. In 1870 — 60,740. In 1876 — at least 75,-
000.
2 28 Historical Sketch of Dauphin County.
Of its 233,835 acres of land — 61,249 acres, or almost
one-fourth, is unimproved. The valuation of farm
property, ^20,000,000. As a farming community, how-
ever, Dauphin, owing to the large amount of untillable
land, comes far down in the list of counties in the State.
And yet the portion of the county lying between the
Conewago hills and the Kittatinny mountains contains as
highly cultivated and productive farms as any in the
United States. Thrift and intelligence characterize the
staid "Dutch" farmers of Dauphin, and they vie with any
community in all that appertains to enterprise and pro-
gress. In manufacturing industries Dauphin is the
sixth. Allegheny, Berks, Luzerne, Montgomery and
Philadelphia alone surpassing her. The earliest indus-
trial establishment in this locality was the "nailery" of
Henry Fulton in 1 785, although we must give precedence
to the enterprise of the "noted Burney," who, five years
previous, at his residence "in Upper Paxtang," manufac-
tured counterfeit coin. His establishment was soon
closed, however, the owner "sent to Lancaster goal,"
and, although "he left a great quantity of his cash in the
hands of several," he never returned to claim it or renew
the labors of his manufactory. Fulton's establishment
was only a little remote from a "smithy." To look now
at the industries of Harrisburg and the county of Dau-
phin, the progress within the last fifteen years is really
wonderful, apart from the great contrast with fifty years
ago. The number of manufactories of iron, alone, its
furnaces, foundries, machine shops and nail works, form a
list as gratifying to the citizens as it is surprising. The
Pennsylvania steel works, the Lochiel iron works, M'Cor-
mick's, Wister's, Dock's and Price's furnaces at Harris-
burcr, besides the Cameron at Middletown, one at Mana-
da, and another near Dauphin. The Harrisburg Car and
Historical Sketch of Dauphin County. 22g
Machine works, with a similar establishment at Middle-
town, Hickok's Eagle Works, Wilson's, Jennings' and
numberless other foundries scattered all over the county.
These only represent the iron industries; time prevents
an enumeration of the other sources of wealth. The
coal mines of the Lykens Valley, with its boundless
treasures, the development of the entire county by means
of the various railroads projected of running through it,
are destined to bring our county of Dauphin in the van
of mineral wealth. The future will open up the riches
hidden as yet from our view if the enterprise of Its citi-
zens but will it.
And now, fellow-citizens, in the hope that this brief
historical record of the transactions of our locality may be
acceptable to you and the people of my native town,
county and State, I can only wish that in the coming hun-
dred years their crowning .glory may be the superior in-
telligence, the virtue and the Integrity of their citizens,
the love and loyalty of the people. Through Providence
our fathers founded an empire great and grand. May
their descendants, by the same benign and Divine Influ-
ence, transmit the glorious heritage to the latest posterity.
28
/
GENERAL INDEX.
PAGE
Allen Peter 14
Antietem and Gettysburg 88
Academy, Harrisburg 92, 95
Arks 100
Addresses 149
Dr. Robinson 150
Mr. Hamilton 163
Dr. Egle 179
Assessments. . 15,16,17,18,19,20,22,32
Berryhill Andrew 32
Busse Christian 36
Berks County 68
Boroughs 133
Conestoga Indians 11
Chambers' family 14
Churches 15
Finley's 34
Derry 152
Paxton 152
Hanover 153
Harrisburg 153
Reformed 153
Lutheran 154
Methodist 155
Episcopal 156
Roman Catholic 156
Bethel 157
Baptist 157
do Free 157
United Brethren 158
Jews 158
Societies 159
Court, early 15
Canals 106
Coal 113
Cities 123
Centennial Celebration, 1876 149
Dauphin County , description of, 5, 8, 12
Duncan's Island 7
Description of, 143, 146
Donegal 13
Dauphin, Formation 58, 68
See Townships.
Boundaries 109
Soil 110
Manufactories 112,116
Coal 113
Products. . .114, 117, to 120
Acreage 118
Value 118,120
Iron value 120
PAGK
Dauphin Borough 142
Port Lyon 142
Greensburg 142
De&cription 142
Value 143
Early settlers 16, 17
Donegal 13
Elder Rev. John 25
Education 91 to 98
Ecclesiastical History, by Rev.
Dr. Robinson 150 to 162
French Wars 21
Forster Thomas 24
Fort Hunter 47, 50
Manada 47, 52
Brown 47, 52
Halifax 47,49,51
Fourth of July, 1876 149
Galbraith James 29
Harris' Ferry 23
Harrisburg 123
Site 123
Harris House 124
Hamilton House 124
Ferry 125
Borough 125, 126
Courts 126
Court House 125, 126
Town Council 125
Louisburg 125
Pillory 126
Grand Jury 127
Prothonotary 127
Sheriff 127
Horses, stealing 127
Sickness 127
Seat of Government. . 128
City 128
Population 128
Buildings 128
Value of Lots 129
Banks 130, 131
Churches 131
Schools 131
Gas 131
Railway 132
Hummelstown 139
Laid out 139
Early settlers 139
Swatara Creek. . . 139
Population 140
General Index.
PAGE
lliiinnielstown, Value 140
Ilighspii-e 140
Halifax 147
Indian owners (')
Leni Lenappe
War 21
Peace 37
at Conestoga 39
Lebanon County 74
Jjinglestown, description of 147
Lykens, description of 148
Mexican War 87
Middletown 133
Situation 133
Proprietor 133
Trade 134
Portsmouth 134, 135
Incorporated 135
Emaus School 135
George Frev^ 135
Churches..^ 137
Hotels 138
Lodges 138
Markets 138
Population 139
Value 139
Millersburg 140
First settlers 141
Trade 141
Proprietor 141
Incorporated 141
Schools, Churches. . . 142
Oldest House 14
Oliicers of the Revolution. 1(58, 1(39,
170. 175. 176
Paxton 15
Quebec List of Soldiers 164 to 166
Peed Adam 31, 34
Revolution 54, 55, 56, 57
Religious Progress 39
Roads 99 to 105
Rail Roads 7, 8, 106
PAGE
Revolutionary History, by A. B.
Hamilton 163 to 178
Review of the History of Dauphin
County, by Dr.W. H. Egle, 179, &c.
Sus<iuehanna Indians 9
Shawanese Indians 9
Scotch Irish 12, 13
Stewart Lazarus 39, 46
Smith Matthew 41
Stage Coaches 104, 105
Townships. Derrv 59
Peshtank 60
Lebanon 60
Hanover 61
Bethel 62
Heidelberg 63
Upi)er Paxton 64
Londonderry 65
E. and W. Hanover. 65
Middle Paxton 68
Harrisburg (59
Annville 70
Swatara 71
Halifax 73
Lykens 73
SuS(iuehanna 76
Mifflin 77
Rush 79
Derry, Londonderry, 79
Jackson 80
Lower Swatara 80
Wiconisco 81
S. vfc E. Hanover 82
Jefferson 83
Washington 84
Reed 85
Conewago 85
Williams 86
Traders 15
Turnpikes 86
Weiser Conrad 25
Whiskey Insurrection 87, 212
NDEX TO DAUPHIN COUNTY SU[|MMES.
Jl.
I Beader 2'2(i
Bohanaii 15
Bollinger . . .• 165
BombKu-li 97,176,313,226
Bomgardner 175
Boon 16,20
Bowman 16
Bowen 20
Boyce 03
Boyd. . .13,15,17.22,92,94,164,167.170.
176,190,205.208
Bradley 175
Branden 175
Brewster 20
Briogs oorj
Brightlull ••••....19,175
Brisban 170
Brooks 92
I
Adams 18, 93
Agnew 225
Aiken 17, 18
Ainsworth 19, 20, 32
Albert 32
Alcorn 18
Alexander 13
Alleman 216
Allen 15,60,66,83.93,175,208,226
Allison 13,15,16,28,156
Alricks 226
Anderson 13,28,32,206
Andrews 1 3. 19, 20
Ankel 20
Armstrong. . 16,17,22,101,167,189,190
Atkms 22.189
Aungst SS'^Brackan 13
xVwl 127,176,211,216 Bradin 16
Ayres 221,226 Brains 15
Bratehey 16
Brewer 13
Brown .15,18.19,20,32,93,175,211
Brownlee 15
Bruner 32
Branson 127.211
Bryson 20
Bncher 226
Buehler 226
Burd 50,56.174,204,208
Bnrke 93
Burt 15
Byers 175.216
O
Calder 105
Caldwell 16,17
Calhoun 81
Cameron 87,124,215
Campbell 13,15,16,17,22,190
Candor 16
Carbach 165
Casnet 20
Cassel 83
Carothers 13.16.55,204,207,214
Carson 17,18,22,127,167,189,211
Cathcart 20
Cartlidge 15
Bachman 19
Bailey 130
Bakestose 175
Bane 13
Bannon 32
Barnes 140
Barnett 19,32,35,55,175,204
Barr 93
Baum 139
Bashore. , . 32,83
Baskins 18,144,145
Beard 18
Beatty 35, 226
Bell 19,20,22,32,35.189
Beswick 15
Berg 225
Bezallion 8,180
Binnagh 165
Black 15,16,22,25,165,190
Blackburn 16
Blessing 56
Benner 25
Bertram 152,293
Bergner 226
Bennett 32,167
BerryhiU 31,93,127,174,211,213
234
Index to Surnames.
Ciivoiiau^li 1H5 '
( astlcinan 22-")
Cavit 17 j
( 'haiiiberlain Uo !
Chambers 15, 1(5, 17,22,101, 190
Chartier 15
Clicsney 175
C'lanneaii 20
Clark 13,10,17,18, 19,20,55,()4,9:3,
127,175,204,20(5,211
Clatt 19
Cleck 32
Clemson 156
Clenaii 32
Cleiideniii 13
Cochran 17,18,22,165,167,175,189
ColUer 17
Collins 13
Coler 22, 189
Conner 93,165,226
Conway 17
Cook 13
Cookman 223
Cooper 17,19,32,127,211
Copenhefter 55,175,204
Cosh 17
Cotter 13
Coulter 93
Cowden 127,169,171,175,211,226
Cox 174,175,208,226
Craig 19,22,31,190
Crain 127,169,206,211,214
Crawford 19,22,167,175,189
Crosby 20
Cross 164,168
Crouch 127,165,168,169,174,175,
208,211
Crow 165
Crum 83
Cunningham 15,19,20,165
Cuoit 22,189
Curran 156
Curry
17
ID
Daily 18
Darley 226
Davenport 15
Davis 17,93,216
Dean 139,165
DeArmond 32
Dentzel 93,94
Detwiler .- 216
Devebaugh 93
Deviuny 17
DeWitt 153,225
Dickey ...18,35
Dickson 19
Divon 93
Dixon. . . 20,55,93,127,165,204,205,211
Dobbins 19
Dock 225
Down 16
Downey 223,226
Downing 15
Doughteman 140
Dougherty 17,18,23.165,189
Douglass 226
Dugan 17,18,22,189
Duncan 17,93,144
Dunlap 15
Eastland 101
Eby 17
Egie 57. 123, 165, 179
Elder. .25, 35, 47, 72. 153, 167, 175, 176,
177, 191, 202, 205, 214, 225, 226
Endless 101
English 18
Eppert 93
Erwin 29
Espy 55, 167, 204, 226
Eversole 175
IF
Eager : 225
Farling 83
Fanwell 32
Farrel 93
Fedderhoff 214
Feely 165
Ferguson 32, 93
Fence 76, 175
Finley 34
Findley 225
Finney 29
Fishburn 56
Fisher 93, 133, 226
Fleming 18, 22, 83, 117, 189, 226
Folsom Ill
Forrest 170, 176, 208
Foster 17
Forster. . . .13, 18, 19, 22, 24, 93, 167,
174, 175, 176, 189, 190, 226
Fortenbach 79
Fox 82, 139
Frederick 32, 33
French 19
Frey 135
Fridley 93
Fry 32
Fulton 13, 15, 93
Index to Surnames.
o 'J cr
"- J J
C3-
Gabriel 18
Galbraith. 15,17,18,22,25,29,30,93,190
Gamble 18
Gantz 19
Gans 154
Gardner 15
Gaston 18
Geary 225
Geiger 93
Gibbons 175
Gibson 13
Gilchrist 127,107,175,211
Gillespy 17
Gilliland 19,32
Gilmore 92,93,226
Ginorich 17
Gish 139
Given 18
Glass -r..... 93,176
Godfrey 17
Gordon 18,32
Gourley 206
Graham. . . .19,20,22,25,32.93,175,176,
190,208,226
Gray 18, 167, 226
Graybill 93
Gratz 148
Graydon 93,127,168,176,211,226
Gracy 19
Green 32,127,142,167,176,203,204,
208,210
Greenleaf 19
Greenley 175
Gregg 176
Griffith 165
Gross 83
Grove 56
Grubb 83
Hailman
Haldeman 226
Hall 13,16,17,59,65
Hallebaugh 175
Hamilton. . 93,95,124,150,163,168,176,
206,207,226
Hammond
r6
Hanna 18,93,94,206,226
Harper 20
Harris (frequent.)
Hart 19
Hastenrider 177
Haslett 19
Hantz 154
Hay 155
Hays 15,17,167
Hayes 17
Hemphill 17
Hendrick 13
Henderson 24
Henry. . . . 19,28,32,93,165,168,173,206
Hetrick 19,175
Hill 19,32,175
Hipsman 176
Hoak 93
Hocker 93
Hoftman 148,175
Hoge 92,93,175
Hoke 19,20
Hollingsworth 93
Hoof 20
Hoover 17,56,82
Hopple 74
JHowry 16
Howard 13,15
Hoyer 93,176
Hudson 93
Huling 144
Humes 19,22,32,189,190
Hummel 56,139,175,205,216
Hughes 13,28
Hunter 18,22,93,189
Hursha 93
Huston 17,18,32
Hutchison 15,19
I
Ingram 150
Ireland 16
J"
Jagel 19
Jennings 216
Johnson 17,18,19,22,175,189
Johnston 19,32
Jones 127,211
Jordan 93,216
Kanix 18
Kansey 19
Kapp 98
Karsnits 32
Kean 93, 175, 176, 226
Keiffer 83
Keim 83
Kelker 127, 211, 226
Kelly 13, 17
Kelso 93
Kelton 18
Kennedy 166
Keril..: 20
236
Index to Surnames.
Kerr V\ 15, 16
Ketrin 17
Kino- 22,98
Kile 15
Killinj]^er 175
Kinney 18
Kinportz 84
Kirkpatrick 18
Kirk^yoocl 19, 82
Kleim 17
Kniolit 214
Knipe 210
Kolp 19, 32, 84
Knertzer 93
Kimkel 93, 226
Kiintz 32
Laird 16, 19, 175
Landis 50, 65, 127
Lamer 17
Larue 93, 141
Laner 56, 175
Latschaw 175
Lawrence 15, 101
Leasure 82
Lee 18, 104, 169, 177, 208
Lenes 25
Lenker 85
Lenox 16
Letort 15
Lewis 93, 217
Libbins 19
Lichty 19
Lino-le 147
Linn 13
Linness 175
Locliert . . , 16
Lochman 225
Lochrey 175
Logan 17
Long 16, 20
Longnecker 17, 79
Love 18
Lowrey 13, 15
Ln.sk .' ; 18
Luther 93, 225
Lytle 13,93
Maben 17
McAllister 17, 127, 170, 211, 226
McArtlmr 17, 25
McCallen 175
McCallay 17
McC^arter 22, 189
McCaver 32
McCavit 19
McChesney 93
McOlean 17
McClellan 13
McClelland 17
McClonalian 18
McClure. .13, 18, 19, 20, 22, 25, 32, 120,
127, 167, 175, 189, 210, 211, 226
McConkey 13, 166
McC^onnei 19
McCord 17, 18, 32, 83
.AlcCorniick. 18. 19, 175, 216
McCorey 19
McC'owen 19
McCreight 18, 83, 175
McCroskey 93
McCullough 13, 17, 32
McCune . 15
McC^urry 32
McDonnell 17
McElhenny 167, 214
McElratb 20
McElroy 18
McEnally 166
McEwen 13
McFadden 83
Macfarlane 13, 56, 167
McFarland 15, 19, 32
McGafog 98
McGowen 19,32
McGranaghan 166
McGrath 32
McGuire 18, 32
Mclntire 13
McKee 16, 17, 18, 24, 167, 175
McKeehan 20
McKennett 37
McKinney 18, 226
McKnight 167
McMahon 32
McMullin 16, 22, 93, 189
jVIciMurray 19
McMillen 175
McNair 16, 226
McKamara 93
McNealy 19,20
McNight 17, 18, 19, 32
McQueen 15, 17
Mackey 35,124
Maclay 93, 177, 226
Maher 157,225
Marisb 15
Mark 20,175
Marshall 160, 170
:\rartin 17, 19, 86, 175
:\Iatthews 175
Maurer 32
Mayer 76
Mays 18, 22, 101, 189
Index to Surnames,
237
Means 18
Mebee 15
Mellen 166
Merchant 166
Mesick 155
Middleton 15
Mileham 176
Miller 17, 19, 56, 58, 140
Mitchell 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 176
Monday 15
Montgomery.. .17, 18, 19, 56, 93, 101,
127, 167, 175, 176, 211
Moor 13, 15
Moore 17
Morehead •. . 82, 83, 214
Morrison 16, 167
Morrow 18
Moser 32
Mosher 19
Mueller 155
Mumma 80, 130
Murdock 17
Murray. .18, 64, 93, 168, 170, 175, 176,
206, 207, 208, 226
Musser 29
Myers 20
Neal 18, 19
Neely 16
Nei 17
Neidig 80
Nichols 157
Nicom 16
Mlson 166
Norton 93
o
Old 166
Orr 17
Orth 325
Orvil 19
Osier.... 129
Palmer 17
Pancake 72
Park 19
Parthemore 76, 127
Patterson. . . .13, 16, 22, 175, 190, 226
Patton 13
Pearson 25
Pedan 13
Perrin 15
Peters 17
Philips 93
29
Polk 17
Pollock 28
Porter 13, 93, 216, 225
Porterfield 19, 32, 166
Potter 18
Potts 13, 17, 93, 94, 226
Power 93
Price 17
Promer 19^
Pruder 175
Rafter 32
Ramsey 13, 16, 56, 93
Rank 20, 65
Rawn 226
Rea . . 13 17
Reed. '. . 17,' 18, 22," 31, 52,' 64, 175, 189
Rees 214
Reddick 93
Reif 17
Reily 130, 207, 225
Rennick 22, 189^
Rhoads 83
Rice 32, 147
Ricker 19
Rickert .81, 139
Riddle 18,32
Rinagel 17
Rippert 19
Ritchie 93
Ritsworth 93
Roan 153, 225
Robertson 175
Robeson 16, 17, 19, 32, 33, 35
Robinson 19, 90, 150. 221
Rody ' 15
Rogers... 18, 19, 22, 55, 175, 190, 204,
208, 211
Roop 80
Ross *. 17
Rosebaum 19
Rowan 17
Rowland 56
Roth 19
Rudy 73-
Russell. 16, 19'
Rutherford 17, 167, 189, .225, 226
Ryan 166, 175
S
Saddler 16
Sample 13, 16, 206, 207
Sanders 17
Sankey 22,. 152, 153, 190, 225-
Savage 216
Sayers 17, 93, 175
2-,8
Index to Surna?nes.
Schneider 17
Scliwoyer U)^*
Scott." 18, 17
Schwar 11)
Seller 17,225
Seis 20
Sellers 18
, Seyfert 93
/ Shaeffer 147, 155, 1C>G
Sharp 18, 11)
Shaw 16, 18
Sheetz 18, 19
Shellenberger 83
Shenk 17
Sherer..... 174
Shetlev 20
Shields 18, 189
Shirley 32
Shoch 226
Sliultz 18
Shunk 226
Shupp 76, 84
Shutts 141
Simpson. . . .17, 22, 166, 189, 205, 207
Simon 217
Simonton 83, 225
Sloan 19, 20
Smith. .13, 15, 17, 22, 39. 47, 164, 168,
175, 189, 214
Snoddv 19
Snodgrass 19, 83, 225
Suowden .153, 225
Snyder 174, 214
Sope 19
Sops 20
Sparrow 166
Spayd 139
Speer 13
Speigel 93
Staftelbeim, 32
Starn 18
Steel . . .18,22,164,168,174,189,205,207
Steen 18, 22, 175, 190
Steiner 20
Sterrit 13, 15, 16, 18
Stevenson 20, 93
Stewart. ...13,15,17,18,19,20,32, 39, 47,
11-5] »4 ((^,55,93,191,202,204,211
Stoever 141, 175
Stine 82
Stone 175
Stoner 20, 169, 206
Stout 83
Strean '. 17, 19, 20, 32
Stuart 19
Sturgeon 17, 22, 175
Swan 19, 32
Sweeny 93
Taylor 15,22,166,175,189,206
Teaff 22
Teeder 166
Terrance 22
Tice 16
Tittel 20
Thomson 19,20
Thompson 13, 16, 19
Thorn 17
Thornt(m 19
Todd 19,166,205,214
Toland 18,22,190
Treebaugh 175
Tyler 17,18
v
Vance 32
Vanlear 16
Vogelsong 93
"W
Waggoner 82,83
Wain 17
Walker 13,17,19,214
Walmer 32
Warner 166
Watson 19,32
Wallace . . . 15,19,20,28,32,167,175,223
Watt 18,37
Weaver 93,175
Welsh 16,18
Wheeler 166
White 15,17,18
Whitehill 13
Whitley 175
Wiestling 225
Wiggins 18,208
Wiley .16,18,19
Wilkms 15
Williams 18,20,79,93,215,216
Wilson 13,16,17,18,19,32,175,208
Winebrenner 157,225
Wingert 93
Wisan .17
Witman 216
Wolf. 32,225
Wood 15,19,226
Woodside 175
Words 18
Work 13,15.19,28
Wright 93
Wyeth 217,226
hidex to Surnames.
239
Yost . .
Young.
32
'l9^26,'22VlT4,190
z
Zacliaiias 154
i Zeigler 105,226
Zimmerman 56
i Zollinoer 93
^
'V'
[Two important errors have crept into Mr. ^lorgan's sketch, which we
deem necessary to correct. On page 47, to Matthew Smith is imputed the
authorship of the preceding letter. It was James Smith, of Cumberland
county. On page 50, the statement is made that '"John Harris, the lirst
settler, and father of the founder," "thought the Declaiation premature. "
The first settler had been dead upwards of twenty-five years, while the
founder himself was an early advocate for Irrdei^endence.
c4
4
